Many people stop taking their antidepressant earlier than recommended due to several reasons, including feeling better or experiencing uncomfortable side effects. In fact, only about 1 in 3 patients with depression properly stick to their prescribed antidepressant treatment, which increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms, especially if the medicine is stopped too quickly. This is called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. In this article, we’ll explain why it happens, how it can impact your life, and how to manage medications safely.
What Are Antidepressants?
Antidepressants are prescription medications that help regulate brain chemicals involved in mood and emotional processing. They can take several weeks for you to notice their full benefit as they gradually change how brain cells send and receive signals. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat mental health conditions like:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
They may also be recommended when mood symptoms occur alongside conditions such as chronic pain or sleep disturbances.
Types of Antidepressants
There are several different classes of antidepressants:
| Antidepressant | Examples | Clinical Notes |
| SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) | sertraline, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram | Increase serotonin levels; first-line treatment due to effectiveness and lower side effect risk |
| SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) | venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, milnacipran, levomilnacipran | Increase serotonin and norepinephrine |
| Atypical Antidepressants | bupropion, mirtazapine, agomelatine | Used when SSRIs/SNRIs are ineffective or cause side effects; may be combined with other antidepressants |
| Tricyclics, Tetracyclics, and MAOIs | amitriptyline, maprotiline, phenelzine, tranylcypromine | Older classes; effective for some people but associated with more side effects or dietary restrictions |
Antidepressant Side Effects
Side effects are common when taking antidepressants, especially during the first few weeks as the brain adjusts to changes in activity. These effects can vary and are dependent on the type of medication and individual body chemistry.
Side effects are actually one of the most common reasons people stop taking antidepressants, even when the medication is helping their symptoms. A study found that a significant number of patients discontinued treatment due to side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive changes.
Other common side effects may include:
- Dry mouth or blurred vision
- Headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Changes in mood, including irritability or feeling emotionally numb
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Tremors or muscle tension
- Changes in appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Most side effects improve over time as the body adapts. Doctors may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your response and adjust the medication if needed. It’s important to continue treatment as prescribed, as antidepressants take time to work. If side effects are difficult to manage, your doctor can adjust the dosage or switch medications safely.
What is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome?
Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome can happen when someone stops taking their medication too quickly. As time goes on, the brain adjusts to the new level of neurotransmitters supported by the antidepressant. If these levels change too suddenly, withdrawal-like symptoms may appear.
These symptoms don’t mean you’re addicted to your antidepressant. Instead, your body is reacting to a sudden drop in the brain chemicals that the medication was trying to regulate.
Studies estimate that about 15% of people experience antidepressant discontinuation symptoms after stopping their antidepressant, and around 1 in 35 people develop severe symptoms. The risk is higher with certain medications, especially those that leave the body quickly.
The Timeline of Antidepressant Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 2-5 days of stopping or reducing an antidepressant. Many people experience symptoms for one to two weeks, while others may have them for several months or longer.
A study found that how long withdrawal symptoms last depends on how long the person was taking the medication:
| Length of Time on Antidepressants | Withdrawal Lasting More Than 4 Weeks | Withdrawal Lasting More Than 3 Months | Withdrawals Lasting More Than 12 Months |
| Less than 6 months | 27.4% | 10.5% | 7.4% |
| More than 24 months | 53.6% | 30.4% | 11.6% |
Essentially, the longer a person has been taking an antidepressant, the more likely they are to experience long-lasting withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome
When a person is going through antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, they may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms. These can include:
- Fatigue or flu-like aches
- Headaches or sweating
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Electric shock sensations or brain zaps
- Tingling or burning sensations
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached
- Crying spells or agitation
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Involuntary movements
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
What Are the Consequences of Antidepressant Withdrawal?
Antidepressant withdrawal can affect a person’s ability to function in their everyday life. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports found that 80% of people who experienced withdrawal symptoms reported their lives were moderately impacted in some way:
- 68.9% reduced or stopped social activities
- 55.7% had difficulty functioning at work
- 33.1% reduced work hours or responsibilities
- 26.8% took sick leave
- 21.6% lost their job or stopped working
- 25.3% experienced a relationship breakdown
- 40.9% reported strain in family or close friendships
As you can see, not only does antidepressant withdrawal cause physical discomfort, but its effects can ripple into different areas of your life.
How is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome Treated?
Treatment from a healthcare provider will allow the brain to adjust gradually. In many cases, symptoms improve when the medication is restarted or tapered slowly. Treatment options may include:
- Resuming the antidepressant at the previous dose
- Gradually tapering the medication over a period of time
- Adjusting the dose or switching to a longer-acting antidepressant
- Using OTC medications for headaches or nausea
- Using prescription medications for anxiety symptoms
- Incorporating healthy habits like hydration, light exercise, and quality sleep
- Regular follow-up appointments for monitoring and adjustments as needed
It’s important that you work closely with your doctor if you’re considering making changes to your treatment. This will help reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer.
Safely Manage Your Medications With Cura Behavioral Health
Stopping or adjusting an antidepressant is an important medical decision that should always be guided by a doctor. At Cura Behavioral Health, our providers specialize in preventing and managing antidepressant discontinuation syndrome through evidence-based medication management and ongoing therapeutic support.
Our approach is rooted in clinical expertise and personalized care. We take the time to understand your needs, monitor your response, and develop a tapering plan that protects your well-being every step of the way. Whether you are considering coming off medication or adjusting your dose, our team is here to ensure the process is not only safe, but aligned with your long-term goals.
Contact Cura Behavioral Health today for safe, professional medication management you can trust.
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