Can antidepressant withdrawal last months?

The thinking in the medical community was that patients could wean off these drugs with minor side effects, but anecdotally, many patients have reported troubling mental and physical withdrawal symptoms that last for months or even years.

How long does it take to go back to normal after stopping antidepressants?

How long do symptoms last? Discontinuation symptoms usually start within a few days. Research from 2017 says that they tend to last for 1–2 weeks , but it can be longer in some cases. Some newer research has shown that, although it is uncommon, discontinuation symptoms can last up to 79 weeks.

Does discontinuation syndrome go away?

With discontinuation syndrome, the symptoms eventually go away, usually within one to three weeks. But if you’re having a relapse of your depression or anxiety, the symptoms don’t go away and may even get worse.

Does SSRI withdrawal go away?

Discontinuation symptoms usually go away within a few weeks. But if you have extremely severe withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may recommend other medicines to relieve them.

How do you deal with antidepressant withdrawal?

Never stop “cold turkey.” In many cases, the best way to stop taking most antidepressants is to slowly cut back your dose under the guidance of your doctor. This is called tapering. Tapering helps your brain adjust to the chemical changes and can help prevent discontinuation symptoms.

How long does withdrawal from paroxetine last?

Typically, antidepressant discontinuation symptoms may persist for up to 4–6 weeks. In some cases, people stopping Paxil may have symptoms that last for up to 1 year. Some research notes that some people may experience persistent post-withdrawal disorders following discontinuation of paroxetine after long-term use.

How long do withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants last?

Symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal are sometimes called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome and typically last for a few weeks. Certain antidepressants are more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms than others. Quitting an antidepressant suddenly may cause symptoms within a day or two, such as: Anxiety. Insomnia or vivid dreams. Headaches.

What should I do if I stop taking an antidepressant?

It’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between withdrawal symptoms and returning depression symptoms after you stop taking an antidepressant. Keep your doctor informed of your signs and symptoms. If your depression symptoms return, your doctor may recommend that you start taking an antidepressant again or that you get other treatment.

What happens when you switch from one antidepressant to another?

If you’re switching from one type of antidepressant to another, your doctor may have you start taking the new one before you completely stop taking the original medication. It’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between withdrawal symptoms and returning depression symptoms after you stop taking an antidepressant.

How many people want to stop taking drugs due to withdrawal?

Nearly three quarters of the people who answered wanted to stop taking these medications due to the long-term side effects of the drugs, and 54 percent of them rated their withdrawal symptoms as “severe.” (13)