Before you start your withdrawal it is advisable that if you are taking any benzodiazepines or Z drugs that you start to reduce those medications first. If you are just coming off antidepressants there is usually no need to switch them to a different type.
Withdrawing safely from medication
The slower the time you take to reduce and the smaller the cuts you make, the milder the withdrawal symptoms. Reductions should ideally be every 4-6 weeks starting at 10% of your total dose.
The smaller the cuts you make, the less the shock to your system, and the less pronounced the withdrawal symptoms triggered by the cut. It is not recommended that any individual cut represent more than 10% to 20% of your total dose at a given time. It is preferable to make smaller and smaller cuts as you go and this can be very difficult as you approach the end of your reduction programme. However, you should avoid reducing at the end by miniscule amounts as this can prolong the withdrawal and sustain dependence.
Never abruptly stop any antidepressant - cold turkey is the largest cut of all and the shock caused by such an abrupt withdrawal is so severe that even after resumption of your drug at the previous dose, it may take weeks or months to "stabilise", and in some cases, you may never stabilise from a cold turkey withdrawal until after you have completed your reduction.
The time it will take you to come off your medication varies. It is dependent on type and dose of medication and the length of time you have been taking it. Other factors will include body chemistry – every ones symptoms and severity or symptoms may be slightly different. To generalise it can take from a few months to a few years depending on circumstances.
Symptoms of Antidepressant withdrawal
The symptoms reported on withdrawal of SSRIs and SNRIs:
Psychological Symptoms:
Anxiety
Agitation
Crying Spells
Irritability
Overactivity
Aggression
Depersonalisation
Decreased concentration
Confusion
Memory problems
Low mood
Physical Symptoms:
Disequilibrium:
dizziness
light headedness
vertigo
ataxia
Gastrointestinal:
anorexia
nausea
vomiting
abdominal cramps
Influenza-like:
fatigue
lethargy
myalgia
chills
sweating
headache
malaise
weakness
palpitations
Sensory disturbances:
paraesthesia
tremor
sensations of electric shock
Sleep disturbances:
insomnia
vivid dreams
nightmares
Extrapyramidal symptoms:
parkinsonism
akithisia
Note: This list is not exhaustive, there may be other symptoms associated with withdrawal that have not been listed here.
