HOW TO DISCONTINUE ANTIDEPRESSANT TREATMENT

If you’ve been taking medication to treat depression and you’re feeling better, you may be wondering whether it’s time to quit your treatment. But before making this important decision you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist because discontinuing your treatment too soon can increase the risk of relapse.

ENSURE YOUR STABILIZED SITUATION IS THERE TO STAY

Antidepressant treatments function by rectifying imbalances among various neurotransmitters in the brain. Achieving this equilibrium is a gradual process. Typically, even after the depressive symptoms have subsided, the treatment should persist for a minimum of six months, and sometimes longer, to guarantee that the corrected imbalance is sustained.

Abruptly discontinuing the treatment once you begin to feel better poses the risk of disrupting the still-fragile balance among your neurotransmitters, potentially leading to a recurrence of depressive symptoms.

NEVER MAKE THE DECISION ON YOUR OWN

Before considering discontinuation of your medication, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor or pharmacist. They will collaborate with you to assess whether stopping your antidepressant is appropriate or if continuation is advisable. Numerous factors come into play when making this decision, including whether it’s your initial episode of depression, the severity of your symptoms during diagnosis, your response to treatment, family history of depression, and other relevant considerations.

If your doctor deems the risk of relapse to be significant, they may recommend continuing the treatment for a specified duration.

DISCONTINUE ANTIDEPRESSANTS THE RIGHT WAY

During the initiation of your treatment, it’s likely that your antidepressant dose was gradually increased. Similarly, when discontinuing the antidepressant, a gradual approach is essential. Abruptly ceasing antidepressant medications, commonly known as “cold turkey,” can lead to adverse and undesirable effects.

Your pharmacist will collaborate with you to formulate a personalized plan for tapering off your antidepressant treatment. Feel free to address any concerns you may have with them.

Should your symptoms resurface during this process, it’s important to promptly consult your pharmacist. In some cases, a straightforward adjustment in the rate of dose reduction may be sufficient.