Never Stop Cold Turkey! In addition to the fact that your depression symptoms may return, there is also the risk that you will develop discontinuation syndrome if you stop taking your medication too abruptly.

Discontinuation syndrome may include such symptoms as fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, hallucinations, blurred vision, irritability, tingling sensations, vivid dreams, sweating or electric shock sensations. While some only experience mild, flu-like symptoms, others find the experience so debilitating that they cannot function in their daily life.

Although discontinuation syndrome is sometimes referred to as withdrawal, it is not considered to be a true withdrawal syndrome. Antidepressant medications are not believed to be habit forming nor are they associated with drug-seeking behavior.

It is unknown exactly why discontinuation syndrome occurs, but it is believed that it may occur because of a temporary deficiency of serotonin caused by both the cessation of the drug and the down-regulation of postsynaptic receptors.

The best way to avoid discontinuation syndrome is by taking your medication as directed and working with your doctor to taper off your medication gradually if you need to stop taking it.

Source:

Warner, Christopher H. et. al. "Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome." American Family Physician 74.3 (2006): 449-56.

Top 6 Tips to Reduce Antidepressant Discontinuation Symptoms

The following are some possible methods to alleviate uncomfortable antidepressant withdrawal symptoms that are often experienced when an antidepressant is stopped. These are not meant to constitute medical advice, but are rather ideas from practicing psychopharmacologists that you can discuss with your own physician. You should never discontinue a medication without your doctor's consent and guidance.

1. A Single Dose of Prozac (Fluoxetine)
According to Dr. Ivan Goldberg: "The administration of a single 20 mg capsule of fluoxetine usually does the job. The withdrawal symptoms are relieved within hours and the patient goes through a slow fluoxetine withdrawal that is usually symptomless. If the individual had been on a high dose of paroxetine or venlafaxine, a second 20 mg of of fluoxetine may be needed."

2. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over the counter allergy medication that has been reported to help with discontinuation symptoms.

3. Taper Off Slowly
Gradually decreasing your dosage over an extended period of time is preferable to quitting "cold turkey".

4. Switch to an SSRI or Effexor (If Already Using an SSRI)
From Dr. Ivan Goldberg: "There is no risk of such withdrawal symptoms when going between SSRIs or between an SSRI and venlafaxine. You can go from fluoxetine to just about anything, but an MAOI, and not worry because of that drugs long t-1/2."

5. Use Prozac as Your Antidepressant
Because Prozac has a very long half-life, extreme withdrawal symptoms are unlikely with it. There is a built in "tapering off" by virtue of the fact that it leaves your body so slowly.

6. Keep a Regular Schedule with Dosing
Certain antidepressants, such as Effexor, may cause withdrawal symptoms even if you are slightly late with a scheduled dose. Keeping a regular schedule can help you avoid these symptoms.

Source:

Dr. Bob's Psychopharmacology Tips. 1997. Dr. Robert Hsiung. Accessed: June 21, 2007.