SSRI Dose Reduction: Safe Ways to Lower Your Antidepressant Dose

When you’ve been on an SSRI, a type of antidepressant that increases serotonin in the brain to improve mood. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it’s one of the most common meds for depression and anxiety, you might wonder if you can cut back. Maybe you feel better. Maybe the side effects are getting to you. Or maybe your doctor suggests a slow reduction. SSRI dose reduction isn’t just about taking less—it’s about doing it right so you don’t crash. Stopping too fast can trigger dizziness, brain zaps, nausea, or even a return of anxiety. That’s why tapering matters.

Not all SSRIs are the same when it comes to coming off. Sertraline, a commonly prescribed SSRI with a moderate half-life tends to cause more withdrawal symptoms if dropped quickly than fluoxetine, a longer-acting SSRI that stays in the system longer. That’s why switching from one SSRI to another—like moving from paroxetine to fluoxetine—can make the process smoother. Your body needs time to adjust its serotonin levels. Cutting your dose by 10-25% every few weeks is the standard advice, but some people need even slower drops. People who’ve been on SSRIs for years often need months to taper safely. And if you’ve had withdrawal before? That’s a red flag to go slower next time.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t generic guides. These are real, practical stories from people who’ve been through it. One post walks you through switching to sertraline from another antidepressant with a step-by-step plan. Another explains how to manage duloxetine side effects while reducing dosage. You’ll see how REMS programs changed for other meds, how hormone changes affect mood, and how even blood pressure drugs can interact with antidepressants. This isn’t theory. It’s what works when you’re trying to feel like yourself again—without the pills, or with less of them. Whether you’re thinking about cutting back, already started, or just scared to ask your doctor, the info here is built for your real life.