• Skip to main content
  • Programs
    • Luxury Inpatient Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Executive Treatment Program
    • Professional Athlete Treatment Program
  • Facilities
    • Scottsdale Rehab
    • Men's Residence
    • Women's Residence
  • Addiction
    • Alcohol Treatment
    • Meth Treatment
    • Heroin Treatment
    • Opioid Treatment
    • Prescription Drugs Treatment
  • Treatments
    • Addiction Counseling
    • Dual Diagnosis Treatment
    • Trauma Therapy
    • Holistic Therapies
    • Family Therapy
    • 12 Step Program
    • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
  • Admissions
    • Verify Your Insurance
    • Private Pay
    • FAQ
    • What Should I Bring to Rehab?
    • Schedule a Tour
  • About
    • Our Team
    • Amenities
    • Locations
      • Scottsdale
      • Phoenix
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Guide to Rehab
  • Contact Us
We're Here To Help
(800) 715-2004
  • Programs
    • Luxury Inpatient Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Executive Treatment Program
    • Professional Athlete Treatment Program
  • Facilities
    • Scottsdale Rehab
    • Men’s Residence
    • Women’s Residence
  • Addiction
    • Alcohol Treatment
    • Meth Treatment
    • Heroin Treatment
    • Opioid Treatment
    • Prescription Drugs Treatment
  • Treatments
    • Addiction Counseling
    • Dual Diagnosis Treatment
    • Trauma Therapy
    • Holistic Therapies
    • Family Therapy
    • 12 Step Program
    • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
  • Admissions
    • Verify Your Insurance
    • Private Pay
    • FAQ
    • What Should I Bring to Rehab?
    • Schedule a Tour
  • About
    • Our Team
    • Amenities
    • Locations
      • Scottsdale
      • Phoenix
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Guide to Rehab
  • Contact Us
We're Here To Help
(800) 715-2004
Home » Blog » Dangers of Antidepressant Withdrawal

Dangers of Antidepressant Withdrawal

February 3, 2023 By Natalie Marston-Salem

photo of person going through antidepressant withdrawal

Suddenly quitting antidepressants can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, both physically and mentally. Tapering or gradually reducing doses of antidepressant medications should always be done under medical supervision. When gradually reducing doses, patients are more likely to minimize symptoms and ease potential discomfort during the process. If you are looking to get off your antidepressant medication, it is important to speak to your doctor or seek other medical advice from licensed professionals like those at Fountain Hills Recovery and medical detox centers in the Greater Phoenix area.

Challenges of Reducing Antidepressant Medication Use

It can be challenging to stop taking antidepressants, and withdrawal from prescribed antidepressant medications can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). Patients suffering from this condition usually experience flu-like symptoms, dizziness, and insomnia. Symptoms from antidepressant withdrawal often begin days after you stop taking medication and can last for days, weeks and in some cases much longer.

Understanding the risk factors and developing effective treatment plans are some of the steps that can help minimize the effects of antidepressant withdrawal. The goal of stopping antidepressants is to gradually become less dependent, decrease the number of negative episodes & discontinuation symptoms. This can be done through the start of a new antidepressant medication and continued tapering, but should always and only be done with guidance from licensed medical professionals.

Common Symptoms of AntiDepressant Withdrawal:

  • Feeling tired & weak
  • Anxiety & depression
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Upset stomach & diarrhea
  • Muscle aches & headaches
  • Dizzy or lightheadedness
  • Tingling, prickling, or sunburn sensation on your skin

The symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal are dangerous and very unpleasant. While they are typically manageable and do not last long, stopping antidepressant medication should always be done with support of your doctor and/or other medical supervision. If you are concerned and experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from stopping antidepressants, first contact a primary care physician and seek medical advice.

At Fountain Hill Recovery we are here to support your journeys to physical and mental wellness, and we work with medical detox centers in the Greater Phoenix Area to get you on a path to managing your depression through therapeutic modalities and treatments for depression.

Categories: Depression, Mental Health

Related Articles

Image plainly stating anxiety in bold letters
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mental Health

Lexapro Withdrawal – Getting Off Lexapro Safely

February 24, 2023 By Natalie Marston-Salem

The medication Lexapro (escitalopram) is used to treat anxiety and depression, and can be effective but is not always the long-term solution to managing your anxiety. As you consider stopping...

Read moremore about Lexapro Withdrawal – Getting Off Lexapro Safely
Woman sitting in chair depressed and anxious from abuse of alcohol
  • Alcohol Abuse
  • Alcohol addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain – Causing Depression and Anxiety

February 18, 2023 By Natalie Marston-Salem

For some alcohol is thought to have a short-term mood-boosting effect, but truthfully alcohol can also have detrimental effects on mental health. Some of the issues linked to drinking alcohol...

Read moremore about How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain – Causing Depression and Anxiety
  • Inpatient
  • Mental Health
  • Residential Treatment

Choosing the Right Luxury Mental Health Facility

February 9, 2023 By Natalie Marston-Salem

Finding a luxury mental health treatment center that makes sense for you and your family is the best decision you’ll ever make, but it’s not an easy decision. When you...

Read moremore about Choosing the Right Luxury Mental Health Facility

We're Here To Help

Call Now: 1-800-715-2004

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Privacy Policy
16872 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268

© 2023 Fountain Hills Recovery. All Rights Reserved.