A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry brings to light some encouraging news for those considering ending their course of antidepressants. Contrary to previous beliefs, the study reveals that withdrawing from these medications may not result in the array of withdrawal symptoms that many patients feared.

Understanding Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome

While the findings provide a new lens to view the cessation of antidepressant treatment, it’s important to understand what antidepressant discontinuation syndrome entails. Symptoms associated with this syndrome can broadly include:

• Flu-like symptoms: fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and sweating.

• Nausea: sometimes accompanied by vomiting.

• Dizziness and vertigo: feelings of light-headedness.

• Imbalance: difficulty maintaining one’s equilibrium.

• Sensory disturbances: sensations described as “burning,” “tingling,” or “electric-like.”

• Hyperarousal: increased anxiety, irritability, agitation, or even manic episodes.

Fewer Withdrawal Symptoms Observed

This large-scale trial, which examined individuals in the key weeks following the cessation of antidepressant treatment, discovered that the symptoms reported after just one week were not enough to be considered clinically significant. Dizziness was the most frequently mentioned symptom, while mood changes were notably absent.

These findings stand in contrast to earlier studies suggesting that nearly half of patients experienced withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and headaches. According to Gemma Lewis, associate professor of psychiatric epidemiology at University College London and one of the authors, past research often attracted those already experiencing withdrawal issues, potentially skewing the results.

Understanding the Average Patient Experience

On average, participants in this study reported experiencing only one discontinuation symptom within a week after stopping their treatment. The study set its criteria for withdrawal symptoms at four or more, meaning that most participants did not reach this threshold. While dizziness was a common complaint, other reported symptoms included nausea, vertigo, and nervousness disruptions that, as Sameer Jauhar, clinical reader in affective disorders and psychosis at Imperial College London and lead author of the paper, suggested, make “biological sense.”

Comprehensive Review of Existing Data

The researchers undertook a thorough review of around 50 studies, incorporating unpublished data and evaluating a total of over 17,000 participants. Jauhar hopes that these insights will not only reassure patients but also guide clinical decision-making, especially in light of previous research that indicated higher levels of symptoms leading to updated guidelines from the Royal College of Psychiatry.

Dr. Katharina Domschke, chair of the department of psychiatry and psychotherapy at the University of Freiburg, welcomed the study's findings, stating, “This new study is extremely welcome in terms of helping to destigmatize antidepressants.” She argued that “withdrawal symptoms” should be a term reserved for substance dependence, reflecting a shift in the conversation around antidepressant use and discontinuation.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Understanding

The latest research sheds light on the often-misunderstood subject of antidepressant withdrawal, signaling a need for more nuanced discussions in clinical settings. While the study presents encouraging data that suggest a less daunting experience when stopping antidepressants, the need for cautious, individualized care remains paramount. Understanding the distinctions between withdrawal and relapse will ultimately aid patients in navigating their mental health journeys, promoting informed decisions and better therapeutic outcomes.

References:

1. Perlis, Roy H. 2025. “Prevalence and Risk Factors for Discontinuation of Antidepressants in the US.” JAMA Psychiatry. Published online July 10, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.1362.

(Rh/Dr. Divina Johncy Rosario/MSM/SE)