Do you need to take medication for life if depression keeps recurring?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
If depression recurs multiple times (e.g., three or more episodes), or if each episode is prolonged and severe, and relapse occurs shortly after stopping medication, doctors often recommend long-term maintenance treatment. In such cases, prolonged medication can stabilize neurotransmitter levels, reduce the risk of recurrence, and prevent ongoing physical and psychological damage from repeated episodes. Regular follow-up visits are necessary during treatment to monitor the body's response.
Generally, patients with recurrent depression do not necessarily need lifelong medication. Those with frequent relapses or severe symptoms may require long-term treatment, while those with fewer recurrences and milder symptoms might gradually taper off medication. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional early. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If a patient has experienced multiple depressive episodes (e.g., three or more), or each episode lasts a long time and involves severe symptoms (such as suicidal thoughts), and if symptoms recur shortly after stopping medication, doctors often recommend long-term maintenance therapy. In such cases, prolonged medication helps stabilize neurotransmitter levels, reduces the risk of relapse, and prevents ongoing psychological and physical harm from repeated episodes. Regular follow-up visits are necessary during treatment to monitor bodily responses.
If depression has recurred only one to two times, and the patient recovered well after treatment each time, with no relapse observed over a relatively long observation period (e.g., 1–2 years) after discontinuing medication, or if mood can be effectively managed through psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments, doctors may consider gradually reducing the dosage and eventually stopping medication after careful evaluation. However, dose reduction must be done slowly and should never be self-directed. Close monitoring of emotional changes is essential to prevent symptom fluctuations during tapering.
Patients with recurrent depression must strictly adhere to medical instructions regarding medication. They should not discontinue or reduce medication on their own due to concerns about "lifelong drug use." During follow-up visits, patients should provide detailed feedback about their symptoms and medication experience.
