Off SSRIs--how long to see a difference?
My daughter took her last dose of Zoloft last week. We finally stood up and said we want her off the SSRIs. Overall, so far she is seeming much calmer, but she had several other med changes at the same time (it was time for a complete shake up, things just weren't working). I understand the clinical significance of coming off the SSRIs, but I am wondering: how long till we see the full affect of this? I know the half-life isn't that long, but I would still think it might take quite a while for the brain to settle down and adjust. ?? I want to get an idea of this so if things start to fall apart, we can have an idea of whether we still haven't seen the full advantage of being off the med, or if things are bad because she actually needs a small dose...
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Jennie (37) depression treated effectively with lexapro
Husband (58)
daughter Alison (14)
Bipolar I with episodes of psychosis; Oppositional Defiant Disorder
lithium, depakote, zyprexa, zoloft
I believe it takes several weeks for the brain chemistry to readjust itself after SSRI's are d/c'd. If the SSRI had triggered a mania, it will take a couple of months to really get things under control, assuming she is on the right MS's to do that. At least you've taken a step in the (hopefully) right direction now. Unfortunately it seems like almost every treatment change takes a few weeks to work. Hang in there!
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Brenda,51, TBMF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 17, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Lamictal, Cytomel, Allegra
E, 15 1/2, BP,AS: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol, Buspar
B, 14 & H, 11
Married 18 years to DH, 50
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