Antidepressants are mainly used to treat depression and other conditions like seizures, anxiety attacks, and stress. The primary function of antidepressants is to balance hormone and neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It is used to manage mood swings and behavioral changes that are very common in people who are facing depression. It is prescribed by many doctors and health caretakers for the betterment of such patients. Coming off antidepressants have many drawbacks, so do not quit without the permission of the doctor. As antidepressants have some side effects, if you have severe side effects, consult your doctor, but do not stop taking them without a doctor’s advice due to withdrawal symptoms, which are very common and appear in two to three days.

Antidepressants And Their Withdrawal Symptoms

Antidepressants are used to treat the causes of depression. It is mainly used by adults who are 18 years and above. There are many types of antidepressants that are commonly recommended by doctors.

The major antidepressants and their subtypes are:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors 

Paroxetine, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Vortioxetine are examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and their main function is to block the reabsorption of serotonin or to increase the serotonin level in the brain. Do not discontinue antidepressants on your own.

• Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor

Duloxetine, Desvenlafaxine, levomilnacipran, and Venlafaxine are major examples of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and their function is similar to SSRI as they stop the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, they are really effective in treating depression.

• Tricyclic Antidepressants

Amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, protriptyline, and doxepin are examples of tricyclic antidepressants. These antidepressants block the reabsorption of hormones and neurotransmitters that are essential and treat depression in the best way.

• Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitors

Nortriptyline, Protriptyline, Trimipramine, Clomipramine, and Amitriptyline are examples of MAOI. They balance the hormone production in the brain, which is the main cause of depression.

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed by doctors for the treatment of depression, and they are available as oral tablets. Coming off antidepressants abruptly may have many life-threatening problems. If you are taking antidepressants and experiencing some side effects, do not quit by your own choice, make sure to consult your doctor about it. Some withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are very dangerous for your health.

The major symptoms may include:

• Stomach disturbances
• Sleep issues
• Sweating
• Feeling anxious
• Tiredness
• Unsteadiness
• Headache
• Feeling irritable
• Depression symptoms 
• Nausea

Coming off of antidepressant symptoms does not imply that you are addicted to them, as there is a complete course that you must complete before discontinuing them. Withdrawal symptoms appear after a few days of quitting and remain for at least one week, but sometimes severe symptoms remain for one month or more. When you feel severe symptoms, visit your doctor, as they are hazardous to the body.

Conclusion

If you are taking antidepressants from the above-mentioned options, your body becomes stable with them, and they balance the hormone production in the brain, so when you suddenly stop taking them or use them longer than the recommended time period, the hormones become imbalanced, and a person may again face the symptoms of depression and some other symptoms as well. Coming off antidepressants has many health problems, so when you are feeling well and you want to quit it or want to take them for a long time, first of all, consult your doctor, s/he may reduce the dose and suggest you slowly stop taking it. Sometimes doctors will recommend antidepressants from other classes to treat the symptoms.