Antidepressant Withdrawal Common, According to UK Study

For more than a decade, the Alternative to Meds Center has helped clients to improve their mental well-being and decrease or eliminate their dependence on pharmaceuticals. The Alternative to Meds Center offers a specialized antidepressant withdrawal program, which offers a gradual tapering of medication.

A new report out of the UK has revealed that antidepressant withdrawal affects more than half of patients who stop taking such medications. The research team reviewed 14 prior studies that had presented data on withdrawal symptoms experienced by patients who had stopped taking antidepressants. 

The studies varied in their findings, with one study concluding that 27 percent of people reported withdrawal symptoms while another found that 86 percent did. The current research team calculated a weighted average of 56 percent.

Study participants reported a variety of symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, and mood swings. Severe psychiatric symptoms, such as suicidal ideation and hallucinations, were also reported.


Data revealed that these symptoms can be debilitating and last for weeks or months. As a result, the research team is urging physicians and standards of care developers to review the impact of prescribing these medications.