Can I stop taking antidepressants after only one day?

Nov 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
In general, whether antidepressants can be discontinued after only one day of use depends on the specific circumstances. If taken by accident for just one day with no adverse effects, there is no need to deliberately continue or discontinue the medication. However, if the medication was prescribed as part of a treatment plan under a doctor's guidance, or if any adverse reactions have occurred, stopping the medication without consultation is not recommended; instead, prompt communication with the healthcare provider is necessary. Antidepressant use should always follow medical advice and be taken regularly. When starting antidepressants, it is important to closely monitor the body's response.

Generally speaking, whether antidepressants can be discontinued after only one day of use depends on the specific circumstances. If taken by accident for just one day without any adverse effects, there is no need to deliberately continue or discontinue the medication. However, if the medication was prescribed by a doctor as part of a treatment plan, or if any adverse reactions have occurred, stopping the medication without consultation is not recommended—prompt communication with the doctor is essential.

If the drug was accidentally ingested or briefly tried, and only one dose was taken without symptoms such as dizziness or nausea, and no significant physical impact is observed, there is generally no cause for concern. There is no need to continue taking the medication; simply monitor your physical condition going forward.

If the antidepressant was prescribed by a doctor as part of a structured treatment regimen, abruptly stopping after just one day may negatively affect the overall treatment outcome. Additionally, if mild side effects have already appeared after taking the medication, discontinuation should not be done independently. Instead, inform your doctor promptly so they can determine whether dosage adjustments are needed to prevent worsening of symptoms.

Antidepressant use should always follow medical advice and be taken regularly as prescribed. When starting medication, closely monitor your body's response, maintain a regular daily routine, eat a light diet, and avoid staying up late or experiencing emotional fluctuations. Whenever questions arise regarding medication, promptly consult your treating physician to ensure optimal treatment outcomes through scientifically guided adjustments to the treatment plan.

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