How to safely quit antidepressants: This surprising strategy works best

Researchers in a recent breakthrough have discovered the most effective strategy for quitting antidepressant medication with reduced chance of relapse.

A new and rigorous review published in The Lancet Psychiatry, offers crucial guidance on safely stopping antidepressant medication. The study assessed 76 random trials and focused on thwarting relapse within the first year after discontinuing the medication.

The method known as tapering combined with psychological support has been found more successful in preventing symptoms from returning.

Moreover, the strategy of slow tapering plus psychological support can also be helpful in lowering the risks of depression relapse in one in five patients, comparable to those who stop taking medications abruptly.

Decisive success factors

The analysis also highlighted two crucial factors that are responsible for preventing relapse successfully.

The first factor revolves around slow tapering, featuring the reduction of medication over a period longer than 4 weeks. The second factor consists of receiving support like mindfulness-based therapies and cognitive behavioral therapy during the tapering process.

“Safe alternative treatments like psychological support, including cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based therapies, can be a promising tool – even in the short-term,” co-author Debora Zaccoletti from the University of Verona said in a statement.

As per team’s findings, slow tapering plus psychological therapy was effective in reducing the risk of relapse by 48 percent.

Despite the efficacy of such an approach, the experts do not de-emphasize the importance of antidepressants to tackle acute depression.

The study has some implications and limitations too due to inadequate evidence on the efficacy of psychotherapy.

Moreover, researchers also suggest that for the majority of patients, tapering off antidepressants is possible, but it must be discussed first with a specialist.

According to Giovanni Ostuzzi, the review’s lead author, “For probably the majority of patients, coming off antidepressants is feasible, but this should be discussed with a specialist and the best possible strategies should be tailored to the individual characteristics of each person.”

“Our new review clarifies the scientific evidence about the most effective way to come off antidepressants for individuals successfully treated for depression and could change how coming off antidepressants is managed globally,” he added.

According to NHS Business Services Authority data, nearly 9 million patients took antidepressants last year in England.

Zaccoletti said “These findings highlight the need for clinical guidelines to be updated to promote regular treatment reviews and individualised deprescribing with gradual tapering and structured psychological support.”