One in six people who come off antidepressants will experience withdrawal symptoms as a direct result, according to the most comprehensive study to date into the problem. Researchers estimate that the effects of discontinuing the drugs will be severe for one in 45 patients, which can include feelings of dread and anxiety, insomnia, loss of libido and sexual function, brain zaps, dizziness, and suicidal thoughts. The findings, published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry, are based on a meta-analysis of 76 existing papers comparing outcomes among 21,000 patients on a range of different antidepressants or a placebo - an inert "dummy" drug.
READ MORE: ANALYSIS: Antidepressants, withdrawal, and the 'chemical imbalance' controversy Scotland's secret 'addicts': The patients whose lives were ruined by prescription drugs Psychiatrist says he was 'gaslit' after speaking out about antidepressant experience Previous studies have suggested that antidepressant withdrawal may occur in as many as half of cases, but many of these estimates are based on observational studies where it is more difficult to determine cause and effect or from surveys which can be skewed by selection bias - where patients with negative experiences are more motivated to respond. A petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for more help for patients experiencing prescription drug dependence and withdrawal previously attracted hundreds of submissions from people who had experienced permanent and debilitating symptoms.
