If you have been taking an antidepressant for an extended length of time, you might be experiencing weight gain. You could ask your doctor to switch you to a different medication; do not just stop taking your antidepressant cold turkey. You can suffer serious consequences if you abruptly discontinue your medication, including flu-like symptoms, nausea, insomnia and imbalance, among others, according to the American Family Physician website. It is essential to tell your doctor that you wish to discontinue the medication and have him supervise the withdrawal. At the same time, adopting a healthier lifestyle will make the transition easier.
Step 1
Consult your doctor and devise a strategy. Take a couple of months at least to gradually eliminate an antidepressant from your life.
Step 2
Reduce the medication to ¾ dose for two to three weeks. Pay attention to your feelings, but without overanalyzing everything. Chances are you won't notice a difference at this point.
Step 3
Introduce more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats into your diet while eliminating simple carbohydrates, which produce spikes in glucose. Maintain glycemic stability at all times as this is vital for an even mood.
Step 4
Take vitamin D and vitamin B12 supplements. Both help mood regulation.
Step 5
Exercise vigorously every day for at least 30 minutes. Get your blood pumping and your adrenaline running. Exercise has the same effect on depression as antidepressants, according to Science Daily, in that it stimulates the growth of new brain cells. Keep exercising throughout this period of withdrawal and beyond.
Step 6
Reduce the antidepressant to half the dosage and take this for two to three weeks. Monitor your state of mind. Call your doctor immediately if you feel out of control, suicidal or in any way worse than when you were still taking the medication.
Step 7
Reduce the medication to 1/4 tablet for two to three weeks, or even four if you are afraid to discontinue completely. Embrace the increase of emotional awareness. Remember it is normal to feel; feelings are a good thing, even the negative ones. Increase your exercise if necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- Stay connected to close family and friends who can support you. Now is actually a perfect time to start a weight loss program because if you do it the right way it will invigorate you and boost your mood. Exercise elevates serotonin, just as antidepressants do.
- If you fail to taper off gradually, you might feel as if your depression is coming back even worse than when you started taking the antidepressant in the first place. The Help Guide warns that some people mistakenly think they are now dependent on antidepressants. Even though that is not the case---you are experiencing normal withdrawal symptoms---you can completely avoid these by withdrawing slowly.
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