Coming Off Antidepressants: How You Can Lessen Withdrawal Reactions

by Athlyn Green, Mar 12, 2007

Coming off of antidepressant medication may precipitate unwanted reactions. You can lessen these effects by weaning yourself off gradually and by using herbals to support brain and nervous system functioning.

Coming off antidepressants is a process that should only be attempted under a doctor's supervision. It is important to work closely with your practitioner to lessen risk the risk of discontinuation reactions.

Antidepressant medication has proven to be a boon for those suffering from depression; however, there are certain risks and reactions that may be experienced in relation to antidepressant withdrawal.

Stopping an antidepressant medication suddenly might precipitate a reaction. Weaning yourself, by reducing dosages in small increments, can lessen withdrawal reactions, giving your brain the necessary time to adjust to changes in chemical balance and adapt to coming off antidepressants.

This process may take weeks or months, depending on the medication you have been taking. If discontinuation reactions have proven too severe, you may have to switch to another drug; then your doctor may have to wean you gradually from this medication. Antidepressant withdrawal requires patience.

What reactions might be encountered? You may notice sleep disturbances, experiencing unusual dreams or nightmares. Physical symptoms could include dizziness, sweating, nausea, and abdominal discomfort or pain, accompanied by diarrhea. These symptoms may appear soon after stopping your antidepressant. Just knowing that these reactions may take place can ease apprehension when attempting the process of coming off antidepressants.

At times, severe reactions can occur. Reports include withdrawal manifesting in agitation, anxiety, or hallucinations. Some people have been unable to work until these reactions subsided. Thankfully, your doctor can evaluate symptoms and make needed adjustments if you are experiencing antidepressant withdrawal reactions.

At this stage, it may also be helpful to get an evaluation of your nutritional status. Minerals and vitamins can help ease the transition when coming off antidepressants. Deficiencies of certain amino acids and minerals can affect vitality and feelings of well being.

Herbal preparations may be used to counter the effects of antidepressant withdrawal, as well as acting to alleviate depression symptoms. People are recognizing the enormous potential of natural supplements and the concurrent benefits of not having to deal with troubling side effects encountered with traditional medications.

Natural remedies contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, herbal extracts and specialty supplements, which have been formulated to calm the nervous system, restore brain functioning, and contribute to emotional energy and overall well being. Ingredients may include Valerian, used in treating mood disorders, including depression; calcium and magnesium for addressing physical and emotional stress; Ginkgo Biloba, used for improved cognitive functioning and treating depression; and Chamomile, offering anxiolytic effects to help with feelings of anxiety. If you are concerned about discontinuation effects when coming off antidepressants and want additional support to relieve these, herbals may prove a valuable ally.

Keep in mind though, that you never want to “go it alone.” It is important to consult with your doctor when considering reducing or stopping medication. You should also discuss use of natural supplements before embarking on any course, when either attempting antidepressant withdrawal or acting to reduce reactions by use of supplements.

Remember that in cases of severe depression, your doctor may decide that prescription drugs are called for. Whatever the scenario, remember that your doctor is your partner in the healing process and should always be consulted when coming off antidepressants.

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#1 by KD, Jun 27, 2008

DON'T GO AT IT ALONE? MY DOCTOR TELLS ME ITS ALL IN MY HEAD.

#2 by maureenthomas1@hotmail.co.uk, Sep 29, 2008

I have taken for 8 years and it has never made any differance to me. I personely feel it not depression I suffer, It anxiety. And Doctor just give me these tablets hoping I get better. I have taken seven different types of antidepressants and therapy. And further I work in a low paid job and can't afford them. I thind it should be for free.

#3 by Athlyn Green, Sep 30, 2008

Hi KD,
If you aren't satisfied with the answers you've been given, you may want to consult with a nutritional practitioner. Traditional medical approaches rely on drug therapy, whereas holistic natural approaches look at natural remedies.

Also, you may want to seek out a support group where you can become part of a group of people who have experienced what you have and who understand the struggle to live with a depressive disorder.

#4 by Athlyn Green, Sep 30, 2008

Hi Maureen,
If you believe you suffer from anxiety, please see my article about anxiety and how to combat it.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be particularly helpful for those who suffer from anxiety.

As well, try to cut out stimulants such as coffee and sugar because these can activate stress hormones that flood the system.

Also keep a record of any thoughts that cause you to feel distress and work to change those thoughts to something more positive. How we think can actually alter brain chemistry so the thoughts we entertain contribute to how we feel down the road.

#5 by Athlyn Green, Oct 1, 2008

Here are some helpful articles:

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: http://www.healthmad.com/Mental-Health/Physical-Symptoms-of-Anxiety-and-Depression.17709

Natural Treatments for Anxiety: http://www.healthmad.com/Alternative/Natural-Treatments-for-Anxiety.59955

#6 by Peter Loxley, Oct 28, 2008

I have been taking Dosulepin for just under 6 years and my doctor wants to take me off them.
I have been gradully reducing my dose from every other day to at the moment every 3 days but i am getting withdrawel symptoms.
I feel tired and feel as though i am hung over when i have not taken a tablet.
My doctor is unhelpful and is suggesting to just stop. I know this is wrong and keeps on pressuring me but i am trying my best but she just doesn't listen.
Do these withdrawel symptoms ever go away?Surely i shouldn't be getting them if i am gradully coming off them?

#7 by Kathy Kaake, Dec 15, 2008

I came off Wellbutrin in Jan08 and Celexa in April08. I knew to go off slow, but still did it too fast and suffered extreme withdrawal. It has been 7 months and I still have this hung over feeling, burning eyes and face and just do not feel well. I also have adverse reactions to most medications and my supplements since coming off the antidepressants. Has anyone else had this issue and what have you done to relieve the symptoms?

#8 by Amber Newcastle , Jan 4, 2009

I have been weaning myself off of Celexa for the past 2 weeks, and have a week more to go before switching to Paxil. I have had extreme dizziness and nausea on the off days when I do not take a tablet. I have also had eerie, uncomfortable dreams which I only just realised have something to do with my withdrawals. Additionally, my mood has plummeted, and I feel worse than I ever have. Will these symptoms subside when I begin taking Paxil? And if I ever decide to wean myself off of Paxil,isthere a chance the withdrawal symptoms could be permanent/longterm?

#9 by tanya, Jan 19, 2009

great article - i have been on esipram for over 1.5 years - going down bit by bit every 3 months, finally stopped taking them 6 days ago now.
i'm finding the withdrawal symptoms to be disheartening... i am happy to be going through this, hoping that life will return to normal, but seriously, how long can i expect the withdrawals to happen?
3 days / nights of non-stop vivid dreaming has left me too tired; constant feeling of fluffy head is not the best either!
again, this article has been a great read and has lessened my anxiety over the whole withdrawals

#10 by

Athlyn Green, Jan 19, 2009

To everyone who is struggling with withdrawal symptoms. I would suggest you try consulting with a naturopathic practitioner as to natural substances that may help to combat withdrawal symptoms by supporting brain health/functioning.

As outlined in this article, there are a number of natural substances that may help. Often, natural preparations are prepared in a blend. In other words, the ingredients work, in concert, to target the brain.

Withdrawal symptoms may be experienced differently by each individual because of causative factors, so I can't comment on length of duration of symptoms.

Also, cognitive restructuring can be of great benefit. While antidepressants target brain chemistry, thoughts can also contribute, setting up a cycle.

One psychiatrist remarked that he could correct the chemistry with medication but that the depression returned. He observed that when patients learned and mastered different thought restructuring, the depression, in some cases was completely eliminated.

Neuro Naturals and Native Remedies offer products that may prove helpful.

#11 by Joe, Feb 22, 2009

My girlfriend is coming off Anti-depressants for OCD. She doesn't have any of the symptoms of OCD anymore. Wont her old behaviors return?

#12 by

Athlyn Green, Feb 23, 2009

Hi Joe,
They might, depending on whether the OCD arises from a chemical imbalance, a way of dealing with stress, or was a learned behavior, programmed from compulsive parents. Different factors come into play.

As well, a person may be treated with medication to correct an imbalance but their own thoughts can contribute to future imbalances. This is why for some cases, cognitive restructuring is helpful.

Her doctor may feel that she has conquered her OCD.

In many cases, repetitive behavior is two-pronged: a chemical imbalance + an attempt to relieve stress by focusing on the behavior instead of the stressor.

#13 by Juan, Mar 27, 2009

After a bit over two years of being on antidepressants, I have decided to come off of all of them. In the last year I was on 300 mg Wellbutrin XL, 30mg Lexapro, 300mg Seroquel and 2.5mg or Xanax a day. I know that it's dangerous to do so but I've done it on my own and I haven't told my doctor yet. It all started because I didn't have any money to buy them. I do have insurance but lately my copays went up and I was spending about $250 a month on these.

I don't recommend anyone do this but it has worked well for me. I can say that I haven't felt this good in about a year. It's also changing my mentality towards anti-depressants. Yes, they saved me at a rough time in my life but lately they were making me feel just numb, apathetic, and very lethargic. I couldn't sleep and the dr just kept increasing them. For a week or two I would take one dosage every other day or so until gradually I haven't taken any.

I feel great. Previous to starting anti-depressants I had lost 100 Lbs. Then depression hit and I gained all back. Now I sleep well I don't feel depressed and I've gone back to exercising and feel more energetic. I've lost 13 pounds in 2 wks! Every now and then I get a bit antsy/anxious but it hasn't been serious and I've been able to manage on my own. I'm meeting with my doctor in two weeks. I'm afraid of what she's going to tell me but I know for sure that I don't want to take them anymore.

I think maybe I will request Xanax and only because I think it helps to know you have it if you ever do have a panic attack. Just having it and not taking it makes you feel a bit better.

Do they work? Yes! They can be lifesaving but after a while I have decided I want to work things out on my own. Good luck to everyone!

#14 by

Athlyn Green, Mar 31, 2009

Hi Juan,
It's great to hear you are doing so well. I think your strategy to have something on hand is a good approach. As you say, just knowing you have a back-up plan helps.

There are also natural preparations that can target anxiety and help to relieve it.

#15 by henrietta edwards, Apr 11, 2009

i came off antidepresants 4weeks ago and now feel worse than ever i stopped quickly and the side efeects are sickey headaches pain in the pit of my stomach. i was on them for a little over a year and felt it was time to come off.Now im thinking i should go back on them as before i felt calm,no headaches no mood swings life was calm. Also i feel very tierd around midday everyday,,,, who has time for a nap then.....

#16 by

Athlyn Green, Apr 13, 2009

Hi Henrietta,

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling unwell. I hope that things get sorted out for you.

#17 by elizabeth, Apr 22, 2009

i have been on prozac20mg for three months the worst time, i have had most of these side effects fuzzy head all the time not sleeping i just could nt cope any longer how i was feeling they made me a lot worst, so i have come off them and feeling much better but it early days yet ?

#18 by

Athlyn Green, Apr 24, 2009

Hi Elizabeth,

Sometimes, different types of antidepressants are tried because they target different brain chemicals. One antidepressants might keep a patient awake; another might help with sleeping difficulties, for example, the hypnotics.

Since you were only on this drug for 3 months, coming off this antidepressant may not result in withdrawal reactions as severe as those I outlined in the article.

It's always a good idea to seek medical direction.

#19 by Derek, May 7, 2009

Ok I have ironicaly visited my doctor today.(GP) and said that I have been feeling great. I told her that I was on 30 mil of cipralex, then when down to20 for about a month, then to 10 for about a week, and now I am off it for about a week now. But as I said Ironicaly. Tonight I am experiencing akathisia...or what I think is akathisia. I really don't want to jump back onto the drug train again. as I have been feeling deppresion free for quite sometime. I have been taking Rhodiola, Vitamin d, and fish oils to help out. and they seem to help. But Tonight I am going mildly nuts. It's kind of like a panic, more so like as if I am filled with bees.
How can I do this with out going back on it again. I stil have pills, but don't want them. Keep in mind I tapered off on my own.

#20 by

Athlyn Green, May 8, 2009

Hello Derek,

There are a couple of things you might want to try.
1.) program your brain for better chemistry. This really works. Watch your self-talk. Replace any thoughts that make you feel anxious or sad with calming happy messages. Even if you don't feel it at the time, do this and you may notice a difference. It's like programing a computer: what you put in can influence later results.

2.) Consult with a natural practitioner. They may be able to recommend natural substances that help with anxiety, unease, etc.

3.) Take time out to relax and while relaxing use visualization, to picture yourself, calm and in control.

IF none of these measures help, you may need to go back on medication.

#21 by Sarah, May 10, 2009

I came off 45mg dose of mirtazapine nearly 7 weeks ago. I just stopped and didnt do it gradually. I was on 15mg for 2 months, upped to 30mg for 6 weeks and then upped to 45mg but was only on that dose for about a month. Initially I was fine but about 3 weeks later i started feeling sick 24/7 but it eventually subsided. For about 5 days now I have had a constant headache, dizziness, severe pain in my neck and horrible muscle pain. Im reluctant to see my doctor because last time i saw him about the sickness he was horrible and told me it was my own fault. Are these symptoms still normal after 7 weeks?

#22 by Bella, May 15, 2009

I am also coming off antidepressants. I have been taking aropax for 9 years only having a break once in that time. The side affects are horrible but I believe the pain is worth it (well it will be in the end). I feel better than ever already and its been a gradual decrease over approx 8 weeks. I have more energy, I can think clearly and just overall I feel better in myself. I also feel like I have lost a little bit of weight and have no more stomach bloating. I am doing this under the guidance of a psychiatrist which inclused some counselling regarding unresolved past issues and would recommend to anyone out their that you should only ever come off this medication with the direction of your doctor/specialist. If you dont feel you have a good relationship with your doctor then I suggest you get a new one.
I started with panic attacks but have had anxiety most of my life. I believe now that it was learned behaviour and I am now having to try to reteach myself not to be so anxious. I also suffered a bout of depression after having major surgery 2 years ago. I have learned a lot about negative self talk and try to remain positive with my thinking. I practice yoga and meditation and visit the gym 3 times per week.
Cognitive behaviour therapy is also a good help if you are willing to try.

#23 by Brandy, Jun 10, 2009

i used to be on paxil. now i was/am on 60 mg celexa. i have come to accept that anxiety and depression is a chemical imbalance that can go away and come back at anytime. i have decided to ween myself off celexa.. I was very nervous b/c getting off paxil was the worst experience of my life. i feel like i was going through heroin withdrawl ( i have never done heroin, but i feel like that is was it would be like) its been 2 months and i am finally down to 10 mg. i rushed it a little bit but it went ok until now. i have been on 10 mg for a week or so and now im trying to go every other day. the withdrawal symptoms are sweating, brain zaps, blurred vision and nausea. ALOT of sweating. dont give up on weening yourself if you think you can be okay with out it. its just something you will have to deal with and when its over you will feel great. i take sleeping pills to sleep at night but i still wake up in cold sweats. staying active also helps. this is NOTHING compared to how i felt when i tried to get off paxil. it took me a year and it was very painful and i was very sick. NEVER take paxil, try something else.

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Coming Off Antidepressants: How You Can Lessen Withdrawal Reactions

Coming off of antidepressant medication may precipitate unwanted reactions. You can lessen these effects by weaning yourself off gradually and by using herbals to support brain and nervous system functioning.

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