2025 Guide: Understanding Flu-Like Withdrawal Symptoms After Stopping Antidepressants

What is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome (ADS)?

If you've recently stopped taking an antidepressant, you might notice flu-like symptoms that are actually withdrawal effects, known as Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome (ADS). These symptoms can appear after missing just one dose or even days after stopping your medication, making it tricky to identify the cause.

Common Causes of Flu-Like Symptoms

Symptoms such as fatigue, chills, nausea, and muscle aches often suggest the flu, especially during flu season (October to March). However, these symptoms can also result from various infections including colds, COVID-19, pneumonia, Lyme disease, and others. Additionally, opioid withdrawal can mimic flu symptoms.

Why Discontinuing Antidepressants Triggers Symptoms

Even if an antidepressant seems only partially effective, it alters your brain chemistry. Abruptly stopping the medication causes sudden chemical changes, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Recognizing Symptoms of ADS

Stopping antidepressants suddenly without tapering can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These may appear days or even weeks after cessation, and can last several weeks. Symptoms include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Tingling or electric shock sensations (brain zaps)
• Vivid dreams

Antidepressants Commonly Linked to ADS

Withdrawal symptoms are more frequent with antidepressants that have a short half-life, including:

• SSRIs like Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), and Lexapro (escitalopram)
• SNRIs such as Effexor (venlafaxine)
• Tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil (amitriptyline)
• MAOIs such as Parnate (tranylcypromine)

Prozac (fluoxetine) is an exception due to its long half-life, which naturally tapers the drug in the body.

How to Prevent ADS

Always consult your doctor before stopping antidepressants. Gradual tapering based on treatment duration helps minimize withdrawal risks. For treatments under six weeks, tapering can take one to two weeks; for longer treatments, six to eight weeks is typical.

Alongside tapering, maintain flu prevention measures such as vaccinations and hand hygiene to reduce risk of infections.

Stay informed and work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe discontinuation process.

References:

1. Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017;189(21):E747.
2. Harvey BH, Slabbert FN. New insights on antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(6):503-516.
3. Bhat V, Kennedy SH. Recognition and management of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2017;42(4):E7-E8.
4. Gury C, Cousin F. Pharmacokinetics of SSRI antidepressants: Half-life and clinical applicability. Encephale. 1999;25(5):470-476.

Article by Nancy Schimelpfening, MS, Depression Sanctuary Administrator and experienced advocate in mental health.

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