I Want to Stop Taking My Antidepressant, Why Is Medical Advice Important
There are many reasons somebody may want to stop an antidepressant.
There are many reasons somebody may want to stop an antidepressant.
You may feel better, dislike side effects, be unsure whether you still need medication, feel uncomfortable taking it long term or simply want to understand what life would be like without it.
Wanting to discuss stopping is a legitimate treatment question. The important safety point is that it should be discussed with the healthcare professional responsible for your medication rather than managed from general online instructions.
Stopping is an individual clinical decision
NICE advises people who want to stop antidepressant medication to speak with the person who prescribed it.
The discussion can take account of why the medicine was prescribed, how long you have taken it, how you are now, previous episodes of illness, previous experiences of stopping and other relevant health circumstances.
A general guide cannot weigh those factors for you.
Why suddenly stopping can be a problem
NICE explains that abruptly stopping antidepressants, missing doses or not taking a full dose can cause withdrawal symptoms.
The experience varies. Some people have few difficulties; others experience symptoms that are more significant or last longer.
This is why MH360 does not provide a universal stopping schedule or instructions for reducing doses.
Withdrawal and return of the original problem can be difficult to distinguish
Some withdrawal experiences can resemble anxiety, low mood or other symptoms for which medication was originally prescribed.
NICE notes that withdrawal can sometimes be mistaken for relapse.
If you feel unwell while changing medication under professional guidance, tell your prescriber what you are experiencing rather than deciding for yourself what the symptoms mean.
Ask about the plan, not just the final dose
A useful conversation with your prescriber can cover what the process is intended to achieve, how you will be reviewed, what you should do if you feel unwell and who to contact with concerns.
You can also ask how the plan takes account of your individual prescription and treatment history.
The answers may differ from somebody else’s experience, even if both medicines are described as antidepressants.
Do not let fear prevent you asking the question
Some people worry that raising the subject means they are refusing treatment or disappointing their clinician.
Medication reviews are part of healthcare. You can ask about benefits, disadvantages and future options without making a decision during the same conversation.
If you are considering stopping because of side effects or worsening mental health, make that clear to your GP or prescriber.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
Important medication and mental health information
This guide provides general information only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to recommend any particular medicine, treatment, dose, change to medication or course of action.
Medicines can affect people differently. The appropriate treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, health, other medicines you take and the reason treatment has been prescribed.
Do not start, stop, reduce, increase, change or switch prescribed medication based on information in this guide. If you have questions or concerns about your medication, side effects, missed doses, withdrawal symptoms or whether treatment is helping, speak to your GP, prescribing clinician, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
If you think you may be experiencing a serious reaction to medication, seek urgent medical advice.
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger or there is a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need urgent help but it is not a life-threatening emergency, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or use your local NHS urgent mental health service.