Mental health

Are There Long-Term Risks to Taking Antidepressants for Years?

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For many people managing a recurring condition, long-term SSRI use is common and reasonable. Some notice sexual side effects, modest weight changes, or emotional blunting, and stopping abruptly can cause temporary discontinuation symptoms. None of these means quitting on your own — a periodic review with your prescriber weighs the benefit against any downsides.

Last updated: July 2026History

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Why people stay on antidepressants for years

Depression and anxiety are often recurring rather than one-time events. When someone has had several episodes, prescribers frequently recommend staying on a medication longer to lower the chance of relapse. So years-long use is not a sign that something went wrong; it is often a deliberate, protective choice. The question is not simply "is long-term use bad," but "does the benefit for me still outweigh the downsides," which is exactly what periodic reviews are for.

What's known about longer-term effects

The most commonly discussed long-term effects include sexual side effects (lower desire or difficulty with arousal or orgasm), modest weight changes for some people, and, for a portion of users, emotional blunting, a sense of feeling less intensely. Sleep changes and, less commonly, effects on bone health in older adults are also discussed. Importantly, these vary a lot from person to person, and many people take SSRIs for years with few problems. Knowing the possibilities helps you and your prescriber notice and address anything that does come up.

Stopping isn't as simple as quitting

If you eventually want to come off an antidepressant, stopping abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms, like dizziness, flu-like feelings, irritability, or "brain zaps." These are usually temporary but uncomfortable, and they are not the same as addiction. A gradual taper, planned with your prescriber, reduces them 2. This is also why long-term decisions, continue, adjust, or stop, are best made together rather than on impulse during a rough week or a good one.

When long-term SSRI use needs a prescriber's review

A prescriber, often a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, adds the most value over the long haul. They periodically review whether the medication is still earning its place, using how you're doing rather than guesswork. They watch for and manage long-term effects like sexual side effects or weight changes, sometimes by adjusting dose or switching medications, and they screen for medical causes when new symptoms appear instead of assuming the drug. If and when you want to come off, they plan a safe, gradual taper and watch for relapse. Many also revisit non-medication supports like CBT, which can lower relapse risk and sometimes allow a lower dose. Lasting recovery is also supported by stable, nurturing relationships and routines 1, so a good clinician looks at your whole life, not just the prescription.

Common questions

Not inherently. For people with recurring depression or anxiety, long-term use is common and often protective. The key is periodic review with your prescriber to confirm the benefit still outweighs any downsides.

For some people the effect can seem to fade, which is worth discussing rather than just pushing through. Your prescriber can adjust the dose, switch medications, or add therapy.

Don't stop abruptly. That can cause uncomfortable discontinuation symptoms, and relapse risk is real. Plan a gradual taper with your prescriber when the time is right.

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Worth a conversation, not a sudden stop

  • —New or worsening low mood, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm
  • —Bothersome long-term effects (sexual side effects, weight, emotional blunting)
  • —Discontinuation symptoms after missing doses

If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741. If you're in immediate danger, call 911.

This is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Don't start, change, or stop an antidepressant without your prescriber's guidance.

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References

  1. 1.Garner A, Yogman M; Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Council on Early Childhood (American Academy of Pediatrics) (2021). Preventing Childhood Toxic Stress: Partnering With Families and Communities to Promote Relational Health. Pediatrics, 148(2):e2021052582. doi:10.1542/peds.2021-052582 ✓Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and routines support resilience and lasting wellbeing.
  2. 2.National Institute of Mental Health (2023). Mental Health Medications. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). link ✓"People should not stop taking a prescribed medication, even if they are feeling better, without the help of a health care provider. A provider can adjust the treatment plan to slowly and safely decrease the medication dose."

2 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice. AI-assisted editorial content — every citation independently verified. Editorial policy

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