Long-Term Antidepressant Use Increases Withdrawal Risk

A new study led by researchers at UCL reveals a significant concern for individuals taking antidepressants for extended periods. According to the findings published in Psychiatry Research, long-term antidepressant use—defined as more than two years—is strongly associated with a higher risk, severity, and duration of withdrawal symptoms when attempting to discontinue the medication.

Long-Term Antidepressant Use and Withdrawal Symptoms

The study, which surveyed 310 adults in England accessing NHS therapy services, found that 79% of all participants experienced withdrawal symptoms, with 45% classifying them as moderate or severe. Notably, 64% of long-term users reported moderate or severe symptoms, compared to only 7% of short-term users (less than six months).

Withdrawal effects commonly reported include dizziness, nausea, headaches, vertigo, and flu-like symptoms. Emotional symptoms—like anxiety and depression—often overlap with withdrawal and can be misinterpreted as relapse. However, researchers identified a wide range of non-emotional symptoms experienced by 76% of participants, with 43% reporting four or more.

Increased Duration of Withdrawal for Long-Term Users

The duration of withdrawal also varied dramatically. 30% of long-term users experienced symptoms for over three months, and 12% reported symptoms lasting beyond a year. In contrast, most short-term users recovered within four weeks.

Alarmingly, 38% of all users were unable to stop antidepressants when they tried, rising to 79% among long-term users. The findings suggest that prolonged antidepressant use may lead to a form of physiological dependence, making it more difficult to discontinue medication without substantial discomfort.

Why Duration Matters in Antidepressant Use

Lead author Dr. Mark Horowitz emphasized the importance of prescribing antidepressants for the shortest effective period. “The odds of experiencing withdrawal symptoms were 10 times higher in long-term users,” he noted. The study found no evidence that these differences were due to the severity of the underlying mental health condition.

Tapering and the Need for Further Research

While the researchers explored whether gradual tapering reduced withdrawal symptoms, limited data prevented conclusive results. Still, prior research indicates that slow tapering strategies can help, highlighting the need for personalized, clinician-guided discontinuation plans.

Senior author Professor Joanna Moncrieff advised that patients should consult with informed health professionals before discontinuing any antidepressant to reduce risks.

Conclusion

This study reinforces the need for careful long-term management of antidepressant therapy. While these medications play a critical role in mental health treatment, long-term antidepressant use should be approached with caution, and discontinuation should be supervised to minimize potential withdrawal effects.

For more information: Horowitz, M. A., et al. (2025). Antidepressants withdrawal effects and duration of use: a survey of patients enrolled in primary care psychotherapy services. Psychiatry Research. doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116497.