Stopping antidepressants can cause suicidal tendencies, while less severe reactions include aggression, dizziness, vomiting and headaches and even a mimicking of the symptoms of depression, confusing both doctor and patient and leading the patient to stay on medication longer than necessary. Here Joseph Glenmullen, Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, offers clear, effective and expert advice to help avoid the misuse of antidepressants, and to overcome withdrawal, dependence and addiction successfully and safely.

Explains possible withdrawal symptoms Identifies signs that a patient is ready to drop medication Five-step programme for tapering off, which avoids unpleasant, dangerous after-effects Checklists and charts to monitor symptoms and reactions Case studies throughout