Even then, he says, the symptoms are mild and short-lived. While Melissa Hall was ultimately able to get off the antidepressant, she says her experience was far from mild or short-lived. Think of your doctor as your partner in healing, suggests Hedaya. Don't go off medication without medical supervision. Taper the medication.
Experts agree that the best way to avoid withdawal side effects is to wean off the medication.
By reducing the dosage in small increments, the brain can gradually adjust to the change in chemical balance and slowly adapt to living without the drug. For some people, experts say, this process may take up to a year. While drugs can often cover up problems, therapy can help uncover and address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral treatment, for example, can work to change maladaptive behavior, bring out stifled emotions and provide you with the tools for dealing with future issues. In fact, extensive clinical research has shown that for some conditions, psychotherapy is superior to medication in the long run.