• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Symptoms & Prevention

Published: May 31, 2022 Updated: May 17, 2023
Published: 05/31/2022 Updated: 05/17/2023
Osama_Tariq_MD Headshot
Written by:

Osama Tariq

MD
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What Is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome?Definition
  • Are Some Antidepressants More Likely to Cause Withdrawal?Types
  • Antidepressant Withdrawal SymptomsSymptoms
  • Coping With Antidepressant Withdrawal SymptomsCoping
  • Getting Off Antidepressants SafelyGoing Off Meds
  • Discontinuation vs Relapse of Depression SymptomsRelapse
  • Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Getting Off AntidepressantsWhat to Ask
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome InfographicsInfographics
Osama_Tariq_MD Headshot
Written by:

Osama Tariq

MD
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, also known as antidepressant withdrawal, is a common problem in people who suddenly stop or drastically reduce their dose of antidepressant medication after regularly taking it for at least a month. You should always speak with your physician about how to taper off antidepressants safely, and shouldn’t make any modifications without speaking with your care team first.

Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered By Insurance

Talkiatry offers psychiatric appointments with real doctors, with first appointment in days. They’re in-network with every major insurer and offer medication management. Take the assessment and meet your new psychiatrist.

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by Talkiatry.

Free Assessment

What Is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome?

Antidepressants are a common medication often used to help treat depression either alone or in conjunction with behavioral therapy. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome occurs when people suddenly stop taking or drastically reduce their dosage of antidepressant medication after taking it with some consistency for at least one month. It occurs in about 20 percent of patients who take antidepressants, and can be prevented if dosage and tapering are monitored and discussed with a physician.1

Are Some Antidepressants More Likely to Cause Withdrawal?

Antidepressant withdrawal does not occur in all patients who stop their antidepressants, and may depend on which antidepressant you are taking. The most common medications that cause antidepressant withdrawal include Desvenlafaxine or Venlafaxine, and the most common medication that causes SSRI (a specific class of antidepressants) withdrawal is Paroxetine.4 Studies show that Prozac (fluoxetine, also an SSRI) has the least risk of symptoms, while citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline offer more moderate risks.

Antidepressant withdrawal is, however, more likely to occur in people who take medications with shorter half-life, a term that describes how long the medication stays in your body. In this case, it occurs in medication that stays in the body less than 24 hours.

Risk for withdrawal symptoms may also increase for people who are on higher antidepressant doses, and those who stop taking medication abruptly after having been on the treatment dose for more than 5 to 8 weeks.4

Withdrawal symptoms may also be more prevalent in people who have anxiety symptoms in addition to depression at the onset of starting medication for depression and in those who have a prior history of discontinuation symptoms.

Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms

Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are varied but may worsen your anxiety, can make you feel like you have the flu, and can even cause trouble sleeping and concentrating. For some, the symptoms can be very similar to the ones that prompted them to take an antidepressant in the first place and in worst cases, it may lead to suicidal ideation.

Withdrawal symptoms themselves are caused by the sudden decrease of the brain’s serotonin when medication is discontinued. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that helps to boost your mood. Withdrawal is due to the body’s physical dependence on the antidepressant because of the altered serotonin level. When the body becomes physically dependent on a drug or medication, the  body becomes so used to taking it and believes it cannot function without it and when the medication is suddenly reduced or stopped, the body is at risk of withdrawal symptoms.

It’s important to note, however, that physical dependence differs from addiction. Physical dependence has to do with the body’s physical symptoms, while addiction is a medical term that refers to the compulsive misuse of a substance despite the negative side effects it has on your body and mind and the negative consequences this behavior has on your everyday life.  You can have physical dependence and not be addicted.

The most common antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea, sometimes vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms (lethargy,  body aches, sweating)
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability and agitation
  • Mania
  • Brain zaps

Less common symptoms include:5

  • Paresthesia (electric-like shocks)
  • Ataxia (difficulty walking)
  • Auditory and visual hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that are not actually present)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

How Long Do Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms usually occur within two to four days after stopping the drug and usually last one to two weeks. In some cases, symptoms can persist for a month or longer, and can interfere with daily functioning.

Mild symptoms are usually temporary, not life threatening and will go away spontaneously. If you experience more severe symptoms like hallucinations, confusion and suicidal feelings,  you should call your doctor immediately.

Popular Choices For Online Psychiatry 

Talkiatry – In-network insurance with every major insurer. Free Assessment


Hims / Hers – Best For Affordability. Free Assessment


According to 18 Best Online Psychiatrists (updated on 8/5/2022), Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Talkiatry and Hims / Hers.

Coping With Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are experiencing antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, there are some strategies that can effectively help with antidepressant withdrawal relief.

Strategies to help minimize antidepressant withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Speaking with a therapist can aid in reducing anxiety and can help you to identify behaviors and thoughts that are associated with depression that can be changed.
  • Start another antidepressant, such as fluoxetine, while you are discontinuing your current antidepressant. This should always be under the supervision of your doctor.
  • Exercise can also help to boost your mood and energy level during the process and also help with overall depressive symptoms.

If symptoms are severe, however, the original drug should be reintroduced and tapered more slowly.5 You should work with your doctor to make sure it’s a good idea to get off the medication and if so, that you get off the medication the right way.

Getting Off Antidepressants Safely

To prevent antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, never stop or adjust the dose of your medication without first talking to your doctor or provider. Your doctor can help you make a plan for discontinuing your medication while limiting or avoiding withdrawal symptoms. This will usually include tapering off your antidepressant.

Tapering medication minimizes some of the side effects of withdrawal. There’s no set tapering schedule that works for everyone and it may change depending on how your body responds. The tapering schedule will depend on the following:

  • Which medication you are taking
  • How long you’ve been taking the medication
  • Your dosage
  • The drug’s half life

Discontinuation vs Relapse of Depression Symptoms

Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are typically physical signs and symptoms that are often not associated with depression, and usually occur more quickly than depression relapse. Symptoms from depression usually have a gradual onset, while withdrawal symptoms may occur as early as 2 days after you stop the medication. It is important to note how you are feeling and discuss them with your doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Getting Off Antidepressants

Depression is a common yet treatable illness, and antidepressants are often used to treat depression alone or in conjunction with therapy. Finding the right antidepressant for you is important, and may include some trial and error. If you’re ever feeling adverse effects from the antidepressant you’ve been prescribed, you should always consult your doctor about safely tapering or changing your medication to prevent antidepressant withdrawal symptoms.

Questions to ask your medical care team about stopping antidepressants include:

  1. What adverse effects should I look for to better understand whether I might need to stop or change my antidepressant?
  2. How long should I stay on a medication before switching antidepressants?
  3. Am I at risk for discontinuation syndrome?
  4. What is the best way to taper my medication?
  5. What can I do to help prevent discontinuation symptoms?
  6. How long will it take for discontinuation symptoms to subside?

Final Thoughts

Remember, with any medication, side effects vary based on each individual. It’s important to discuss stopping your antidepressant medication with your doctor or provider before changing your dose or stopping the medication altogether. You should also reach out to a doctor if you notice the return of your depression and/or anxiety symptoms after you have stopped taking your medication.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with expert psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Free Assessment

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month)*. Get Started

Talk Therapy

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Starting Therapy Newsletter

A free newsletter for those interested in learning about starting therapy or taking medication. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Betterhelp, Hims / Hers, and  Talkiatry. *Hims / Hers Disclaimer: Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome Infographics

What is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms How Long Do Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Last

Coping With Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms

5 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Gabriel, M., & Sharma, V. (2017). Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 189(21), E747. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.160991

  • American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, Third Edition. October, 2010. https://psychiatryonline.org/guidelines

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Mental health medications. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications

  • Illness risk following rapid versus gradual discontinuation of antidepressants. AU Baldessarini RJ, Tondo L, Ghiani C, Lepri B SO. 2010. Am J Psychiatry, 167(8):934. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20478876/

  • Discontinuation symptoms in users of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in clinical practice: tapering versus abrupt discontinuation. AU van Geffen EC, Hugtenburg JG, Heerdink ER, van Hulten RP, Egberts AC SO. 2005. Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 61(4):303.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15906018/

Recent Articles

FT_Borderline_Personality_Disorder_Medication
BPD Medications: Types, Side Effects, & Management
Medication for borderline personality disorder (BPD) can help treat symptoms associated with BPD such as depression, mood instability, anxiety,...
';
paxil vs zoloft
Paxil vs Zoloft: Differences, Similarities, & Which is Best For You
Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) are classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are prescribed for treating...
';
pristiq and alcohol
Pristiq and Alcohol: Risks & Side Effects
The impact of Pristiq, an antidepressant that affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels, can be inhibited by alcohol. Some of...
';
Can You Overdose on Antidepressants
Can You Overdose on Antidepressants?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on antidepressants. Different types of antidepressant medications carry different levels of risk of...
';
Diet MAOIs
Diet & MAOIs: Foods to Avoid & Dietary Precautions While Taking MAOIs
MAOIs are monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and they are prescribed to treat depression. An MAOI diet has little to no...
';
grapefruit and antidepressants
Grapefruit and Antidepressants: Can They Mix?
Eating grapefruit while taking antidepressants may lead to medication build-up in the bloodstream, which can cause complications. Grapefruits block...
';
Osama_Tariq_MD Headshot
Written by:

Osama Tariq

MD
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What Is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome?Definition
  • Are Some Antidepressants More Likely to Cause Withdrawal?Types
  • Antidepressant Withdrawal SymptomsSymptoms
  • Coping With Antidepressant Withdrawal SymptomsCoping
  • Getting Off Antidepressants SafelyGoing Off Meds
  • Discontinuation vs Relapse of Depression SymptomsRelapse
  • Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Getting Off AntidepressantsWhat to Ask
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome InfographicsInfographics
Call for immediate help
Emergency: 911
Suicide Hotline: 988
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo