Introduction: Stopping Isn’t Just About Stopping

Many people wonder how to safely stop antidepressants. The internet offers conflicting advice: some urge extremely slow tapers, others say it’s easy. So, what does the science really say?

Recent research, including the 2025 JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis of 18,000 patients, provides guidance. While withdrawal symptoms are real, they are typically mild and short-lived with proper planning.

Here’s how to approach stopping antidepressants in a safe, confident, and structured way.

Why You Should Never Stop Abruptly (Except on Medical Advice)

Stopping suddenly can lead to:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Mood swings

• Sleep disturbances

Even though these symptoms are often minor, abrupt cessation can sometimes blur the lines between withdrawal and relapse. A gradual reduction is almost always safer.

How to Stop Safely: Key Steps

1️⃣ Consult Your Psychiatrist First

Never make the decision alone. A trained psychiatrist can help assess:

• Whether this is the right time.

• Risks of relapse.

• The safest method tailored to you.

2️⃣ Consider a Gradual Taper

Gradual reduction helps your body adjust. A 2-6 week taper is common, but slower approaches may be used for medications like venlafaxine or paroxetine.

Tapering can be adjusted based on:

• Previous withdrawal experiences.

• Duration of use.

• Type of antidepressant.

3️⃣ Monitor for Symptoms vs. Relapse

Symptoms like dizziness or nausea typically occur within 1-2 weeks and improve.
Relapse signs involve low mood, hopelessness, poor motivation and emerge over weeks to months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Why Tapering Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Some people tolerate faster reductions. Others need more caution. Factors include:

• Type of antidepressant

• Personal sensitivity to changes

• History of previous discontinuation attempts

For example:
✅ Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine need slower, structured tapers.
✅ Escitalopram and vortioxetine are usually easier to taper.

Final Thoughts

Tapering antidepressants is a clinical process, not a personal experiment. With guidance, most people can stop safely without significant discomfort.

The most important takeaway?
Make the decision together with your doctor.

About Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T

As a Consultant Psychiatrist, I specialize in helping individuals safely reduce and discontinue psychiatric medications through evidence-based deprescribing protocols. I focus on clear, personalized guidance to ensure mental health stability during the process.

I also provide treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, addiction, and dementia care.

If you’re considering tapering antidepressants and want expert support, I’m here to help.

📍 Apollo Clinics Velachery & Tambaram
📞 +91 85951 55808
💻 Online Consultations Available