Symptoms Of Serotonin Withdrawal and Discontinuation Syndrome

Symptoms of Serotonin withdrawal can vary across a broad spectrum, dependent on the individual and the medication or dietary supplement being withdrawn.

Drugs and supplements to increase Serotonin levels are often taken for depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight loss and a number of other conditions.

When the user stops taking these substances, it may result in a period of withdrawal due to the sudden decline in Serotonin levels. Receptors in the brain may have built up a tolerance to higher levels of this neurotransmitter, causing a down-regulation effect.

Severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on a number of different factors, including duration of use, dosage, type of drug or supplement used, genetic predispositions and other health and dietary considerations.

Discuss with your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medications or before stopping the use of a supplement such as 5-HTP. In some instances, it may be necessary to wean yourself off of the drug over a week or more to allow your body to adjust.

What are some of the signs of Serotonin withdrawal and what can be done to prevent this side effect?

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The Use of Serotonin Medications and Drugs

Low levels of Serotonin can be the result of a nutritional deficient diet, lack of exercise or physical activity, excessive ingestion of alcoholic beverages and caffeine, lack of exposure to natural sunlight and chronic stress.

Serotonin levels can be raised with lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and supplementation with Serotonin-boosting nutrients.

In the case of severe mood disorders, a treatment program may include a prescription Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) medication. A popular alternative supplement choice is 5-HTP, a chemical precursor of Serotonin production in the body. 5-HTP supplements are made from the extract of Griffonia simplicifolia, a woody medicinal plant native to Africa.

Medical research studies implicate low levels of Serotonin in cardiovascular disease, stroke, epilepsy, diabetes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, compulsive behavior, lack of impulse control, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, cancer, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression, and weight gain.

SSRI Medications

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medications that affect the Serotonin system. There are several different SSRI medications including Paxil, Luvox, and Zoloft, all of which have proven efficiency in reducing and managing symptoms of deficiency.

Paxil was the first SSRI to gain FDA approval and is often the first choice for treating depression and anxiety. However, a medication that works well for one person, does not necessarily work for another.

Be sure to be forthcoming with your doctor, reporting all symptoms and concerns. Your doctor can then work with you to find the medication that is right for you.

It is important for patients to remember that the chemistry of the brain is amazingly complex. SSRI medications are not like Tylenol or an aspirin which you take for a headache and discontinue when symptoms abate.

SSRIs are typically used for longer periods of time and can have serious side effects or withdrawal symptoms if usage is stopped. They should only be taken under the careful supervision of your physician.

Serotonin Withdrawal Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of Serotonin withdrawal may include anxiety, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, flu-like symptoms, headache, concentration problems, insomnia, blurred vision, electric shock sensations and problems with dexterity and balance.

Other serious Serotonin withdrawal symptoms reported by patients include visual and auditory hallucination, tinnitus, prolonged delusions, paranoia, and recurrent visual images or auditory input.

For most people, symptoms are typically mild and transitory. However, in some persons, the discomfort may be intense and hospitalization may be required.

How Long Does Serotonin Withdrawal Last?

Symptoms of Serotonin withdrawal typically show up within hours or days of discontinuing dosage, particularly when medication is stopped abruptly. Stopping a high dosage abruptly is most likely to cause symptoms.

Patients should avoid abrupt discontinuation of treatment with SSRIs to avoid signs of withdrawal. Symptoms may be reduced by gradually lowering or tapering off dosages as supervised by a healthcare provider.

WebMD advises that all depression drugs can potentially present withdrawal symptoms and that stopping the medication too quickly can lead to unpleasant symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely with antidepressants that stay in the body for a short period of time, especially medications that affect both Serotonin and Norepinephrine such as Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine).

Other short-acting medications that mainly affect Serotonin include Celexa (citalopram), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Paxil (paroxetine). Withdrawal symptoms are less common on medications that take longer to clear, such as Prozac (fluoxetine).

Warnings Regarding SSRIs

As early as 2004, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued advisory concerns and cautions regarding SSRIs and their inherent risk of suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and actions.

Although relatively rare, it is possible that persons in the initial phase of a treatment program may see an increase in symptoms or a worsening of symptoms rather than an improvement in their emotional or physical condition.

It is important for patients to monitor their response to SSRI medications during this time and report any negative responses to your physician.

Many times, healthcare providers find it difficult to differentiate Serotonin withdrawal symptoms from a patient’s recurrence of depression and anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can be powerful mania inducers and patients can rapidly develop hypomanic or full-blown manic symptoms.

Unfortunately, many useful drugs including antidepressants can cause damage and long-term side effects. A small number of persons have exhibited severe “toxic” reactions to SSRIs with symptoms manifesting within days of starting or stopping treatment. The after effects may last for days, months or years afterward.

Analyzing the Risk of Serotonin Withdrawal

The Mayo Clinic notes that the most common symptoms of Serotonin withdrawal syndrome include rapid heart beat, loss of muscle control, dilated pupils, twitching muscles, muscle tension, diarrhea, heavy sweating, headaches, shivering, agitation, restlessness, and confusion.

Severe symptoms are infrequent but can include high fever, irregular heartbeat, seizures or unconsciousness. The Mayo Clinic recommends that patients seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist.

Withdrawal symptoms related to SSRI discontinuation can impact daily routines and may adversely influence your professional or personal life. The SSRI discontinuation syndrome does not distinguish dependent on gender, age, diagnosis or dosage. Clinical studies report adverse in persons taking low dosages and well as in those on high dosages of SSRI medication.

According to the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians), Serotonin withdrawal symptoms are most likely to occur if an antidepressant medication has been used for longer than 6 weeks and usually occur within the first three days after stopping an antidepressant medication and typically last for two weeks or less.

Researchers note that the longer antidepressant medication has been used, the longer the withdrawal is likely to last. Serotonin withdrawal syndrome appears to be rare in persons who have been on antidepressant treatment for less than six weeks. In most cases, Serotonin withdrawal is more uncomfortable than dangerous, however speak with your doctor is you have any concerns.

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