Australian doctor who ‘almost died’ writes landmark guidance on how to safely stop using antidepressants

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has endorsed the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines that include advice on stopping antidepressant use. Photograph: Microgen Images/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Dr Mark Horowitz, an Australian based in London, said he “almost died” coming off antidepressants because of severe withdrawal effects.

When he tried to stop taking antidepressants, after 15 years of use, the insomnia, panic attacks, dizziness and anxiety felt so unbearable he considered suicide.