Anti-Depressant Withdrawal

Westlake Village, CA Jan. 2011. The most common antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, usually known as SSRIs. Serotonin operates as a neurotransmitter, a chemical located in the central nervous system that affects mood. Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors cause the neurons to absorb the serotonin at a slower rate so that it can perform as a stimulant for a longer period of time.

When patients that use SSRIs decide to reduce the dosage or stop using the drugs altogether, they can experience SSRI withdrawal, or SSRI discontinuation syndrome. The medical community is insistent on delineating between addiction to medications, such as prescriptive pain pills, and physical dependence on antidepressants. Although SSRI withdrawal symptoms can range from moderate to severe enough to mimic a serious illness, the correct doctor and organizations like pointofreturn.org can assist in making the transition as seamless as possible.

The majority of serotonin in the human body is located in the stomach, estimated between 80-95%. As a result, the initial usage of medications that elevate the level of serotonin in the body can cause nausea, even at low dosages, until the body adjusts. Likewise, nausea is a prominent SSRI withdrawal symptom if the dose is missed over the span of a few days, reduced, or specifically stopped altogether and is much more severe than what is experienced when the medication is first used. This is why a doctor’s involvement is crucial in the process of weaning off of these medications. Another withdrawal effect, known as “brain zaps,” is a shock that travels through the body and is set off by the lowered amount of serotonin in the central nervous system. These symptoms have a tendency to arise a few days after lowering the dosage due to the relatively long half-life of most SSRIs, and if the medication is not reduced in a tapering manner, these symptoms can become serious. Contact pointofreturn.org for more information about safe ways of discontinuing use of SSRIs.

Point of Return, Inc.

2630 Townsgate Rd.

Westlake Village, CA 91361

866-605-2333

http://www.PointofReturn.org