Taking antidepressants can cause side effects that may affect the way a person feels mentally and physically. Stopping the medication can come with some risks, but can also have some benefits.
Antidepressants can be effective for treating a number of conditions, but the choice to start and stop one is very individual. And while antidepressants can help you feel better, they can also have mental and physical side effects.
If you’re thinking of getting off your antidepressant, there could be benefits to you. To ensure these benefits outweigh the drawbacks, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider before stopping your antidepressant use.
Most medications have some side effects. Antidepressants are no different, particularly when taken in the long term.
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- decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm
- problems sleeping
- weight gain
These side effects were reported with long-term use of antidepressants and could worsen with age. Stopping antidepressants slowly and safely, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, may reduce or stop physical side effects.
Long-term antidepressant use can also have drawbacks on a person’s mental health.
Some medications can affect your ability to feel emotions (for example, make you feel numb). It may also affect a person’s autonomy by making them feel dependent on medication.
Stopping antidepressants under the guidance of a healthcare professional, may help reduce or stop any mental health side effects you were experiencing on the medication.
If you suddenly stop taking antidepressants, you may experience discontinuation symptoms, which are similar to withdrawal symptoms, but refer to stopping the use of medication rather than addictive agents.
You may notice a rapid onset with some medications, such as paroxetine (Paxil), while other medications may take a few days for symptoms to arise. This can be true too if you skip doses, or refrain from taking full doses.
Many doctors use the
| F | Flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, and restlessness |
|---|---|
| I | Imbalance or dizziness |
| N | Nausea or abdominal symptoms |
| I | Insomnia or sleeping problems |
| S | Sensory disturbances or feelings of “electric shocks” in the head |
| H | Hyperarousal or anxiety, confusion, or irritability |
Most healthcare professionals will recommend gradually tapering antidepressant doses over the course of several weeks. However, some medications may require longer periods of tapering, such as paroxetine and venlafaxine.
Medications with a longer half-life such as fluoxetine may not require an extended tapering schedule.
The symptoms from weaning off antidepressants are, for the most part, mild and will go away over time.
You shouldn’t stop taking antidepressants without talking with a doctor first. They will need to consider important factors first, such as:
- your mental health history
- how long you’ve been taking antidepressants
- what medication(s) you’re taking
- what dosage you’re taking
A doctor can work with you to put together a tapering plan or determine if going off antidepressants is the right move at this time.
Because there are risks for rebound effects — where your depression symptoms worsen when you stop taking the medication— it’s also important for a doctor to discuss these with you. You can create a plan of action for what to do if this happens.
If you and a doctor determine that now isn’t the best time to go off antidepressants, there are some steps you can take to minimize your medication’s side effects.
This includes seeking wellness whenever possible, like:
- Eating several small meals a day. This helps to ward off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels even.
- Incorporating activities that help to relieve stress. Examples include meditation, journaling, putting together a puzzle, or even coloring. These activities can help enhance overall feelings of wellness.
- Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every night can help reduce sleep deprivation. This helps you achieve deeper sleep while also avoiding evening snacking.
When you first start discussing reducing your antidepressant dose with a doctor, you’ll also want to ask them what you can expect. Knowing the possible side effects of getting off your antidepressant can help you be prepared.
Ask them about the types of symptoms that may occur that would require calling a doctor or seeking medical help.
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If you’re ever unsure if a symptom is typical or safe, you should speak with a healthcare professional. They can advise you if you should start taking your medication again and in what dosage or discuss an alternative plan.
If you need a first or second opinion on whether staying on antidepressants is right for you, consider using our to find a healthcare professional near you.
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Taking antidepressants can cause side effects that may affect the way a person feels mentally and physically.
If you use antidepressants in combination with other treatments — such as talk therapy and wellness tools — you may want to talk about whether or not you can stop taking the antidepressants.
Because there’s a risk for symptoms when stopping an antidepressant, a doctor can recommend how to taper off the medication safely.