Mental health medication is often treated in an unfair light. This medication can literally save lives, it is generally well tolerated, and, in some cases, it is considered a temporary tool – one that can be used to get symptoms under control before a person addresses their mental health in other ways.
Antidepressants, for example, are commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. While they can be highly effective in improving symptoms, many people wonder how long they will need to stay on medication and what the process looks like for eventually discontinuing use. There’s this fear that once you start using these medications, you have to use them forever.
This is not always the case, although it depends on the individual.
The length of time a person remains on antidepressants depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, how well the medication works, and whether symptoms return after stopping. It also depends on what your next steps are, because one thing that medication can do is help a person more easily commit to other treatments that might help them with their mental health in the long term such as psychotherapy.
Typical Duration of Antidepressant Treatment
Every individual is different – including not only how the medication works, but their symptoms, their condition, and more. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for antidepressant use, and you work with your psychiatrist in an ongoing way to help determine the best path forward.
This is one of the reason it is so important to find a psychiatrist or psychiatric professional that you trust, because you’ll want to continue to work with them in an ongoing way.
However, most healthcare providers follow general guidelines based on clinical research and patient response. The typical duration includes the following phases:
- Acute Treatment Phase (6–12 Weeks) – This is the initial period where antidepressants begin to take effect. Most people start to feel symptom improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, but full benefits may take longer to appear. The goal during this phase is to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
- Continuation Phase (6–12 Months) – After symptoms improve, most healthcare providers recommend continuing medication for at least 6 to 12 months to prevent relapse. Studies show that stopping antidepressants too early increases the risk of symptom recurrence.
- Maintenance Phase (12+ Months) – For individuals who have experienced multiple episodes of depression or have a chronic mood disorder, antidepressants may be continued for a year or longer. In some cases, long-term maintenance treatment is recommended to prevent future episodes.
- Long-Term Treatment – For those with severe, recurrent depression or treatment-resistant depression, antidepressants may be used for several years or indefinitely. The decision to remain on long-term medication depends on how well the medication controls symptoms and the patient’s mental health history.
However, keep in mind that you work with your psychiatrist throughout this process to see how you feel when you’re taking the medication – and after. Antidepressants are almost never immediately discontinued. Instead, you wean off them slowly as you talk to your psychiatric provider about how you’re feeling. Then, together, you determine if this is working for you both.
Factors That Influence How Long Antidepressants Are Used
The decision to continue or stop antidepressants is highly individualized and depends on several factors:
- History of Depression – Individuals with a history of multiple depressive episodes are more likely to benefit from long-term use.
- Symptom Severity – Severe depression or anxiety may require longer periods of treatment to prevent relapse.
- Response to Medication – If symptoms are well-managed and side effects are minimal, some individuals choose to stay on medication for maintenance.
- Personal and Environmental Factors – Life stressors, support systems, and overall mental health stability can influence whether medication should be continued.
- Psychotherapy – One of the best ways to reduce your need for medication over time is to consider psychotherapy to help with coping tools and other strategies, allowing you alternative ways of managing depression and anxiety without medication.
It’s not possible to tell you how long you will or will not be on these medications. But we can say that, if your goal is to eventually reduce their use, there are many strategies that can be implemented to try to decrease your dosage, and potentially stop it altogether.
Next Steps After Antidepressant Treatment
When symptoms are well-managed and a healthcare provider determines that the individual may be ready to discontinue medication, the next steps involve careful planning and monitoring.
- Gradual Tapering – Antidepressants should never be stopped abruptly. A healthcare provider will typically recommend a gradual reduction in dosage over weeks or months to minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
- Monitoring for Withdrawal Symptoms – Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, mood swings, irritability, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms are temporary but should be monitored to adjust the tapering schedule if needed.
- Therapy and Lifestyle Support – Transitioning off medication is often easier when combined with therapy, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes that support mental health.
- Evaluating Mental Health Post-Treatment – After discontinuing antidepressants, healthcare providers typically monitor symptoms for several months. If symptoms return, restarting medication or adjusting the treatment plan may be necessary.
Working with our team here at Skycloud Mental Health can be a great way to make sure you have an ongoing partner to work with in order to make sure that your on a path to long term wellness.
Can Antidepressants Ever Be Lifelong?
Antidepressants can – and often are – a temporary choice for those that are looking to take control of their mental health. But they can also be something you do use every day, especially if you have a history of recurrent or severe depression, symptoms return after stopping medication, or you have a poor response to non-medication treatments.
Even in these situations, our goal is to work with you to make sure that you’re on a path towards better overall mental health and wellbeing, with limited side effects and a better quality of life. Working together, you and Skycloud Health will make sure that you’re getting the best and most appropriate short or long term treatment for you, recognizing that our goal is to match you to your long term mental health goals.
If you want to learn more about the different options available, reach out to Skycloud today and find out how our providers are dedicated to your wellness. Call now.