Dave’s Story
Dave is taking an antidepressant, but he went away for a camping trip and forgot his medications. Within a day or two of missing his medications, he began having headaches and feeling electric shock sensations… He wondered if he might be having the flu…
What is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome?
Antidepressant medication can be very helpful when appropriately prescribed and followed by a doctor. However, medications must be taken regularly as directed.
In certain sensitive people, forgetting to take one’s medication, or suddenly stopping one’s medication can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as the following:
- Feeling like you have the flu, with feeling tired and achy
- Headaches
- Troubles sleeping
- Electric shock sensations
- Feeling dizzy or nauseous
- Being more irritable, upset, or sad
The bad news, is that these are symptoms that can happen if you stop taking your medications suddenly.
The good news, is that this is not dangerous or life threatening and usually goes away within one week.
Which Antidepressants Can Cause This?
You are more likely to have a problem with certain medications such as:
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
What Do I Do If I Think I Have Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome?
There are many things you can do:
- If you have stopped taking your medication for a few days, you can just start taking your medication again in order to get rid of the discontinuation side effects
- If you are still taking medication, but it was a lower dosage that triggered these effects, then speak to your doctor. Most likely the plan will be to increase your dosage back up to a higher dosage before the discontinuation effects started.
- If you stopped taking your medication on purpose, you can also just start taking your medication again to get rid of the discontinuation effects. However, make sure that you see your doctor again, and let your doctor know about the reasons why you stopped. Your doctor can hopefully work with you to find a solution for your reasons.
How Do I Prevent This From Happening?
- Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do you want to get off the medication? Talk to your doctor. There are many strategies which include:
- Reducing very slowly, over a longer period of time. Some medications are simply like this -- it does not mean that you are addicted or dependent on them.
- Some medications may be hard to slowly reduce, because of the dosage or the formulation. In those cases, sometimes a compounding pharmacy can be helpful to prepare a liquid version of the medication. With a liquid formulation, it is easier to gradually take less and less, which can be harder to do with capsules or tablets.
About this Document
Written by the eMentalHealth Team.
Disclaimer
Information in this pamphlet is offered ‘as is' and is meant only to provide general information that supplements, but does not replace the information from your health provider. Always contact a qualified health professional for further information in your specific situation or circumstance.
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