Side effects of ceasing antidepressants

[Kristen1980]

In consultation with my doctor, I have decided to cease taking my antidepressants. I have been taking them for 14 years and was on a low dose. My doctor advised that I take half for 2 weeks and then cease. It has been 2 days since ceasing the medication, and already I am experiencing side-effects. I am dizzy, extremely fatigued and have trouble going to sleep at night. Is this normal? How long will this last?

[Neil_1]

Hi there Kristen,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and am sorry that your post hasn’t been responded to, until now.

That seemed like the right way to ease off them … but you had been taking them for a fair amount of time and so getting to your doctor and to follow their advice. Did your doctor suggest to you any potential side effects that you may experience while coming off them and indeed, once you are fully off them?

I think my number one piece of advice to you at this time would be to get back to your doctor and to describe exactly how you are feeling.

But I would also like to congratulate you on being able to be at a point where you are feeling able to come off your medications, especially after being on them for so long. That IS really awesome. No doubt you have other measures in place that you do on a daily basis, to help keep you going along as best as you can … so please keep on with those … perhaps you may need to even increase what you do, to help supplement a little the now ‘no taking of meds’.

Kind regards

Neil

[Dr_Kim]

It is really individual the way people respond to medication withdrawal. I have had people stop without a hitch and others who have had a really tough time with side effects even withdrawing slowly . I don't think there is a " normal". Listen to your body .

If it seems too quick for you , slow it down .. go to half tablet alternative days or a quarter tablet even .. or do it slower.. over a month or so .

You may experience a number of side effects including the ones you mention but usually they pass in days or weeks ..

Remember to ensure that you are exercising ( even though you feel tired), eating healthy and are in a good daily routine.

You might like to really get stuck into yoga or Mindfulness at this stage to ensure you don't relapse and stay healthy mentally.

It's great that you are having a go at this .. stay positive and open to whatever this part of your journey presents.

[Guest_3712]

Hi neil

Its stressless here - you may remember we used to converse quit regularly a few years back ?

i was reading Kirsten's post about withdrawals the saw your name in reply

firstly Kristen thanks for sharing

I too recently stopped my meds ( anxiety) still on anti depressants and also looking for others who have gone through it - see my thread in treatments or new thread

you did the right thing tapering as most people will tell u - so well done and good luck

with Neil on your case u r in good hands

neil

i can't tell u how happy i was to see u still so active on bb- I will never forget how supportive u were during my many dramas - a good friend, great advice and kick ass humour

you always made me smile even when crying with depression

hope you are doing well and if u can squeeze me into your time would appreciate your comments on my latest

started thread in depression but ended up in treatments

take care neil

sorry to hijack your post Kristen but it's been a while how are u doing

take care

stressless

[sleepyrose]

Hey Kristen,

I've just come off some medication too and have found the withdrawals quite full on. I thought I was going okay initially but things got a bit overwhelming quite quickly and I had to take some time off work. I'm interested to hear what my GP recommends as it seems there is no definite schedule that works for everyone in terms of weaning off. 😕

It's so frustrating to have this stuff be such inexact science! Hope things continue to go well for you 🙂

Rose