Dr. Alice Connors-Kellgren on the Risks of Addictive Anxiety Medications at Tufts

Navigating Antidepressant discontinuation: A Safe Approach

Updated: 5:57 PM EST, March 5, 2025

For individuals considering discontinuing antidepressant medication, understanding the process and potential withdrawal symptoms is crucial.While antidepressants are not considered addictive, abruptly stopping them can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes distressing withdrawal effects.

Understanding Antidepressant Medications and Neurotransmitters

Antidepressants function by altering the levels of neurotransmitters, which Dr. Alice Connors-Kellgren, a clinical psychologist at Tufts Medical Center, describes as “chemical messengers in our brain and the rest of our nervous system… that impact mood.” When these medications are effective, they shift the balance of neurotransmitters to “a more effective level that helps their mood stay more elevated.”

The Importance of Gradual Discontinuation

Dr. Connors-Kellgren emphasizes that while “antidepressant medications are not addictive,” sudden cessation can trigger withdrawal symptoms, including “increased feelings of depression.” This occurs as stopping the medication abruptly disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters, leading to various physical and psychological effects.

titration: A Safe Method for Discontinuation

The recommended approach for discontinuing antidepressants is a process called titration. According to Dr.connors-Kellgren, “I always recommend that patients work with their prescribing doctor if they’re interested in coming off antidepressants, and the kind of right way that this is done is called titration, which is when people take increasingly smaller doses of the medication to allow their brain and their body to adjust the levels of their neurotransmitters and not have that balance get so out of whack.”

• Consult Your Doctor: Always work with your prescribing physician.
• Gradual Dose reduction: Slowly decrease the dosage over time.
• Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to any emerging withdrawal symptoms.

Potential Withdrawal Symptoms

While most withdrawal symptoms are not medically dangerous, they can be uncomfortable. These symptoms may include:

• Digestive discomfort
• Body temperature issues (hot flashes or sweating)
• Sleep disruptions
• Mood swings

Its crucial to distinguish between typical withdrawal symptoms and more serious mood changes. Dr. connors-Kellgren advises, “However, if you do experience changes in mood that don’t respond to taking a single dose of the antidepressant or feelings of suicidality, then it’s time to reach out to your doctor, right?”

Actionable Steps for Safe Discontinuation

Here are practical steps to ensure a safe and well-managed discontinuation process:

• Consult Your Physician: Discuss your desire to discontinue antidepressants with your doctor.
• Develop a Titration Plan: Work with your doctor to create a gradual dose reduction schedule tailored to your specific medication and needs.
• Monitor and Report symptoms: Keep a detailed record of any withdrawal symptoms you experience and promptly report them to your doctor.
• Seek Immediate Help if Needed: If you experience severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts, seek immediate medical attention. As Dr. Connors-kellgren clearly states, “You always recommend reaching out to your doctor first and then asking them, don’t just take yourself off of medication. Put yourself back on. Is that correct? I just want to make that clear. Yes, exactly.”

Conclusion

Discontinuing antidepressants requires careful planning and close collaboration with your healthcare provider.By understanding the titration process, recognizing potential withdrawal symptoms, and seeking timely medical advice, you can navigate this transition safely and effectively. Remember, prioritizing your mental and physical well-being is paramount. If you’re considering coming off antidepressants, schedule a consultation with your doctor today to discuss the best approach for your individual needs.

What are some of the most common and challenging aspects of antidepressant treatment beyond discontinuation that patients frequently enough find confusing?

Navigating Antidepressant Discontinuation: An Interview with Dr. alice Connors-Kellgren

we sat down with dr. Alice Connors-Kellgren, a clinical psychologist at Tufts Medical Center, to discuss a critical topic: safely navigating antidepressant discontinuation. Her expertise sheds light on the importance of a gradual, medically supervised approach to coming off antidepressants.

Understanding the Nuances of Antidepressant withdrawal

Archyde News: Dr. Connors-Kellgren, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the basics. Many hear about “antidepressant withdrawal,” but is that the same as addiction?

Dr. Connors-Kellgren: That’s a great question.it’s essential to understand that antidepressant medications aren’t considered addictive in the conventional sense. Though, abruptly stopping them can trigger withdrawal symptoms. This happens as antidepressants alter the levels of neurotransmitters—chemical messengers in our brain that impact mood. When you suddenly stop, the brain’s delicate balance is disrupted, leading to uncomfortable side effects.

The Titration Method: A Safer Approach

Archyde News: So, what’s the recommended procedure for discontinuing antidepressants?

Dr. Connors-Kellgren: The gold standard is a process called titration. I always recommend that patients work with their prescribing doctor. Titration involves taking increasingly smaller doses of the medication.This allows the brain and body to gradually adjust neurotransmitter levels, preventing a sudden and drastic shift that can cause withdrawal symptoms. It’s all about minimizing that imbalance.

Recognizing and Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

Archyde News: What types of withdrawal symptoms shoudl someone watch out for when discontinuing antidepressants?

Dr. Connors-Kellgren: While the symptoms vary, some common ones include digestive discomfort, body temperature fluctuations like hot flashes or sweating, sleep disruptions, and mood swings. These symptoms are usually not medically dangerous, but they can be quiet uncomfortable.

Differentiating Withdrawal from Relapse

Archyde News: How can someone differentiate between typical withdrawal symptoms and a return of their underlying depression?

Dr. Connors-Kellgren: That’s a crucial distinction. If you experience mood changes that don’t respond to taking a single dose of the antidepressant, or if you have feelings of suicidality, it’s imperative to reach out to your doctor promptly. Withdrawal symptoms are usually transient and lessen over time as the body adjusts. A return of depressive symptoms often requires a different approach, perhaps including resuming medication or adjusting treatment.

Staying Safe during antidepressant Discontinuation

Archyde News: What actionable steps should someone take to ensure a safe antidepressant discontinuation process?

Dr. Connors-Kellgren: Frist and foremost, consult with your prescribing physician before making any changes. Work with them to develop a personalized titration plan—a gradual dose reduction schedule. Keep a detailed record of any withdrawal symptoms you experience and promptly report them to your doctor. Most importantly, if you experience severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts, seek immediate medical attention. Let me reiterate: don’t just take yourself off of medication without guidance. If your unsure,put yourself back on the prescribed dose and consult with your doctor. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Final Thoughts and Reader engagement

archyde News: dr. Connors-Kellgren, thank you for providing such valuable insights into navigating antidepressant discontinuation. It’s clear that a collaborative and cautious approach is paramount. One final question for our readers: What aspect of antidepressant treatment, beyond discontinuation, do you find most challenging or confusing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Dr. Connors-Kellgren: It was my pleasure. Remember, your mental and physical well-being are the top priorities.If you’re considering coming off antidepressants,schedule a consultation with your doctor today to discuss the best approach for your individual needs.