Comments for consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 24 No. 1 2001
Stopping antidepressants
Some patients with depression will need a medicine to help them recover. The patient may need to take these antidepressant medicines for many months. When the patient has got better, the doctor may decide to stop the antidepressant. (Some patients will need to carry on with their treatment even when they are feeling well to stop their depression coming back.)
Antidepressants should generally not be stopped suddenly. Usually, the doctor slowly reduces the daily dose. This slow reduction can take several weeks, but it helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of withdrawal can appear within a few days of stopping the antidepressant or reducing the dose. Nausea, tiredness and anxiety are common symptoms. If patients develop these symptoms they should tell their doctor. Their antidepressants may need to be reduced more slowly.
Sometimes patients need to change from one antidepressant to another. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when swapping over. These symptoms can be similar to the side effects of the new medication. To avoid this confusion, the doctor may suggest waiting a few days before starting the new medication.
