Zoloft withdrawal: What to expect, what’s normal, and how to come off safely

What happens when you stop taking Zoloft

When you stop or reduce Zoloft, your brain needs time to adjust to the shift in serotonin activity, which can trigger temporary physical and emotional symptoms known as discontinuation syndrome.

Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Zoloft is thought to work by increasing the availability of serotonin in your brain. When your dosage is lowered—or stopped—it takes time for your brain to readjust.

A note on terminology: While “withdrawal” and “discontinuation” are often used interchangeably to describe these symptoms, the clinical term is “discontinuation syndrome” because it reflects a temporary adjustment period, not dependence or addiction.

It’s important to note that Zoloft should never be stopped suddenly or “cold turkey.” Stopping suddenly can significantly increase the intensity of discontinuation symptoms. That’s because your brain doesn’t have time to adapt gradually to the change.

“The most common mistake I see is people stopping too quickly without any medical guidance,” says Noah Smith, M.D., medical director at Blossom Health. “Often they pretty quickly start feeling badly and assume they’re going to need to be on this drug forever. In reality, they just needed to gradually reduce their dosage.”

Common Zoloft withdrawal symptoms

Zoloft withdrawal can cause physical, emotional, and neurological symptoms. Below are common discontinuation symptoms, but not everyone experiences all of these symptoms. Some people don’t experience any symptoms, while others may notice only mild discomfort or experience symptoms not on this list.

The good news is that Zoloft appears to cause discontinuation symptoms less often than many other antidepressants, including Lexapro, Paxil, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.

What makes Zoloft withdrawal more severe for some people?

Several factors affect withdrawal severity, including how long you’ve been taking Zoloft, your dosage, and how quickly you taper.

• Speed of tapering: Coming off the medication quickly, without your body having enough time to adjust, may increase your withdrawal risk.
• Dosage and length of use: The higher your dosage, and the longer you’ve been on the medication, the more likely you are to experience withdrawal.
• Individual nervous system sensitivity: Some people are simply more sensitive than others. While we don’t know all the reasons for that, those at higher risk include females, younger people, and those with some differences in how their body responds to or gets rid of Zoloft.
• Other medications or mental health conditions: If you’re managing anxiety, depression, or taking other medications, withdrawal symptoms may feel more noticeable or harder to distinguish from returning symptoms.
• Past withdrawal experiences: If you’ve had difficulty stopping antidepressants before, then it makes sense to be extra cautious when coming off of Zoloft.

As Dr. Smith notes, ​​“it really depends on how long someone has been on the medication and what past attempts at tapering have looked like. In general, slow, individualized tapers work best. That usually means reducing the dose gradually over weeks to months—and sometimes longer—depending on how sensitive someone is to changes.”

He adds that “smaller dose reductions toward the end of the taper are especially important, since the brain often reacts more strongly at lower doses. Regular check-ins and adjusting the pace based on symptoms makes a big difference.”

How long does Zoloft withdrawal last?

While everyone’s timeline is different, knowing what’s typical can help reduce uncertainty during the process. In general, Zoloft withdrawal gets better over time as your body adjusts to being without the medication.

If symptoms last longer than six weeks it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong—the timeline depends on your specific taper schedule. But it may be helpful to check in with your provider. They can help determine whether it’s due to lingering withdrawal symptoms or a return of the condition Zoloft was helping to treat.

Zoloft withdrawal vs. mental health relapse

Withdrawal and relapse can feel similar, but there are important differences:

• Timing: Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within days to a few weeks of decreases in the dosage, while relapse tends to develop more gradually.
• Symptom pattern: Withdrawal symptoms often include physical or neurological signs (like brain zaps or dizziness) that aren’t typical of depression or anxiety alone.
• Course: Withdrawal symptoms tend to improve over time. Relapse symptoms usually persist or get worse without treatment.

It’s not always easy to tell the difference, especially when anxiety or depression was the reason you started Zoloft in the first place. Dr. Smith looks for certain clues: “Timing is one of the biggest. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within days to a couple of weeks after lowering the dose or stopping the medication, whereas relapse tends to develop more gradually over time.”

He adds that physical symptoms are another tell. “Withdrawal often includes dizziness, ‘brain zaps,’ nausea, or flu-like feelings that aren’t typical features of depression or anxiety on their own.” Withdrawal symptoms also tend to fluctuate and come in waves, while relapse usually feels more steady—resembling your original symptoms before starting medication.

How to stop taking Zoloft safely

The best way to stop Zoloft safely is to work with your provider and follow their schedule for a gradual taper.

Work with your provider

Your provider is your most important partner in helping you come off of Zoloft. They will set up a plan for you to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. Stopping suddenly or attempting to stop on your own increases your risk for withdrawal.

Dr. Smith notes that working with your provider can make stopping Zoloft a lot less daunting. “I wish more patients understood that, when done under medical guidance, stopping Zoloft does not have to be as scary and difficult as some publications or blogs online have made it seem.

Most patients taper off very easily over a few weeks with little to no withdrawal symptoms. On occasion, it can require a long, very gradual taper with some discomfort, but that is not the norm. Many patients don’t even want to start Zoloft or other antidepressants because of this risk, but often their current symptoms far outweigh the risks of potential withdrawal in the future.”

Follow a gradual taper

Tapering means reducing your dosage over time. In the case of antidepressants like Zoloft, this process needs to be gradual—often over at least four weeks. Gradually tapering your dosage gives your body time to adapt.

Support your nervous system during the process

While it doesn’t replace medical care, good self-care may help your body during this time. This includes:

• Practicing good sleep hygiene and staying well hydrated
• Managing stress
• Aim for consistent, balanced meals to help support your energy and mood

Now is also a good time to consider talk therapy. Some types of talk therapy have been shown to be equally as effective, or more effective, than medication for many kinds of mental health conditions.

What’s considered normal and when to be concerned

Most discontinuation symptoms are uncomfortable but not dangerous. But some symptoms can be more severe or life-threatening.

Contact your provider as soon as possible if you experience:

• Severe or worsening mood changes
• Symptoms that get more severe or last well beyond the expected timeline
• Symptoms making it difficult to function in your daily life

Frequently asked questions

Is Zoloft withdrawal different from other SSRIs?

Not generally, no. Zoloft withdrawal usually resembles other SSRIs. But Zoloft tends to cause withdrawal less often than many other SSRIs. And the symptoms of withdrawal are different for each person.

Can Zoloft withdrawal start weeks later?

Yes, but not as often. Zoloft withdrawal most commonly starts within a few days of stopping the medication or reducing the dosage.

Are brain zaps dangerous?

They’re uncomfortable, but they’re not dangerous. Talk to your provider if they don’t go away or make it difficult to manage your daily life.

Can Zoloft withdrawal symptoms come and go?

Yes. Withdrawal is not always a straight line. Symptoms can fluctuate day-to-day, but they should gradually start to improve over time.