A new large study has found that about one in six people may experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop taking antidepressants.
These medicines are widely used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, and millions of people around the world rely on them every day. While they can be very helpful, many people worry about what happens when they decide to stop using them.
Withdrawal symptoms, sometimes called discontinuation symptoms, can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, sleep problems, and feeling more emotional or easily upset. Some people also report flu-like feelings, trouble concentrating, or strange sensations in the body.
These symptoms usually appear soon after stopping the medicine and may last for days or weeks, depending on the person and the type of drug used.
The study was published in the medical journal The Lancet Psychiatry. Researchers analyzed data from 79 previous studies that included more than 21,000 participants.
The work was led by scientists from Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Virginia. Their goal was to get a clearer and more reliable understanding of how often withdrawal symptoms happen and how severe they are.
The findings showed that about 15 percent of people who stopped antidepressants experienced at least one withdrawal symptom. In most cases, these symptoms were mild and manageable.
However, around 3 percent of people had severe symptoms that were serious enough to make them restart the medication or leave the study. This shows that while withdrawal can happen, it is usually not extreme for most people.
Antidepressants are often taken for long periods, sometimes months or even years, because depression and anxiety can be ongoing conditions. Many people also combine medication with counseling or therapy for better results.
When they feel ready to stop, doctors usually recommend a careful plan rather than quitting suddenly. Speaking with a healthcare professional before making changes is very important because the body needs time to adjust.
In earlier years, some reports suggested that more than half of patients experienced withdrawal symptoms. However, those reports were often based on weaker evidence. The new research used stronger methods known as randomized controlled trials.
In these studies, some participants receive real medicine while others receive a placebo, which is a fake pill with no active ingredient. This method helps scientists separate real drug effects from other influences.
Interestingly, the study found that 31 percent of people who stopped antidepressants reported symptoms, but 17 percent of people who stopped taking a placebo also reported symptoms.
This suggests that not all symptoms are caused directly by the medication. Some may happen because people expect to feel unwell after stopping treatment. This reaction is known as the nocebo effect, which is the opposite of the placebo effect.
Researchers also discovered that some antidepressants are more likely to cause stronger withdrawal symptoms than others. Drugs such as imipramine, paroxetine, and desvenlafaxine were linked to higher rates of discomfort after stopping. The reason may be related to how these medicines affect brain chemicals and how quickly they leave the body.
Another question scientists examined was whether stopping medication suddenly or slowly reducing the dose made a difference. The results did not show a clear advantage for either method.
However, many doctors still recommend gradual reduction because it may help some patients feel more comfortable during the transition. More research is needed to understand the best approach.
Experts say the most important message is that people should not feel afraid but should be informed. Withdrawal symptoms can happen, but they are usually manageable with proper medical guidance. Clear communication between patients and doctors can help create a safe plan for stopping medication when the time is right.
Overall, the study offers reassuring news. Although withdrawal symptoms are possible, they are not as common or as severe as once believed. With careful planning, support, and professional advice, most people can stop antidepressants safely and continue moving forward in their recovery.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health.
For more mental health information, please see recent studies about top foods to tame your stress, and Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
