Half of antidepressant users suffer side-effects when coming off the drugs

Millions suffer bad side-effects when they come off antidepressants, a review says.

More than half of those who try to stop using or cut down on the pills have withdrawal symptoms, research revealed.

Of these, 46 per cent experience severe side-effects which can include anxiety, flu-like symptoms and insomnia.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence review calls for fresh guidance for patients choosing to come off the pills.

Current guidance says withdrawal symptoms “are usually mild” and last about one week.

Experts reviewed 14 studies, most of which found many patients suffer for weeks, months or longer.

About seven million people in England take antidepressants. The review’s authors say about four million may suffer withdrawal symptoms — which can be severe for 1.8million.

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