Some people have first effects within 1-3 days of abruptly discontinuing the medicine. Symptoms normally last 1-3 weeks, with the first week being the most severe. By beginning the antidepressant prescription, symptoms might be resolved within 24 hours. > span> After the first week, medications are still in your body and can cause symptoms if you stop taking them too quickly. Detoxification from antidepressants can be difficult because they work by increasing neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain. When you stop taking them, these chemicals decrease back into their normal state. The longer you take them, the longer you will need to wait before stopping them completely. The best way to quit antidepressants is by stopping them gradually over time. If you stop taking them all at once, you may experience some very unpleasant side effects. It takes about a week for all of the drugs in your body to be eliminated. During this time, you should only drink water and eat healthy foods. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar during this period. These things will help keep you clearheaded and aware of what's going on around you. Once you've stopped taking your medication, don't restart it without talking to your doctor first. Some people who stop taking antidepressants suddenly experience a relapse into depression.