1 in 6 People Who Stop Using Antidepressants Will Have Withdrawal Symptoms, Reveals Study
1 in 6 People Who Stop Using Antidepressants Will Have Withdrawal Symptoms, Reveals Study
The likelihood of experiencing one or more of these withdrawal symptoms, also known as discontinuation symptoms, when discontinuing antidepressants, is 15%, according to a comprehensive review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
7 June 2024
According to a recent study that was published in The Lancet Psychiatry, one in six people who stop taking antidepressants will directly suffer discontinuation symptoms.
The chance of developing one or more withdrawal symptoms, or discontinuation symptoms, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and irritability, after stopping antidepressant medication is 15% (one in six to seven people). The source of this data was a systematic review and meta-analysis that The Lancet Psychiatry published on Wednesday.
The first meta-analysis on the incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms included data from 21,002 patients, with an average age of 45 years and 72% female, who were stopping antidepressants (16,532 from antidepressants and 4,470 from placebo). Seventy-nine observational studies and randomised controlled trials provided the data.
Famous child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Bhooshan Shukla clarified that withdrawal symptoms can happen regardless of how well a treatment plan works and that this was not included in the study. Fortunately, most people only have minor symptoms. He did, however, add that psychiatrists have found that carefully weaning patients off the medication over a few weeks is an effective strategy.
In total, approximately one out of every three patients had encountered a discontinuation sign. A third (31%) of those who stopped taking antidepressants reported experiencing at least one symptom, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and irritability, according to the study. One in 35 cases, or roughly 3% of cases, had severe symptoms. The discontinuation of imipramine (Tofranil), paroxetine (Seroxat), and (des-)venlafaxine (Pristiq) was associated with a higher rate of severe symptoms in comparison to other antidepressants.
As a direct consequence of stopping the medication, one in six to seven patients will likely experience severe symptoms, and one in thirty-five will likely experience one or more discontinuation symptoms, according to the study’s findings. The authors of the report have emphasised that patients should be closely monitored and supported during this time, particularly if they experienced severe symptoms and may be in danger of stopping their medication. Additionally, doctors and patients should collaborate to develop plans for stopping antidepressants.
