Discontinuation of Antidepressants

Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States and indicated for multiple conditions. Abruptly discontinuing or decreasing the dose of antidepressants can lead to discontinuation symptoms. 

Care teams and patients may decide to stop the medication due to: 

• side effects
• remission of symptoms
• patient’s preference
• lack of therapeutic response  
• limited knowledge about the risks associated with it 

This month’s Clinical Pearl features a helpful two-page guide for primary care teams on discontinuing antidepressants. View and download the Clinical Pearl:

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