How do you know when you are done w/ meds?

So I have been on anti-depressants for at least 8 months.  I have ulcerative colitis and had a bad flare-up last winter.  After this I became very depressed and was put on anti-depressants.  Since then I have been doing so much better.  I am not saying that I am ready to get off anti-depressants yet, but how will I know when I am ready?  Sometimes I wonder if my happiness is fake and I'm only this way b/c of the meds??  I am currently on Wellbutrin XL and it seems to be doing okay.  I have certain side effects but I never know if it is from the Wellbutrin or the many other meds I am on.  The side effects are minor so it's nothing I can't handle.   Thanks, Jennifer

Hello,

I would talk to your doctor and make the decision with him or her.

My doctor said I could come off them after 6 to 12 months if I was feeling okay but he said they're safe enough nowadays to stay on them permanently. I'm terrified to go back to the way I was feeling so I've made a decision to stay on them. They don't hurt me and I feel fine on them. I would rather be happy on them than sad off them.

Hope this helps a bit. I thinks its a personal choice everyone has to make based on their person experience and side effects.