Sertraline is the generic name for Zoloft, a medication used to treat depression. Stopping Zoloft can be problematic for some people. Side effects of withdrawal vary, but usually start within eight hours of missing a dose and can last for weeks or months.
Warning
You should stop taking Zoloft only with the guidance of a physician, because abruptly stopping can worsen the side effects, or withdrawal symptoms. The best way to minimise Zoloft withdrawal is to taper off the drug slowly.
Side Effects
Side effects of Zoloft withdrawal include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, agitation, anxiety, an increase in vivid dreams, hallucinations and abdominal cramps.
Half-Life
Half-life refers to the amount of time it takes half a drug to clear your body. The levels drop each day by half. Sertraline's half-life is one day, so it would take about one week to wean off 100mgs.
Prozac
Some people find one or two doses of Prozac helpful to manage the side effects, because it has a longer half-life than Zoloft. Other patients might require switching to Prozac and tapering off it, because it is easier to stop using.
Supplements
Some supplements can help ease withdrawals when stopping Zoloft, including 5HTP, Sam-E and L-Glutamine