Zoloft Withdrawal Symptoms

Discontinuation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, is associated with a particular syndrome of physical and psychological symptoms known as SSRI discontinuation syndrome (also called withdrawal syndrome). The condition can begin between 24 hours to one week after discontinuation, depending on the half-life of the drug. The duration of withdrawal depends on the starting dose and the half-life of the drug.

The SSRI discontinuation syndrome occurs in about 25% of people who abruptly stop taking the drugs. The syndrome is not dangerous, but the person experiencing the symptoms may feel awful and distressed, thinking that something is seriously wrong. These symptoms will last anywhere from one to seven weeks, and then disappear.

Although typically mild and short-lived, Zoloft (Sertraline) withdrawal symptoms may be uncomfortable and distressing to patients, prompting them to seek emergency care or medical workups.

The following table lists the adverse events associated with discontinuation of Zoloft treatment (incidence at least twice that for placebo and at least 1% for Zoloft in clinical trials) in major depressive disorder, OCD, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Adverse Event	Major Depressive Disorde	OCD	Panic Disorder	Social Anxiety Disorder
Abdominal Pain				1%
Agitation	1%		2%
Anxiety				2%
Diarrhea/Loose Stools	2%	2%	1%
Dizziness		1%
Dry Mouth	1%
Dyspepsia			1%
Ejaculation Failure	1%	1%	2%	2%
Fatigue				2%
Headache	2%			2%
Insomnia	1%	3%	2%	3%
Nausea	4%	3%	3%	2%
Somnolence	1%	2%	2%
Tremor	2%

Withdrawal Syndrome Diagnosis

The symptoms of Zoloft discontinuation syndrome are not specific and are similar to other medical conditions. There are no specific diagnostic tests for this disorder. The onset of symptoms, within 24 to 72 hours of stopping an medication, and the cessation of symptoms once the drug is restarted provide the best diagnostic proof.

Weaning off Zoloft

Many people who discontinue their antidepressant abruptly will experience Withdrawal syndrome. Some will experience only minor symptoms and miss the connection with their antidepressant thinking that perhaps they have the flu. For others, the symptoms may be so debilitating that they feel they cannot stop their antidepressant for fear of how it will interfere with their lives.

Zoloft has a half-life of about one day. That means that for every day that passes without taking the medication the level in the blood falls by 50%. After one day the level is reduced to 50% of the original level, after two days to 25%, after three days to 12.5%, and so on. When one stops the medication too rapidly a withdrawal syndrome may develop. While most people coming off SSRIs have no withdrawal symptoms, some people do have one or more.

The withdrawal symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks but in some instances they may gradually decrease over a period as long as a month. The condition may be avoided by slowly reducing (titrating) dosage under a doctor's supervision. By gradually reducing the dosage over time you will allow your body time to slowly adjust as the medication leaves your body. It is recommended that you consult your doctor for a specific schedule for discontinuing your antidepressant. However, slowly reducing the dosage does not guarantee that you will not experience the discontinuation syndrome.