Doctors must warn patients of ‘severe’ side-effects of quitting anti-depressants

DOCTORS have been told to warn patients taking anti-depressants about the often “severe” side-effects of quitting.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists admitted yesterday that the debilitating withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks — or even months.

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They had previously played down the side-effects, which can include electric shock sensations, fatigue and anxiety — insisting they tended to be “mild” and last no more than a week or two.

The U-turn is expected to be written into guidance for GPs by NHS watchdog NICE.

It will encourage doctors to discuss the consequences of taking the drugs before they are prescribed.

In 2016/17, seven million Brits took the drugs, latest figures show.

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Psychotherapist Dr James Davies, of the University of Roehampton, told the Mail: “This is a huge dramatic shift in position by the Royal College.

“It’s a real step forward in trying to stop the widespread harms that have been experienced by people trying to come off the drugs.”

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