Health Tip: Don't Suddenly Stop Taking an Antidepressant

It can cause unpleasant side effects

(HealthDay News) - If you want to stop taking an antidepressant, it's important to speak with your doctor first, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The doctor may recommend weaning your body off the medication gradually.

People who stop an antidepressant too quickly may trigger a host of symptoms that doctors call antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Symptoms may include:

• Anxiety.
• Feelings of depression or sadness.
• Moodiness and irritability.
• Tiredness.
• Headaches and dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

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If an antidepressant is causing an unpleasant side effect, your doctor may opt to lower your dose or prescribe a different type of antidepressant altogether.

-- Diana Kohnle