Deciding about stopping your antidepressant: Overview

How do antidepressants work?

There are many different types of antidepressants. They may work in slightly different ways, but how they work is not completely understood. Antidepressants may increase the level of certain chemicals in the brain. But not all experts agree this is how they work.

You may start to feel better within a few weeks after you start taking antidepressant medicine. But it can take up to 2 to 3 months. And even then, they don't work for everyone. If antidepressants work well for you, your doctor may suggest taking them for at least 6 months after you feel better. This may help keep you from getting depressed again. If this is not the first time you have been depressed, your doctor may want you to take it for an even longer time.

If you have questions or concerns about your medicines, talk to your doctor.

What are key points about this decision?

• The best reason to stop taking your antidepressant is because you feel better and you and your doctor believe that you will stay well after you stop taking it.
• An antidepressant needs time to work. You may start to feel better within a few weeks after you start taking antidepressant medicine. But it can take up to 2 to 3 months. And even then, they don't work for everyone.
• Most side effects are more bothersome than serious. They can often be managed. Or your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine.
• Depression may return for some people. If antidepressants work well for you, your doctor may suggest taking them for at least 6 months after you feel better. This may help keep you from getting depressed again.
• If you plan to stop taking your medicine, talk with your doctor first about how to do it safely. You may need to stop slowly over time. Suddenly stopping some medicines may cause side effects. These include flu-like symptoms and dizziness.
• Seeing a counsellor works well to help people with depression feel better.
• Depression is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is a mental health condition, not a character flaw.

Why might you choose to stop taking your medicine?

• You are feeling better, and you and the doctor agree that it is time to stop.
• You have been taking the medicine for at least 6 months after you feel better.
• You are having counselling to help you cope with problems and help change how you think and feel.
• You are not worried about the depression coming back.

Why might you choose not to stop your medicine?

• You are not yet feeling better.
• You have not taken the medicine for at least 6 months after you feel better.
• You need to make a plan to stop taking the medicine when you and your doctor think you are ready.
• You are worried that the depression may come back.

Your decision

Thinking about the facts and your feelings can help you make a decision that is right for you. Be sure you understand the benefits and risks of your options, and think about what else you need to do before you make the decision.