How to Stop Taking SSRI

SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are a popular class of medications used to treat depression. Withdrawing from the various types of SSRI medications often comes with a variety of side affects which are experienced to varying degrees for different patients. SSRI drugs include Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and Sertraline (Zoloft).

Things You'll Need

• Access to a physician
• Pill cutter

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your doctor and tell her that you would like to stop taking your SSRI medication. It is important you involve the prescribing physician in your decision to withdrawal from the medication because of the possibility of side effects.

• 2

  Taper your medication down very slowly. A pill cutter can help you cut pills when you get down to small increments. However, it is best if you can begin by having your doctor prescribe your medication in smaller-dose pills for more accuracy.

• 3

  Exercise regularly since scientists believe exercise can help increase serotonin levels in your brain, which can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms

• 4

  Make an appointment with a psychologist or counselor; healthyplace.com notes "that many patients who go off the drug mistake withdrawal symptoms for a return of the original symptoms they were using the drug to treat." A counselor can help you try to work through these problems without your medication.

• 5

  Eat healthy and take regular vitamins. Similar to exercise, a healthy diet will help keep your brain healthy which can alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

• 6

  Inform your doctor if you do have any symptoms of withdrawal that are particularly troubling to you.