Risks of abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants

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When they feel better, some patients think they don't need to take antidepressants anymore. If you think you're ready to stop taking your depression medication, ask your doctor to adjust the dose gradually to help your body adapt, not suddenly stopping.

1. An overview of antidepressant use

Medications for depression help balance chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These brain chemicals affect your mood and emotions. An imbalance can cause severe depression or anxiety disorders. Antidepressants correct this imbalance, but patients may need to take antidepressants for 4 weeks or more for maximum effect.
To find the right treatment for you, you may have to go through a lot of testing and some tweaking. In most cases, it is the effectiveness of the medication that is contributing to the improvement in how you feel. That is why it is important that you stick to the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
If you feel like you need to stop taking your medication because the side effects of your antidepressant are bothersome, be sure not to stop taking your antidepressant suddenly without talking to your doctor. When you stop taking the medicine, it leaves your body and your symptoms may return. Quitting without consulting a doctor can be life-threatening, including the risk of suicide, withdrawal-like symptoms, and a relapse of depression. Once you've relapsed and started taking your antidepressant again, you'll have to wait a few more weeks for the medication to balance your mood.

2. Side effects of quitting depression

Quitting medication for depression can cause withdrawal symptoms. Stopping antidepressants suddenly can also worsen the condition. Here are some possible effects of quitting too quickly:
Sickness: Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome occurs when a person suddenly doesn't take an antidepressant as directed. Many people, after voluntarily stopping the drug, feel like they have the flu or have an upset stomach. Their heads may also be disturbed by strange, unusual thoughts or images. Having to start treatment again: Discontinuing medication can delay your treatment plan. It may take longer for you to feel stable again. Even stopping suddenly from antidepressants can actually make your symptoms worse. Thinking about suicide: According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, depression is a common cause of suicide. Depression that is not properly treated can increase the risk of developing suicidal thoughts, as well as increasing the urge to act on suicidal thoughts. Other symptoms get worse: Stopping medication suddenly may worsen other symptoms associated with depression, such as headaches, aches, or insomnia. In addition, untreated depression can make it harder to manage other health problems.

Other symptoms of stopping antidepressants too quickly include:
Anxiety Tiredness Having nightmares Difficulty sleeping Mood changes Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea Stomach flu Flu-like symptoms Headache Sweating

3. Drugs for depression and pregnancy

If you just found out you're pregnant, don't stop taking your antidepressant on your own. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women with depression or mental health problems that are untreated or poorly controlled, are less likely to take good care of themselves during pregnancy.
Tell the doctor who is treating your depression that you are pregnant. Also inform your obstetrician that you are depressed and are taking medication. Health professionals work together to make decisions about the best treatment for depression for a pregnant patient.

4. Talk to your doctor about depression

While some people with depression must continue to take their medication indefinitely, others may discontinue drug treatment after a period of weeks or months. The best way to stop taking medication for depression is to gradually reduce the dose under your doctor's supervision until you are completely cured. Consult with your doctor about making lifestyle changes to improve your overall health, as well as reduce symptoms of depression and prevent it from coming back. Include:
Exercise Meditation Get enough sleep Don't abuse alcohol and drugs Have healthy and balanced meals Reduce stress Each person will respond to quitting taking antidepressants differently. Doctors also have no way of knowing who will have severe symptoms and who will be fine. If you want to stop taking your medicine, following your doctor's instructions is the best way to avoid health risks.

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Reference source: healthline.com