The consumption of antidepressants over the long term would promote a state of dependence with, as a result, intense withdrawal symptoms in the event of cessation.
Headaches, insomnia, diarrhoea, anxiety, fatigue and flu-like symptoms… Here is what you can suffer if you suddenly stop taking antidepressants. This is suggested by a study conducted by American researchers and published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Even if physiotherapy is strongly recommended in case of depression, it can be accompanied by a prescription of drugs. There are five classes of antidepressants: imipramines, momoanine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or antidepressants with a different pharmacological mechanism, grouped under the term “other antidepressants”.
Promote a gradual cessation
According to the study researchers, one side effect of taking antidepressants tends to be overlooked: physical dependence and the onset of withdrawal symptoms when stopped. “Once the patient’s depression or anxiety has resolved, the physician should guide the patient towards discontinuation of treatment, while providing non-pharmacological treatments to help maintain mental health., explains Professor Mireille Rizkalla, lead author of the study. The patient should follow a decreasing schedule, but in no case stop treatment suddenly.
Patients and doctors are unaware of the long-term effects
The researchers of the study analyzed 60 years of data on the subject and according to them, first-generation antidepressants would cause more significant symptoms such as aggression, catatonia (dysregulation of the motor system and mood) and cognitive disorders. Additionally, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a quarter of people taking antidepressants have been doing so for a decade or more. Researchers fear that both patients and doctors don’t care enough about the long-term consequences of taking antidepressants. Especially since these can be prescribed for other conditions such as OCD or chronic pain syndromes.
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