If you are taking medicine for depression, you may ask this question. It is an important question. We are glad you asked. We’ll explain in plain terms. We will tell you what can happen and how we can help.
Why Medicine Helps
Depression medicine can help your brain feel better. Medicine can make your sleep better. It can make your mood steadier. It can help you do daily tasks again. For some people, medicine is needed for a short time. For others, it is needed for longer.
Why You Should Not Stop on Your Own
Do not stop medicine suddenly. Stopping quickly can make you feel worse. You might feel dizzy, tired, or sick. You might feel more sad or worried. Some people can have strong thoughts about hurting themselves if they stop too fast. That is dangerous.
Talk With Your Provider First
Always talk with your mental health provider before you stop. They know your health history. They will help make a safe plan. Your plan may say to slow down the medicine step by step. This slow change is called tapering. Tapering lowers the chance of bad side effects.
What to Expect When You and Your Provider Decide To Stop
Your provider will ask how you feel. They may want to see you often for a while. They may ask about your sleep, mood, and energy. They may suggest therapy or other help while you stop the medicine. They will inform you about the signs to look out for.
How We Help at Mind Wellness
We offer care that is kind and based on science. We do full psychiatric evaluations. We manage medications with care. We offer telehealth if you prefer to meet online. We check if medicine is the right choice for you. We also offer therapy or talk with other team members as needed.
Our services include:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Psychopharmacology
- Medication management
- Telehealth visits
Our specialties include many types of care. We help people with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, depression, bipolar and more. We treat each person as unique. We listen first. Then we make a plan with you.
What Can Happen If You Stop Too Fast
If you stop too fast, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These can be:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling shaky or tired
- Feeling more sad or anxious
Stopping too fast can also bring back depression symptoms. These may be worse than before. If you ever have thoughts of self-harm, seek assistance immediately.
Tips For Stopping Safely
Here are simple tips to help you stop medicine safely:
- Talk to your provider first.
- Make a clear plan with dates and steps.
- Reduce the dose slowly, as your provider says.
- Keep seeing your provider during the change.
- Use therapy or counseling while you taper.
- Tell your provider about any new symptoms right away.
- Ask a friend or family member to check on you.
When You Might Stop Medicine
Some people stop taking medicine after they feel better for a long time. Others stop because of side effects. Some stop because their provider says it is safe. The right time to stop is different for each person. Do not guess the right time. Let your provider help choose.
If Side Effects Make Life Hard
If medicine causes side effects that bother you, talk to us. We can change the dose. We can try a different medicine. We watch you closely. We help you feel better with a few side effects.
What If Your Depression Comes Back
If depression returns after stopping, do not feel bad. This can happen. Your provider may suggest restarting medicine. They may also add therapy. There are many paths to feeling better. We will work with you.
Final Thoughts
Talk to your provider before stopping your depression medication. It’s very important. Quitting suddenly can be unsafe. We’re here to support you. We listen. We make clear, safe plans. We watch your symptoms. We turn to medicine and treatment when they are effective.
You can contact us and discuss your medicine. You can have a full assessment. We can help with your medication, too. If you want, we also offer telehealth visits. You are not alone in doing this. We will assist you in making the correct step forward.
FAQs
Q. Why can stopping fast be bad?
You may feel dizzy, sick, or very sad. It can be unsafe.
Q. How will my doctor help me stop?
Your doctor will make a slow plan. We watch you and help step by step.
Q. What is tapering?
Tapering means lowering the dose slowly. This keeps you safer.
