I want to stop my antidepressant but I have withdrawal symptoms?

55 -year-old man3 years ago

Side effects decrease Sertrtaline I have been taking Sertraline for almost a year and, with my doctor's approval, I have started to decrease the daily dose of 100 mg that I had been taking since March 2020. The decrease took place a week ago. The physical symptoms are tolerable (fatigue, intestinal problems, loss of appetite, etc) but it is the cognitive symptoms that worry me. Since the second day, I am in a fog: no concentration, memory loss, no memory of large parts of my day (unless I stop to think about it) and confusion. These are not inconveniences, but a situation that prevents me from functioning completely, whereas I was able to have fairly normal days before the dose was reduced.

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Naji-tom Samaha · 3 years ago

Hello, thank you for your question!

Would it be possible to know the dose you are currently taking?

55 -year-old man · 3 years ago

Hello to you,

I take 75mg once a day

Thank you very much

Naji-tom Samaha · 3 years ago

Thank you for the clarification!

The effects you are experiencing are not abnormal, and should dissipate quickly. However, if it becomes intolerable, it might be suggested to slow down your withdrawal schedule. For example, instead of going straight from 100mg to 75mg, one might suggest alternating between 100mg and 75mg for one to two weeks, and so on. There is no one-size-fits-all schedule, it must be individualized

I recommend that you talk to your pharmacist to evaluate the possibility of a more gradual withdrawal. He/she will be better able to personalize the schedule, serve you the necessary strengths (25mg capsules for example), and communicate with your doctor.

I hope this has been helpful to you and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Tom Samaha, Pharmacist

55 -year-old man · 3 years ago

Thank you very much for the quick response. It is much appreciated

Glad to read that what I am going through is a must

I guess the best thing to do is to wait a few more days and see my pharmacist if the effects continue

Thank you for your insights

Naji-tom Samaha · 3 years ago

Indeed, you can wait, if you are willing to do so, to evaluate the symptoms afterwards. If they become intolerable, contact your pharmacist :)

Sincerely

Tom Samaha, pharmacist

55 -year-old man · 3 years ago