A recent review published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that fewer people experience symptoms when stopping antidepressants than previously thought. The study, involving over 20,000 patients, found that one in six or seven patients can expect symptoms upon stopping antidepressants, with one in 35 experiencing severe symptoms. This is significantly lower than previous estimates, which suggested that 56% of patients experienced symptoms, with almost half being severe. Patricia Wu and Jessica Reyes discuss the story with Dr. Gwilym Roddick.
Breakthrough for doctors and patients
Researchers believe this new data will better inform doctors and patients, without causing undue alarm. While some people do experience unpleasant symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, and insomnia, these are more common with certain antidepressants than others.
The safest way to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Official health guidance recommends tapering off antidepressants gradually, rather than stopping suddenly. Most people successfully stop taking antidepressants, and symptoms typically last one to two weeks.
Overlapping symptoms with other conditions
It’s important to note that many symptoms associated with stopping antidepressants can also be caused by other conditions. Anyone planning to stop their medication should consult their doctor to discuss the risks and benefits, and to create a plan for safely discontinuing their medication.
To learn more about Dr. Gwilym Roddick, visit his LinkedIn.
