Weakened emotions, a persistent feeling of hopelessness, and a lack of energy – these symptoms, among many others, are often indicative of depression. When medications such as antidepressants are prescribed, they can help lift depression’s grip and bring a sense of normalcy back to the affected person’s life. But as with any prescription drug, antidepressants come with risks, particularly during withdrawal.
The use of antidepressants is common: millions of people around the world take them regularly. It is important for individuals, their family members, and their physicians to understand the effects of antidepressant withdrawal and to take steps to help manage the process. After all, it is possible for withdrawal symptoms to be difficult, uncomfortable, and even debilitating.
Let us briefly consider the process of withdrawal from antidepressants. After stopping medication, it can take several days or even weeks for any noticeable changes to occur. Those who go through antidepressant withdrawal often suffer from a variety of persistent physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. Some of these include headaches, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, irritability, dizziness, and flu-like symptoms.
For those taking newly prescribed antidepressants, paying close attention to the suggested dosing schedule is of utmost importance. This is because suddenly stopping antidepressant intake can cause a "discontinuation syndrome." Such a syndrome leads to the aforementioned physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms, and oftentimes other symptoms such as confusion, nightmares, memory lapses, and agitation.
No two individuals will experience antidepressant withdrawal the same way, and it should be noted that individuals' reactions to the same antidepressant can vary too. It is therefore best to consult with a physician if you have questions about whether or not an antidepressant should be taken, or if its dosage needs to be adjusted or stopped. A physician's guidance will set one up with the best path to dealing with whatever issues may arise from the process of withdrawing from antidepressant medication.
Additionally, there are alternative therapeutic strategies that exist that do not necessarily involve the long-term use of antidepressants. Patients, with the help of a qualified mental health physician, can initiate the process of talk therapy, meditation, yoga, and guided mindfulness. Employing one of these alternative methods is ideal for those looking to replace strong pharmaceuticals with methods more in line with preventative health practices.
Recognizing the potential effects and symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal is only half the battle. The other crucial half involves understanding how to appropriately go through the withdrawal process, and act upon a plan developed hand-in-hand with a physician. Taking antidepressant withdrawal seriously is the key to a safe and smooth transition off of the medication.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now