How to Detox From Zoloft Safely
Zoloft is a brand name of a medication known as sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). As an SSRI, Zoloft can help those with panic attacks, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder better regulate their emotions.
Because Zoloft directly affects brain chemistry to balance the levels of serotonin, physical dependence is likely.
To recover from Zoloft dependence, you must go through a process known as withdrawal, which is best managed as part of a medical detox.
If you or someone you love is suffering from Zoloft addiction, Zinnia Health can help. Our caring team can answer your questions. Just call us at (855) 430-9439 to have a confidential conversation about your treatment options.
What Is a Zoloft Detox?
Zoloft is one of the most widely used antidepressants in the country. With so many other uses, it’s a valuable prescription medication.
However, because Zoloft regulates serotonin (a neurotransmitter), taking it for weeks or months can lead to physical dependence. This creates a need for cessation, or a Zoloft detox.
Physical dependence is marked by a change in brain chemistry. It can happen anytime someone routinely takes a drug that changes chemical levels in the brain.
Regularly taking Zoloft to regulate serotonin encourages your body to depend on the SSRI for that purpose.
Physical dependence is a natural result of the body’s chemical processes, often occurring with prescription drugs that individuals take routinely over long periods.
On the other hand, non-prescription Zoloft use can be dangerous. Alongside physical dependence comes tolerance, which means an individual will need to take more of a drug to feel the same effects. This can lead to Zoloft overdose, which can be deadly.
No matter why someone takes Zoloft, once physical dependence forms, the body must go through a period known as withdrawal when they stop taking the medication.
Quitting Zoloft suddenly can lead to severe and potentially dangerous side effects, which is why tapering is important.
To protect your physical and mental health, it’s highly recommended that you work with medical professionals and go through a Zoloft detox program.
If you have questions about the available treatment options, Zinnia Health can give you answers. Reach out to our team at (855) 430-9439 for more information.
How Long Will a Zoloft Detox Last?
If you’ve been taking Zoloft for a few weeks or more, it’s likely that you have grown physically dependent on the drug.
This means quitting Zoloft will take 1-2 weeks of careful monitoring and tapering to ensure your overall well-being.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, a detox program will be even more valuable because the treatment facility can provide support to manage the symptoms of your condition alongside Zoloft withdrawal.
There are three primary options for Zoloft detox, including:
- Inpatient treatment at a hospital or healthcare facility
- Residential treatment at a treatment center that specializes in substance abuse
- Outpatient treatment where you attend multiple appointments to help you through the process
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms During a Zoloft Detox?
You may experience any of the following withdrawal symptoms throughout a Zoloft detox:
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Sweating
What Types of Treatment Are Used During a Zoloft Detox?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan during a Zoloft detox.
If you are at a higher risk for experiencing serious side effects — like if you need dual diagnosis treatment for substance use and a mental health condition — you may choose to participate in a detox program at a hospital or medical facility.
This is the most intense type of inpatient treatment, and it ensures that your treatment providers are licensed medical professionals available around the clock.
You’ll generally be discharged from a hospital within 1-2 weeks or as soon as you’re considered stable.
You may engage in any of the following therapies during a Zoloft detox:
- Taper medication and others to ease withdrawal symptoms
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Nutrition
- Dual-diagnosis treatment
Can You Detox From Zoloft at Home or Not?
Drug rehab centers tend to create a warmer, more home-like environment, and you’ll be surrounded by other individuals participating in treatment.
At a recovery center, you’ll also have the option to stay after the initial detox period to continue on your recovery pathway.
Zoloft detox can cause painful side effects, especially due to how the withdrawal affects your mental health.
You can discuss slowly tapering off of Zoloft with your primary care physician or psychiatrist.
However, it is extremely important that you are honest with them about how much you have been taking and if you are abusing any other substances.
Zoloft withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, enrolling in a rehab program to help manage withdrawal symptoms will put you on the fast track to recovery.
If you or a loved one are searching for a detox center, here’s some advice for choosing the best facility.
- If you’re considering an outpatient program, look for addiction centers close by so you don’t have to commute far
- Most substance abuse treatment centers have a 24/7 helpline phone number. Zinnia Health can be reached anytime at (855) 430-9439
- Ask the addiction treatment facility if they have experience with Zoloft detox
- Have them explain what therapies and methods they’ll employ for managing withdrawal symptoms like drowsiness and cravings
- If you’re using substances like alcohol, ask if they have experience with them
- If you’re suffering from a mental health condition, have them explain how they’ll help you manage your dual diagnosis
How to Find a Zoloft Detox Center Near Me
The withdrawal timeline is different for everyone, and the Zoloft detox process is only the first step in recovery.
For these reasons, it’s important to choose a facility that will stand by you every step of your journey. If you choose to detox at Zinnia Health, you’ll experience:
- Around-the-clock care from a caring, qualified team
- Custom treatment programs designed around your needs
- Inpatient, outpatient, and transitional programs
- Long-term support to help you achieve your life goals
Zinnia Health has locations throughout the country and is one of the top detox centers.
If you are looking for the nearest location to you, Zinnia Health has a list of local detox facilities and addresses on our website. You can also contact us through our 24/7 hotline to find the closest detox center near you.
Recovering from Zoloft addiction takes personalized treatment. Zinnia Health can help you get it. Contact us at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about Zoloft addiction and recovery.
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