Struggling after stopping SNRI - how long will this go on?

Jessica_Cloud · ‎10-12-2025

I was on antidepressants for over 2 decades and tapered off slowly and successfully. I’m F 59. It’s been just over 3 months since stopping SNRIs and I’m experiencing awful symptoms of anxiety, dread, irritability, negative thoughts, and suicidality. I didn’t experience these symptoms prior to starting meds. I started with some other natural medication but I’m not convinced it’s helping. I do a lot of self care eg exercise, eating well, sleep hygiene, etc.

How long will these symptoms last?
Is my brain just wrecked forever and going back on medication is the solution?

Croix · ‎10-12-2025

Dear Jessica~

Welcome here to the Forum, which is full of people that are all different:)

I say this because reactions to medications differ between persons, same dosage, same circumstances, very different reactions. The same applies to stopping medications just as much, which of course needs to be supervised.

Your feelings of anxiety, dread, irritability, negative thoughts, and suicidal sound truly horrible and hard to live with, and really you should bring that to the attention of your prescribing clinician straight away. If you feel confused in the (you should ask for a long consultation) write everything down first and hand over the list.

I am not a doctor and am not going to try to comment on what has been happening. I do know some here in the Forum have found they need to return to the medication when suggested by their doctor and try tailing off again - however that is not even a suggestion, just a word to let you know others have been in the same situation and there is hope.

All there thoughts and moods need attention with the suicidal thoughts being the one that worries me most- I've been there. May I suggest if they occur you ring a crisis line such as Lifeline (131114) or the Suicide Call Back Service and say how you feel. Even if it is not a crisis they are there for you and can talk sensibly and give advice and comfort.

Do not be embarrassed to ring, just try it several times and you may find this helps. Talking of help do you have anyone in your life to lend you support? A family member or friend perhaps, someone who just has to listen and care -they do not have to try to 'fix' anything.

A couple of my medications have produced very adverse reactions when i've ceased them -even with medical support. However it does end and things will improve.

If you would like to say how you get on that would be great

Croix

therising · ‎12-12-2025

Hi Jessica_Cloud

I once heard it said that emotion can be defined as 'energy in motion (that you can feel moving through you)' or you could call it 'e-motion'. So I suppose the question is 'Is what you're feeling chemical energy or natural energy in motion or perhaps a bit of both?'. When I say chemical or natural what I mean is could certain chemical imbalances be causing you to feel a sense of dread or is there something or someone in your life that naturally feels dreadful and maybe you're more sensitive to this now that you're off the meds? You could question along the same lines regarding the negative thoughts. Could a dopamine deficiency/chemical deficiency be causing the negative thoughts or has some facet of you come to life that's making life hell, a facet that needs to be better understood and managed? Could this facet be naturally depressing?

A bit of detective work requires the best detective for the job. Whether that's a GP, a psychologist, psychiatrist or someone else who can look for clues, it's worth wondering about a whole variety of possibilities, such as

Are you someone who's prone to a certain chemical deficiency and needs a chemical supplement to help with that, like what could have been in the med you were on?
Could you be someone whose chemistry is naturally changing at this stage of life, as a female, on top of having come off the meds (adding to complex chemistry going on in your body)?
Could you be someone who's facing challenging emotions that have come to the surface for good reason and need focusing on?
Could it involve a variety of factors all rolled into one?

So much to wonder about.

Jessica_Cloud · ‎15-12-2025

Thanks. Agreed.

Jessica_Cloud · ‎15-12-2025

Thanks for taking the time to reply so thoughtfully.

‘I think the ‘chemical imbalance’ theory of MI has been thoroughly debunked.

‘I do agree that coming off meds, and no longer having their blunting effect on my emotions has left me to feel things surprisingly deeply.
I can intellectualise everything - it’s a blessing and a curse.

What is difficult is waking up with an anxiety attack. It is no way to live. Anxiety is new to me (F 59) I have had depression since childhood, but anxiety is a new and very unwelcome addition to my life, and it’s only appeared since stopping SNRI.

I would really like to know the experience of others who’ve stopped SNRI and had rebound MH symptoms. How long did they last? What helped? Medication or talk therapy?

Jessica_Cloud

It’s 4 months since ceasing my SNRI. I couldn’t continue living with the depression and panic, so I have recommenced a SSRI. I’ve had good support from friends and GP. I have been nauseated since recommencing, and still experience panic, but I think the depression is lifting. Life goes on.
Is there anyone else here who has a similar story? I’d really love to hear from you.