From the Research
The recommended approach for tapering off 100mg of sertraline is to reduce the dose by 25mg every 4-6 weeks, but more recent evidence suggests that a hyperbolic tapering schedule, reducing the dose by smaller amounts over a longer period, may be more effective in minimizing withdrawal symptoms. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, a hyperbolic tapering schedule, where the dose is reduced by one quarter (or one half) of the most recent dose, equivalent to a reduction of 5 (or 10) percentage points of its serotonin reuptake inhibition, sequentially, at intervals of 3-6 months, titrated to individual tolerance, may be the most effective approach. Some key points to consider when tapering off sertraline include:
- Tapering should be done under medical supervision
- Monitoring for withdrawal symptoms or returning depression/anxiety is crucial
- Being prepared to pause or slow the taper if needed is important
- Tapering slowly allows the brain to gradually adapt to decreasing levels of serotonin, reducing the risk of discontinuation syndrome
- Never stopping sertraline abruptly, as this can lead to severe withdrawal effects, is essential 2, 3. It's also important to note that the exact timeline may vary based on individual response, and some people may need to taper more slowly, especially in the final stages 4. A typical schedule could be:
- 100mg to 75mg for 4-6 weeks
- 75mg to 50mg for 4-6 weeks
- 50mg to 25mg for 4-6 weeks
- 25mg to 0mg, with further reductions made in smaller increments, such as 12.5mg, 6.25mg, and 3.125mg, at intervals of 3-6 months, until complete cessation.