Zoloft Addiction, Half-Life, and the Euphoric Effects of the Drug
Patients taking sertraline or other SSRI medications often report developing a dependency on the feeling of a Zoloft high. While official sources say the drug does not produce a sense of euphoria, there have been many reports from patients of hypomania and heightened euphoria as a side effect of the medication.7,14 
Hypomania is a short-lived period (often 2-3 days) of increased mood, excited state, and overactive behavior that can be euphoric to some. Zoloft addiction and hypomania can also lead to aggression towards others and even crashes that can result in suicidal ideation.
Zoloft’s addictive qualities may have to do with the drug’s half-life. The half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the chemical to metabolize or become inactive in the body. The half-life of sertraline in the bloodstream for someone taking 50 to 200mg daily is about 26 hours according to the FDA. The drug’s half-life extends to 50 hours if the liver is damaged.8 When the half-life period ends, the adverse side effects of Zoloft addiction begin. Patients can become dizzy, depressed, anxious, and irritable because they haven’t taken their medication.
Patients suffering from antidepressant addiction can experience dreams or nightmares, nausea, insomnia, zapping sensations, and akathisia during Zoloft withdrawal periods. Akathisia is a potential side effect of this drug’s use and is characterized by extreme agitation, unbearable internal and motor restlessness and anxiousness. Akathisia is commonly thought to be a precursor to aggressive thoughts, aggressive behaviors, and suicidal thoughts or ideation. This is one of the extremely detrimental effects that can occur from SSRI drugs. Not only is akathisia a horrendous side effect, but it is often linked with suicide, where a person so affected becomes desperate for relief.9 This is only one of the extreme symptoms a patient can experience when dealing with antidepressant addiction.
Zoloft Addiction Recovery
Your mental health is essential and should be a priority in any withdrawal or addiction treatment program. If you are taking Zoloft and want to discontinue your use of the drug, it is crucial that you take a step-by-step approach and do not abruptly or too quickly stop taking the medication. In fact, to stop taking this medication safely, it is not only essential to manage your physical symptoms, but also to ensure that you have access to the right tools to help you cope with your mental health, as well.
It’s best to create a plan with competent medical professionals before going off the medication, as this process can be quite lengthy and may involve nuanced tapering over a significant time period, perhaps for weeks or months. Keep in mind that the way an individual patient is tapered off the drug depends on how long the patient has been on Zoloft, the dosage the patient was taking, the severity of symptoms the patient has had while taking the medication, and the person’s general level of health. Once you and your medical team have decided to begin a taper, alternative resources can provide critical tools in successfully and safely discontinuing Zoloft use.10
Therapy
Psychotherapy can help you cope with the symptoms of Zoloft addiction and the intensity of the physical and mental symptoms that resulted from ceasing use of the medication. Talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other counseling can help you develop ways to cope with what you are feeling that do not rely on pharmaceutical drugs. In addition, if you are struggling with other substance addictions, therapy can help you learn to manage symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD).
Physical Activity
Another helpful tool for Zoloft addiction recovery is physical activity. The endorphins and chemicals released during exercise have a powerful antidepressant effect. For many people, these “feel good chemicals” can help combat withdrawal symptoms. Physical activity can be extremely useful during a gradual taper to zero Zoloft use. In addition, patients that exercise three or more times a week are less likely to relapse after recovering from depression.
Secure a Support System
As you recover from Zoloft use and dependence, you must make sure to have a proper support system in place. This includes, first and foremost, a clinician or medical professional to help guide you through the tapering process and the physical and emotional symptoms experienced when discontinuing the medication. During discontinuation, a family member or friend is also great to have as part of your support system to help deal with the emotional stress of stopping the medication. Finding a local recovery group or utilizing the services of an addiction recovery facility can help you connect with others who have had a similar experience.
Remain Dedicated to the Tapering Process
Lastly, the most critical part of recovery is completing the tapering process. When you stop taking Zoloft, the dose may be reduced, using accurate measuring methods, or perhaps liquid dosing. Be sure to stay in close contact with a medical professional even after completely stopping the medication. Drug-free alternative treatments can help ensure depression or other symptoms have not returned. These can include nutrition, exercise, counseling and others, and can be safely used to support ongoing healing.11
Treatment for Zoloft Addiction At Alternative to Meds Center
At Alternative to Meds, a wealth of therapeutic support is available and which is detailed on our services overview pages. The program for each client is uniquely designed. Lab testing is crucial for understanding much of what should be addressed. Each person works with their team of professionals and meets with them at regular intervals for input, so that progress is smooth, and any changes needed can be implemented without delay.
Orthomolecular fundamentals are an important treatment pillar, as is addressing neurotoxin overload, and facilitating neurotransmitter rehabilitation. A wide array of comfort therapies are made available prior, during, and after safe and gentle tapering, including therapeutic massage, personal counseling services, peer support programs, exercise, equine therapy, acupuncture, sauna cleansing and other spa services, IV treatments, and much more.
Please contact us for more information on how Alternative to Meds Center can provide you or a loved one with the care and attention for successful recovery of mental health naturally after Zoloft addiction.
Significant withdrawal symptoms develop when the medication is discontinued either abruptly or gradually. This causes physical symptoms that can interrupt the patient’s life and put their health at risk.
