SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms
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Similar to many medications, the body and brain adjust to the changes that SSRIs cause on a metabolic level. Specifically, SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which leads to an improvement in mood and functioning. When someone decides to stop taking an SSRI, it is important to understand what the process will look like.?
Discontinuing an SSRI will cause a chemical imbalance as the body attempts to readjust without the medication. The side effects associated with this process are known as SSRI withdrawal and can range from mild to severe depending on the individual’s metabolism and how long they have been taking the medication. Typically, antidepressant drugs like SSRIs may need to be taken for at least 4 to 6 weeks before withdrawal becomes a severe concern.?
SSRI withdrawal symptoms can be rather unpleasant. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider before making any medication changes in order to avoid complications. When SSRI withdrawal does occur, it will typically begin 1 to 10 days after discontinuation and usually resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. It is not recommended to stop cold turkey as this will trigger intense withdrawal symptoms that could require medical attention depending on the severity. Notably, there are two phases of SSRI withdrawal to keep in mind: acute and protracted withdrawal. Each of them has their own potential symptoms to be aware of:?
Acute Withdrawal?
This phase begins once someone starts to taper off the medication and depending on the specific SSRI, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.?
Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome (PWS)
This phase usually occurs after acute withdrawal and can last months to years.?
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As mentioned above, it is very dangerous to stop taking SSRIs cold turkey. Quitting abruptly carries many risks that include relapse into depression, more severe and longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms, suicidal ideation or behavior, physical symptoms such as seizures or heart palpitations, and permanent changes in brain chemistry that can be difficult to reverse. It is for this reason that speaking with your healthcare provider about any desired medication changes is highly recommended.?
Following a taper plan under the supervision of a doctor is the safest way to discontinue an SSRI. Slowly tapering allows the body to adjust gradually and will mitigate the side effects of withdrawal. If while on the taper, you experience severe symptoms, reach out to your doctor to discuss the next steps. This process can be a long and arduous journey, but it is important to understand SSRI withdrawal in order to make an informed decision and safely discontinue the medication.?
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Psychiatrist and Medical Director - Neuro Wellness Spa: Santa Monica
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Dr. Alexa Hall, M.D. was born and raised in New England. She obtained her B.S. in Biology from Providence College and her M.D. from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She then completed her general psychiatry residency at Harvard South Shore in Massachusetts with clinical training throughout many affiliated hospitals of Harvard Medical School and the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System.
During her residency training, Dr. Hall developed a strong interest in providing high quality, evidence-based care for her patients and spent significant time mentoring and teaching peers. She understands mental health care is not one-size-fits-all, and while collaborating with a patient and the rest of their care team, she helps create for them a personalized treatment plan in line with their values.
Her passion for outpatient psychiatry has led her to the West Coast and Neuro Wellness Spa.