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Discontinuation of antidepressants should be gradual. It happens, however, that when a person taking this type of medication begins to notice an improvement in his he alth, he discontinues them on his own. In this case, symptoms of the antidepressant discontinuation syndrome may appear. Why is abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants not recommended? What else can happen when the patient stops using them overnight?

Antidepressantsis one of the drug groups most often used in psychiatric treatment. They are used, inter alia, in the treatment of depressive disorders, but also anxiety disorders or eating disorders (e.g. bulimia). Regardless of the type of disease treated with these drugs, psychiatrists pay special attention to the fact thatantidepressants should not be discontinued suddenlywithout consulting a doctor. Their sudden discontinuation creates the risk of many different negative consequences.

Discontinue antidepressants overnight - why is it inadvisable?

The recommended duration of antidepressant medications varies. For example, in the treatment of the first episode of depression, the patient should take them for 6 to 12 months.

These agents affect the concentrations of various neurotransmitters, including :

  • serotonin,
  • noradrenaliny
  • or dopamine.

With the use of these preparations, changes are to be made in their number in the structures of the brain, the fixation of which simply takes time. This is where the first argument comes in not to stop taking antidepressants too quickly.

Early improvement in the patient's condition after their activation is not synonymous with the possibility of discontinuing medications. For this improvement to continue, antidepressants need to be taken for a sufficient length of time.

The effects of stopping antidepressants too quickly

There is a risk of worsening of the patient's condition with stopping antidepressants too early. Then, when the patient stops taking the medications he needs too soon, the effect may be, for example, a recurrence of depression symptoms.

Sudden discontinuation of antidepressants maylead to a threat to the patient's life. Some people can become so badly affected that they begin to develop thoughts and even suicidal intentions.

Due to the rapid discontinuation of antidepressants, it is also possible to develop another problem, which is the antidepressant drug discontinuation syndrome.

Withdrawal of antidepressants overnight - symptoms. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome

The syndrome of discontinuation of antidepressants by some people is sometimes considered a phenomenon identical to the symptoms that appear in addicts after discontinuing long-term medication or psychoactive substances. However, this is definitely not the case - antidepressants are not addictive.

There is general uncertainty about the causes of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. One theory on this is that it may develop due to a temporary decline in the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system following withdrawal of antidepressants.

Symptoms of the syndrome of discontinuation of antidepressants can be really severe and the possible ones include:

  • flu-like symptoms (such as e.g. significant weakness or a feeling of general breakdown),
  • irritability,
  • anxiety,
  • dizziness,
  • painful muscle contractions,
  • headaches,
  • feeling sick,
  • coordination disorder,
  • nightmares,
  • sleep disturbance,
  • muscle tremors,
  • psychomotor agitation.

The list of possible consequences of sudden discontinuation of antidepressants is therefore relatively long, and it is worth adding that the symptoms may persist for quite a long time.

As a standard, symptoms of the antidepressant discontinuation syndrome last 1-4 weeks after you suddenly stop taking these medications.

Withdrawal of antidepressants overnight - reasons

There are many reasons why patients suddenly decide to stop taking antidepressants.

One of the most common is feeling a significant improvement in well-being.

Another reason for the sudden decision to stop taking antidepressants is the side effects of pharmacotherapy in patients. Typically, they persist for a maximum of a dozen or so days and disappear spontaneously. Sometimes, however, worrying side effects persist for a long time in some patients.

Sometimes the patient is unable to accept certain outcomesside effects of treatment (e.g. erectile dysfunction). In this case, instead of waiting for a consultation with a psychiatrist, he decides to suddenly stop taking antidepressants as a result of being overwhelmed by side effects.

Another reason why antidepressants are suddenly stopped is because you become pregnant.

Rules for Safe Discontinuation of Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be discontinued as much as possible, but this should be done in accordance with the recommendations of the attending psychiatrist. As a result, the risk of discontinuation syndrome symptoms and deterioration of the patient's condition is much lower.

Dose tapering

First of all, it is important to discontinue antidepressants gradually. The most beneficial thing is to gradually reduce their dosage and observe the patient's condition.

Only when the dose reduction is not accompanied by any disturbing symptoms, it is possible to reduce it further, until the drug is completely withdrawn.

Drug change

In some patients, the symptoms of the syndrome of discontinuation of antidepressants appear with even a minimal reduction in the dosage of their medications.

In such a situation, it is possible to replace the previously used antidepressant with a short half-life - e.g. sertraline - with a drug whose half-life is much longer (e.g. fluoxetine).

After switching to the other drug, you can try to reduce its dose over time, and finally try to completely discontinue it.

Discontinuation of drugs in case of pregnancy

In pregnant women, however, abrupt cessation of antidepressants is not recommended.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to take antidepressants only when necessary and in the lowest possible dose. Sometimes, however, the risk associated with taking them is definitely lower than the possible risk of psychological deterioration of the pregnant woman.

Patients should remain under the constant care of a psychiatrist and gynecologist and follow the recommendations received from them - this procedure is simply the safest for them and their children.

  • Antidepressants: use, action, side effects, addiction
  • Psychotropic drugs - action, types and side effects of psychotropic use
  • Abstinence syndrome (withdrawal syndrome): causes, symptoms, treatment

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Category:

Psychology