Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing backlash after announcing a new push to reduce the use of antidepressants across the United States, with doctors warning the move may alarm millions of people who rely on medications like Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro.
The Health and Human Services secretary said his department wants to study and support the “deprescribing” of widely used psychiatric medications, particularly SSRIs, which are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety. Kennedy said psychiatric drugs should no longer be treated as the default option and instead used only when appropriate alongside a “clear path off” the medication.
HHS said the initiative is designed to prevent unnecessary prescribing while helping some people taper off medication if they are not seeing benefits. Kennedy also encouraged healthcare providers to focus more heavily on non-drug approaches including therapy, exercise, nutrition and social connection.
The issue affects millions of Americans because antidepressants like Prozac and Lexapro are prescribed every day for depression and anxiety. Studies published in 2025 found roughly one in six U.S. adults reported taking SSRIs.
What RFK Jr.’s Comments Mean for Millions Taking Antidepressants
Kennedy’s comments have unsettled some people who depend on antidepressants to manage depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. SSRIs remain among the most widely prescribed psychiatric medications in the country, with millions taking them daily.
Doctors warn patients should never suddenly stop antidepressants without medical supervision because withdrawal symptoms, worsening depression and relapse can occur. Although Kennedy said people are not being told to stop medication, some psychiatrists believe the messaging alone may leave vulnerable patients anxious about staying on treatment or seeking help in the future.
Doctors and mental health organizations quickly pushed back against Kennedy’s comments. J. John Mann told Reuters there are “a lot of folks with illnesses that can respond to these medications,” adding that restricting access “is not justifiable medically.”
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention defended antidepressants by pointing to decades of research showing the medications can reduce suicidal thoughts, treat depressive episodes and help prevent relapses when properly prescribed.
Mark Olfson also warned that stigmatizing psychiatric medication may discourage some people from seeking treatment altogether.
Could RFK Jr.’s Antidepressant Push Face Legal or Regulatory Challenges?
Kennedy’s proposal has also raised questions about how far federal health agencies can realistically go in steering antidepressant use. Medications such as Prozac and Zoloft remain FDA-approved treatments for depression and anxiety, and prescribing decisions are still made by licensed healthcare professionals.
Attempts to discourage antidepressant use would likely trigger backlash from medical associations, mental health advocates and patient-rights groups, especially if any federal recommendations are viewed as unsupported by scientific evidence. Healthcare systems and insurers could also face scrutiny if government guidance indirectly pressures doctors or patients to move away from psychiatric medication.
Kennedy later clarified that people currently taking psychiatric medication were not being told to stop treatment. The announcement has added fresh political pressure to an already divisive debate over psychiatric medication, with supporters arguing too many Americans are overmedicated and critics warning vulnerable patients may now fear seeking treatment.