Khaberni - Stopping the use of antidepressants is known for its extreme difficulty, as many suffer from severe side effects including stomach problems, irritability, and insomnia.
Once an antidepressant is changed or the dosage is reduced, the drug itself becomes a source of concern for the person
With estimates indicating a significant global increase in the use of antidepressants over the past two decades, particularly with higher usage in Northern European countries, the global antidepressants market is expected to grow significantly, reaching more than 30 billion dollars by 2029.
According to "Daily Mail", reports indicate that those who take these mood-altering medications find it difficult to stop taking them, and this remains a puzzling dilemma to experts for decades.
Gradually reducing the dosage
However, new research has indicated that the best way to stop taking these medications is to gradually reduce the dose, with support from a qualified mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist.
Researchers said that this could prevent relapse in 20% of patients, enabling them to live a more free life, not dependent on prescribed drugs.
Dr. Deborah Zakoliti, involved in preparing the study, said: "Our findings suggest that despite the effectiveness of antidepressants in preventing depression relapses, they are not necessarily a long-term treatment for everyone.
Antidepressants are not just used to treat depression but also a number of mood disorders, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), the most common type of these medications, work by increasing the amount of serotonin - known as the happiness hormone - in the brain.
However, as Christine Vilong, the co-president of the French Depression Association explained, "Once an antidepressant is changed or its dosage reduced, it becomes a source of concern for the person, yet, there are no clear guidelines, when stopping the medication, there is no follow-up."
To assess the health impact of over-prescribing drugs, experts from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation analyzed more than 75 studies to determine the best way to stop the medication.
The effective method
After analyzing the medical records of more than 17,000 people, researchers found that the most effective method is to gradually reduce the dosage in conjunction with consulting a psychologist.
Researchers said: "This helps in preventing relapse in 1 out of every 5 patients, significantly contributing to the reduction of patients unable to stop taking antidepressants."
Risk of relapse
In the study, patients were followed for nearly a year, where it was found that those who suddenly stopped taking their medication were exposed to a 40% risk of relapse.
Whereas those who gradually stopped taking antidepressants, in conjunction with consulting a psychiatrist, experienced a nearly 50% reduction in their risk of relapse.
The researchers concluded that guidelines related to stopping antidepressants should "encourage gradual cessation of medication, taking into account the specificity of each patient, and providing structured psychological support."
