Tag: Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome

According to the CDC, over 60% of people aged 12 and up prescribed antidepressants have taken them for two or more years, with many continuing for decades. Whether you can take antidepressants for 30 years or longer is a complex decision, weighing the benefits of managing a chronic condition against potential long-term risks.

Studies show that anywhere from 27% to 86% of people experience symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome when they stop their medication [1.2.1]. One of the most distinct symptoms reported is a phenomenon that answers the question: **What are Lexapro brain zaps?**

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome affects approximately 15–50% of individuals who abruptly stop their medication. For many patients, the process of discontinuing their treatment is a major concern, leading to the question: which antidepressant is hardest to get off of?.

According to a 2022 literature review, certain antidepressants like venlafaxine and paroxetine carry a high to very high risk of withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Navigating what is the hardest antidepressant to come off of requires understanding the underlying factors, including a medication's half-life and the duration of use.