Effects of stopping antidepressants

What are the dangers of stopping antidepressants? Why you should stop taking your antidepressants? Quitting cold turkey may cause withdrawal symptoms. Just found out you’re pregnant? Antidepressants and pregnancy.

Some people with depression stay on their medication indefinitely.

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.

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. Drugs including antidepressants can also cause damage and leave a legacy afterward.

Sexual dysfunction may persist after stopping treatment. There are enduring eye problems. It can be demoralizing when the symptoms return after stopping the medication. It can also be dangerous, in the case of discontinuation syndrome, to unilaterally decide to stop treatment.

If you have experienced side effects like brain shakes or brain zaps after stopping antidepressants or the symptoms have returne don’t give up on treatment. Insomnia or vivid dreams. Flu-like symptoms, including achy muscles and chills. Return of depression symptoms.

Neurotransmitters act throughout the body, and you may experience physical as well as mental effects when you stop taking antidepressants or lower the dose too fast. Common complaints include the following: Digestive. Serious physical illness , pregnancy and surgery may also be reasons for stopping antidepressant therapy. 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.

You should not suddenly stop taking antidepressants, even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly can lead to ‘discontinuation symptoms’ which can vary depending on the class of antidepressant. Discontinuation symptoms may occur on stopping, missing doses or, occasionally, on reducing the dose of the drug.

SSRI drugs include those like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. 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. Some side effects are not always completely reversible and may remain indefinitely.

It is important to consider these risks when making a decision about your treatment. In fact, five of the top most violence-inducing drugs have been found to be antidepressants. Over the past three decades, there have been hundreds of mass shootings,. The potential side effects of antidepressants are many, and they can range from mildly annoying to debilitating and even life-threatening. Aim to taper in the spring or summer.

Consider psychotherapy while tapering. Find a source of support. Practice regular self-care. Some of the symptoms from quitting antidepressants can include: Fever. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking antidepressants.

A dose of antidepressants should be slowly reduce normally over weeks, but sometimes longer. This is to prevent any withdrawal symptoms you might get as a reaction to coming off antidepressants suddenly.