What happens to your body if you stop taking antidepressants in cold turkey

A negative effect could be life in danger, warns experts.


Used to treat clinical depression - And in some cases, an obsessive compulsive disorder, a generalized anxiety disorder and a post -traumatic stress disorder (SSPT) - Highlightrs are one of the most popular drugs on the American market. In fact, antidepressants were the third most commonly prescribed drugs among Americans of all ages, and most commonly prescribed drug Among the Americans aged 18 to 44, according to a 2011 report for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While some people who take antidepressants plan to take them indefinitely, others choose to stop their use as their symptoms improve. However, experts warn that doing it suddenly may have come with harmful effects, sometimes called antidepressant withdrawal syndrome.

"The severity and risks of these effects may vary depending on factors such as the type of antidepressant, the duration of use, age, overall health and psychiatric history," explains Taryn Fernandes , MD, a supervisor at Medvidi who spoke with Better life On the dangers of stopping drugs too quickly. Read the rest to find out what is happening to your body when you stop taking your turkey antidepressants, and why you should always talk to your doctor before making a change.

Read this then: 5 Over -the -counter current current drug pharmacists, I want to stop taking .

You may feel a rebound depression.

sad old man
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While the symptoms of depression dissipate, some people taking antidepressants may think that they no longer need their drugs. However, in many cases, the brain has just reached these drugs to function properly, and stopping them can ensure that the depressive state of the patient returns quickly or even aggravate. "Fail or off Anxiety symptoms , potentially after stopping antidepressant treatment, is called rebound depression, "explains Fernandes. She adds that these symptoms generally occur within two to three weeks after stopping your medication.

It turns out that the depression of the rebound is surprisingly common in those who stop taking their medication. "Nearly 50 to 85 percent of patients can undergo rebound depression at least once after stopping treatment, the risk increasing as the treatment lengthens," said the doctor Better life . "Meticulous monitoring and a progressive collapse of drugs can avoid the chances of relapse," said Fernandes.

Read this then: I am a pharmacist, and it is the relief of the pain that I recommend .

You can develop new signs of psychological distress.

erratic woman
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In addition to undergoing rebound depression, you can also develop new signs of psychological distress or hyperarousal. These generally include irritability, anxiety, agitation, aggression, mania and insomnia, explains Fernandes.

"The duration and intensity of these symptoms depend on various individual factors, including the type of medication, the dosage and the duration of the treatment," explains the doctor. "Research indicates that shorter antidepressants, such as paroxetine and venlafaxine, are more likely to cause weaning symptoms compared to longer-term agents such as citalopram and fluoxetine," she adds, Citing a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry .

You can have suicidal thoughts.

Man with Depression
Shutterstcok

Those who stop their cold turkey antidepressants can also be more at risk of self -harm, underlines Fernandes. "The sudden stop of antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors," she said, stressing that "the highest risk of such symptoms occurs during initiation periods, dose changes and the stopping treatment ". AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

The creation of a surveillance plan that includes your doctor or mental health professional, as well as your interior support circle, can help minimize the risk of suicide or damage. If you feel suicidal thoughts, make up 988 free and confidential, 24 -hour support from the National suicide prevention line .

You can develop pseudo-Grippal symptoms.

Woman with headache.
EternalCreative / ISTOC

This has ceased to take your antidepressants overnight, you can also have a range of pseudo-Grippal symptoms to face. "These can include headaches, muscle pain, lethargy, perspiration, diarrhea, fatigue, chills and fivity," explains Fernandes. A 2017 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) add two others Surprising symptoms On this list: balance problems such as light tolerance, dizziness or dizziness, and sensory disturbances such as a burning or tingling sensation.

Fernandes notes that these symptoms will generally occur in the first days after stopping an antidepressant medication and can last several days to a few weeks. "Patients should be reassured that the symptoms are reversible, and not fatal and generally self-limiting," add the study authors.

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Here's how to stop taking your antidepressants safely.

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If you and your doctor agree to say that you withdraw antidepressants is the right choice for you, there may be several ways to relieve negative effects, including reduction in your dosage or passing to another type of drug as part of your transition. Continuous psychotherapy focused on depression, in particular cognitive behavioral therapy (TCC) can also help relieve the transition, says the Practice instructions for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorders.

Also there are Several lifestyle changes You should adopt by feeling antidepressants, according to the Practice directive , which is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). These include the "general promotion of healthy behavior such as exercise, good sleep hygiene, good nutrition and a decrease in the use of tobacco, alcohol and other potentially deleterious substances" .

By offering a plan with your medical team and by communicating openly on the side effects you may experience, you can help minimize your risk of serious adverse effects.

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.


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