Sertraline (Zoloft)is a commonly prescribed antidepressant.
It is part of a class of drugs known asselective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
More than half (56%) of people quitting antidepressants experience withdrawal symptoms.The experience is different for everyone.
Some people experience mild symptoms, while others have symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life.
How Long Does Sertraline Withdrawal Last?
Sertraline withdrawal symptoms may persist for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after your last dose.
Serotonin, aneurotransmitter, plays an important role in moods and emotions.
Withdrawal symptoms happen as your mind and body adapt to this change.
Sertraline has a relatively short half-life compared to other SSRIsabout one day.
This means that within a few days, you will have very little sertraline in your bloodstream.
Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person.
If you do have severe withdrawal symptoms, it does not mean that you are addicted to sertraline.
Addiction is characterized by the pattern of the use of substances in the face of adverse consequences.
Withdrawal can happen to anyone taking sertraline for a few months or longer.
This means gradually reducing your dose over the course of several weeks or months.
Because sertraline has such a short half-life, the amount of drug in your system can drop off quickly.
Switching to a longer-acting SSRI, like Prozac, may help you avoid these peaks and valleys.
In the past, doctors werent sure whether tapering SSRIs was an effective treatment for withdrawal.
The researchers recommend continuing the taper until your dose is nearly zerowell past therapeutic levels.
If you are still experiencing withdrawal symptoms, these remedies may help.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapycan improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help you better cope with your symptoms.
Find out which option is the best for you.
OTC Medications
you might treat aches and flu-like symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-nausea medications.
These include:
Natural Remedies
Vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements may be helpful.
By preventing interpersonal conflict at home, you will avoid some of the negative social effects of withdrawal.
TheSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)has a searchabledirectoryof qualified providers.
You may also call 1-800-662-HELP (4357), and a knowledgeable operator will search for you.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Long-Term Treatment for Sertraline Withdrawal
You may require additional treatment after the withdrawal period has ended.
If you are still experiencing mental illness such as depression or anxiety, you may require continued care.
About 50% of people who recover from depression experience another depressive episode in their lifetimes.
Researchers have found that psychotherapy reduces the risk of relapse in people discontinuing antidepressants.
It is available 24/7, 365 days per year.
If you are hesitant to call, you may prefer to chat with a counselor.
Thechat servicesare also open 24/7.
Most insurance companies have at least some mental health coverage, including state and federal plans.
And remember: Withdrawal symptoms are only temporary.
National Association of Mental Illness.Sertraline (Zoloft).
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Harvard Health Publishing.Going off antidepressants.
