How to stop antidepressants?

At the end of treatment for a period of depression, antidepressants should be discontinued gradually under medical supervision. Stopping antidepressant treatment too soon increases the risk of relapse.

Gradual withdrawal may also be necessary to replace one drug with another in the event of significant side effects or if the effect is insufficient.

The mutual agreement of the patient and the doctor is mandatory to stop antidepressants effectively.

Explanations.

Stopping antidepressants: the return to balance

The aim of antidepressant treatment is to restore the balance of the various neurotransmitters in the brain.

This return to equilibrium takes time.

When you feel that the symptoms of depression have disappeared, it will be necessary to continue the treatment for at least 6 months to support the return to equilibrium and prevent the risk of relapse.

If you stop your antidepressants as soon as you feel better, the still fragile balance of neurotransmitters may not resist and the symptoms of depression will reappear.

This is why stopping antidepressants must be done with the support of a doctor, by gradually reducing the doses over several weeks.

Stop antidepressants gradually

Antidepressants are not physically addictive. However, it may seem difficult to stop treatment.

Generally, retreatment is spread over two to four weeks.

If you quit overnight, you will experience disabling symptoms. It's the withdrawal syndrome. It occurs in the days following the abrupt cessation of antidepressant treatment and generally lasts several weeks.

Indeed, the abrupt cessation of antidepressants can cause the withdrawal syndrome to arise, which can manifest itself by:

• headaches
• dizziness
• nausea
• irritability
• insomnia
• anxieties
• palpitations
• and a return of symptoms.

This return of symptoms can induce a psychological dependence on antidepressants.

Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor about your concerns and if the withdrawal symptoms appear during the stop, inform him without delay. Sometimes, an adjustment of the stopping rhythm is sufficient, he will suggest that you take the treatment at the effective dose.

Talk to your doctor before stopping your antidepressants

Only your doctor can determine if it is time to stop antidepressants or if you still need to continue your treatment.

Several factors come into play:

• the severity of symptoms at the time of diagnosis;
• your response to treatment;
• your family history of depression;
•  

If he judges that your risk of relapse is high, then it is better to continue the treatment for a while longer.