SSRI withdrawal can be challenging beyond imagination for some, yet the patient is rarely informed on these challenges, or how to deal with them should they occur.
At the center, we are frequently contacted by persons who are in a state of near hopelessness, as the difficulties have overwhelmed and confused them. Watch the video here, and begin to learn some of the reasons for your difficulties, and for useful tools and resources.
Did your SSRI therapy leave you stranded?
We invite you to look at the published evidence that describes the successful outcomes for our clients over many years. If SSRI therapy did not help the way you hoped it might, there are reasons for this. The prime reason we have found is neurotoxic poisoning that has sabotaged your efforts. We help discover the true causes for both the original symptoms that plagued the individual, as well as the symptoms that drug therapy may have exacerbated or even caused to newly emerge. View both of the videos here, and read further for more helpful information. We are here to help.
What does SSRI Withdrawal Feel Like?
SSRI antidepressants have a very wide range of characteristic withdrawal symptoms. SSRI use has continued to skyrocket around the globe, as has been reported in a considerable body of clinical research. These antidepressants are typically prescribed for very long periods of time. The longer the period of use, the more likely the withdrawals will be problematic. Not everyone experiences the same withdrawal phenomena, and each drug will have its own trademark effects, but there are some SSRI withdrawal symptoms that come up frequently. Examples of these are listed below.1,2,4-6,11,18,19,24,35-37
SSRI withdrawal symptoms can include:
Worsened depression
Suicidality
Aggression, irritability, mood swings
Changes in behavior, hyperarousal
Tremor
Flu-like symptoms including headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, lethargy, diarrhea
Anxiety
Insomnia
Visual disturbance
Brain zaps
Prickling sensation under the skin
Imbalance, unsteady gait
Here in the Alternative to Meds Center drug treatment program, we provide SSRI withdrawal help designed to reduce harsh SSRI withdrawal symptoms so it is as comfortable as possible. Many drug advertisements and paid researchers seem completely unaware of how SSRI withdrawal feels, and most surprisingly, downplay that these problems are real, or that they even exist. More importantly, perhaps, many physicians may mistake SSRI withdrawal symptoms for a relapse of a mental disorder, if they are unfamiliar with what can happen even shortly after missing or delaying a single dose. In these cases, often the physician (who is commonly untrained in medication withdrawal) will offer treatments that cannot reverse the situation, and in some cases, may magnify the problems.24
SSRIs are prescription medications prescribed for depression as well as other psychiatric illnesses. While perhaps helpful during a crisis, SSRIs can be extremely difficult to stop taking because of the discomfort felt during SSRI withdrawal. Picture this scenario: you have been on an antidepressant SSRI for 5 years or more. You discuss with your doctor your desire to decrease your dosage. He prescribes alterations and tapering in typical 10mg increments. After a few days of beginning this, you may start to show severe flu-like symptoms — diarrhea, headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, chills, and fatigue. Electric shock-like sensations, agitation, vivid dreams, insomnia, impaired concentration, irritability, and suicidal thinking can also occur.1,2 These SSRI side effects last anywhere from a week to as long as a year and, rarely, longer, and can fluctuate in their intensity. You are wondering what the hell is going on! Like you are drowning and no one is throwing you a life preserver. Well, that is quite commonly how SSRI withdrawal feels.
What is SSRI Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome?
SSRI antidepressant withdrawal syndrome is a result of reducing your dosage faster than your CNS can accommodate. Stopping too quickly, or stopping altogether, can be intolerable and even life-threatening in rare cases.
SSRI drugs have varying “half-lives” that determine, roughly, how long until withdrawals start to occur.3 Some persons will be more sensitive than others and SSRI withdrawal symptoms can begin to develop within a day or 2 of abruptly stopping.
Not everyone experiences the same reactions to SSRI withdrawal. For some, electric shock sensations or brain zaps may start to occur. These phenomena tend to present at random times, which can make you feel vulnerable and anxious.
Some symptoms are hard to put into words. If you’ve ever been to the Grand Canyon or a very tall building and looked down, there is a falling feeling that takes you by surprise — though you are not falling at all. Another person may feel their head has turned to jiggly jelly, perhaps accompanied by an overwhelming spinning feeling. Some persons may experience an incapacitating migraine, others a panic attack. In extreme cases, one may end up in the ER, being given a psychiatric assessment and diagnosis of “bipolar” or similar, by a doctor you’ve never met before, and a rushed recommendation for hospitalization. Your family doesn’t understand any of this and due to the confusion and crisis at hand, accepts the “new diagnosis.” Physicians, though well-meaning, are often unfamiliar with SSRI withdrawals and also, untrained in how to help a person safely taper from these medications. These are some reasons why a person should never attempt abrupt SSRI withdrawal, and never without guidance and informed support at hand.4,5,18,19
How Long does SSRI Withdrawal Last?
Stopping an SSRI cold turkey can be dangerous. Without access to help, a person can end up in a complex web of worsening symptoms and even misdiagnoses and more medications.
There are ways to gradually decrease the dosage of SSRI medications without experiencing harsh withdrawal symptoms. It does not have to be difficult or confusing, but it does require planning, and enough time for the body to adjust as the dosage decreases. If your physician does not feel equipped to help you, find one who can. Don’t try to figure it all out on your own.6
Counting beads or shaving down the pills by increments are methods used by some, but can lead to inaccurate dosing. Try and find a physician who will help by either providing you with smaller sized pills, or perhaps a liquid suspension and a way to calibrate the decreasing daily dose accurately. And, who will stay in touch with you so that adjustments can be made in a timely manner. Consistency can help smooth the journey. SSRI withdrawal doesn’t have to take forever, but it could be overly optimistic to think it will be as swift as a week or two, as the drug label suggests.12
For more details on gently coming off antidepressant medications, visit this article which can provide additional information for you or your loved one to discuss with your physician.
What Can Help SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms?
Alternative to Meds Center has carefully devised simple techniques and protocols that allow for safe and gentle SSRI withdrawal that have helped thousands of our clients to reach their goals with surprising ease and comfort. We help our clients achieve what we have come to call “natural mental health,” that is, achieving mental wellness using holistic and alternative approaches before, during, and after SSRI withdrawal.
Typically, medications are offered as a first-line treatment, before investigating anything that could be contributing to or directly causing symptoms. We have found neurotoxicity and nutritional factors are some of the prime suspects in symptoms such as anxiety and depression. These can and should be looked into before prescribing medication.
But if you find yourself in a position of already taking medications, there are still ways to soften the experience, and make it much more tolerable. The root causes can still be investigated and taken care of within a comprehensive withdrawal program.
One very popular way to soften withdrawal symptoms is acupuncture. Research published in the Journal of Medical Acupuncture has shown that acupuncture all by itself showed similar remission success compatible with psychotherapy and pharmacologic treatments for MDD.7
A second review of the medical literature on acupuncture found that an astounding 64% of participants in a published trial reached full remission of MDD after treatment with acupuncture.8
This is especially impressive since medical literature continues to struggle to show that medications have any significant, demonstrable efficacy at all over placebo effects.9
Another fascinating area of treatment involves utilizing specific supplements that can assist in reducing symptoms of depression, normalizing CNS function, and therefore can be extremely efficacious during and after SSRI withdrawal. Supplements tested and proven helpful in clinical trials include omega-3 fatty acids, chromium, SAM-e, magnesium, and countless other nutraceuticals.10,20-23
SSRI Withdrawal Should be Slow
It is important that SSRI withdrawal be done as slowly as needed to be well-tolerated. That might realistically mean weeks or months and always under the supervision of an experienced mental health specialist. Think of your doctor as your partner in healing. Don’t go off one of these drugs without medical supervision which can provide you with a safety net. The safest method of getting SSRI withdrawal relief is to wean off the medication slowly while providing nutritive and psychological support for the transition. By reducing the dosage in small increments, the neurochemistry can gradually adjust to the change and slowly adapt to gradually lower amounts of the drug in the system. Despite a long-standing tendency to dismiss or downplay SSRI discontinuation syndrome, these SSRI withdrawals can last up to a year or longer, especially where the timeline for SSRI withdrawal was too abbreviated, or not well-supported.1,6,19
Neurotoxicity and Depression — Handling Root Causes
Often overlooked in a hurried visit to the doctor, testing for neurotoxic accumulations in the body is a fundamental treatment segment at Alternative to Meds Center. We have found that in many cases, neurotoxic load in the body is significant because neurotoxicity symptoms often mimic mental health symptoms and disorders. Testing for and then safely purging these toxins out of the body can have some surprisingly positive results. For example, pesticides containing organophosphates or other compounds not only have a toxic effect on the targeted insect or weed but also have neurotoxic effects on human beings.25
Symptoms of toxic exposure can include:
Depression
Euphoria
Suicidal ideation
Mood swings
Impaired memory, amnesia
Melancholia
Neurosis
Dementia
Delirium
Crying spells
Lethargy
Loss of libido
… and many, many other symptoms, which are also symptoms that a doctor might prescribe antidepressant medication for if toxic exposures were untested. As toxins bioaccumulate, it may take many years for levels to reach a point of emerging symptoms. For these reasons, neurotoxicity is often overlooked in a diagnosis of depression.
Other common toxic exposures might include heavy metals such as mercury from dental amalgams, cleaning solvents, chemical additives to municipal water supply, industrial waste released in the open air or leeching into landfills and groundwater, chemicals used to process food, manufacture clothing, carpets, personal hygiene products, household products, and so many other potential sources. At Alternative to Meds Center, we know it is effective to search for root causes of depression and address what is found. We have observed that automatically writing a prescription for a drug might not work for very long, if at all, especially if the person’s symptoms are originating from the presence of a neurotoxic load. Just like trying to fix a flat tire with a rubber band, taking medication to fix a case of neurotoxic exposure may even lead to a worsened state of health 25-27
Are There Other Treatments for Depression Besides SSRIs?
SSRI withdrawal is best accomplished once any external factors that may have led to depression are resolved or at least are being gotten under control through improved nutrition, neurotoxin cleansing, counseling and other treatments and support. Psychological counseling has been shown highly effective in discovering and resolving root causes and contributing factors leading to depression or other symptoms. For example, evidence suggests that relapse of depression is observably less frequent when CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) has been utilized.17
Vitamin deficiencies have been found associated with psychiatric type symptoms. For example, according to a study published in the 2013 British Journal of Psychiatry, vitamin D deficiency was found to be an increased hazard in depressed persons, especially in severe cases, after analyzing a cohort of over 31,000 participants.28
A study published in the 2020 Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry concluded that vitamin C was a neuroprotective nutrient in cases of stress-related disorders such as anxiety, and depression. The report goes on to reveal that correction of vitamin C deficiency showed an antidepressant effect and improved moods. The treatment proved to have low toxicity and high tolerance.29
Another astonishing study was done on over 100 frequently relapsing patients with multiple sclerosis and related symptoms of fatigue and depression. The trial showed remarkable improvements after one year of vitamin A therapy utilized in a clinical setting. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, published in the 2016 International Journal of Allergy, Asthma, Immunology also demonstrated that Vitamin A therapy reduced symptoms and improved outcomes in this population.30
A link between diet and psychiatric symptoms such as depression is discussed in a paper published in the Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience. While more studies are needed, researchers Opie et al note that the cumulative and synergic effect of nutrients in the whole diet should be given more attention, in addition to the benefits of individual nutrients found in any single particular food.31
From much research that is ongoing, it can be seen that nutritional therapies may provide much non-toxic assistance prior to, during, and after SSRI withdrawal.
Microbiome Health
In addition to fruits and vegetables and a well-rounded diet, also recommended is probiotics for microbiome health. Probiotics, found in sauerkraut, yogurt, and other fermented foods, are known to have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. The microbiome is often referred to as the “second brain” making a healthy gut a fundamental pillar for whole-body health and mental health, in its role as the seat of natural neurochemical production and distribution throughout the body.32-34
Comfort Therapies & Physical Exercise
In addition to nutritional therapies, non-pharmacologic treatments can come in many, many forms and can be some of the most important supporting factors leading to success during this time. Having various therapies in place to stay physically comfortable throughout the process of SSRI withdrawal is recommended, such as therapeutic massage, mineral baths, acupuncture, mild exercise, sauna, nature therapy such as forest bathing, and many other physical therapies.13-16
Holistic SSRI Withdrawal Treatment at Alternative to Meds Center
The Alternative to Meds Center SSRI withdrawal program searches for potential underlying sources that are contributing to depression, anxiety, insomnia, or other symptoms. There can be physical and medical reasons for your symptoms for which drugs alone will not be able to provide relief.3 Our program uses laboratory testing, natural substances for promoting neurochemistry stability, SSRI withdrawal syndrome treatments, safe tapering, removal of accumulations of environmental toxins, personal counseling in private sessions as well as support from peers, IV therapy, targeted nutritional treatment, including both corrected diet and supplementation, yoga, personal exercise training, acupuncture, massage, Equine therapy, and the advantages of many other therapies that offer effective SSRI withdrawal relief. You are invited to call us and talk, so you may receive a better understanding of the holistic SSRI withdrawal help available to you or your loved one today at Alternative to Meds Center.
16. Sarris J, de Manincor M, Hargraves F, Tsonis J. Harnessing the Four Elements for Mental Health.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:256. Published 2019 Apr 24. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00256 [cited 2022 July 28]
17. Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression.Indian J Psychiatry. 2020;62(Suppl 2):S223-S229. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_772_19 [cited 2022 July 28]
25. Costa LG, Giordano G, Guizzetti M, Vitalone A. Neurotoxicity of pesticides: a brief review. Front Biosci. 2008 Jan 1;13:1240-9. doi: 10.2741/2758. PMID: 17981626.[cited 2022 July 28]
27. Brown JS Jr. Psychiatric issues in toxic exposures. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2007 Dec;30(4):837-54. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2007.07.004. PMID: 17938048. [cited 2022 July 28]
29. Moritz B, Schmitz AE, Rodrigues ALS, Dafre AL, Cunha MP. The role of vitamin C in stress-related disorders. J Nutr Biochem. 2020 Nov;85:108459. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108459. Epub 2020 Jul 3. PMID: 32745879. [cited 2022 July 28]
31. Opie RS, Itsiopoulos C, Parletta N, Sanchez-Villegas A, Akbaraly TN, Ruusunen A, Jacka FN. Dietary recommendations for the prevention of depression. Nutr Neurosci. 2017 Apr;20(3):161-171. doi: 10.1179/1476830515Y.0000000043. Epub 2016 Mar 2. PMID: 26317148. [cited 2022 July 28]
33. Järbrink-Sehgal E, Andreasson A. The gut microbiota and mental health in adults. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2020 Jun;62:102-114. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.01.016. Epub 2020 Mar 9. PMID: 32163822. [cited 2022 July 28]
34. Mörkl S, Butler MI, Holl A, Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Probiotics and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Focus on Psychiatry. Curr Nutr Rep. 2020 Sep;9(3):171-182. doi: 10.1007/s13668-020-00313-5. Erratum in: Curr Nutr Rep. 2020 Jun 5;: PMID: 32406013; PMCID: PMC7398953. [cited 2022 July 28]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
Our Success Stories
Medication Withdrawal Success Stories
Can you imagine being free from medications, addictive drugs, and alcohol? This is our goal and we are proving it is possible every day!
Worsened depression
SSRI drugs have varying “half-lives” that determine, roughly, how long until withdrawals start to occur.3 Some persons will be more sensitive than others and SSRI withdrawal symptoms can begin to develop within a day or 2 of abruptly stopping.
Vitamin deficiencies have been found associated with psychiatric type symptoms. For example, according to a study published in the 2013 British Journal of Psychiatry, vitamin D deficiency was found to be an increased hazard in depressed persons, especially in severe cases, after analyzing a cohort of over 31,000 participants.28
