question-icon

Can Zoloft Be Tapered Off After Taking It For 12 Years?

default
Posted on Sat, 19 May 2018
Twitter Sat, 19 May 2018 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 15 Mar 2024 Last reviewed on
Question : I have been on zoloft for 12 years 200mg daily for depression. I am wanting to get expert advice on tapering off.Welcome to 'Ask a Doctor'.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (-4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Taper by 25mg every two weeks.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The tapering of any antidepressant should be done very slowly to prevent discontinuation symptoms.

I would advise you to taper Zoloft by 25mg every two weeks (under your doctor's supervision).
Take plenty of fluids along with that. Take adequate diet, especially green vegetables and salads. You can take tablet paracetamol, if you experience any flu-like symptoms.

Also please be aware about relapse of symptoms of anxiety and depression. In such case, stay on the dose on which you were feeling normal.

Feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

155 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Can Zoloft Be Tapered Off After Taking It For 12 Years?

Brief Answer: Taper by 25mg every two weeks. Detailed Answer: Hello, The tapering of any antidepressant should be done very slowly to prevent discontinuation symptoms. I would advise you to taper Zoloft by 25mg every two weeks (under your doctor's supervision). Take plenty of fluids along with that. Take adequate diet, especially green vegetables and salads. You can take tablet paracetamol, if you experience any flu-like symptoms. Also please be aware about relapse of symptoms of anxiety and depression. In such case, stay on the dose on which you were feeling normal. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions. Hope this helps. Thanks.