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Stopping Anti-Depressant Treatment

Deciding to stop your anti-depression treatment is a huge decision and not one that should be made lightly. It is an issue that should be discussed with your doctor and others who are close to you. Stopping the use of antidepressants can cause new issues to crop up and can cause a relapse into depression.

  1. Reasons

    • Before you decide to stop taking your antidepressant medication, you should think about the reasons you want to take this action. If you are experiencing side effects that are bothering you, talk to your doctor about switching to a different type of antidepressant to see if you experience fewer side effects. If you don't believe the antidepressants are working, keep in mind that antidepressants can take weeks or months before they are fully effective. You may also want to talk to your doctor about changing the amount in your dose.

    Considerations

    • If you stop taking your antidepressants, the symptoms you were using it to treat may come back. You may have to start taking them again and will suffer until the medication takes its full effect. If you want to stop taking your medication to see if your depression has gone away on its own, only do so under a doctor's care. Your doctor can monitor any changes you may experience while you gradually come off of the medication.

    Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome

    • Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome is a condition that can happen when a person taking antidepressants suddenly stops taking them. According to a study published in the medical journal, American Family Physician, approximately 20 percent of people who suddenly stop taking antidepressants will experience this syndrome. It is important to note that this syndrome is not withdrawal, since antidepressants are not addictive drugs. Symptoms include dizziness, insomnia, nausea and increased irritation.

    Alternatives

    • There are several different type of antidepressant medications available, and more are being introduced to the market every day. You and your doctor can try different medications to find the one that is right for you. You may also consider psychotherapy as a companion or alternate treatment for depression.

    Warning

    • Depression is a serious illness. It is caused by a chemical imbalance in the body, much as diabetes is caused by an insulin imbalance. Discontinuing your antidepressant treatment can lead to a recurrence of the symptoms of depression, and can create new symptoms if discontinuation is not done safely and under a doctor's care.

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