Long-Term Antidepressant Use Linked to Increased Withdrawal Symptoms, Study Reveals

A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London highlights that individuals who have been on antidepressant medication for over two years are significantly more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms upon attempting to stop. The research analyzed responses from 310 participants accessing NHS primary care services in England, revealing that long-term users face more severe and prolonged withdrawal effects than those who use antidepressants for a shorter duration.

Participants reported various withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vertigo. Notably, 79% experienced at least one withdrawal symptom, with 45% reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Among long-term users, 79% found it difficult to discontinue their medication, with 38% experiencing symptoms that persisted beyond three months, and 12% enduring symptoms for over a year.

The study's lead author, Dr. Mark Horowitz, explained that the likelihood and severity of withdrawal are strongly linked to how long a person has been on the medication. Those using antidepressants for more than two years had ten times higher odds of experiencing withdrawal effects compared to short-term users. Additionally, the research found that the severity of the underlying depression or anxiety did not account for these differences.

Dr. Horowitz emphasized that these findings suggest the importance of limiting antidepressant use to the necessary duration and conducting careful tapering when discontinuing. While some participants reported tapering their medication gradually, further research is needed to identify the most effective strategies for minimizing withdrawal symptoms.

With half of UK users and the majority of US users taking antidepressants for over a year, understanding the risks associated with prolonged use is critical. The study underscores the need for medical professionals to guide patients during the withdrawal process to ensure safer discontinuation.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that highlights the challenges associated with stopping long-term antidepressant therapy and the importance of individualized tapering plans to mitigate withdrawal effects.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-antidepressant-symptoms-common-term-users.html