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Patients do not need to remain on antidepressants indefinitely in order to avoid withdrawal reactions.

A literature review found that 56% of patients trying to discontinue antidepressants had withdrawal reactions.

Patient education and slow gradual tapers tend to allow for a smoother discontinuation of antidepressants.

Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications, with an estimated 29 million people in the U.S. taking them including about 18 million who have been on them for at least five years (Elgaddal et al, 2025, Davies et al, 2019). Discontinuing antidepressants is associated with withdrawal reactions, which are often under-recognized and poorly treated (Shapiro et al, 2025a).

As a psychiatrist who specializes in prescribing medications, patients frequently ask if they will ever be able to stop their antidepressants. Some have had negative experiences and felt quite ill when previously tapering off antidepressants. Others read online that antidepressants can be extremely difficult to discontinue. The fear of a withdrawal reaction is justifiable.

The good news is that individuals can safely taper off antidepressants. They do not need to remain on these medications indefinitely in order to avoid a withdrawal reaction. Nor do they need to suffer through debilitating withdrawal symptoms. There are widely accepted strategies to taper off antidepressants smoothly with minimal disruption to normal functioning.

What is antidepressant withdrawal syndrome?

Antidepressant withdrawal syndrome can occur after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are stopped abruptly or tapered too quickly. It is more likely to occur after being on medication for at least several months. Physical........

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