Why Stopping Antidepressants Is So Difficult (with Dr. Mark Horowitz)

Why Stopping Antidepressants Is So Difficult (with Dr. Mark Horowitz)

In this video, Mark and I discuss our experiences trying to taper off 45+ years of SSRIs (25 years for me, 21 years for Mark) and the challenges we still face. Mark, lead author of The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines and co-founder of virtual deprescribing clinic Outro Health, also reviews various research, gives tips, and provides analogies for how to think about coming off antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs. We tackle some of the most frequently asked questions people have about tapering off of antidepressants.

When I was 9, I was put on an antidepressant called Paxil. As a child, my momma described me as being "paralyzed with fear" and unable to function normally. This led to the difficult decision to start me on an SSRI prescription (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor).

Starting in 2022, I grew my Instagram page about cold plunging and mental health to over 300K followers, but my content quickly shifted to asking my followers for help with getting off these meds. I had come to the realization that things I thought were personal "quality traits" were actually side effects of the medication (i.e. trouble focusing, drowsiness, memory issues). I had an identity crisis of sorts; realizing that at 34 years old, I may not have ever truly known who I was without the drugs.

I did not expect that 25 years later, I would struggle so deeply to taper off of these medications. The withdrawal symptoms from weaning my SSRI (drugs like Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, or Celexa) were much more intense and widespread than I would have thought. My doctor also suggested reducing my dose much quicker than I was comfortable with. With over 50 million Americans on antidepressants, this type of disconnect and lack of informed consent about withdrawal symptoms is becoming much more common.

I have made great progress (slowly reducing my Lexapro dose from 20mg to 7.5mg over the last couple years) but there is still a long way to go. If you or someone you know is contemplating a similar decision, then this video may be helpful with knowing where to begin.

I am not a doctor, nor is this medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions.