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Actor Oliver Hudson, the co-host of the Sibling Rivalry podcast with his sister Kate Hudson, has spent years on and off antidepressants to help him cope with anxiety and panic attacks. On an episode of the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast, he told Dr. Daniel Amen that due to some strange side effects, he decided to go off antidepressant medication.
But that process came with its own downsides. “The withdrawal process was horrible,” Hudson says.
According to Dr. Amen, who has treated tens of thousands of people for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other mood disorders, that’s not uncommon. He says, “When they put you on this stuff, they don’t tell you if it doesn’t work and we have to take you off, or if it works and you want to go off, it could be a nightmare for you.”
Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications in the U.S., yet many people are unaware of what can happen when they try to stop taking them. For some, like Hudson, coming off these medications can trigger a wide range of withdrawal symptoms—sometimes mild, but in many cases, surprisingly severe.
Antidepressant withdrawal, also known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, has only recently gained attention in research. This blog reviews the latest findings on antidepressant withdrawal and its symptoms and provides guidance on how to taper off these medications safely.
Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications, yet many people are unaware of what can happen when you stop taking them. Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms can be mild or surprisingly severe.
Antidepressant therapy is one of the most common treatments for depression, with more than one in 10 Americans taking one. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants, are considered the gold-standard treatment for depression. There are several other main classes of antidepressants, but SSRIs are the most prescribed type.
Related: Antidepressants: Everything You Need to Know
Generally, antidepressants work by adjusting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in your brain. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin helps to regulate your mood, sleep, memory, appetite, social behavior, and sexual desire.
Unlike other types of antidepressants, SSRIs have little impact on other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine or norepinephrine, which explains why they have fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants.
That said, when it comes to stopping antidepressant therapy, SSRIs tend to be associated with more withdrawal symptoms, depending on which type you take.
Here in the U.S. the following SSRIs (and their brand names) include:
For many individuals, especially those with severe depression, these medications can be a critical tool in their treatment. They can help people stabilize emotionally and increase their ability to cope with daily life.
They can help to reduce symptoms of depression and related anxiety such as:
SSRIs are often prescribed for depression and anxiety, as well as the following:
Sometimes an individual will try several antidepressants before finding one that works. Some people do not respond to antidepressant treatment, which is known as treatment-resistant depression.
As mentioned earlier, antidepressant withdrawal is also called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). The term “discontinuation” was chosen because some mental health experts believe it is more accurate. That’s because people do not technically “withdraw” from antidepressants as they are not addictive medications.
ADS can occur after stopping any antidepressant. The risk is greater in those who take antidepressants longer and when the medication in question has a short “half-life” (is eliminated from the body quickly).
Withdrawal problems are most likely to occur if you suddenly stop taking your antidepressant, after one month of continuous use.
Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms start to show after a few days and can last for several weeks or months. SSRI withdrawal symptoms include:
These symptoms are usually described as mild but unpleasant. However, a growing body of research is showing that ADS can be severe for many people.
When antidepressants are taken for longer durations, as they typically are, and at higher dosage levels, withdrawal symptoms can be much worse.
Research makes it clear that many people experience unpleasant symptoms when they stop taking antidepressants. But when it comes to the severity and duration of those symptoms, study findings vary.
Recent research shows that the average person takes antidepressants for about five years, yet most withdrawal studies are based on just 8–12 weeks of use.
A 2019 study reviewed 24 reports and found:
Over 50% of people experience withdrawal symptoms
Nearly half of those cases are severe
Symptoms can last weeks or months, not just two weeks
The longer someone takes antidepressants, the worse the withdrawal tends to be. Researchers warn that outdated guidelines may lead to misdiagnosis and longer use, and they urge doctors to better inform patients about withdrawal risks.
A 2020 study in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology set out to better understand long-term withdrawal symptoms after stopping antidepressants. They refer to these types of symptoms experienced over the long haul as protracted withdrawal syndrome (PWS).
The study analyzed 69 patient narratives from the internet forum SurvivingAntidepressants.org and found that PWS symptoms were experienced for an average of eight years. An astounding 81 percent of people reported affective symptoms such as anxiety, depression, emerging suicidality, and agitation.
Three-quarters of them complained about somatic symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, brain zaps, visual changes, muscle aches, tremor, diarrhea, and nausea. Sleep problems were reported by 44 percent and cognitive impairments by 32 percent. The main takeaway is that protracted withdrawal syndrome can be severe, long-lasting, and varied.
| Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms | Percentage of People Affected |
|---|---|
| Anxiety, depression, emerging suicidality, agitation | 81% |
| Headache, fatigue, dizziness, brain zaps, visual changes, muscle aches, tremor, diarrhea, nausea | 75% |
| Sleep disturbances | 44% |
| Cognitive impairments | 32% |
A 2023 survey study of 708 patients in various stages of coming off antidepressants provided an opportunity to hear their experience in getting guidance and support from medical professionals.
The researchers were struck by survey responses revealing how angry, frustrated, disappointed, and let down patients felt by their health care providers. These feelings stemmed from being disbelieved by providers, the lack of accurate information provided to them, and the poor level of care they were given once they became ill with withdrawal symptoms.
Additionally, antidepressant withdrawal symptoms were common, severe, and prolonged for a substantial number of users. As in other studies, longer duration of use was associated with greater likelihood of severe and protracted symptoms.
Online forums are indeed popular gathering spots for patients to share experience and get help. For example, the aforementioned forum Surviving Antidepressants has more than 23,000 members. A Facebook group that helps users taper off the antidepressant Cymbalta has nearly 45,000 members. Many others exist on different platforms, for specific antidepressants and in a number of different languages.
Contrary to these findings, some newer studies suggest that antidepressant discontinuation syndrome is mostly mild and temporary. A 2024 German study found that just 15 percent of patients experienced withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea and insomnia, and 3 percent of patients experienced severe withdrawal.
Additionally, a new 2025 review and analysis of 49 studies on antidepressant withdrawal published in JAMA psychiatry, found that it didn’t qualify as a discontinuation syndrome. It’s important to know that a conflict of interest was noted for several of the study’s authors who had ties to pharmaceutical companies.
Critics of these newer studies point out that the research findings were largely based on short-term antidepressant use. Even though the research is contradictory, it remains abundantly clear that coming off antidepressants carries the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
On a positive note, there are measure you can take that can help to support your mental health while tapering off antidepressants. Here are some tips for how to stop antidepressants.
Related: 11 Alternatives to Antidepressant Medication
At Amen Clinics, which has built the world’s largest database of brain scans related to behavior, the mental health specialists have found that depression isn’t a diagnosis, it’s a symptom. Knowing what’s causing your depression is key to healing.
The experts at Amen Clinics have identified 11 major risk factors that can contribute to depression. Discovering which risk factors you have can help you in understanding how to overcome depression symptoms.
Before discontinuing an antidepressant, make sure you’re mentally ready. Do you feel confident that you’re functioning well? Are your life circumstances sound? Are you ready to deal with any negative thoughts that might emerge?
If you are undergoing major changes in your life like a move, divorce, or an illness—it’s probably not the best time to go off your antidepressant.
Don’t ever stop antidepressants abruptly on your own. Once you’ve decided you want to go off your antidepressant, talk to a psychiatric doctor.
Research suggests that tapering off antidepressants under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms and depression recurrence.
Each medication is different and requires a specific protocol for tapering safely. Talk it out with your doctor or psychiatrist and make a plan for how to deal with symptoms as they arise.
Only 20 percent of people on antidepressants undergo psychotherapy, according to a recent study. Yet, research indicates that people who undergo psychotherapy while discontinuing an antidepressant are less likely to have a relapse.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety and depression. So, if you’re contemplating quitting antidepressants, consider talk therapy to help you through the transition.
Low levels of certain vitamins and nutrients have been linked to symptoms of depression. For example, having low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and homocysteine have been associated with depressive symptoms.
To boost omega-3s, methylfolate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels, take high-quality nutritional supplements. Other nutraceuticals that may boost your mood include:
Saffron: There are more than 20 studies showing saffron is more effective than placebo and equal to the antidepressant effects of Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, and imipramine for depression.
Curcumin: Studies have found that curcumin—as Longvida, which is much more efficiently absorbed than simply root extract—helps with depression.
Zinc: A review of the existing studies suggests potential benefits of zinc supplementation—as citrate or glycinate— for depression.
Here are some strategies to help boost your mood and mental well-being as you taper off antidepressants and beyond:
Establish a daily routine: Creating a structured daily routine can provide a sense of stability, helping to alleviate the anxious feelings that accompany uncertainty.
Practice self-care: Prioritize yourself with self-care activities such as regular exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature, which can all significantly improve mood and reduce stress.
Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and mental health professionals for emotional support and to reduce feelings of isolation.
Engage in pleasurable activities: Participate in activities that bring joy and satisfaction. They can help counter low mood and anxiety by promoting overall well-being.
Get enough sleep: Prioritizing good sleep hygiene is crucial, as too little sleep can exacerbate depressive symptoms. Develop a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful sleep environment.
Unfortunately, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome isn’t always preventable, but these tips may help to keep symptoms in check and support a stable mood.
Antidepressant withdrawal, also called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, refers to the symptoms that occur when stopping antidepressant medications—especially after long-term use. These symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, “brain zaps,” and mood changes.
It’s never recommended to quit antidepressants abruptly. Tapering slowly under the guidance of a qualified mental health professional greatly reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms and relapse. At Amen Clinics, we create personalized tapering plans supported by brain-based therapies, nutrition, and psychotherapy.
Yes. At Amen Clinics, we use brain SPECT imaging and a comprehensive evaluation to uncover the root causes of depression. This helps us create an individualized plan that may include natural therapies, targeted supplements, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy to support a safer transition off antidepressants when appropriate.
Depression, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we provide personalized, science-backed treatment plans designed to target the root causes of your symptoms. Our 360-approach includes brain SPECT imaging, clinical evaluations, innovative therapeutic techniques, medications (when necessary), and holistic lifestyle recommendations to promote the health of your brain, body, and mind. Speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
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