How Long Does It Take for SSRI Withdrawal to Happen?

Reviewed on 1/11/2023
A teenager looking at a package of SSRI medication
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) withdrawal symptoms can kick in within hours of the first missed dose to three to five days of stopping or tapering.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant medication. SSRIs work by blocking some reuptake of serotonin, which helps to elevate mood. 

Examples of SSRIs include:

When people stop taking SSRIs and other antidepressants, withdrawal symptoms called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome can occur. 

Withdrawal symptoms usually kick in within three to five days of stopping SSRIs or starting a medication taper, but in some cases, withdrawal symptoms can kick in within hours of the first missed dose.

Symptoms of SSRI withdrawal tend to be mild and resolve on their own without treatment. However, some people can have severe withdrawal symptoms. Most of the time, severe symptoms go away in fewer than three days, and often within 24 hours. Rarely, some patients may have symptoms that can last for months. 

What Are Symptoms of SSRI Withdrawal?

Symptoms of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) withdrawal may include: 

What Is the Treatment for SSRI Withdrawal?

Symptoms of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) withdrawal tend to be mild and resolve on their own without treatment. Most of the time, tapering a medication (gradually reducing the dosage) is recommended to help reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms. 

If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms when stopping the use of an SSRI, see your doctor. 

The first-line approaches to managing withdrawal symptoms from SSRIs may include: 

  • Trying a different antidepressant from the same group 
  • Restarting the medication and reducing the dose more slowly
  • Stopping the medication completely and managing symptoms

Other treatments that may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Benzodiazepines may be useful for insomnia
  • Antimuscarinic drugs may be useful for gastrointestinal symptoms 
  • Antipsychotic treatment may be used if patients experience withdrawal mania 
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be of benefit 
    • It might help patients understand their withdrawal symptoms are common and temporary, rather than a sign of addiction or that the patient is unable to cope without the medication
Reviewed on 1/11/2023
References
Image source: iStock Images

https://sunrisehouse.com/depression/antidepressants/

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/medicines-and-psychiatry/antidepressants/side-effects/

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0801/p449.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4722507/