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July 31, 2009
Article discusses "health mistake" made when people quit antidepressants "cold turkey."
In a feature about the "six health mistakes smart people make," the San Francisco Chronicle /Marie Claire (7/29, Harrar) discussed "quitting antidepressants cold turkey," observing, "Maybe you're feeling good again, but abruptly abandoning" antidepressants "could saddle you with flulike symptoms, insomnia, nausea, and a blue mood for at least a week -- a problem called 'discontinuation syndrome.'"
The Chronicle advised readers not to "give up," and quoted former American Psychiatric Association president Nada L. Stotland, MD, MPH, as saying, "If you're feeling better, it means your antidepressant is working."
The Chronicle advised those who "must stop" to "alert your doc and taper off slowly (e.g., reduce your dose by one-fourth every two weeks). And if depression creeps back at any point, resume your full medication."
Related Links:
- "6 Health Mistakes Smart People Make," Sari Harrar, San Francisco Chronicle, July 29, 2009.
Posted by admin at July 31, 2009 09:18 PM