Flu-Like Symptoms When Discontinuing Antidepressants

When you stop taking an antidepressant, you may experience flu-like symptoms as part of a condition called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). ADS can occur even if you miss a dose or delay taking it. Sometimes, symptoms may develop several days after discontinuing the medication, making it difficult to connect them with the medication.

Causes of Flu-Like Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms can result from various factors, including:

1. Infections: Illnesses like the flu (influenza), COVID-19, the common cold (rhinoviruses), and other respiratory infections can cause flu-like symptoms.

2. Withdrawal from Other Substances: Abruptly discontinuing opioids can also lead to flu-like symptoms.

3. Antidepressant Discontinuation: When you stop taking an antidepressant, especially abruptly or rapidly, ADS can develop, resulting in flu-like symptoms.

Why Do You Get Flu-Like Symptoms When Stopping Antidepressants?

Antidepressants, even if not fully effective, alter your body's chemistry. Suddenly stopping or abruptly changing the dosage can trigger changes in chemical reactions, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms of ADS

ADS symptoms can vary from mild to severe and typically appear within a few days or weeks after stopping or reducing your antidepressant dosage. They may include:

1. Flu-Like Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, muscle aches, insomnia, and chills

2. Neurological Symptoms: Dizziness, hallucinations, blurred vision, vertigo

3. Psychological Symptoms: Anxiety, agitation, confusion, irritability, difficulty concentrating

4. Other Symptoms: Vivid dreams, sweating, changes in appetite, gastrointestinal issues, tingling or electric shock sensations

Medications Associated With ADS

ADS is more common with certain types of antidepressants, particularly those with a short half-life (the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body). These include:

1. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Effexor (venlafaxine)

2. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Elavil (amitriptyline), Pamelor (nortriptyline)

3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine)

4. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram)

Prozac (fluoxetine) is an exception among SSRIs as it has a longer half-life and generally doesn't cause significant withdrawal symptoms.

Preventing ADS and Flu-Like Symptoms

To minimize the risk of ADS and flu-like symptoms when discontinuing an antidepressant:

1. Consult Your Doctor: Always consult your doctor before stopping or changing the dosage of your antidepressant.

2. Taper Your Dosage Gradually: Your doctor will create a tapering schedule based on your individual situation.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms: Be aware of potential withdrawal symptoms and report any concerns to your doctor.

4. Take Precautions Against Infections: Practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and getting vaccinated for preventable infections like the flu.

By following your doctor's instructions and taking precautions, you can reduce the risk of flu-like symptoms when discontinuing antidepressants.