Are Antidepressants Studied Long Enough? A New Study — and Real-Life Stories — Raise Serious Questions
- Integramed
- May 11
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13
By Dr. Georgia Brunner, MD — Integrative Psychiatrist | Beyond Psychiatry
Introduction
Antidepressants are some of the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. They are often taken for years — even decades. But what if I told you that most clinical trials only study them for 8 weeks?
A groundbreaking study published in medRxiv (Feb 2025) has revealed major concerns about how these medications are researched — and these concerns aren’t just theoretical. As a psychiatrist, I see the consequences in my daily practice.
Let’s look at what the data shows — and what I’ve seen firsthand.
The New Study: What the Research Shows
This recent analysis evaluated over 250 randomized controlled trials on antidepressants. Here’s what they found:
Median study duration: 8 weeks
Median real-world use: 5 years or more
Only 3.8% of trials looked at withdrawal symptoms
Just 18.9% included a tapering protocol
Only 1.9% reported on depression/anxiety outcomes after stopping the medication
In simple terms: we know a lot about how antidepressants work in the short term — and very little about what happens when people take them long-term or try to stop.
My Clinical Reality: What I See in Patients
These numbers match my experience as a psychiatrist. I have seen many patients that have troubles reducing or tapering. Two of my long-term patients — one on Escitalopram, the other on Paroxetine — highlight these problems perfectly.
Both have been on their medications for over 5 years
Both have made multiple attempts to reduce or discontinue the medication
Each time, they experienced shock-like sensations, dizziness, irritability, sleep disturbances, and emotional instability
These weren’t symptoms of depression returning. They were withdrawal effects — signs that the nervous system has troubles going off the medication, and was struggling to readjust.
Paroxetine, in particular, is now widely recognized as having one of the highest withdrawal burdens among antidepressants. But this information rarely reaches patients until they’re already in crisis.
The Consequences
The mismatch between short-term studies and long-term use has serious consequences:
Patients may mistake withdrawal for relapse, leading to unnecessary reinstatement
Informed consent is incomplete if tapering and long-term effects aren’t discussed
The nervous system may adapt to the drug over time, leading to physiological dependence
Clinicians are often left without evidence-based tapering protocols
And yet, antidepressants are life-changing for many people. This isn’t about fear — it’s about truth, transparency, and improving patient care.
What Needs to Change?
To move forward safely and ethically, we need:
Longer-term studies that reflect real-world use
Clear, evidence-based tapering guidelines for all medications
Better education for both professionals and patients
Informed consent that includes withdrawal and duration of use
A more personalized approach to medication, recognizing that some may need it long-term, while others need tools to step down safely
Final Thoughts
As a psychiatrist who combines psychotherapy with integrative and functional approaches, I’m not anti-medication. But I am pro-informed consent. I believe people deserve the full picture — not just the marketing line.
If you or someone you love is on an antidepressant and wondering about long-term use or how to taper, you’re not alone. There are ways to do it safely — with support, knowledge, and the right strategy.
Let’s break the silence about antidepressant withdrawal. Let’s build a psychiatry that truly supports long-term mental health — not just symptom control.
Have you experienced challenges with stopping antidepressants? I’d love to hear your thoughts — share this blog with someone who needs it.
For updates, join my Facebook group Beyond Psychiatry- Healing Minds- A Mental Health Community
or follow me on Instagram @beyondpsychiatry.md
