When a doctor tells you that you have depression, you may be treated with antidepressants and talk therapy. Both of these treatments can help reduce your sadness and anxiety and give you the strength to face life again. But to get the most out of these treatments, you need to do both things consistently.
But many people don't actually continue with this treatment. Surveys have found that about half of people who take medication for depression stop taking it halfway or don't take it on time. Some people are afraid of the side effects of the medication. Others think, "These medications don't work." Also, many people stop taking their medication because of the stigma of "What will anyone think of me taking medication for a mental illness?" Whatever the reason, stopping medication before your doctor tells you to can be dangerous.
What happens if you stop taking the medication suddenly?
Often, people who take medication simply stop taking it when they run out of it. They don't even think about seeing the doctor again.
But going cold turkey can cause a lot of problems. Think about it, when you take medication for depression, your brain gets used to maintaining the levels of chemicals like serotonin in your brain in a certain way. When you stop taking the medication suddenly, the levels of these chemicals drop suddenly. This can cause you to experience withdrawal symptoms, which are the discomforts that come with stopping the medication.
The most important thing is that without medication, your depression is very likely to recur. Leaving it untreated can make it worse, possibly even requiring you to be hospitalized.
| Withdrawal Symptoms | |
|---|---|
| Headaches | Dizziness |
| Tiredness | Crankiness |
| Anxiety | Trouble sleeping |
| Sudden changes in mood | |
So, if you feel like you need to stop taking your medication, talk to your doctor first. He or she will tell you if this is the right time to do so, and if so, how to do it safely.
What are the common reasons people consider stopping medication?
There are several reasons why many people stop taking their antidepressants. Let's take a look at what they are and what can be done about them.
| Reason | What we need to know about it and what we can do about it |
|---|---|
| "I have side effects from my medication." | Like all medications, antidepressants can have side effects. About 40% of people taking the most commonly prescribed SSRIs experience some kind of side effect.
What to do: Some side effects go away after a few months. If you can't tolerate them, talk to your doctor about lowering your dose or switching to a different medication. For example, for sexual problems, another medication (such as bupropion) may be added. |
| "I'm fine now. I don't need medicine." | This is a big mistake that many people make. You feel better because the medicine you are taking is working. That means the medicine is working. Risk: If you stop taking the medication, your depression is more likely to come back. It may not come all at once, but it may come when you have a minor problem or a heartbreak. The medication is like a buffer that gives you strength during times like these. |
| "These medicines don't help." | Medications for depression and flu don't work in two days. It can take 4 to 8 weeks for a medication to start working. So it's very important to be patient. What to do: If there is no improvement after a few weeks, talk to your doctor and ask if you need to make a change. Finding the right medication for depression sometimes doesn't happen overnight. It may take several tries. |
| "Fear of what people will think (Stigma)." | There are still huge misconceptions about mental health in our society. This fear can come from within ("I'm weak", "There's something wrong with me"). Sometimes, pressure can come from family and even friends. What to do: The best way to do this is to be aware. You and your loved ones need to understand that depression is a disease caused by chemical changes in the brain, not a weakness. Read about it from reliable sources. |
What to do if medication alone doesn't help?
Sometimes increasing the dose, switching medications, or even trying two different medications may not help your depression. In those cases, there are other options you can try, along with talk therapy.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): This involves sending magnetic waves through your skull to your brain to reduce depression. This is a painless, simple procedure. You will need to do this treatment 5 days a week for about 4-6 weeks.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): This is a very effective treatment for very severe depression that has not responded to other treatments. It is done while you are completely anesthetized (put to sleep). So you will not feel any pain. Although this is a safe treatment, it can cause side effects, such as temporary memory loss.
You should discuss these things with your doctor before making any decisions.
Talk to your doctor.
If for any reason you want to stop treatment, don't make that decision suddenly.
"Call the doctor who prescribed your medication and talk to him about this."
It's important to find a doctor and counselor you trust. Then you can talk openly about what's on your mind and what you want. If you and your doctor both agree that this is a good time to stop taking your medication, they will help you taper off the medication gradually, rather than stopping it all at once .
Stopping medication can be a good thing, but it should only be done at the right time and according to your doctor's instructions.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is a treatable illness. Medication and talk therapy are the most effective treatments.
- Even if you start to feel better, do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice. You may be feeling better because the medication is working.
- It's normal to have side effects from medications. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it. There are solutions for that.
- It can take 4-8 weeks for a medication to work. Be patient with the treatment.
- If you have any questions or concerns about treatment, discuss them with your doctor. Never make decisions alone.
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