What Really Happens When You Stop Taking Antidepressants
Guidance that eases discomfort and mood swings during post-medication change.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Antidepressants?
Antidepressants, prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders, help many people find relief from persistent emotional and physical symptoms. However, discontinuing these medications—whether intentionally under medical guidance or abruptly for other reasons—can trigger a complicated process known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome or withdrawal. Understanding what happens when you stop taking antidepressants is crucial for managing risks and ensuring long-term mental wellness.
Understanding Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome
Also called antidepressant withdrawal syndrome or antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS), this cluster of symptoms occurs when someone stops or misses several doses of their medication. Discontinuation syndrome is most likely if:
- The medication has been taken for longer than 6–8 weeks.
- The discontinuation is abrupt, rather than gradual tapering.
- The medication is an SSRI, SNRI, or another drug affecting serotonin levels.
About 20% to as many as 50% of people who stop antidepressants experience some form of withdrawal symptoms[12]. They can be mild or severe and are commonly mistaken for a return of depression or anxiety.
Major Types of Antidepressants
| Type | Examples | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro | Most widely prescribed; higher risk of withdrawal with abrupt stop[13]. |
| Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) | Effexor, Cymbalta | Rapid discontinuation linked to significant withdrawal symptoms. |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) | Elavil, Pamelor, Anafranil | Older drugs, less commonly used due to side effects. |
| Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) | Nardil, Parnate | Rarely prescribed, serious side effect profile. |
| Atypical Antidepressants | Wellbutrin, Remeron | Work via different mechanisms; withdrawal effects vary. |
Why Do Withdrawal Symptoms Occur?
Antidepressants work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Over time, the brain adjusts to their presence. Stopping the medication suddenly disrupts this balance, causing the body to “readjust”—a process that can result in uncomfortable physical and emotional sensations.
Common Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms
People discontinuing antidepressants may experience:
- Dizziness or vertigo
- “Brain zaps” (electrical shock sensations in the head)
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and vivid nightmares
- Anxiety, irritability, mood swings
- Flu-like symptoms: including sweating, chills, headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Heightened sensitivity to sound and light
- Emotional symptoms: depression, agitation, even suicidal thoughts in severe cases[10][11]
These symptoms are temporary but may feel overwhelming. Some people mistake them for a relapse of mental illness, leading to confusion and distress.
Timeline: How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for withdrawal. Several factors contribute, including the medication type, dosage, how long you’ve been taking it, and your individual biology.
| Medication | Symptom Onset | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| SSRIs/SNRIs (short half-life) | 2–4 days | 1–2 weeks (rarely up to a year) |
| SSRIs/SNRIs (long half-life) | 5–7 days | Up to 4 weeks |
| TCAs/MAOIs | 3–7 days | Varies, sometimes longer |
Some studies report symptoms lasting anywhere from 5 days to 79 weeks—with most resolving within a few weeks, but some cases becoming protracted for months or even years[13].
Who Is at Risk for Severe Withdrawal?
- Those on antidepressants for >6–8 weeks
- Individuals stopping abruptly (not gradually)
- People taking high doses or drugs with short half-lives (e.g., paroxetine, venlafaxine)
- Anyone with a history of withdrawal or sensitivity to medication changes
Other risk factors include long-term use and underlying medical conditions that affect brain chemistry.
Antidepressant Withdrawal vs. Relapse
Withdrawal symptoms and relapse into depression/anxiety can look similar. Key differences:
- Withdrawal comes on rapidly (within days) and often includes physical symptoms not present in a depressive episode—e.g., “brain zaps,” dizziness, gastrointestinal issues.
- Relapse emerges more gradually and is dominated by depressive or anxious mood without prominent physical distress.
Keeping track of symptom patterns—when they started, their nature—is essential in guiding treatment and support[12].
How to Stop Taking Antidepressants Safely
Experts strongly advise against stopping antidepressants abruptly[10][11]. The safest strategy is a gradual tapering plan designed by a healthcare provider:
- Never adjust your dose without medical supervision.
- Your prescriber will slowly reduce the dose, sometimes over weeks or months.
- Switching to a medication with a longer half-life may be recommended for easier tapering.
- Track symptoms using a diary; report physical or emotional changes promptly.
In some cases, supportive therapies such as counseling, lifestyle modifications, and close monitoring for relapse are recommended during withdrawal[10].
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
- Open communication: Talk to your provider regularly.
- Practical support: Rest, hydration, stress reduction help ease discomfort.
- Symptom relief: Sometimes, temporary medication may be used to manage severe symptoms.
- Restarting antidepressants: Symptoms may resolve rapidly (in 1–3 days) if a similar medication is restarted.
If symptoms persist longer than expected or worsen, follow up with your physician or psychiatrist.
Protracted Withdrawal: Rare but Possible
A small number of people experience post-discontinuation symptoms that last for months or even years. This phenomenon, termed protracted withdrawal syndrome (PWS), may be related to persistent changes in brain chemistry after long-term antidepressant use[13].
- Emotional symptoms (anxiety, low mood, agitation, suicidal thoughts)
- Physical symptoms (headaches, muscle aches, brain zaps)
- Sleep disturbances
- Cognitive difficulties
Research is ongoing into why PWS occurs and how best to treat it. If you suspect you have protracted withdrawal, discuss options with a specialist in psychiatric medication management.
Life After Stopping Antidepressants: What to Watch For
Many people successfully stop antidepressants with little to no significant withdrawal, especially when following a slow taper. Nonetheless, it is crucial to:
- Monitor your mood and anxiety levels for several months.
- Seek counseling or therapy as needed.
- Use coping skills for stress—exercise, mindfulness, social support.
- Stay in regular touch with your healthcare team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it dangerous to stop antidepressants suddenly?
A: Yes. Abruptly stopping antidepressants can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms and increase the risk of psychiatric relapse. Always taper gradually under medical supervision[11].
Q: How can I tell the difference between withdrawal and relapse?
A: Withdrawal typically starts within days of stopping, includes physical symptoms like dizziness and electrical sensations, and improves over time. Relapse is dominated by mood symptoms and emerges more gradually.
Q: Can withdrawal symptoms last for months or years?
A: While most people recover in weeks, a minority experience “protracted withdrawal” lasting many months or even years. This is more likely after long-term use, abrupt stop, or inadequate tapering[13].
Q: What should I do if symptoms are unbearable?
A: Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Restarting the antidepressant or switching to a similar drug often brings quick relief.
Q: Will I need to go back on antidepressants?
A: Some individuals need long-term management and may benefit from ongoing medication. Others do well after tapering. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best strategy.
Best Practices for Tapering Antidepressants
- Never attempt to quit “cold turkey”; work with a professional.
- Consider switching to a longer-acting agent before tapering.
- Reduce dose gradually—sometimes by 10–25% every 2–4 weeks.
- Monitor for symptoms and adjust the taper schedule as needed.
- Utilize psychological support, including therapy and support groups.
Summary Table: Dos and Don’ts
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Consult your doctor before making any changes | Stop antidepressants abruptly |
| Use a gradual tapering schedule | Ignore withdrawal symptoms |
| Keep track of your symptoms | Attempt self-medication without guidance |
| Seek emotional and psychological support | Dismiss the possibility of relapse |
Key Takeaways
- Discontinuing antidepressants can lead to withdrawal (discontinuation syndrome), with physical and emotional symptoms that vary in severity.
- Gradual tapering, careful monitoring, and support minimize risks and aid recovery.
- Withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but can disrupt work, relationships, and mental health.
- If symptoms persist or are difficult to manage, seek expert help promptly.
Resources & Further Reading
- Consult national mental health organizations
- Reach out to support groups and online communities
- Ask your doctor for individualized tapering plans
References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25218-antidepressant-discontinuation-syndrome
- https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/anti-depressants
- https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/antidepressant-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/antidepressant-withdrawal/faq-20058133
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5449237/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/going-off-antidepressants
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-after-stopping-antidepressants-before-i-feel-normal-again
- https://www.webmd.com/depression/withdrawal-from-antidepressants
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/antidepressants/
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antidepressants/withdrawal-effects-of-antidepressants/
- https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/stopping-antidepressants
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0801/p449.html
- https://www.outro.com/blog/phases-of-ssri-withdrawal
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antidepressant_discontinuation_syndrome
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6637660/
- https://www.addictioncenter.com/antidepressants/withdrawal-detox/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
