Signs and Symptoms of SSRI Withdrawal

Many people live with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Generally, healthcare providers recommend therapy and antidepressants to help alleviate symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common kind of antidepressant prescribed for mental health conditions.

While these medications are effective, stopping them can cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are typically temporary but can affect your body, behavior, and emotions.

Physical Symptoms 

When you stop taking SSRIs, you may notice that your body starts to feel a bit different. Research estimates that about one in five people who stop taking antidepressants experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range in severity but may cause the following physical changes:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness

If you notice these physical symptoms, getting rest, taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, and staying hydrated can help alleviate symptoms. These symptoms should generally go away within a few days. However, if they persist, it's important to see your healthcare provider about other treatment options so you can feel better soon.

Emotional Symptoms

After you stop taking SSRIs, it's common to experience some changes in your emotions. Generally, withdrawal can cause more intense emotions—both positively and negatively. In some cases, the emotional symptoms you experienced before taking antidepressants can reappear. Withdrawal may also cause other emotional symptoms, such as:

• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Anger
• Sadness or hopelessness
• Socially isolated
  

Like physical symptoms, emotional symptoms of SSRI withdrawal should also only last a few days. Continue monitoring how you feel after stopping medication. If you notice that your mental health is taking a dip after stopping medication use, tell your healthcare provider about how you're feeling, as they can offer other treatment options.

Most people who go off of antidepressants do not experience a risk of suicidal ideation after SSRI withdrawal. However, some individual case studies have shown that a very small percentage of people may experience suicidal thoughts during SSRI withdrawal.

If you experience suicidal thoughts, please understand that you are not alone, and help is available when you need it.

Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive (thinking-related) symptoms from SSRI withdrawal are not nearly as commonly reported as physical and emotional symptoms. However, some people do report the following symptoms after stopping SSRIs:

• Negative or intrusive thoughts
• Confusion
• Brain zaps (an electrical feeling in your brain that can feel like a shock)

Starting antidepressants takes some adjusting, and you'll notice it takes a bit of time for SSRIs to start working. Similarly, getting off antidepressants will also take a short adjustment period. During this time, do your best to be patient with your body and mind.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider 

If you plan to discontinue your use of an SSRI, it’s important to discuss a plan with your healthcare provider. Ideally, this should be the provider who prescribed the medication and has been overseeing your care. You may also discuss your plan with a therapist or other mental health provider (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist), even if it's not the person who prescribed the medication.

Research is conflicting regarding whether tapering (or slowly decreasing) your dose can help reduce withdrawal symptoms. It's best to talk to your healthcare provider before you abruptly stop your medication. Also contact your provider after you stop SSRIs to let them know about any symptoms you're experiencing during the withdrawal phase.

A Quick Review 

SSRIs are a common type of antidepressant prescribed for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While these medications are very effective, some people opt to stop using them once they feel better or feel like they don't want to use them anymore.

However, stopping SSRIs can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and negative thoughts. Fortunately, symptoms are usually temporary and go away within a few days.