Send SSRI

Abrupt SSRIs are generally not recommended. The body is accustomed to a fairly constant serotonin level during the intake of SSRI. If a patient suddenly stops taking the drug, the serotonin level also drops very quickly.

The reason for this is the short half-life of the medication. Half-life is the time it takes for exactly half of the initial dose of a drug to remain in the body. SSRIs often have short half-lives, which means that they are broken down quickly.

If the serotonin level drops within a short period of time, the body has no chance of compensating for the loss of messenger substance through increased production. Consequences of a too fast discontinuation include fatigue, digestive disorders, muscle twitching or dizziness. More serious, however, are the consequences for the psychological condition of the patients.

Since SSRI are often prescribed to depressed patients, the condition of these patients often deteriorates abruptly. Depressive patients generally have a lower serotonin level. If the serotonin level is further reduced because SSRIs have been discontinued and the body has not been able to adjust and regulate serotonin production quickly enough, this can have far-reaching consequences.

This can lead to severe mood swings or extreme deterioration of mood in general. The severely depressed mood can lead to suicidal thoughts and in the worst case even end in suicide. For this reason, SSRIs should not be discontinued on their own authority, but only after consultation with the treating physician.

In addition, a slow, continuous reduction of the dose is recommended, a so-called balancing of the medication. The body then has time to get used to the decreasing serotonin amount and to stimulate its own serotonin production. Weaning syndrome is the term used to describe the symptoms that occur when SSRIs are discontinued.

This occurs mainly when the drug is suddenly discontinued, especially after long-term therapy with SSRI. To prevent the occurrence of a withdrawal syndrome, the drug must be discontinued over several weeks. Possible withdrawal symptoms include digestive disorders such as diarrhea or constipation, physical discomfort, sleep disorders, sensory disturbances, dizziness, circulatory problems, sexual dysfunction and tics. Mood swings, manias and depression can also occur, as well as the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. As a prophylactic measure, SSRIs should therefore always be avoided, and benzodiazepines can also help in the acute treatment of withdrawal symptoms.