Antidepressant Withdrawal Signs and Discontinuation Syndrome

Approximately 20% of individuals who abruptly stop taking an antidepressant or dramatically reduce their dosage after taking it continuously for a month may have antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, also known as antidepressant withdrawal.

These are usually tolerable side effects that might happen with any antidepressant. They often appear two to four days after the medicine is stopped, last one to two weeks, and can extend up to a year. The symptoms typically disappear in one to three days when a comparable medicine is resumed.

Interestingly, paroxetine has the most significant frequency of the syndrome among serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In contrast, fluoxetine has the lowest, although no particular sociodemographic or clinical characteristics connected to higher vulnerability have been discovered. The condition may manifest more frequently and with more severe symptoms after stopping venlafaxine due to its short half-life.

The We Level Up network specializes in mental health and detox treatment, with We Level Up Florida providing primary mental health care. If you’re facing challenges with drug withdrawals and co-occurring disorders, reach out to us today for options on accessing detox and rehab services.

What Causes Withdrawal From Antidepressants?

It is still difficult to predict if discontinuing an antidepressant may cause symptoms since researchers are having difficulty accounting for the wide range of individual experiences. The complex question of why some people who stop taking antidepressants experience discontinuation syndrome while others do not is still being researched.

Restoring the balance of neurotransmitters, which are vital mood regulators in the brain and include norepinephrine and serotonin, is the primary mechanism of antidepressants. The theory focuses on the idea that stopping antidepressant use suddenly impairs the brain’s ability to adjust to the rapid changes in neurotransmitter levels, which in turn causes discontinuation symptoms. Current scientific investigations seek to elucidate the complex interactions between biological and environmental elements that impact this occurrence.

Discontinuation symptoms are a potential concern for individuals using antidepressants, with some medications presenting a higher risk than others. Warning labels often emphasize avoiding abrupt cessation to prevent bothersome symptoms.

Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants vary depending on the particular drug you have been taking.

Most typically, symptoms start to show up three days after quitting the antidepressant. When someone stops taking their medication, there may be some variations in how they feel. Some individuals may experience mild to severe symptoms that don’t go away after a few weeks.

Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms include:

• Fatigue.
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Irritability.
• Insomnia.
• Vivid dreams.
• Electric shock sensations.
• Sweating.
• Confusion.
• Mood swings.
• Emotional numbness.
• Crying spells.
• Agitation.
• Tremors.
• Gastrointestinal disturbances.
• Muscle pain.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Depersonalization.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Increased depression.
• Mania or hypomania.
• Panic attacks.
• Paranoia.
• Hallucinations.
• Weight changes.
• Appetite changes.
• Feeling “out of control.”
• Social withdrawal.
• Impaired coordination.
• Memory problems.
• Sensitivity to light and sound.
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
• Palpitations.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Allergies or flu-like symptoms.
• Dermatological issues.
• Endocrine disturbances.

Skip To:

Learn More:

• Effective Depression Treatment, Depressive Disorder Symptoms, Types, and Causes
• The 5 Most Effective, Best Antidepressants and How They Work
• What Does Depression Feel Like? Facts About Depression Symptoms
• What to Say to Someone Who is Depressed? 12 Things to Say
• Major Depressive Disorder Medication, Treatment and Symptoms
• What to Know About Smiling Depression, Symptoms and Treatment.
• Guide to Situational Depression Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment
• Unipolar Depression Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
• Learn How to Cope with Depression. 10 Ways to Cope with Depression.
• Dementia and Depression Connection, Top Signs, and Symptoms

The mistake of recognizing these symptoms might result in needless medicine additions or medication adjustments. To give the correct diagnosis and support as medical professionals modify antidepressant medication, experts encourage the public to be alert for these distinct symptoms.

Get antidepressant withdrawal relief and counseling from We Level Up Florida’s mental health therapists. Reach out for professional support with a free call to our 24/7 mental health hotline.

How To Stop Taking Antidepressants Safely

The best course of action is often to take off your medication gradually under your doctor’s supervision. This procedure is known as dose reduction. Tapering reduces the chance of discontinuation symptoms and aids in your brain’s adaptation to chemical changes. It would be best to refrain from attempting to reduce your dosage independently; your doctor will give you precise instructions to follow over a few days.

Drug recommendations from doctors are sometimes made to address withdrawal symptoms, including nausea and insomnia. They could also suggest moving from short-acting to long-acting antidepressants to facilitate a smoother tapering off of depression medication.

Although the symptoms of quitting usually go away in a few weeks, your doctor could suggest taking more medicine if your withdrawals are disruptive.

Withdrawal From Antidepressants Can Mimic Depression.

It’s critical to realize that the experience of stopping antidepressants might mimic depressive symptoms for those starting the process. The complex interactions between neurotransmitters in the brain, especially serotonin, which is essential for mood regulation, cause this phenomenon.

Antidepressants affect brain levels of neurotransmitters, making them more available and facilitating better nerve cell-to-nerve cell contact. The brain gradually adjusts its neurotransmitter synthesis and reception to the continuous presence of antidepressants.

The sudden change in neurotransmitter dynamics that occurs when antidepressant therapy is stopped might lead to a transient imbalance. This change might lead to depressive-like symptoms, such as irritation, poor mood, and melancholy sensations. Moreover, irregular eating, sleep habits, and activity levels may appear during withdrawal.

Each person may experience the intensity and duration differently. You must get advice from a healthcare provider during this procedure. They may offer individualized assistance, monitor how symptoms are developing, and modify the tapering plan as needed to facilitate a more seamless transition and lessen the toll on general well-being. A healthcare professional should always be consulted before starting any new antidepressant medication.

Half-Life of Antidepressants Table

Here are some common antidepressant drugs, along with their approximate half-lives:

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

Most Popular Natural Remedies for Antidepressant Withdrawal

It’s important to remember that to guarantee safety and efficacy, all changes to treatment should be reviewed with a healthcare provider. Here, we examine a few all-natural methods that some people find helpful while coming off of antidepressants.

1. Mindfulness Meditation

A classic kind of meditation called mindfulness focuses attention on the here and now without passing judgment. According to science, it impacts the brain regions responsible for self-awareness and emotional control. Withdrawal effects from antidepressants can be lessened by mindfulness by changing the brain circuits associated with mood. Studies reveal that it enhances emotional forbearance by diminishing neurochemicals linked to stress. Additionally, self-referential cognition’s default mode network may change due to mindfulness.

Incorporating mindfulness into the withdrawal process may improve emotional well-being and help manage the psychological elements of stopping, but it should not be used in place of expert advice.

2. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s Wort may assist some individuals in managing antidepressant withdrawals. However, because St. John’s Wort may interact with other medications, the potentially harmful effects or decreased efficacy of different therapies are reasons to use cautiously. A safe and knowledgeable approach is ensured by speaking with a healthcare provider before adding it to an antidepressant withdrawal plan, even if it could help some people.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are vital nutrients that may have advantages for brain function. Although specific research indicates a favorable effect that it could help with antidepressant withdrawal, the proof is inconclusive, and personal reactions may differ. Before adding omega-3 fatty acids to a withdrawal strategy for antidepressants, it is best to speak with a healthcare provider to provide individualized advice, careful monitoring for any interactions, and all-encompassing care.

4. Regular Exercise

Frequent exercise has been shown to have potential benefits for mental health, even during the withdrawal phase of antidepressants. This includes both aerobic and strength training. However, since everyone reacts differently, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning or changing an exercise program while on antidepressant withdrawal. A tailored strategy guarantees that potential interactions, specific health circumstances, and comprehensive care are considered throughout the withdrawal process.

5. Adequate Sleep Hygiene

Since antidepressant withdrawal impacts both psychological and physiological processes, getting adequate sleep is crucial. Because sleep problems affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, they might make withdrawal symptoms worse. Seeing a professional, creating a regular sleep pattern, and managing sleep-related issues are all good for overall health. Prioritizing proper sleep hygiene is crucial for a simpler and more manageable withdrawal.

Overcome Antidepressant Withdrawal with Professional Help

Withdrawing off antidepressants is a problematic procedure that frequently calls for expert help. Managing withdrawal symptoms, which can range from physical discomfort to psychological anguish, can be difficult. Seeking the assistance of a healthcare expert throughout this process guarantees a more individualized and helpful approach.

Healthcare professionals can design a tailored tapering strategy to progressively lower your prescription, evaluate your progress constantly, and provide insightful information about the unique withdrawal symptoms you may encounter. They may also help with any new issues that may arise, refer you to other providers if needed, and give psychiatric support to help you deal with the emotional effects of withdrawal. Getting professional assistance increases the chances of a successful and less stressful antidepressant withdrawal by ensuring that it is handled with knowledge and concern for your unique circumstances.

A critical step in managing antidepressant withdrawal is tapering, which is a steady drug reduction under medical supervision that has several advantages and an organized strategy. Tapering reduces the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms by enabling the body and brain to adapt to the chemical shifts brought on by stopping antidepressants more easily. One of the advantages of tapering is that it makes withdrawal symptoms less severe and longer-lasting, making it easier for people to handle. This systematic approach also lessens the possibility of severe side effects, which can happen when drugs are stopped suddenly and include intense exhaustion, nausea, or sleeplessness.

Are you seeking help to manage and cope with antidepressant withdrawal symptoms? Get a free mental health insurance check without any obligation. The result can help you explore several treatment options.

Depression Recovery

According to current treatment standards, antidepressant prescriptions should be stopped around six months after symptoms have subsided. Many antidepressant users, up to 60%, attempt to reduce or eliminate their medications, often without professional guidance. Reasons for stopping include feeling well, concerns about side effects or long-term use, and uncertainty about the medication’s effectiveness. While some users receive advice from doctors or psychiatrists, the decision to reduce or stop treatment is often influenced by personal experiences and factors such as fear of addiction, stigma, or guidance from healthcare professionals.

Deciding to stop taking antidepressants is a big decision, and getting expert advice is necessary to make the switchover go smoothly and healthily. While thinking about discontinuing antidepressants is OK, doing so unsupported might result in the development of withdrawal symptoms that resemble depression. Professional supervision provides a planned and knowledgeable approach, which minimizes possible difficulties and supports your mental health throughout the process. If you’re thinking about switching up your antidepressant prescription, speak with a medical expert to go over your specific situation, address any worries, and create a customized strategy that puts your health first.

Clinical Depression Symptoms and Major Depressive Disorder Treatment | Informative Video

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.