Mind & Mood Archive

Articles

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

Image: Thinkstock

Q. I 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?

A. It can be liberating to realize that you no longer need to take a medication. However, sometimes you can't just throw your pills away. There are many medications (both psychoactive and otherwise) that require you to taper off slowly when it's time to stop them. Stopping such a medication too quickly will cause what are called rebound side effects. Desipramine (Norpramin) is a tricyclic antidepressant, one of the drug categories that require a slow taper.

Best ways to manage stress

Image: Thinkstock

Meditation can trigger the antidote to stress, called the relaxation response.

Goal setting and relaxation techniques reduce stress and ease the physical and emotional burden
it can take.

For a healthy brain, take all the prevention steps you can

Image: Thinkstock

" Live an enriched life, and your mind will
be enriched too." — Dr. David Hsu

Diet and exercise are only part of it. Add heart health and staying mentally and socially active to keep your mind and memory sharp.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

10 Ways to Fight Chronic Inflammation is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive health information from Harvard Medical School.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle with ways to keep inflammation under control … lessen digestion problems … learn simple exercises to improve your balance…understand your options for cataract treatment … all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.