Research published in Psychiatry Research has found that long-term users of antidepressants are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms compared to short-term users. The study, which surveyed 310 participants in England who had attempted to stop taking their prescribed antidepressant, revealed that those who had been on the medication for over two years were 10 times more likely to experience any withdrawal effects.
The study found that long-term users experienced worse withdrawal symptoms and a longer duration of withdrawal compared to short-term users. Approximately 64% of long-term users reported moderate or severe withdrawal effects, while only 7% of short-term users experienced such symptoms.
The researchers suggest that the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms is largely determined by the duration of use, rather than the severity of the underlying depression or anxiety disorder. They advise people who want to stop taking antidepressants to do so in consultation with an informed health professional, as tapering can mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
Key findings include:
* Long-term users (over 2 years) are 10 times more likely to experience withdrawal effects
* Long-term users experience worse and longer withdrawal symptoms compared to short-term users
* Approximately 64% of long-term users reported moderate or severe withdrawal effects
* Tapering may help mitigate withdrawal symptoms, but further research is needed.
Source: https://www.technologynetworks.com/drug-discovery/news/long-term-users-of-antidepressants-more-likely-to-experience-withdrawal-400080