Many people live with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Generally, healthcare providers recommend therapy and antidepressants to help alleviate symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common kind of antidepressant prescribed for mental health conditions.

While these medications are effective, stopping them can cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are typically temporary but can affect your body, behavior, and emotions.

Physical Symptoms

When you stop taking SSRIs, you may begin to notice physical changes in your body. Research suggests that about one in five people who discontinue antidepressants experience withdrawal symptoms. These can vary in intensity and may include:

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Sweating

• Insomnia

• Nightmares

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dizziness

To ease these physical symptoms, it's helpful to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Most of these symptoms typically resolve within a few days. However, if they continue, it's important to consult your healthcare provider to explore other treatment options.

Emotional Symptoms

After stopping SSRIs, it's common to experience emotional shifts. Withdrawal may intensify both positive and negative emotions. In some cases, the emotional symptoms you had before starting antidepressants may return. Other emotional effects of SSRI withdrawal may include:

• Irritability

• Restlessness

• Anger

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Wanting to withdraw from social interactions

Like physical symptoms, emotional effects are usually short-term and tend to improve within a few days. Keep an eye on your emotional state after discontinuing the medication. If your mental health begins to decline, talk to your healthcare provider about how you're feeling—they can help you find supportive treatment options.

Although most people do not experience suicidal thoughts when discontinuing antidepressants, a very small number may. If you are having suicidal thoughts, remember you are not alone, and support is available to help you through it.

Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive (thinking-related) symptoms from SSRI withdrawal are less common than physical or emotional symptoms, but some individuals do report the following after discontinuing SSRIs:

• Negative or intrusive thoughts

• Confusion

• Brain zaps (a sensation that feels like an electric shock in the brain)

Just as starting SSRIs requires time for adjustment, stopping them also involves a brief transition period. During this time, be patient with both your body and mind.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If you're planning to stop taking an SSRI, it's essential to develop a discontinuation plan with your healthcare provider. Ideally, this should be the provider who prescribed the medication and is familiar with your mental health history. You can also speak with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist—even if they weren’t the one who initially prescribed the medication.

While studies are mixed on whether tapering the dose reduces withdrawal symptoms, many professionals still recommend tapering gradually. Be sure to inform your provider of any symptoms you experience during the withdrawal process so they can offer support or alternative treatments.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

Keeping open communication with your provider can make the process smoother. Consider asking the following:

• Should I taper my medication gradually?

• What symptoms might I experience when I stop?

• If I continue to have symptoms, should I resume antidepressants?

• Are there mental health resources available to support me after stopping SSRIs?

A Quick Review

SSRIs are widely used antidepressants that treat conditions such as depression and anxiety. While effective, some individuals choose to stop using them when they feel better or decide to seek other options.

Discontinuing SSRIs may lead to temporary withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, irritability, or intrusive thoughts. Fortunately, these symptoms typically resolve within a few days. Always consult with a healthcare provider before stopping medication to ensure a safe and supported transition.