1 in 6 Patients Quitting Antidepressants Experience 'Discontinuation Symptoms'

A recent review published in The Lancet Psychiatry on June 5, 2024, reveals that approximately one in six individuals who cease using antidepressants will undergo discontinuation symptoms. Notably, severe symptoms are less common, affecting only about one in 35 people who discontinue their medication.

Dr. Jonathan Henssler, a psychiatrist from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany and the lead researcher of the study, announced that while a notable number of patients might experience discontinuation symptoms, the rates are not as high as previously reported in some individual studies and reviews. The findings provide a more reassuring perspective on the likelihood and severity of these symptoms.

Historically, previous research suggested that over half of the patients stopping antidepressants experience symptoms, with half of these cases being severe. To obtain a more accurate understanding, the recent review analyzed data from 79 studies encompassing over 21,000 patients. This comprehensive review revealed that around 31% of individuals who discontinued antidepressants experienced at least one symptom, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, insomnia, and irritability. Severe symptoms were found to occur in about 3% of patients.

Interestingly, the review also considered data from randomized controlled clinical trials, often regarded as the gold standard in medical research. These trials showed that 17% of patients experienced symptoms even when they were administered a placebo instead of an actual antidepressant. This finding indicates that roughly half of the reported symptoms might be attributed to negative expectations or the "nocebo effect," or could be linked to other health issues unrelated to antidepressant discontinuation.

Therefore, the researchers concluded that discontinuation symptoms directly caused by stopping antidepressants affect about one in six patients, approximately 15%. The study underscores the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before stopping antidepressant medication.

The review also highlighted that certain antidepressants carry a higher risk of severe discontinuation symptoms. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), and venlafaxine (Effexor). Dr. Christopher Baethge from the University of Cologne, a senior researcher involved in the study, emphasized that the findings do not suggest that discontinuation symptoms aren't real or are solely due to patient expectations. Any discomfort or distress caused by these symptoms should be taken seriously, and both patients and clinicians should work together to determine which symptoms may be directly caused by stopping the medication and the best ways to manage them.

In summary, while discontinuation symptoms from antidepressants are relatively common, severe symptoms are less frequent. Patients considering stopping their antidepressant medication should do so under medical guidance to manage any potential symptoms effectively.