Hello. First I would like to state that I am not one who likes to use medication. I will try everything else before resorting to using it. I have to be in a pretty bad state before I use it. With that being said, I have had 2 major severe depressive episodes in my life. The first one about 15 years ago, and one more recently. For the first 15 years I was on zoloft, at various doses. I always tried to get on the lowest possible dose, but was never successful at coming off of it completely. During this last episode I was switched to cymbalta. My concern is this, after I feel more stable I would think I could lower my dose. But I am concerned that I may have to be on it long term. This bothers me. Is there anyone out there that has a sucess story, of having to be on antidepressants long term ? Is there anyone out there that is over 70 and has been on antidepressants for years? Believe me I do not want to be! But as I am in counseling the therapist and doctor seem to indicate it would not be a good thing for me to stop my meds.....and seeing others in group therapy who have tried to stop and became suicidal.....and looking at my past history, I tend to think I may have to be on meds long term. Is this possible? Do meds work for long periods....any sucess stories would be appreciated. I get discouraged hearing all the horror stories about meds.