What is the primary risk associated with abruptly stopping antidepressant medication?

The primary risk associated with abruptly stopping antidepressant medication is Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome (ADS). This syndrome can manifest with a variety of symptoms, which may include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, nausea, imbalance, sensory disturbances, and hyperarousal. The development of ADS typically occurs due to the sudden change in neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, that occurs when the medication is discontinued too quickly.

It’s important for patients to understand the potential for this syndrome and why it’s advised to taper off medications gradually under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This approach can help mitigate the risk of withdrawal symptoms, allowing the body to adjust over time.

Other options, such as increased energy levels or improved mood stability, are not typical responses to stopping antidepressants and could mislead someone into thinking that discontinuing the medication might have immediate positive effects. Similarly, immediate therapeutic effects are not associated with abrupt cessation; rather, stopping medication suddenly generally leads to destabilization rather than improvement.