Question: How Long Does It Take Zoloft to Wear Off?
Answer: Zoloft has a half-life of about one day. That means that for every day that passes without taking the medication the level in the blood falls by 50%. After one day the level is reduced to 50% of the original level, after two days to 25%, after three days to 12.5%, and so on.
When one stops Zoloft too rapidly discontinuation syndrome may develop. Among the symptoms that may be experienced are nausea, tremors, lightheadedness, muscle pains, weakness, insomnia, and anxiety. While most people coming off Zoloft have none of these symptoms, some people do have one or more. The symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks; but, in some instances, they may gradually decrease over a period as long as a month. It is generally recommended that one taper off this medication gradually under a doctor's supervision. Check with your own personal physician for specific instructions.
