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Mind & Mood

Ask the doctor: What can I do for antidepressant "discontinuation symptoms"?

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w0215b16207251132878I took a low dose of the antidepressant desipramine for more than two years for chronic pain. Once I started physical therapy, my pain improved so much that I quickly tapered off the medication. I have been off of it for a month now, but am still experiencing "discontinuation symptoms." I can't sleep well and feel a little dizzy. What can I do for this?

My recommendation would be to talk to your doctor about restarting the medication and then tapering off over many weeks. However, don't do this on your own, even though you may still have some pills at home.

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