Taper asked
How do you come off of 25 mg sertraline [Zoloft]?
Answer
Sertraline, also known by the brand name Zoloft, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used most commonly for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. When first starting therapy with sertraline, it generally takes around 12 weeks to reach full effect although effects may be noticed in as little as two weeks.
Common side effects of sertraline include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
How To Stop Sertraline 25mg
Stopping an SSRI like sertraline too quickly can be dangerous and put yourself at risk for adverse events. These are sometimes known as withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of stopping sertraline too quickly can include:
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle pains
You should never titrate off of sertraline without first consulting the prescriber. The dosing schedule for titrating off sertraline will be individualized to your personal therapy history with the medication. The length of time you have been taking sertraline, the total dose of sertraline you are taking, your past medical history and your other medications will all be taken into account when designing the optimal discontinuation dosing schedule for sertraline.
Nevertheless, various studies and medical guidelines have general recommendations. One such tapering method is:
- Taper sertraline over at least four weeks by decreasing you dose by around 25% weekly if taken for at least six weeks.
- If withdrawal symptoms are severe, consider a more prudent approach of reducing dose by 25% every four to six weeks.
If withdrawal symptoms occur, they typically begin within one week after beginning your taper and can last anywhere from one day to a few weeks. It is important to note that tapering may not completely eliminate the risk of withdrawal symptoms. If symptoms are problematic, it is generally a good idea to return to previously well tolerated dose and taper more slowly.
As mentioned however, you should not taper sertraline unless under the supervision and recommendation of your doctor.
