Why I Experience Unpleasant Symptoms After Ceasing Antidepressants?

Have you been taking an antidepressant medication continuously for at least 1 month?

Have you abruptly ceased taking (or reduced the dose) of the antidepressant medication?

Did you experience specific sensory, somatic, and cognitive-emotional symptoms (e.g., flashes of lights, "electric shock" sensations, nausea, hyperresponsivity to noises or lights, nonspecific anxiety and feelings of dread) within 2-4 days after discontinuation of the antidepressant?

Can you confirm that the symptoms were not present before the antidepressant dosage was reduced or discontinued?

Based on your answers, you may be experiencing an uncomfortable symptom after stopping antidepressant use. While it is unlikely that you have antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, you are displaying a sign related to it. Discontinuation symptoms are almost never fatal, but they can cause psychological impairment. The symptoms usually go away maximum three weeks after onset. The unpleasant symptoms can sometimes be related to another mental disorder, including substance intoxication, substance withdrawal, or somatic symptom disorder. Talk to your doctor for advises. In case you answered ‘no’ to all questions, there may be no need to worry.

Based on your answers, you are experiencing several unpleasant symptoms after ceasing antidepressant use. While it is unlikely that you have antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, these symptoms are related to it. Seeking medical support may be useful. Your doctor will provide some reassurance, and he may decide to restart the medication with a low dose. If symptoms occur again, your doctor may consider starting the medication at the original dose and then taper at a slower rate. If that doesn’t work either, your doctor may consider substituting the medication.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Seeking medical support is very important.