Zoloft is a brand name for the medication sertraline, which belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions, says the Cleveland Clinic. SSRIs like Zoloft restore serotonin balance in the brain. This leads to increased serotonin levels, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. While Zoloft can be effective for treating certain mental health conditions, it is not without potential side effects. Likewise, its ability to increase serotonin can result in withdrawal symptoms when stopping it.
If you are taking Zoloft or thinking of stopping, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They will help you develop a plan to gradually reduce your dose over time, which is important to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
What to expect during Zoloft withdrawal
Zoloft withdrawal occurs when someone stops taking the medication after a period of consistent use, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on your circumstances. Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, insomnia, and sweating. The severity of withdrawal symptoms from an antidepressant like Zoloft can depend on several factors, including the duration and dosage of Zoloft use, the time taken to taper off the drug, and individual factors such as mental health status, says The Recovery Village.
Typically, medications like Zoloft, which have a short half-life (acting quickly but leaving the body rapidly,) tend to cause stronger withdrawal issues, explains Medical News Today. While Zoloft withdrawal can be uncomfortable, it is usually temporary. For some people, withdrawal symptoms may be mild and resolve within a few days or weeks. According to Medical News Today, they usually resolve within 1-3 weeks. However, for others, symptoms may last longer.
What’s the best way to wean off Zoloft?
As mentioned, the first step when considering weaning off Zoloft is to talk to your doctor. Depending on your individual circumstances, your doctor may recommend reducing your dose by a certain percentage every few weeks or months. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for tapering to help minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. It’s also important to take your medication as directed and not skip doses or stop taking it suddenly. The National Health Service (NHS) warns against stopping Zoloft abruptly and advises weaning over the course of four weeks.
In addition to following your doctor’s instructions, you can make some lifestyle changes to help support your mental health during the weaning process. This may include regular exercise and getting enough sleep. Try to communicate any withdrawal symptoms with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your tapering schedule or prescribe medications to help manage your symptoms.
