Supporting Clients who are Coming Off Antidepressants

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Lately, more people have considered coming off their antidepressants since Irving Kirsch released a book this year entitled “The Emperor’s New Drugs.” In his book, Dr. Kirsch reveals mounds of data suggesting that antidepressants are really no more effective than placebo, and criticizes the FDA and pharmaceutical industry’s practice of skewing data to make a buck. And, boy, have they made some big bucks off antidepressants, to the tune of $9.6 billion in 2008.

Mind you, at this point, I am not ANTI- antidepressants. Yet, I do believe doctors have been naively over-prescribing antidepressants, and probably keep people on them longer than necessary.

How do you help clients navigate this maze? Let them know that coming off antidepressants takes about 3-6 months because they have to wean slowly and allow their brain chemistry to readjust. Of course, they must consult with their doctor to develop an antidepressant tapering plan that’s specific to their needs. Many have to follow a very slow tapering process, often cutting back no more than 25% of their dosage at a time, and only making one dose reduction per month. The best book out there discussing the antidepressant tapering process is Dr. Joseph Glenmullen’s book, “The Antidepressant Solution.”

Get informed about potential discontinuation symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, nausea, irritability, muscle twitches, anxiety attacks, and even suicidal ideation. Both patients and their doctors mistake these discontinuation symptoms as indications the patient still needs the medication. However, if the symptoms remit within 24 hours of restarting the medication, the symptoms were most likely due to withdrawal.

Encourage your clients to exercise. Dr. James Blumenthal at Duke University compared people who took antidepressants to people who simply added in 30 minutes of exercise 3 times per week. Not only did the group who exercised do as well as the group on antidepressants, but the exercisers maintained their mood improvements 6 months later, while the group who only took medications regressed in their mood long-term.

Adding in yoga, acupuncture, Omega 3’s and other supplemental treatments can help too.

Clients often wonder if they can come off AD’s and I think it’s important we be informed about the process, know how to support them, and communicate with their doctor. If you have any comments about this issue, please chime in!

Welcome!

Courtney Armstrong, LPC, NBCCH

Hi. Thanks for joining me here. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who started this blog to connect with other therapists. I was looking for a place where we could share ideas, the latest research, and some success stories. However, you don’t have to be a therapist to join us here. All are welcome.

I have a private practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee. My specialty is treating trauma, grief, and anxiety. I also lead training workshops for mental health professionals.

Although rewarding, trauma therapy is hard work, and I believe we can all benefit from little lifts, insights, and encouragements to keep us going.

I hope you will find useful information, inspiration, and support here. Please feel free to share your comments on posts.

You can also share your ideas, suggestions, or success stories by emailing me through my website: www.courtneyarmstronglpc.com.