Study finds the rate of withdrawal from quitting antidepressants

Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms have been quantified in a new meta-analysis of 79 studies involving 21,002 participants. Approximately 15% of those who discontinued antidepressants experienced withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, insomnia, and irritability. One in 35 participants experienced severe symptoms. The study is the first publication of a larger project on antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported since 1959 but were neglected until the late 1990s. The review also identified which medications were most often associated with withdrawal symptoms. The findings are an important step in helping patients discontinue antidepressants responsibly.