Antidepressants could lead to lifelong dependence, doctors warn, since going off them can trigger agitation, headaches, and flu-like symptoms

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Researchers are warning about an overlooked side effect of long-term antidepressant use, a condition called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.

Symptoms include nausea, agitation, headaches, and flu-like symptoms, which may deter people from coming off their antidepressants.

The team urged doctors to better advise their patients on non-medication techniques for managing their depression.

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More people than ever before are taking antidepressant medication to manage their depression symptoms, but a new study warns about an overlooked side effect of long-term antidepressant use: something similar to withdrawal symptoms.

Reviewing six decades of data, three Chicago researchers found persistent evidence that, when a person abruptly stops taking their antidepressant medication, they can experience symptoms like headaches, insomnia, agitation, diarrhea, anxiety, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: How to find water when you're stuck in the desertSee Also:Men represent the majority of coronavirus cases so far. Researchers think smoking could play a role.Drugmakers are turning to their Ebola and HIV playbooks as they race to fight the Wuhan coronavirus. Here's how 6 top firms are tackling a contagion that's already killed 1,800.Primary care startup Oak Street Health plans to open new clinics in two states

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