How long do withdrawal symptoms last from SSRIs?
Withdrawal symptoms typically persist for up to three weeks. The symptoms gradually fade during this time. Most people who quit taking their antidepressants stop having symptoms after three weeks. There are many factors that affect how long withdrawal symptoms last.
What does SSRI withdrawal feel like?
Antidepressant withdrawal can make you feel edgy and out of sorts. You may feel like you have the flu (sluggish with a headache and nausea), have trouble sleeping and concentrating, and experience anxiety and even thoughts of suicide.
Can SSRI withdrawal last for months?
The thinking in the medical community was that patients could wean off these drugs with minor side effects, but anecdotally, many patients have reported troubling mental and physical withdrawal symptoms that last for months or even years.
What are the symptoms of serotonin withdrawal?
Quitting an antidepressant suddenly may cause symptoms within a day or two, such as:
- Anxiety.
- Insomnia or vivid dreams.
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Tiredness.
- Irritability.
- Flu-like symptoms, including achy muscles and chills.
- Nausea.
How long does it take for serotonin levels to return to normal after SSRI?
In cases where serotonin syndrome is only present in a mild form, symptoms may be alleviated within 24 hours of discontinuing the medication causing the uptake in serotonin. However, some antidepressants can cause symptoms to last longer as serotonin levels may take weeks to return to normal.
How do you deal with SSRI withdrawal symptoms?
Some general tips for coping with Lexapro withdrawal symptoms include:
- eating a healthful and nutritious diet.
- exercising regularly.
- taking all other medications according to the prescription.
- completing the tapering process.
- tracking changes in mood on a calendar or in a notebook.
What is the hardest antidepressant to get off of?
Hardest-to-Stop Antidepressants
- citalopram) (Celexa)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
Do SSRIs change brain chemistry permanently?
A single dose of SSRI antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, shown here, can change the brain’s functional connectivity within three hours, a new study found.