How to Safely Quit Taking Antidepressants (Depression Medications)
Instructions
-
-
1
Always talk to your doctor before stopping any medication. See what he thinks about lowering the dose of your antidepressant or if he can suggest any other type of antidepressant that makes weaning a little easier. It is always best to slowly lower an antidepressant dose rather than stop taking them completely.
-
2
Cut your doses of antidepressant in half and stay on that dose for a few weeks before stepping down to the next lower dose. For example: if you currently take 30mg of an antidepressant, cut that amount in half and take 15mg for a few weeks. Then, cut that amount in half and take 7.5mg for a few weeks. Once you've done this a couple times, you are more than likely safe to stop taking the antidepressant. But again, consult a doctor before you completely quit taking the antidepressant.
-
3
Take a multivitamin when cutting back on an antidepressant. Multivitamins give our bodies what we need to feel healthy and stable. Adding a multivitamin to your daily routine will help to relieve some of the symptoms of withdrawal from limiting your antidepressant. Be sure
to drink lots of water as well. -
4
Do one thing at a time. Don't try to limit other things while you are reducing the intake of an anti-depressant. Trying to cut back on things such as caffeine and nicotine while getting off an
anti-depressant could cause more harm than good. Our bodies become dependent on drugs such as caffeine and nicotine, especially if taken everyday just like the anti-depressant. Wait until you are completely weaned off the anti-depressant before trying to limit or cut out any bad
habits.
-
1