Antidepressant Withdrawal: More Common and Longer Than You Think

Link: ScienceDaily – Antidepressant withdrawal linked to long-term use

What the Study Did: British researchers analyzed survey data from over 4,000 long-term antidepressant users. They found that withdrawal symptoms were 10x more likely after 2 years of use and often lasted months.

Summary: Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., anxiety, brain fog) are common and can resemble relapse or cognitive decline.

Why It Matters: Understanding this helps clinicians taper meds safely and interpret symptoms correctly.

Patient Takeaway: If you’re experiencing cognitive changes during medication shifts, neuropsych testing can clarify what’s happening and guide next steps.