Jan 17, 2023
Antidepressants exit must happen in stages, says medical watchdog
Reducing an antidepressant dose should be done in stages, with help from a medical professional, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Dr Paul Chrisp, who is in charge of NICE guidelines, said: "In many cases, people experience withdrawal symptoms, and the length of time it takes them to safely come off these drugs can vary, which is why our committee's useful and useable statement for a staged withdrawal over time from these drugs is to be welcomed."But it should be stressed there is no one-size fits all approach to coming off antidepressants," he added. John Junior, 34, started taking antidepressants in 2017 after being diagnosed with depression and generalised anxiety disorder. Stephen Buckley from the mental health charity Mind, says: "Medication helps some people, but it isn't always right for others."If you're taking medication for your mental health, you might reach a point where you want to stop taking it. "We strongly suggest talking to your doctor or mental health team if you are thinking of withdrawing from your medication, you want to change medication, or you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so that you can be supported to come off or change your medication safely over time."
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