- Category
- Products
- Conditions
Lifestyle articles
alertness
cognition
sleep
wellbeing
Science articles
Long-term antidepressant use: 10x higher odds for withdrawal
filter
Antidepressants have long been a cornerstone in treating depression and anxiety, offering relief to millions worldwide. Just in the UK, 8.7 million patients were prescribed antidepressants from 2023 to 2024[1 Trusted Source 2024 - NHS Business Service Authority 3rd-party source NHS releases 2023/24 mental health medicines statistics for England ] . Recent research has shed light on the complexities of stopping treatment with these medications. A new study published in Psychiatry Research explores the withdrawal effects of antidepressants, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by people who decide to stop taking them[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] . It highlighted that people who take antidepressants for 2 years or more are 10 times more likely to experience withdrawal effects than those who only took antidepressants for less than 6 months.
What effects do antidepressants have on the brain?
Antidepressants are medications designed to alleviate symptoms of depression and, in some cases, anxiety disorders[3 Trusted Source 2010 - JAMA Systematic and meta-analysis Antidepressant Drug Effects and Depression Severity: A Patient-Level Meta-analysis ] ,[4 Trusted Source 2023 - Neurology and Therapy Research evaluation Evidence-Based Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Focus on Agomelatine ] . They function by altering the balance of your brain chemicals, especially your feel-good chemical serotonin that regulates mood and emotional states[5 Trusted Source 2013 - Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry Research evaluation Review of the choice and use of antidepressant drugs ] .
There are several classes of antidepressants, each of which works in a specific way. What do antidepressants do to the brain? The most frequently prescribed ones, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), increase serotonin levels in the brain by preventing this chemical from being reused by your brain cells[5 Trusted Source 2013 - Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry Research evaluation Review of the choice and use of antidepressant drugs ] . While Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) boost serotonin levels and the levels of your fight-or-flight response chemical norepinephrine, Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) regulate the amount of both of them that gets reused[5 Trusted Source 2013 - Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry Research evaluation Review of the choice and use of antidepressant drugs ] . Lastly, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit special helper molecules that are responsible for breaking down these brain chemicals[5 Trusted Source 2013 - Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry Research evaluation Review of the choice and use of antidepressant drugs ] .
What happens to your body when you stop taking antidepressants?
The new 2025 study published in Psychiatry Research offers fresh and important insights into what happens when people stop taking antidepressants[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] . The researchers investigated the antidepressant withdrawal effects by analysing behavioural changes in 310 participants from NHS primary care psychological treatment services who had formerly been taking antidepressants[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] . What they found was revealing.
- While 62% said the medication had helped them, a striking 79% experienced some level of withdrawal symptoms after stopping[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] .
- Nearly half (45%) described these symptoms as severe or moderately severe[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] .
- 38% reported being unable to fully stop the medication[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] .
- 20% said their symptoms lasted more than three months, with 10% affected for over a year[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] .
These withdrawal effects include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, dizziness, sensory disturbances (often described as “brain zaps”), mood swings, and heightened anxiety[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] . Some people even report depressive symptoms returning, which can be confused with relapse rather than withdrawal[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] .
This research supports what many patients have reported anecdotally and what some clinical studies have increasingly acknowledged - that withdrawal from antidepressants can cause real and sometimes long-lasting symptoms[6 Trusted Source 2020 - Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology Systematic and meta-analysis Review of the choice and use of antidepressant drugs ] .
How many years can you be on antidepressants?
People usually stay on antidepressants until their mental health starts to improve. For some, this might be longer, especially if they’re still finding the right antidepressant or if they’re yet to start talking therapy alongside. The 2025 study on 310 participants also found that those participants who had used antidepressants for over two years were 10 times more likely to navigate a longer adjustment period when stopping antidepressants, compared to those who had taken them for less than six months[2 Trusted Source 2025 - Psychiatry Research Human study Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services ] . This aligns with clinical evidence suggesting that longer use and higher doses increase the likelihood of more intense withdrawal effects[7 Trusted Source 2022 - Drug Safety Systematic and meta-analysis Withdrawal Syndrome Following Discontinuation of 28 Antidepressants: Pharmacovigilance Analysis of 31,688 Reports from the WHO Spontaneous Reporting Database ] . So, how long can you take antidepressants for? There’s yet to be a specific guide on it, however, the 2025 study adds weight to calls from mental health professionals and patients alike for better guidelines and support when discontinuing antidepressants. A slow, supervised process for stopping antidepressants is essential for minimising the impact of withdrawal symptoms.
Why do antidepressants frequently target serotonin?
Serotonin, often dubbed the "feel-good" chemical, plays a crucial role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and other bodily functions[8 Trusted Source 2021 - International Journal of Molecular Sciences Research evaluation Serotonin—Its Synthesis and Roles in the Healthy and the Critically Ill ] . The more serotonin that gets produced, the more serotonin can be released, which is what contributes to feelings of well-being. Low levels of serotonin have frequently been associated with mood disorders, including depression and anxiety[9 Trusted Source 2023 - Molecular Psychiatry Systematic and meta-analysis The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence ] ,[10 Trusted Source 2020 - Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience Research evaluation Serotonin in panic and anxiety disorders ] . This is why antidepressants regulate serotonin levels in the brain.
What are the side effects of antidepressants?
Antidepressants can be life-changing and highly effective for many people. Like all medications, they can cause side effects - some mild and temporary, others more persistent. Common antidepressant side effects include nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, increased sweating, and sleep disturbances[11 Trusted Source 2008 - Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience Research evaluation Toward achieving optimal response: Understanding and managing antidepressant side effects ] . Sexual side effects such as reduced libido are also frequently reported, especially with SSRIs and SNRIs[12 Trusted Source 2018 - BMJ Research evaluation Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: Population based cohort study ] . Weight gain and emotional blunting are other lesser-known side effects that can develop over time, particularly with longer-term use[12 Trusted Source 2018 - BMJ Research evaluation Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: Population based cohort study ] ,[13 Trusted Source 2021 - International Journal of Molecular Sciences Research evaluation The Mechanism of Secretion and Metabolism of Gut-Derived 5-Hydroxytryptamine ] . For some people, these side effects lessen over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
All in all, many people find the benefits of treatment far outweigh the negatives or might even have a good, side-effect-free experience of antidepressants. Still, being aware of these potential effects helps patients and their doctors make informed decisions and adjust treatment if needed.
If you’re experiencing depression symptoms, you should consult your GP so they can provide you with the right treatment.
Increasing serotonin levels naturally
Serotonin levels are closely linked to your diet, as certain foods contain its key building blocks - tryptophan and 5-htp - which play a direct role in serotonin production. After ingesting serotonin’s building block, tryptophan through protein-rich foods, approximately 90% of it converts into serotonin in the gut[14 Trusted Source 2021 - International Journal of Molecular Sciences Research evaluation The Mechanism of Secretion and Metabolism of Gut-Derived 5-Hydroxytryptamine ] , while only 10% converts into serotonin’s direct building block, called 5-htp, that travels to the brain and makes brain serotonin (5-ht). If you’re looking for a boost in your feel-good chemical, going straight for its direct building block, 5-htp, is the natural way to do it.
Despite the name, 5-htp is a natural compound found in Brazilian honey, some types of mushrooms and Griffonia seed[15 Trusted Source 2013 - Mycoscience 3rd-party research Levels of physiologically active indole derivatives in the fruiting bodies of some edible mushrooms (Basidiomycota) before and after thermal processing ] ,[16 Trusted Source 2022 - Melatonin Research 3rd-party research Serotonin, melatonin and their precursors and metabolites and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey ] ,[17 Trusted Source 2017 - Rutgers University - Graduate School 3rd-party research A phytochemical exploration of Griffonia simplicifolia seeds and leaves ] . Getting an adequate amount of it from foods could cause stomach issues because of the amount of natural sources you’d have to ingest. Alternatively, you can opt for a 5-htp supplement. brain feed’s 100 mg 5-htp is extracted and isolated from Ghanian Griffonia simplicifolia seeds. 98% of the tablet is comprised of 5-htp, making it the smallest, nutrient-dense tablet available and no unnecessary bulking agents.
What are the side effects of 5-htp?
5-htp is safe when you follow the serving recommendations. In other cases, 5-htp is completely safe to use when you follow the recommended dose and time of intake. One study found 400mg of 5-htp was safely taken for 12 months[18 Trusted Source 1998 - Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic Research evaluation Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway ] . Since 5-htp works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, it should not be taken with any antidepressant medication.
Remember, always support your mental health by making informed decisions and discussing the treatment process with a professional who should provide you with scientifically based answers.
References
[1] NHS releases 2023/24 mental health medicines statistics for England (2024). NHS Business Service Authority. https://media.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/press-releases/5171d616-95ea-4282-959b-15f8bfed6a0f/nhs-releases-2023-24-mental-health-medicines-statistics-for-england
[2] Horowitz, M. A., Buckman, J. E. J., Saunders, R., Aguirre, E., Davies, J., & Moncrieff, J. (2025). Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: A survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services. Psychiatry Research, 116497. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178125001453
[3] Fournier, J. C., DeRubeis, R. J., Hollon, S. D., Dimidjian, S., Amsterdam, J. D., Shelton, R. C., & Fawcett, J. (2010). Antidepressant Drug Effects and Depression Severity: A Patient-Level Meta-analysis. JAMA, 303(1), 47–53. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/185157
[4] Stein, D. J. (2023). Evidence-Based Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Focus on Agomelatine. Neurology and Therapy, 12(1), 13–19. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40120-023-00470-z
[5] Bleakley, S. (2013). Review of the choice and use of antidepressant drugs. Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry, 17(6), 18–26. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pnp.311
[6] Hengartner, M. P., Schulthess, L., Sorensen, A., & Framer, A. (2020). Protracted withdrawal syndrome after stopping antidepressants: A descriptive quantitative analysis of consumer narratives from a large internet forum. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 10, 2045125320980573. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2045125320980573
[7] Gastaldon, C., Schoretsanitis, G., Arzenton, E., Raschi, E., Papola, D., Ostuzzi, G., Moretti, U., Seifritz, E., Kane, J. M., Trifirò, G., & Barbui, C. (2022). Withdrawal Syndrome Following Discontinuation of 28 Antidepressants: Pharmacovigilance Analysis of 31,688 Reports from the WHO Spontaneous Reporting Database. Drug Safety, 45(12), 1539–1549. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40264-022-01246-4
[8] Kanova, M., & Kohout, P. (2021). Serotonin—Its Synthesis and Roles in the Healthy and the Critically Ill. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(9), Article 9. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/9/4837
[9] Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A. (2023). The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiatry, 28(8), 3243–3256. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01661-0
[10] Zangrossi, H., Del Ben, C. M., Graeff, F. G., & Guimarães, F. S. (2020). Chapter 36—Serotonin in panic and anxiety disorders. In C. P. Müller & K. A. Cunningham (Eds.), Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience (Vol. 31, pp. 611–633). Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444641250000360
[11] Kelly, K., Posternak ,Michael, & and Jonathan, E. A. (2008). Toward achieving optimal response: Understanding and managing antidepressant side effects. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 10(4), 409–418. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.4/kkelly
[12] Gafoor, R., Booth, H. P., & Gulliford, M. C. (2018). Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: Population based cohort study. BMJ, 361, k1951. https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k1951
[13] Ma, H., Cai, M., & Wang, H. (2021). Emotional Blunting in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Brief Non-systematic Review of Current Research. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.792960/full
[14] Liu, N., Sun, S., Wang, P., Sun, Y., Hu, Q., & Wang, X. (2021). The Mechanism of Secretion and Metabolism of Gut-Derived 5-Hydroxytryptamine. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(15), Article 15. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/15/7931
[15] Muszyńska, B., Sułkowska-Ziaja, K., & Wójcik, A. (2013). Levels of physiologically active indole derivatives in the fruiting bodies of some edible mushrooms (Basidiomycota) before and after thermal processing. Mycoscience, 54(5), 321–326. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/mycosci/54/5/54_MYC54321/_article/-char/en
[16] Kim, T.-K., Fabisiak, A., Brzeminski, P., Reiter, R. J., & Slominski, A. T. (2022). Serotonin, melatonin and their precursors and metabolites and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey. Melatonin Research, 5(3), Article 3. https://www.melatonin-research.net/index.php/MR/article/view/205
[17] Giurleo, D. (2017). A phytochemical exploration of Griffonia simplicifolia seeds and leaves [Rutgers University - Graduate School - New Brunswick]. https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/52205/
[18] Juhl, J. H. (1998). Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway. Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic, 3(5), 367–375. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9802912/
Leave a comment
Open tab