Symptoms of withdrawal can appear within a few days of stopping the antidepressant or reducing the dose. Nausea, tiredness and anxiety are common symptoms. If patients develop these symptoms they should tell their doctor. Their antidepressants may need to be reduced more slowly. Sometimes patients need to change from one antidepressant to another.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when swapping over.
These symptoms can be similar to the side effects of the new medication. To avoid this confusion, the doctor may suggest waiting a few days before starting the new medication.