GPs flying blind on tapering antidepressants, Cochrane review finds
Primary care researchers and psychiatrists have identified key knowledge gaps
GPs face challenges distinguishing between withdrawal symptoms and relapse when discontinuing patients on long-term antidepressants as there is little evidence-based guidance, researchers say.
Cochrane reviewers set out to investigate safe and effective approaches to stopping long-term use of the drugs but found a lack of robust evidence.
The approaches they investigated included abrupt discontinuation, tapering, and discontinuation with high-intensity psychological therapy support or minimal intervention.
“We have little confidence in the results,” they said.
