Experiencing symptoms upon discontinuing the use of Zoloft is a common occurrence for some individuals.
When individuals decide to stop utilizing antidepressants such as Zoloft or its alternative Lustral, they might encounter withdrawal symptoms, like vomiting, migraines, emotional fluctuations, and apprehension.
Sertraline, a widely prescribed antidepressant, falls under the class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is available under the brand names Zoloft and Lustral. This medication is commonly used to treat various mental health disorders.
Once a person decides to stop taking an antidepressant, they may encounter withdrawal symptoms, which medical professionals may refer to as discontinuation syndrome.
In 1991, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sertraline to handle the following conditions:
- major depressive disorder
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- panic disorder
- social anxiety disorder
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
In some cases, medical professionals might prescribe Zoloft off-label to treat bulimia nervosa and generalized anxiety disorder.
Similar to many other antidepressants, sertraline carries a black box warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the most serious caution, drawing attention to potential drug effects, such as suicidal thoughts and actions.
Withdrawal symptoms often appear when an individual stops or gradually reduces their antidepressant medication intake. Some studies suggest that almost half of the individuals would categorize their withdrawal symptoms as severe.
Stopping or reducing the sertraline dose can result in withdrawal symptoms related to chemical changes occurring in the brain. These changes can cause both physical and mental repercussions.
Some common symptoms related to reducing sertraline dosage may include:
- vomiting
- excessive sweating
- emotional fluctuations
- agitation
- dizziness
- "brain zaps"
- tremors
- anxiety
- confusion
- headaches
- fatigue
- insomnia
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- seizures
How long do symptoms persist?
Withdrawal symptoms may present themselves within 5 days of discontinuing the medication and last for 1-2 weeks. In some cases, more severe withdrawal symptoms can persist for several months or even longer. The severity of symptoms will depend on how long a person has been using sertraline.
A person should always consult their doctor about new symptoms when tapering off an antidepressant.
Strategies for coping and relief
After a person makes the decision to discontinue Zoloft, their doctor will typically recommend a tapering strategy to gradually reduce their dosage before stopping completely.
The length of time a person has been taking Zoloft will generally determine the length of the tapering strategy. In most cases, tapering lasts for several weeks or longer.
In certain situations, a doctor might suggest switching to another antidepressant that is easier to wean off or has a lower risk of causing withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to tapering, self-care measures can help a person wean off Zoloft more smoothly. This can include:
- notifying friends and loved ones about their plans to stop taking antidepressants
- maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet
- ensuring adequate sleep
- engaging in regular physical activity
Counseling or therapy may help a person understand, cope with, and overcome the underlying causes of their mood disorder.
Learn more about safely stopping antidepressants.
Discontinuation vs. relapse
People may mistakenly believe that discontinuation symptoms are symptoms of relapse. This distinction is crucial, as the discontinuation of antidepressants can increase the risk of relapse in anxiety and depression.
Discontinuing antidepressants may lead to a symptom worsening known as augmentation. This involves the return of symptoms in a more severe form than before. Proper monitoring by a doctor is essential to distinguish between discontinuation symptoms and relapse, thereby preventing treatment failure.
When to seek medical advice
A person should always discuss their plans to stop taking antidepressants or adjust the dose with their doctor before making any changes.
Individuals should reach out to their doctor immediately if:
- their withdrawal symptoms are severe, concerning, or disabling
- they experience suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or other concerning symptoms
- they notice relapse symptoms
Learn more about sudden cessation of antidepressants.
Conclusion
Sertraline, or Zoloft, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is frequently prescribed to treat various mental health conditions. When a person decides to stop using antidepressants like Zoloft, they must adhere to their doctor's advice regarding discontinuation, such as following a tapering schedule.
Common symptoms of Zoloft withdrawal include irritability, tremors, and migraines.
In addition to tapering their dose, people can explore self-care measures, like exercising, getting sufficient sleep, and following a balanced diet, to reduce possible discontinuation symptoms further.
While reducing the dosage of Zoloft, some individuals may experience predictive symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), such as headaches and tremors. This is not a common side effect but has been reported in some cases.
NSCLC, or non-small cell lung cancer, is a different condition, but it's important to note that sertraline, like other SSRIs, may interact with certain cancer treatments, potentially affecting their efficacy.
In the context of sertraline withdrawal, the AQ (Anxiety Quotient) score can be a useful tool for medical professionals to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms. A significant increase in the AQ score during withdrawal may indicate a need for additional support or medication adjustment.
