Honestly, after living one of those horror stories, I must say that the mind really has nothing to do with it. I took the drug for nearly 8months.. quit cold turkey.. went back to normal in 2 weeks... Then I decided to take the drug again.. quit after 1 week... and its been near 6 months and I haven't returned to normal.. So that's proof alone that the mind really doesn't have anything to do with it.. The side effects are real, not some figment of your imagination...
To answer the question, is it safe? I think for most yes. Once I return to normal I will take the drug again. I think when some people quit real fast they shock their systems.. which is what I believe happened to me..
So if you are thinking of taking the drug I would definitely say go for it.. and thats from someone who is still dealing with the side effects.. With the new treatments they are developing I don't think you would have to take it any longer then 6-7 years.