In 2023, 15.3% of women and 7.4% of men took antidepressants to help manage their depression — and it’s not hard to see why. Antidepressants can help regulate emotions, turning days filled with dark or racing thoughts into ones that feel more stable and clear-headed. 

But what happens when you start to feel more like your old self? Your energy levels return, and you feel ready to participate in daily activities again. When this happens, can you stop taking your antidepressants cold turkey? 

While it may seem like the logical conclusion, stopping suddenly is not recommended. It’s much safer to work with a physician to create a plan that gradually tapers the medication, helping avoid withdrawal symptoms and the potential return of depression or anxiety. 

In this article, we’ll explore what really happens when you stop taking antidepressants abruptly, why tapering is important, and the risks of going cold turkey. 

What Happens If You Suddenly Stop Taking Antidepressants? 

Some people may consider stopping their antidepressants once they start feeling better, but quitting cold turkey can be risky. Doing so may trigger antidepressant withdrawal, also called discontinuation syndrome. While this is not the same as withdrawal from addictive substances such as opioids or benzodiazepines, it can cause temporary but unpleasant symptoms — usually resolving within a few weeks to two months. 

Common Withdrawal Symptoms: 

• Anxiety that ebbs and flows: Sudden drops in serotonin can make mood swings more noticeable. 

• Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia or restless sleep is common during withdrawal. 

• Quickly changing moods: Emotional stability may temporarily worsen. 

• Reduced enjoyment: Things that once brought pleasure may feel flat. 

• Difficulty concentrating: Brain fog and attention issues can occur. 

• Suicidal thoughts: Rare, but serious; always seek immediate help if this occurs. 

• Restlessness: Feeling jittery or unable to sit still. 

• Flu-like symptoms: Fatigue, muscle aches and headaches may appear. 

In addition to causing some of these symptoms, stopping antidepressants suddenly may also cause the depression to return. That’s why it’s important to talk to your physician instead of quitting antidepressants on your own. 

What Causes Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms? 

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome doesn’t have a single clear cause, but it’s most common when you stop taking your medication suddenly. SSRIs — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. 

If you stop taking an SSRI, serotonin levels can drop quickly, which may trigger withdrawal symptoms. The type of antidepressant, your dosageand how long you’ve been on the medication all play a role in the likelihood and severity of these effects. 

Why Tapering Your Medication Matters 

Stopping antidepressants suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms, but gradually reducing your dose — or tapering — allows your brain and body to adjust safely. 

The first step in tapering is to work closely with your physician. Your doctor can create a personalized plan based on the following factors: 

• The type of antidepressant you’re taking 

• Your current dose 

• How long you’ve been on the medication 

Depending on your medical history, tapering may require small, incremental dose reductions over several weeks or months to prevent withdrawal symptoms while maintaining mood stability. 

It’s also important to monitor your symptoms carefully during the tapering process. Keep track of changes in mood, sleep, energy and physical health, and report any concerning signs to your physician immediately. This helps your doctor adjust the plan if needed, providing a safer and more comfortable transition off the medication. 

For example, a physician might reduce a daily dose of an SSRI like Prozac, Zoloft or Lexapro by 10 to 25% every one to two weeks. This gradual approach allows serotonin levels in the brain to adjust slowly, reducing the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms. 

By tapering carefully under medical supervision, you can reduce the risk of complications and support your continued mental health, making the transition off antidepressants much safer than stopping cold turkey. 

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Curious about how antidepressants and other drugs actually affect the body? At the University of Florida, our online graduate programs in medical sciences dive into how the brain, heart and other major systems respond to medications and diseases. 

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If you’re ready to build deeper knowledge of how the human body works — and make a difference in healthcare — UF’s online programs can help you get there. 

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/antidepressant-withdrawal/faq-20058133
https://www.prevention.com/life/a20509451/what-happens-when-you-stop-taking-antidepressants/
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/dangers-of-stopping-antidepressants