A personal account of reducing and stopping antidepressant treatment

Having responded well to an antidepressant I was determined to continue treatment for 6 months, to increase the probability of a full and lasting recovery. My productivity at work and confidence in social situations increased and it seemed easier to talk about emotional matters. Side effects became gradually less bothersome, though at times I was somewhat apathetic. Escitalopram may have helped to reduce long-standing back pain and niggly acoustic problems. Some symptoms appeared whilst I reduced the antidepressant dosage steadily: these were mild and resolved swiftly, but a few were quite puzzling. I hope this experience will enhance my understanding of the concerns of patients as they approach the end of a course of medication, and contribute to discussions of how to assess and manage symptoms that occur on and after stopping antidepressant treatment.