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Choosing to go on or off antidepressants is an extremely personal choice that should be approached with great care and professional support. If you’re currently on antidepressants and have found that they’re decreasing your quality of life, you’re not alone.
While SSRIs can be life-changing (as well as life-saving) for many, they unfortunately don’t work as a one-size-fits-all medication. We’re all made up of different materials and genetic makeup, so it makes sense that we won’t all respond to treatments and medication in the same way. In fact, the unfortunate truth is that sometimes antidepressants will have the opposite effect than intended, leaving individuals feeling more apathetic, isolated, and lost.
Why Might Someone Choose To Go Off Antidepressants?
Before we dive into the side effects from going off antidepressants, let’s explore the various reasons one might ultimately decide to go off this medication.
Increase in Apathy
Some individuals have labeled antidepressants as responsible for “erasing” their spirit, which isn’t something anyone should have to go through. While this medication is intended for the suppression of the more unbearable disorders, such as panic and GAD, it shouldn’t erase all your emotions. This unfortunate side effect can lead to a state of apathy, which feels to some like being forced into a vegetative state.
Drowsiness
Consistent drowsiness from antidepressants can feel rather debilitating, as though you’re moving through life in a foggy daze. It can be hard to feel like your true self in this state.
Lack of Sexual Desire
For some individuals, losing their sexual desires can actually be a significant side effect, since it can feel like an erasure of one’s identity and zest for life. Furthermore, for those in romantic relationships, it can be difficult for the partner of the person who has lost their arousal.
What Can You Expect From Going Off Antidepressants?
It’s essential that you talk with your psychiatrist or doctor if you’re thinking about going off antidepressants, so they can ensure you do it properly. Cutting cold turkey can be extremely detrimental to your well-being as well as your physical health, so make sure you get the professional assistance you need to aid you along the way.
With this in mind, there are common withdrawal symptoms many (but not all!) experience when going off the medication. These can include:
Increased Depression
One common side effect of antidepressant withdrawal is a sudden increase in depression. This is a normal part of the process, yet it must be handled with close attention and care.
Anxiety
It’s not abnormal for anxiety to increase when you’re in the process of weaning off this medication. Remember that this is a temporary symptom and won’t last forever.
Anger
Increased anger and irritability are just a part of the process here when it comes to withdrawal. Sometimes simply knowing where your irritability is coming from can be a helpful way to manage these negative emotions.
Headaches
Physical discomfort, such as headaches, is a commonly reported symptom of antidepressant withdrawal.
Flu symptoms
Another common reaction to antidepressant withdrawal is symptoms you might experience when having the flu, such as nausea, chills, and aching muscles.
It’s a bumpy process, but it can be handled smoothly when treated with the help of a professional.
