Depression and other mood disorders can be treated with antidepressants.A person's brain chemicals are helped by these medications.If you want to enjoy any positive benefits, you have to take antidepressants for several weeks.You can choose to stop treatment after taking these drugs for a long time.With the help of your doctor, you can learn how to safely stop taking your antidepressants.
Step 1: Determine the reason for wanting to stop taking your medication.
The drugs are used to relieve anxiety or reduce symptoms of depression.Some people who take them want to stop within a few weeks or months.Consider why you might want to quit, and why it might not be a good idea.You think it's taking too long.Doctors say impatience is one of the main reasons their patients stop taking their medication.Try to give it time.Antidepressants aren't a quick fix.Positive effects may take longer for some patients, but many patients notice signs of improvement within 2 to 4 weeks.You are having side effects.One of the most common side effects of some antidepressants is weight gain, and this is a reason many want to quit them.If you want to talk to your doctor about this issue, share your concerns.Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different drug or look at your lifestyle to see ways to minimize weight gain.You can't afford the drugs anymore.It can be expensive to keep taking your medication.Discuss the issue with your doctor if you want to quit on your own.He may be able to prescribe a cheaper version.
Step 2: You should be aware of the risk of suddenly stopping your medicine.
Abruptly stopping your medication can cause withdrawal symptoms.When the medication is stopped, you may experience physical and emotional symptoms.One in five people who are on antidepressants for six weeks or longer will experience these symptoms.These symptoms are not indicative of addiction to antidepressants.They reflect the body's reaction to suddenly stopping your medication.If you gradually go off your medication, these symptoms can be prevented.
Step 3: If you suddenly stop taking your medication, you should expect side effects.
Within 1 to 2 days of quitting your medication, there may be signs of depression.The only way to get rid of these symptoms is to stop taking your medication gradually.Those who quit abruptly may experience a number of symptoms.
Step 4: If your doctor thinks it's the right thing to do, then you should.
If you feel better, and your doctor thinks you will, then you should stop taking your antidepressants.Most patients should take antidepressants for at least six months in order to allow the medication time to work and prevent a relapse of depression, according to experts.It's important to meet with your doctor, carefully evaluate your circumstances, and put together a plan that will allow you to decrease your antidepressant dosage over several weeks or months.
Step 5: Come up with a schedule with your doctor.
When you and your doctor agree that it is time for you to stop taking antidepressants, he should discuss the risks of having depression if you don't stick to the prescribed schedule.The half-life is the rate at which the drug is absorbed into the body.The longer the half-life, the harder it is to stop the drug.A dose reduction every two to six weeks is what most physicians recommend.Your doctor will prescribe the correct amount of medication for you.
Step 6: Stay on the schedule your doctor prescribed.
Depending on how long you have been taking the drug, the current dose, and how you respond to previous medication changes, your doctor may suggest a different schedule for you.The purpose of tapering is to give your brain time to adapt to less medication.A friend or co-worker might use the same schedule that you use.Depending on your circumstances, the amount of time to stop taking antidepressants can vary from a week to several months.
Step 7: You should alert your doctor if you have serious side effects.
If you reduce the amount of medication you take, you may experience symptoms that affect your functioning.You may notice a return of your depression symptoms.Even with a taper, this can happen.According to most physicians, when you adhere to the taper schedule, your symptoms tend to disappear after a while.It's important that you stay in touch with your doctor during this time.He or she may need to alter the regimen you are on to a higher dose or more gradual in order to overcome negative side effects.
Step 8: It's a good idea to reduce the number of medications during less stressed times.
During a relatively mild time in your personal life is a good time to start your taper.If you are under a lot of stress, you may be able to gradually stop taking the meds.When is the best time to start a discontinuation schedule?If you are going through a major transition such as changing jobs or getting a divorce, you and your doctor may want to hold off on cutting back on your medication.
Step 9: In the spring or summer, aim to reduce your activity.
If you live in a Northern state or region, stopping your antidepressants during the fall or winter months could result in symptoms reemerging due to seasonal affective disorder or the more somber environment of these seasons.The spring and summer months feature elements that may naturally lift one's mood, such as birds chirping, sunshine, and the lush outdoors.
Step 10: Consider therapy while you're on your way out.
If you haven't already seen a counselor or therapist for your mood or anxiety disorder, now is the time to start.The best outcomes can be achieved with a combined treatment approach.It is possible to identify problem areas in your thinking that may contribute to a poor mood by talking with a therapist.The likelihood of a relapse decreases if you attend therapy.
Step 11: There is a source of support.
Discontinuing your medication can be difficult.Staying in contact with your doctor and therapist will help you get through this time.A close friend or family member can be helpful in the process.It is possible for this person to help lift your mood when you are crying or upset.A support group can be found at a clinic, community center, or local religious organization.
Step 12: Regular self-care is something to practice.
Take good care of yourself and work with your body and mind to fight depression.Fight stress by exercising regularly.Foods that help you treat depression can be found in a balanced diet.Ensure you get 7 to 9 hours of sleep by setting aside time each night.In addition to diet, exercise, and sleep, you can also improve your discontinuation success by engaging in activities that you enjoy as well as using strategies such as meditation and yoga for stress relief.