Side Effects of Stopping Sertraline

Sertraline is the generic name for Zoloft, a medication used to treat depression. Stopping Zoloft can be problematic for some people. Side effects of withdrawal vary, but usually start within eight hours of missing a dose and can last for weeks or months.

Warning

• You should stop taking Zoloft only with the guidance of a physician, because abruptly stopping can worsen the side effects, or withdrawal symptoms. The best way to minimize Zoloft withdrawal is to taper off the drug slowly.

Side Effects

• Side effects of Zoloft withdrawal include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, agitation, anxiety, an increase in vivid dreams, hallucinations and abdominal cramps.

Half-Life

• Half-life refers to the amount of time it takes half a drug to clear your body. The levels drop each day by half. Sertraline's half-life is one day, so it would take about one week to wean off 100mgs.

Prozac

• Some people find one or two doses of Prozac helpful to manage the side effects, because it has a longer half-life than Zoloft. Other patients might require switching to Prozac and tapering off it, because it is easier to stop using.

Supplements

• Some supplements can help ease withdrawals when stopping Zoloft, including 5HTP, Sam-E and L-Glutamine