Zoloft withdrawal may be made easier using non-medication-based strategies and alternative treatments, especially for those who have sensitivities to drug-based mental health treatment.
Very often, drugs like Zoloft (sertraline) are prescribed as a first measure, instead of doing a thorough search for root causes of symptoms that would be easier to relieve without the liabilities associated with SSRIs.
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The withdrawal symptoms of Zoloft are extremely varied, and though some are more common than others, their duration and frequency can be different for everyone. The side effects of Zoloft can be similar to those of withdrawal, and of additional concern, one’s original symptoms can resurface and intensify upon discontinuation. This is because no drug can actually cure dysfunctional neurotransmitters, take away the burden of neurotoxic accumulations in the body, repair a vitamin/mineral deficiency, or correct other causal factors that led to the prescription in the first place. Many find this overlap too confusing to navigate without outside assistance, and misdiagnosis is not uncommon in Zoloft withdrawal.
The mnemonic “FINISH” is sometimes used to describe withdrawal symptoms from Zoloft and similar antidepressants.1
Common Zoloft withdrawal symptoms (“FINISH”) may include:
Flu-like symptoms
Insomnia
Nausea
Imbalances
Sensory disturbances
Hyperarousal
Flu-like symptoms can include general malaise, sweating, chills, achiness and pain, headache, fatigue, lethargy, inability to concentrate or think clearly.
Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
Nausea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration and loss of vital nutrients
Imbalances are common such as dizziness and vertigo and can lead to falls
Sensory disturbances include burning, prickling, tingling, sensations of electric shock
Hyperarousal such as anxiety, mania, irritability, aggression, jerkiness, agitation
Introduction to Zoloft (sertraline)
Zoloft, generic sertraline, is an antidepressant drug in the SSRI class. SSRI means selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The FDA acknowledges that the mechanics of how SSRIs work are not understood, but it is theorized that by artificially prolonging the activation of serotonin molecules, this boosts mood and therefore SSRIs are called “antidepressants.” The “conventional “wisdom” has drilled into the general population that if you are depressed, you have a “chemical imbalance” and that SSRIs are the answer. This simplistic description of serotonin-based drugs needs further understanding.
Research published in the 2022 British Medical Journalconcluded that 85% of people who take antidepressants do not benefit, beyond placebo-effect levels. In fact, large long-term studies in the 2022 Journal of Molecular Psychiatry reviewed the “chemical imbalance” theory and found no association between depression and low levels of serotonin concentration.5,6,7
Let’s dig in a bit further.
Understanding Serotonin
Serotonin is a a type of chemical naturally produced by the body. While serotonin has been popularized by drug advertising campaigns as a “brain chemical,” it is produced mostly in the intestines and distributed to the rest of the body from there.
Serotonin plays many physiologic roles in the human body,2-4 including but not limited to these:
Control of the pupils and connecting muscles around the eyes
Regulating blood flow to and from the heart, cellular repair of the 60,000 miles of blood vessels that make up the body’s circulatory system
Endocrine system regulator (insulin, glucose, lipids, pancreatic secretions, growth and other metabolic hormones.)
Bowel motility, bladder control
Sexual organ function
The vast range of roles of serotonin are still being discovered and studied. The assumed function of serotonin as a mood elevator has not been proven, and the mechanics of how serotonergic drugs affect the human physiology, remain largely not understood.
Managing Zoloft Withdrawal — Spotlight on Neuroplasticity
SSRIs spend available serotonin, and do not create it. Taking a drug like Zoloft over a long period of time introduces changes due to the neuroplasticity of cells, altering their transmission & messaging. These intricate pathways in the body and in the brain begin to change and adapt in the presence of disruptors, blockages, and injury. Think of a river that bends around rocks in its path, or a glacier that leaves a valley behind. Think of a river of Zoloft coursing through the body. Suddenly stopping can severely shock the body and the result is what is called Zoloft withdrawal symptoms.
Zoloft withdrawal symptoms can be as varied as one can imagine, but the common ones are listed above. Looking at the mechanics of the situation then, one can see that the approach to tapering Zoloft should be gentle and gradual. Incremental dosage reductions will tend to lessen the severity of the reactions.
In addition, alternatives to Zoloft can help ease the repairing of systems so they can reintegrate and begin functioning normally once again.
Zoloft Alternatives Can Help in Zoloft Withdrawal
Since taking SSRIs long-term spends available serotonin, without replenishing this natural chemical, these drugs are associated with a deficiency in serotonin. Thus, actions taken to replenish this (and other) neurotransmitters may help.
But again, the transition must be done slowly. Here is an example: an amino acid, L-tryptophan, is a precursor to serotonin production in the body. Therefore L-tryptophan is a workable Zoloft alternative that can be introduced gradually, at the same time as Zoloft is being gradually tapered down.
Restoring neurotransmitter health is only one part of the puzzle. Many factors can come into play, such as restoring a healthy microbiome, correcting nutritional deficiencies, addressing life challenges, and many others that are unique to each person. Please once again note the transition to come off Zoloft must be gradual to be safe and effective.
Some examples of Zoloft alternative treatments can include:
A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, clean sources of proteins provides the building blocks for creating neurochemicals and hormones needed for human health.
Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds that may help reduce or eliminate lingering symptoms 9,10
B vitamins, magnesium, 5-HTP, and other nutritional supplements are available that may be needed for supporting healthy neurotransmitter and hormone functions 11,12
Clear out accumulations of toxins that disrupt cellular messaging and block nutrient absorption 13
Get tested for and correct nutritional deficiencies that may be at the root of some original symptoms — this is at the heart of orthomolecular medicine
Daily exercise, proven to reverse mental health symptoms like depression 14
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can be particularly helpful during withdrawal.15
Find out More about Zoloft Withdrawal at Alternative to Meds Center
Inpatient Zoloft withdrawal programs at Alternative to Meds Center are uniquely designed for each individual’s needs, sensitivities, and profile, starting with a comprehensive battery of lab testing.
We have drawn on many clinical disciplines including Orthomolecular Medicine, Environmental Medicine, CBT and other forms of psychological counseling, trainer-led exercise programs and classes including yoga, and Qigong. Additionally, we offer a wide range of comfort therapies such as acupuncture and therapeutic massage. These and other alternative treatments all provide effective strategies for use during Zoloft withdrawal, so our clients can achieve drug-free mental clarity, energy, and a positive outlook on the future.
In addition to the methods outlined above, the center offers an exceptional range of treatments and therapies such as sauna therapy, Equine therapy, cold-plunge therapy, sound healing, nebulized glutathione, IV + NAD therapy, and many more. You can find out more details about these on our services overview pages.
You are invited to call us for more information for yourself or your loved one, and find out if Alternative to Meds Center’s Zoloft withdrawal program can present you with the strategies and results you have been searching for.
1. Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.[cited 2025 Jan 30]
2. Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin. [Updated 2023 Jul 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545168/ [cited 2025 Jan 30]
3. Jones LA, Sun EW, Martin AM, Keating DJ. The ever-changing roles of serotonin. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2020 Aug;125:105776. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105776. Epub 2020 May 29. PMID: 32479926. [cited 2025 Jan 30]
4. Berger M, Gray JA, Roth BL. The expanded biology of serotonin. Annu Rev Med. 2009;60:355-66. doi: 10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802. PMID: 19630576; PMCID: PMC5864293. [cited 2025 Jan 30]
12. Mikkelsen K, Stojanovska L, Apostolopoulos V. The Effects of Vitamin B in Depression. Curr Med Chem. 2016;23(38):4317-4337. doi: 10.2174/0929867323666160920110810. PMID: 27655070. [cited 2025 Jan 30]
Originally Published January 31, 2025 by Diane Ridaeus
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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Common Zoloft withdrawal symptoms (“FINISH”) may include:
A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, clean sources of proteins provides the building blocks for creating neurochemicals and hormones needed for human health.
Inpatient Zoloft withdrawal programs at Alternative to Meds Center are uniquely designed for each individual’s needs, sensitivities, and profile, starting with a comprehensive battery of lab testing.
