It is estimated that one in six individuals ceasing the use of antidepressants may experience withdrawal effects due to the cessation of medication.
This incidence rate is considerably less than previously thought, as evidenced by the findings of an extensive study.
Through an analysis of randomized controlled trials featured in The Lancet Psychiatry, it was determined that about 15% of patients are likely to encounter at least one symptom attributed to discontinuation, with a subset of 2-3% experiencing severe manifestations.
Prior research had indicated a much higher prevalence of withdrawal effects, suggesting an impact on 56% of users.
The year 2022/23 saw 86 million antidepressant prescriptions dispensed to roughly 8.6 million individuals in England, based on data from the NHS.
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The research highlights that the antidepressants most commonly prescribed in the UK, such as citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine, exhibited the lowest occurrence of withdrawal symptoms during the duration of the study.
Conversely, the antidepressant venlafaxine, also prescribed within the UK, was among those with a higher rate of withdrawal symptoms.
In conjunction with the main study findings, Glyn Lewis, a professor of epidemiological psychiatry at University College London Division of Psychiatry, and Dr. Gemma Lewis noted in an editorial that several of the analyzed studies were limited in scope, “often involving less common antidepressants today and including participants who hadn’t been on medication for an extended period.”
Nonetheless, they suggested that the new data “represent a significant enhancement over any previous publications.” -pf=–>stCY-osilibuttonnt.png” />
According to Dr. Jonathan Henssler of Charite – Universitatsmedizin Berlin and one of the study’s authors, “Antidepressants can be highly beneficial for a great number of individuals suffering from depression, whether used solo or in conjunction with other interventions like psychotherapy.”
“Not all patients will respond to these medications, and side effects can be bothersome for some.”
The discontinuation of antidepressant use can cause a spectrum of symptoms or none at all.
Commonly reported symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, insomnia, and irritability.
These symptoms typically manifest within days after stopping the medication, and according to the new study, can last anywhere from 1.5 to 196 days.
The study encompassed several different antidepressants, pooling data from 21,000 patient participants across 79 research studies.
A large proportion (72%) of subjects in the studies were female, with an average age of 45.
FAQ Section
What percentage of people experience withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants according to the new study?
Approximately 15% of patients will experience withdrawal symptoms as a direct consequence of stopping antidepressants, with 2-3% suffering from severe effects.
Which antidepressants showed the lowest rates of withdrawal symptoms?
The antidepressants with the lowest reported withdrawal symptoms were citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine.
How long can withdrawal symptoms last after discontinuing antidepressants?
The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary from 1.5 days up to 196 days after stopping the use of antidepressants.
What are the most commonly reported symptoms after discontinuing antidepressant medication?
The most frequently cited withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, insomnia, and irritability.
How many people were prescribed antidepressants in England in 2022/23, according to the NHS?
Based on NHS data, an estimated 86 million antidepressant prescriptions were dispensed to around 8.6 million patients in England during 2022/23.