How to stop antidepressants
Tapering off antidepressants
Common types of antidepressants
The most common type of antidepressant are SSRIs and SNRIs.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants. They cause fewer side effects than some of the others. They are also less likely to cause a serious overdose.
Examples of SSRIs include:
- Citalopram
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
- Escitalopram
- Fluoxetine.
Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs work in a similar way to SSRIs. Some people respond better to SNRIs than to SSRIs.
Examples of SNRIs include:
- Duloxetine
- Venlafaxine.
So. How do you stop antidepressants?
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Standard treatment (6-8 months): Taper off over 6-8 weeks
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Maintenance therapy: Taper off more gradually, reducing the dose by 1/4 every 4-6 weeks
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Short-term treatment (less than 8 weeks): Discontinue over 1-2 weeks.
What happens if you withdraw them too quickly? Withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Withdrawal symptoms
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Stomach issues
- Headaches
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Lower mood or increased anxiety.
If withdrawal symptoms occur, consider slowing down the tapering process or reintroducing the original antidepressant at a lower dose.
Additional Guidance
For specific guidance on switching or discontinuing antidepressants, consult the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines or NICE guidelines.
