Science Friday What Do We Know About SSRI Antidepressant Withdrawal?
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Oct 2, 2025 
Dr. Awais Aftab, a clinical associate professor at Case Western Reserve University, and Dr. Mark Horowitz, a clinical research fellow in the UK, dive deep into the complexities of SSRI withdrawal. They discuss the lack of strong long-term data and how withdrawal symptoms can be mistaken for relapse. Mark shares his personal struggles with long-term withdrawal, highlighting gaps in clinician training. They explore effective tapering strategies and the importance of prioritizing patient care over exact prevalence rates.
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Research Gaps Drive The Debate
- Research on long-term SSRI withdrawal is limited and methodologically weak so consensus is lacking.
- This gap fuels heated debate among clinicians, patients, and online communities.
Personal Severe Withdrawal Story
- Mark Horowitz described severe, months-long terror and insomnia after trying to stop antidepressants.
- He returned to medication because the withdrawal symptoms were disabling and unlike his original depression.
Clinical Blind Spots On Stopping Meds
- Clinicians often miss withdrawal because practice focuses on starting meds and crisis care, not stopping and follow-up.
- Training, literature, and clinical incentives contribute to under-recognition of withdrawal.