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Before discontinuing antidepressant medication, make sure you discuss this with your prescriber first. It is not advised to take yourself off of medication without medical supervision. Your physician may advise you how to decrease and eliminate usage so that you come off safely. Prior to discontinuing medication, talk about the risks with your prescriber. Be knowledgeable about the risks and what the process will be like before starting. Talk with your physician about whether or not there are any medical risks of withdrawing from medication. Reconsider discontinuation if your are in the midst of a stressful situation, such as a breakup, change in careers, or move. Post-pone discontinuation until you are stable and in a good place. While this may be one way to stop using other substances, it is strongly advised against when lowering antidepressant medication. Often, physicians will advise you to taper dosage, which means slowly decreasing the amount over time. Make sure that your process is monitored by your prescriber. Generally, it's recommended that individuals stay on medication for 6-9 months before considering discontinuation. While symptoms can vary depending on individual factors and what medication you take, there are some common withdrawal symptoms to look out for. You may be experiencing withdrawal if you encounter the following symptoms while going off of antidepressants: Nausea/vomiting Stomach cramps Diarrhea Appetite loss Difficulty regulating body temperature (excessive sweating, hot flashes) Insomnia, increase in nightmares Difficulties with balance Feeling lightheaded Tremors, restless legs Sensations such as tingling, ringing in your ears, feeling shocks Flu-like symptoms Along with physical symptoms of withdrawal, emotional symptoms can also occur. Keep an eye out for the following withdrawal symptoms regarding your emotional health: Depression Increased anxiety Agitation Aggression Irritability Confusion Mood swings Hallucinations Mania
Consult with your physician beforehand. Discuss risks with your physician. Avoid stopping "cold turkey". Recognize physical symptoms of withdrawal. Identify emotional symptoms of withdrawal.