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One of the main treatments for depression is antidepressants. Around 7 million U.S. adults receive medications as a depression treatment option.1
These medications can help reduce depressive symptoms but can have potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms. You may find benefits of getting off antidepressants, like saving money and no longer experiencing those side effects.
However, talk to a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of an antidepressant. Read on to learn more.
Possible Benefits of Stopping Antidepressants
Antidepressants are designed to improve a person’s mood and other symptoms associated with depression, like fatigue or sleep problems.2 Other possible advantages might be avoiding side effects and worrying less about medication-related costs.
Avoidance of Side Effects
Everyone doesn’t experience side effects when taking antidepressants.2 For those who do, stopping antidepressants might be beneficial if it limits or relieves any side effects.
Side effects are one of the primary reasons for discontinuing antidepressants. They can include:34
Anxiety
Bladder problems
Dizziness upon standing or weakness
Dry mouth
Excessive tiredness or increased sleepiness
Gastrointestinal (GI) problems, like constipation or diarrhea
Increased heart rate
Insomnia
Sexual dysfunction
Suicidal thoughts
Tremors or muscle twitching
Weight changes
Also, individuals under 25, including children and teens, may be at a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts when taking antidepressants.2
Less Worry About Medication Costs
People have reported wanting to stop antidepressants due to the cost. Some research participants said they couldn’t continue their medication because they couldn’t afford it.5
One study said switching or cycling through medications is linked to higher financial costs. That means antidepressant use can also be costly if individuals have difficulty finding a medication that works or delay getting treatment.1
What Are the Potential Risks?
Not taking antidepressants can come with some risks. Those risks are related to experiencing immediate physical symptoms and potential changes in your future mental health status.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you suddenly stop or reduce your antidepressant prescription, you could experience withdrawal symptoms.6 All antidepressants come with potential withdrawal symptoms that increase and are more severe with prolonged antidepressant use.7
Also, the half-life of a medication refers to how long it takes to reach half of the medication dosage concentration.8 Some antidepressants have worse withdrawal symptoms than others because of their half-lives. Severe withdrawal symptoms have been reported when people stop antidepressants with a shorter half-life, which include:9
MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine
Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)