Side effects of stopping antidepressants

What are the dangers of stopping antidepressants? What happens when you stop taking Lexapro? The best way to stop taking your antidepressant is to slowly taper the medication under a doctor’s supervision.

This involves slowly lowering the dose of medication until you are completely off of it. Talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating the following lifestyle changes to improve your overall health,. They are usually mild and go away within about two weeks.

Depression and mood swings. Symptoms can include: Anxiety. Dizziness and balance problems, possibly vertigo. Electric shock sensations. Insomnia or vivid dreams.

Flu-like symptoms, including achy muscles and chills. Return of depression symptoms. For some people with depression or anxiety, treatment with antidepressants can be a literal lifesaver.

But others, depending on any number of reasons—like insurance coverage, unpleasant side effects , or personal preference—may decide to stop taking the drugs. Possible reasons include: side effects that are difficult to manage. Researchers found that withdrawal from Prozac caused no negative events. They think this is due to the fact that Prozac stays in the body for a long time in comparison to the other SSRIs.

In addition to discontinuation syndrome, antidepressants are responsible for a variety of other side effects, including: Sleep changes such as nightmares or trouble sleeping. Restless legs or problems with tremors. Mood swings , including irritability and anxiety. Suicidal thoughts and feelings. Stopping antidepressants such as bupropion ( Wellbutrin ) that do not affect serotonin systems — dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors — seems less troublesome over all, although some patients develop extreme irritability.

What withdrawal problems can antidepressants cause ? Antidepressants are not addictive. However, all psychiatric drugs change your brain and body chemistry, and if you have been taking them for a while, your body will have adjusted to them. Alternative approaches can be use such as reintroducing another antidepressant from the same group and reducing the dose more slowly, or stopping completely and managing your symptoms. The mental health charity Mind has more information on the withdrawal effects of antidepressants. Free E-newsletter Introduction.

Nausea typically begins early after starting an antidepressant. Increased appetite, weight gain.

You may gain weight because of fluid retention or lack. Fatigue and drowsiness are. Certain antidepressants have a side effect profile that causes cognitive impairment. However I’m currently back on medication again and doing better this time aroun don’t give up there’s many options out there and sometimes it takes a long time to find what’s right for you. Explore an Alternative.

There are several different types of antidepressant medication that work differently in the brain, have different side effects , and tend to create different withdrawal experiences for the people who take them. These include tricyclic antidepressants , monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs),. Serious physical illness, pregnancy and surgery may also be reasons for stopping antidepressant therapy.