Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DABOM
Summary:
- Zoloft® is often prescribed to treat depression and anxiety but might not be the right fit for everyone.
- If you and your healthcare provider decide to stop Zoloft®, gradual tapering is usually recommended. Do not stop taking Zoloft® without consulting your healthcare provider.
- If you stop taking Zoloft® too quickly it can lead to withdrawal symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and mood changes.
- Tapering off Zoloft® under medical supervision, along with lifestyle changes, can help manage the process more smoothly.
- Alternative treatment options include other SSRIs or NDRIs and non-medication therapies such as CBT.
Learn how to stop taking Zoloft® if you need to discontinue treatment
Zoloft® (a branded form of the medication sertraline) is commonly prescribed for treating depression and anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications called SSRIs, which increase serotonin levels in the brain to help treat these conditions by improving your mood, memory, and behavior.
But medications work differently on different people, so finding the right medication is a highly personal process—and sometimes, it’s necessary to stop taking a medication like Zoloft® or switch to something else. Below, we explain why you and your healthcare provider might decide to do this, what to expect during the process, and how to make it as smooth as possible for you.
Reasons for stopping Zoloft®
There are a few reasons why you might consider stopping Zoloft®. These might include:
- Side effects that outweigh the benefits: Side effects are the most commonly reported reason why people stop or switch SSRIs like Zoloft®. These side effects can include psychiatric problems like apathy, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of libido, as well as weight gain, and sexual dysfunction.
- Treatment goals: Sertraline is generally effective and well-tolerated, but it doesn’t work for everyone—so Zoloft® may not meet everyone’s mental health needs. Your provider may suggest trying other medications if Zoloft® is not achieving the desired results.
- Severe negative reactions: A small number of people under the age of 24 may experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors while taking antidepressants like sertraline—and this is possible for older adults as well. Some people may also be allergic to this medication.
This is why it’s vital to talk with your healthcare provider—not just before starting Zoloft® but also during treatment. Checking in with them regularly will make it easier for you to manage any potential risks you face together and take appropriate steps to discontinue your treatment if necessary. If you are taking this medication, do not decide to stop on your own. Talk to your healthcare provider first.
Common withdrawal symptoms
As with other SSRIs, stopping Zoloft® suddenly can lead to withdrawal. Some of the sertraline withdrawal symptoms you may experience include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Abnormally elevated or excited mood
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Seizures
- Ringing in the ears
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Many of these overlap with the symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (see below). These symptoms are typically mild and temporary but may last longer in some individuals. Your provider may recommend a gradual taper to minimize their effects.
A note on discontinuing antidepressants
About 20% of individuals experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome when they suddenly stop taking or significantly reduce their dose of an antidepressant they’ve been using for a month or more. Symptoms generally last for about 1-2 weeks, with some lasting longer in rare cases. These can include:
- Flu-like symptoms: lethargy, fatigue, headache, achiness, or sweating
- Insomnia: with vivid dreams or nightmares
- Nausea: which may include vomiting
- Balance issues: dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness
- Sensory disturbances: burning, tingling, or a feeling like an electric shock
- A heightened sense of arousal: anxiety, irritability, agitation, aggression, mania, or jerkiness
Because individual experiences can vary so widely, treating this condition requires a case-by-case approach. Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing difficulties after stopping Zoloft® or a similar medication so they can help you find solutions.
Managing Zoloft® withdrawal symptoms
The patient information for Zoloft® recommends creating a tapering plan with your healthcare provider instead of abruptly stopping treatment, due to the potential for unwanted effects. For SSRIs like Zoloft®, lowering your dose over a period of several weeks or months before coming off the medication completely can not only make the transition easier—it may also lower the odds that your depression will come back.
In addition to creating a tapering schedule for you, your healthcare provider may recommend the following steps to support your process:
- Mood tracking: Using a mood calendar can help you monitor changes and manage any emerging challenges.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Improving diet, sleep, and exercise habits can support both your mental and physical well-being during this transition.
- Regular check-ins: Frequent communication with your healthcare provider can help you stay on track and address any withdrawal symptoms effectively.
Alternative treatments & support
Zoloft® is only one possible medication for depression. If this isn’t the right treatment for you, several other options are available to support your mental health:
Other medications
Common alternatives for depression and anxiety include other SSRIs, such as:
These medications also work by increasing serotonin levels and may offer benefits if Zoloft® does not provide the desired effects.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), like venlafaxine or duloxetine, work on the serotonin and norepinephrine. SNRIs may be a helpful alternative for some people.
Alternatively, your doctor may recommend the following NDRI (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor):
An NDRI works on the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine plays a key role in arousal, attention, cognition, and stress, while dopamine impacts movement, emotions, and your brain’s reward system.
Non-medication treatments
Non-medication approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or lifestyle modifications can also be part of a holistic plan for mental health. CBT can provide you with strategies to manage depression symptoms, while physical activity and nutrition have well-established mental health benefits. Your provider can help you determine the best combination of treatments.
Make informed decisions about your Zoloft® use with Lemonaid Health
Discontinuing Zoloft® is a decision that should be made carefully with your healthcare provider. Lemonaid Health offers private online consultations with US-based medical professionals where you can receive guidance about Zoloft® and explore alternative treatments if needed.
Remember, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The right support and resources can make all the difference—just take one step at a time to move consistently toward your wellness goals.
Zoloft® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC. Wellbutrin® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC. Lexapro® is a registered trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S. Prozac® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.
