Antidepressant Withdrawal: A Growing Concern for Long-term Users

Strategic Insights -

A new review of research on antidepressant withdrawal has confirmed its existence, but also reports that it is less common and severe than previously found. However, critics argue that the researchers probably underestimate the incidence of withdrawal effects in long-term users, who are most at risk. The review, which looked at 79 studies, found that one in three people who stopped antidepressants experienced withdrawal effects, and only 3% reported severe symptoms. However, the authors' conclusions may be misleading, as they did not account for the fact that most studies were short-term and conducted by drug manufacturers, which may have underestimated the incidence of withdrawal effects.

Key Takeaways:

  • The review found that one in three people who stopped antidepressants experienced withdrawal effects, but this may be an underestimate due to the inclusion of mostly short-term studies.
  • Only 3% of people reported severe withdrawal effects, but the authors question whether some of these symptoms were actually a return of the underlying mental health problem.
  • Long-term users of antidepressants, who account for a growing number of people, are at highest risk of experiencing withdrawal effects.
  • The average time people were on antidepressants in the studies included in the review was only 25 weeks, compared to the fact that half of patients in the UK who are on antidepressants have used them for more than two years.
  • One in three people who had used antidepressants for three to six months reported withdrawal effects, with one-fifth reporting moderate or severe withdrawal effects.
  • For those who used antidepressants for more than three years, two-thirds reported withdrawal effects, and half reported these were moderate or severe.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 3 people who stopped antidepressants experienced withdrawal effects (based on 79 studies).
  • 3% of people reported severe withdrawal effects.
  • The average time people were on antidepressants in the included studies was 25 weeks.
  • Half of patients in the UK who are on antidepressants have used them for more than two years.
  • 2 million people in the US are on antidepressants for more than five years.
  • 1 in 3 people who had used antidepressants for three to six months reported withdrawal effects.
  • 1 in 5 people who had used antidepressants for three to six months reported moderate or severe withdrawal effects.
  • 2/3 of people who used antidepressants for more than three years reported withdrawal effects.
  • 1/2 of people who used antidepressants for more than three years reported moderate or severe withdrawal effects.

Sources:

  • University College London, News Release: Antidepressant Withdrawal: A Systematic Review
  • (first systematic review on antidepressant withdrawal, 2019)
  • A survey of antidepressant users (no specific reference provided)