TAPERING OFF OF ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS: THE MISSING NUTRITIONAL KEY

Since the first SSRI came to market in 1987, it’s customers have been complaining about negative side effects and disappearing benefits. Then, when they decide to stop using SSRI’s, they suffer through withdrawal symptoms. All of this, in addition to returning to their original state of depression and/or anxiety.

Side effects, limited benefits, withdrawal symptoms: these are the hallmarks of addictive drugs.

As addiction recovery specialists since 1980, my clinic’s staff has faced many drug withdrawal challenges. I’d like to pass on here what we have learned since 1995 about how SSRI detox can be best accomplished.  Nutritionally-assisted withdrawal is much more comfortable and rapid. This is largely because it relieves the underlying depression and anxiety that prompted the drug use to begin with. The process involves working with prescribers who are typically happy with a shorter and more comfortable tapering protocol.

Here’s the missing key: SSRI drugs target the brain’s natural antidepressant, the neurotransmitter serotonin. We have ready access to the nutrient that the brain uses to directly produce serotonin. It is called tryptophan and it comes in two forms: L-tryptophan and five-hydroxytryptophan. Both are available OTC and moderately priced. They are not needed permanently. Typically they are only needed for a few months after they have assisted in the SSRI detox process.

Our virtual clinic’s nutritionists  help clients plan their SSRI tapers In collaboration with their prescribing physicians.

1             First, they confirm that they have a serotonin deficiency by filling out a serotonin deficiency symptom questionnaire. They can further confirm with a plasma tryptophan or plasma serotonin test if they like.

2             They trial a capsule of tryptophan or five HTP, or both, five hours away from the time that they typically take their antidepressant. Their mood should improve immediately as their serotonin deficiency symptoms reduce.

3             They request a moderately-paced taper schedule from the prescriber.

4             If they become uncomfortable in the course of the withdrawal they increase the dose of the amino acid. If that does not eliminate the discomfort, they slow down the taper as well.

5             If they’re on antidepressants like Paxil or Effexor, that are very quick to leave the brain, they may switch to Prozac, which leaves the brain very gradually.

6             There’s a whole chapter in my book, The Mood Cure, on antidepressants and the nutrition-assisted tapering process.

Acudetox and NAD are among the other natural methods that we have found to be effective during SSRI withdrawal since the book was published.