Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants

Antidepressant withdrawal — sometimes called discontinuation syndrome — can happen when you reduce or stop your medication. Symptoms usually begin within a few days and often ease within one to two weeks, but some people experience them for longer.

Withdrawal is more likely if you stop suddenly, take higher doses, or use medicines with a short half-life (like paroxetine or venlafaxine). Not everyone will experience these symptoms, but many do.

Withdrawal Symptoms from SSRIs and SNRIs

New Symptoms You Might Experience:

• Dizziness or a sensation of spinning (vertigo)
• Sensations resembling electric shocks in the head (“brain zaps”)
• Flu-like symptoms, including sweating, chills, and headaches
• Movement difficulties, such as balance issues, difficulty walking, or involuntary movements
• Sensory disruptions, like smelling things that aren’t there
• Stomach cramps or nausea
• Unusual or vivid dreams
• Tinnitus, or a ringing in the ears
• “Brain fog” or trouble thinking clearly

Symptoms Resembling Original Health Concerns:

• Anxiety or panic feelings
• Episodes of crying
• Feeling disconnected from your surroundings (depersonalisation)
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Extreme fatigue
• Manic episodes
• Mood swings
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Thoughts of suicide

Withdrawal Symptoms from Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Anxiety
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Flu-like symptoms — muscle aches, chills, headaches, nausea, and sweating
• Insomnia
• Low blood pressure
• Movement issues, like balance difficulties or involuntary movements
• Restlessness
• Unexpected orgasm
• Vivid or unusual dreams

Withdrawal Symptoms from MAOIs

• Agitation or restlessness
• Cognitive difficulties or “brain fog”
• Sleep disruptions
• Excessive sleepiness
• Hallucinations
• Irritability
• Paranoid delusions or other psychotic experiences
• Movement problems
• Unique or disturbing dreams
• Lack of steadiness or balance

Can Switching Antidepressants Ease Withdrawal?

Switching antidepressants can sometimes help, especially if withdrawal is from a short half-life medication. Moving to one with a longer half-life (like fluoxetine) may make stopping smoother.

Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal can often be avoided or minimised by tapering slowly under medical guidance rather than stopping suddenly. Speak to your doctor before making any changes to your dose.