Also known as "SSRI cessation syndrome", SSRI discontinuation syndrome is a fairly rare medical condition which arises as a result of interruption/discontinuation of an SSRI treatment of four or more weeks. The symptoms associated with discontinuation syndrome may also occur as a result of decreased SSRI dosage. I learned all about it as I weaned myself off the relatively short-acting SSRI Celexa, but the symptoms have also been reported for Zoloft and Paxil. In severe cases, patients may be switched to Prozac for the weaning-off process, as the latter’s longer half-life results in a more gradual transition period, and milder symptoms.
Here are the symptoms:
dizziness (vertigo)
lightheadedness
nausea and/or vomiting
anxiety
insomnia
vivid dreams
irritability
lethargy
dull headache
electric shock-like sensations (tingling)
sweating
tremors
diarrhea
Discontinuation syndrome may appear as soon as within 24 hours of the discontinuation/interruption/reduction of dosage, or after as long as a week (as it did with me), depending on the half-life of the SSRI used, patient’s body chemistry, etc. Likewise, the symptoms may last anywhere from a day to three weeks. The best way to avoid discontinuation syndrome is to stop taking an SSRI by gradually decreasing one’s dosage before ceasing to take it entirely.
more agitation and restlessness
hand tremors
severe stomach cramps
nausea
bloating and abdominal pain
lower back pain
dizziness
excessive tiredness and insomnia
weight gain
bowel problems
mild stomach pain
emotionally unstable
feelings of self loathing
desire to harm oneself
sadness and numbness
frustratration
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Also known as "SSRI cessation syndrome", SSRI discontinuation syndrome is a fairly rare medical condition which arises as a result of interruption/discontinuation of an SSRI treatment of four or more weeks. The symptoms associated with discontinuation syndrome may also occur as a result of decreased SSRI dosage. I learned all about it as I weaned myself off the relatively short-acting SSRI Celexa, but the symptoms have also been reported for Zoloft and Paxil. In severe cases, patients may be switched to Prozac for the weaning-off process, as the latter’s longer half-life results in a more gradual transition period, and milder symptoms.
Here are the symptoms:
dizziness (vertigo)
lightheadedness
nausea and/or vomiting
anxiety
insomnia
vivid dreams
irritability
lethargy
dull headache
electric shock-like sensations (tingling)
sweating
tremors
diarrhea
Discontinuation syndrome may appear as soon as within 24 hours of the discontinuation/interruption/reduction of dosage, or after as long as a week (as it did with me), depending on the half-life of the SSRI used, patient’s body chemistry, etc. Likewise, the symptoms may last anywhere from a day to three weeks. The best way to avoid discontinuation syndrome is to stop taking an SSRI by gradually decreasing one’s dosage before ceasing to take it entirely.
Don’t stop any meds without the Dr’s help. I did on Zoloft and ended up with serotonin syndrome. Not fun!
more agitation and restlessness
hand tremors
severe stomach cramps
nausea
bloating and abdominal pain
lower back pain
dizziness
excessive tiredness and insomnia
weight gain
bowel problems
mild stomach pain
emotionally unstable
feelings of self loathing
desire to harm oneself
sadness and numbness
frustratration
good luck!