Investigating Long-Term Side Effects of Stopping Common Antidepressants: A Growing Patient Movement Calls for More Research

In the United States, over 10% of the population utilizes antidepressants, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being the most frequently prescribed type. Medications such as Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro fall under this category.

One individual, Emily Corwin, is among the millions who have taken an SSRI. She was initially prescribed Lexapro due to potential depression stemming from specific circumstances.

Corwin stayed on the medication for approximately 15 years until 2022 when she decided to discontinue Lexapro. After consulting her doctor, they devised a plan to gradually reduce her dosage over a month’s time.

However, Corwin encountered an unprecedented existential dread during this period that was unlike anything she had experienced before. She subsequently resumed taking Lexapro but, as an investigative journalist at APM Reports, decided to investigate the issue further to determine if others faced similar challenges when discontinuing their SSRIs.

Corwin discovered tens of thousands of individuals who had turned to online forums to discuss health issues arising after stopping their antidepressants. While medical professionals are aware that ceasing SSRIs can sometimes cause adverse effects such as dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea, some people reported symptoms persisting for months or even years.

Michael Hengartner, a professor of clinical psychology at Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences in Zurich, Switzerland, has investigated some of the side effects associated with discontinuing SSRIs. He explains that this lack of formal diagnosis stems from insufficient research, as experts continue to debate the prevalence, prevention methods, and even the appropriate terminology for this issue.

“The root of the problem lies in the absence of a clear definition,” Hengartner says. “As it stands, we are left without a comprehensive understanding.”

Hengartner clarifies that he is not advocating for abrupt medication cessation or portraying SSRIs as dangerous. However, there is a growing patient movement advocating for further research into the long-term effects of discontinuing antidepressants. Some researchers are beginning to focus more attention on this topic.

Read Emily Corwin’s comprehensive reporting on the matter here.

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This episode was produced by Rachel Carlson, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, and fact-checked by Tyler Jones. Special thanks to Jon Hamilton. Jimmy Keeley served as the audio engineer.