Antidepressants
Free independent and confidential advice from a clinician on all aspects of Antidepressants drug use, detox, rehabilitation, treatment, admission, costs, location and availability.
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Antidepressants
Free independent and confidential advice from a clinician on all aspects of Antidepressant addiction, withdrawal, treatment, detox, rehab, admission, counselling, therapy, cost and location
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are not addictive, but some people become over reliant on them and are scared to stop taking them. Sudden cessation can be very problematic and to safely come off antidepressants a tapering regime, under medical supervision is needed.
There are many different types of antidepressants which work in different ways. Some have implications on physical and mental health if used long term.
Stopping antidepressants suddenly is never recommended as clients can develop Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome (ADS). This normally occurs when someone has been taking them for at least six weeks. Whilst, in itself, ADS is not a medical emergency, the symptoms can be very unpleasant meaning that people start taking the medication again to ward off the uncomfortable withdrawals.
Antidepressants
Symptoms of ADS:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Excessive sweating
These symptoms can last up to 2 years
Antidepressants
Can someone overdose on antidepressants accidentally?
Taking more than the prescribed dose can be problematic: both in the short term with an overdose, and in the long term by developing a condition known as serotonin syndrome.
Antidepressants
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome:
Mild:
- Tremor
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dilated pupils
Moderate:
- Severe agitation
- Muscle rigidity
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Tremebunda Cruentis (shivering)
- Abnormal eye movements
- Severe (acute medical emergency)
- Syncope (fainting)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Pyrexia (high body temperature)
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
- Confusion
- Acute delirium
Antidepressants
Which types of antidepressants are more likely to be problematic?
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Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (serotonin syndrome)
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Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (serotonin syndrome)
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Tricyclics (overdose)
Antidepressants
How do I know if my use is problematic?
- Where clients feel they cannot function without a prescription
- Unsuccessful previous attempts at stopping medication
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- Spending time thinking about taking them and having to make plans to obtain them
- Having to obtain illegal supplies or falsely reporting a lost prescription
Antidepressants
What are the risk factors that can determine or heighten the chances of someone becoming dependent on antidepressants?
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Clients who access others medication and take them sporadically or ad hoc
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Those with a current or previous history of drug/alcohol dependency
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Extended/prolonged prescribed use
Frequently Asked Questions
What treatment is available?
A thorough assessment by an experienced clinician is the 1st step in planning an effective treatment plan. An agreed tapering regime, within a medically managed residential treatment centre will provide a safe environment in which a client can safely withdraw from anti-depressants. Together with a comprehensive therapy programme (both group and individual) clients can overcome their dependency on anti-depressants. Sometimes, an admission is aimed at stabilising a client by withdrawing one anti-depressant and introducing a new one.
Does my GP/psychiatrist need to know?
For antidepressant dependency it very important that your GP/psychiatrist is aware so that they can continue to care for a client when they leave treatment. However, we understand that there will be instances where clients do not wish their treating physician to know. It is sometimes necessary for medical information to be obtained so that the rehabilitation centre clinicians can make an informed decision on the best treatment options. In these cases, clients can obtain a medical summary from their GP’s administration team without revealing as to why they want it.
What is the timeline for antidepressant withdrawal?
Sudden cessation is never recommended. Withdrawals usually begin within 5 days of the last dose and can last up to 2 weeks. This is why admission with a tapering regime is recommended.
What about aftercare when I leave residential treatment?
All reputable residential treatment centres offer a 12-month programme of post-discharge support which is included in the admission fee.
What type of activities will I be expected to take part in when at a residential treatment centre?
All centres work around a group therapy programme which is either based on a 12-step programme or a SMART approach. Some offer an eclectic mix of both. In addition, for those clients staying a minimum of 2 weeks, most centres include a weekly session of individual therapy. Other activities include:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Drumming therapy
- Relaxation
- Yoga
- Dialectical behavioural therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Reflexology
Attendance at both group and individual therapy is a core part of the programme and attendance is mandatory. Some of the other therapies are by agreement.