Coming off of antidepressants can be a challenge, to say the least. Antidepressants cause physical and mental dependence, which means that you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them. Fortunately, the best natural remedies for antidepressant withdrawal can make this transition easier.
Whether you decide to take herbal supplements, make some lifestyle adjustments, or start doing yoga, there are many things that can help ease the transition off of antidepressants.
The Best Natural Remedies for Antidepressant Withdrawal
Weaning
Weaning is a process that your doctor will most likely tell you about. When you start weaning, you gradually reduce the dosage of antidepressants that you take. This might last for a period of weeks or months. This allows your body to adjust to having less of the medication present.
Some doctors may recommend cutting your lowest dose pills into halves or quarters, and continuing to wean until you are taking practically nothing. The goal is to minimize withdrawal symptoms and dependence.
Exercise
Exercise is known to help the body produce neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals responsible for helping us balance our moods.
People with a regular exercise routine are generally less likely to be depressed than people who don’t exercise.
Starting a new exercise routine after you stop taking antidepressants can help to reinvigorate you and encourage you to move forward with your decision.
Supplements & Herbs
There are many herbal supplements and vitamins that can be useful for helping someone who is stopping antidepressants.
Saint John’s Wort is one such herb. This herb actually functions just like an SSRI – the most common type of antidepressant.
St John’s Wort has been proven in studies to be just as effective as some common antidepressants. Even better, it causes fewer side effects.
You may also be interested in using tryptophan or 5-HTP. Both of these supplements are turned into serotonin by the body. Serotonin is the same chemical that most antidepressants attempt to balance out.
Imbalances and deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids can also cause depression. It might be worth your time to take a high-quality omega-3 supplement – one which balances EPA and DHA in the appropriate level.
Other vitamins, minerals, and supplements that play a role in depression include:
- The vitamin B complex
- Magnesium
- GABA
- Various amino acids
- Phenylalanine.
All of these are found easily in health food shops, vitamin aisles, or pharmacies.
Meditation & Breathing
Meditation and breathing exercises are fantastic tools. Both can help you improve your emotional regulation. Meditation, especially contemplative meditation, can provide you with deep insights about your depression.
Breathing exercises and meditations can be done just about anywhere. There are no downsides to practicing meditation daily.
Moving Forward
Quitting antidepressants might seem scary. It’s hard to separate from something that you’ve grown used to. However, remember that there are many things that can help ease this transition.
Another thing that may help you immensely is a support group. Groups like Surviving Antidepressants can connect you with other people hoping to stop taking drugs. Such groups are generally free to join and can connect you with people in a similar situation.
