![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 41 to 65 of 163. Go back in thread:
Posted by rag on April 23, 2005, at 14:33:18
In reply to Re: PS Thanks Dr. Bob, Scott (SLS) and others, posted by SLS on April 23, 2005, at 13:38:49
> > I have been on zoloft (12.5 mg for 4 days, 25 for 2 and 50 for 4 days) I'm not sure I really need this (highs and lows from long distance relationship)
> >
> > should I experience any withdrawal problems after this short term use?????
>
> I can't answer your question with certainty, but any withdrawal effects should be mild and limited in duration. I think withdrawal becomes more of an issue once someone has been on Zoloft for two weeks and longer. If I were in your position, I would probably choose to discontinue taking it all at once.
>
> Please let us know what you experience. It would be interesting to know what a short exposure to Zoloft is capable of.
>
> Have you ever taken an antidepressant before?
> Which ones?
> Have you ever had a withdrawal reaction before?
>
> I don't think you should have anything to be scared of.
>
>
> - Scott
>thanks Scott I stopped yesterday seem to be OK
have never taken an antidepressant before
have never had any withdrawal systemshave taken xanax from time to time
Rich
Posted by DDTTBB on April 25, 2005, at 11:03:47
In reply to You can do it if I can, posted by JaneB on April 21, 2005, at 11:59:00
Hi all, I got off Zoloft two years ago. I quit it cold turkey while taking 200mg per day. Not a good idea, but I made it. I had all the symptoms described on this board, but I never had to miss a day of work or anything, thankfully. I was amazed how quickly the extra pounds melted off when I quit taking it. I was exercising a lot, but I lost 15 pounds in just over a month. I had to go back on Zoloft after 6 months off it when my wife filed for divorce. A year and a half later, I am happily remarried and have started to taper off Zoloft, hopefully for good. I am annoyed by the weight gain. It's all in my gut. I would definitely recommend tapering to some extent. I had the weirdest things happen to me at night the first time I got off it cold turkey. I would constantly get up during the night and find myself in another part of the house, just standing there. One night, I awoke to find myself urinating into my kitchen garbage can. No joke! So, I am tapering, cutting off 50 mg each week. I am not going to spend months tapering because it seems like the withdrawal symptoms still come when the amount drops to zero, so I am going to weather the storm, knowing it will pass and things will get better. I can tell you that I did well when I quit the Zoloft. My thinking was clearer, and my memory was better. I was in a bad marriage, which was the main cause of my depression. I think Zoloft really did help me, but my life has changed dramatically for the better, and I am confident I can live without it. I just wanted to reassure people that yes, the withdrawal is not fun, but it does get better. I just started tapering last week, dropping from 200 to 150, and while I have some mild symptoms of dizziness that come and go, I am doing much better than when I quit cold turkey two years ago. You can get off this drug!
Posted by DDTTBB on April 25, 2005, at 20:52:38
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Mirandakdj on March 1, 2005, at 20:22:37
Hi all, I got off Zoloft two years ago. I quit it cold turkey while taking 200mg per day. Not a good idea, but I made it. I had all the symptoms described on this board, but I never had to miss a day of work or anything, thankfully. I was amazed how quickly the extra pounds melted off. I was exercising a lot, but I lost 15 pounds in just over a month. I had to go back on Zoloft after 6 months off it when my wife filed for divorce. A year and a half later, I am happily remarried and have started to taper off Zoloft, hopefully for good. I would definitely recommend tapering to some extent. I had the weirdest things happen to me at night the first time I got off it. I would constantly get up during the night and find myself in another part of the house, just standing there. So, I am tapering, cutting off 50 mg each week. I am not going to spend months tapering because it seems like the withdrawal symptoms still come when the amount drops to zero, so I am going to weather the storm, knowing it will pass and things will get better. I can tell you that I did well when I quit the Zoloft. My thinking was clearer, and my memory was better. I think Zoloft really did help me, but my life has changed dramatically for the better, and I am confident I can live without it. I just wanted to reassure people that yes, the withdrawal is not fun, but it does get better.
Posted by laurab on April 26, 2005, at 22:09:10
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by DDTTBB on April 25, 2005, at 10:56:46
I have been on 200 mg Zoloft & .5 mg of Ativan for 2 1/2 years for panic/anxiety attacks. My psychiatrist told me that they were mainly caused from the stress of my old job. A short time after being on the Zoloft and getting a better job the attacks stopped.
My Psychiatrist told me to start coming off of the Zoloft. I dropped 25 mgs every 2 weeks. I did fine until I got down to 0. Then wham! I was dizzy, off balance, sick to my stomach, getting these weird feelings in my head as if my brain had gone numb for a second, crying spells, and insomnia. Talk about a medical nightmare!
I called my Psychiatrist to see what was happening and he blew me off. He said that the symptoms I am having is not from coming off of Zoloft and asked, "Well which would you rather have? Panic Attacks or what you're going through now?" and told me there were no after effects from Zoloft. So with that, I went on the internet to see what was going on. I was releaved to find out that this was normal (if that's what you would call this). I saw many threads about trying benedryl or tylenol cold and sinus for vertigo relief. I tried them and nothing improved. I went to see my PCP and she gave me a prescription for motion sickness...which made me feel worse and very grawgy.
It has been almost a month since I have been off of the zoloft. I still have dizziness,numb feeling in my head and I can't sleep at night without taking tylenol pm.
I am on Medical Leave from work and I haven't been able to drive since 3/28/05. My pcp is familiar with the effects of coming off of Zoloft however my psychiatrist isn't? Go figure. Anyway, my PCP is concerned about the numbness I am getting in my head so she referred me to a Neurologist. I have an appointment in a few days.
In the mean time I am going stir crazy. I am so frustrated because I cannot function like I used to. I am so used to being on the go all of the time and now I just sit around because I am too dizzy to do anything. My question is does anyone know how long does this typically last? Has anyone found anything that works to help?
Posted by DDTTBB on April 27, 2005, at 13:49:14
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by laurab on April 26, 2005, at 22:09:10
It should go away. It took several weeks, but the withdrawal symptoms eventually stopped. Your symptoms sound more severe than what I had when I quit cold turkey, but I know people have said it takes months in some cases. I have concluded that everyone responds differently to Zoloft withdrawal, but eventually I htink your body will adjust to not having it anymore.
Posted by DDTTBB on April 27, 2005, at 13:53:18
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by laurab on April 26, 2005, at 22:09:10
I can't believe psychiatrists are so blind to the effects of Zoloft withdrawal. I guess they have the drug companies in their back pocket. You would think a person with a medical degree could spend five minutes on the internet and see how many people suffer from Zoloft withdrawal. That is why I am tapering off it without my psychiatrist knowing, and I am not going to spend months doing it either. I went from 200 to 150 last week, will drop to 100 tomorrow for another week, then fifty, then 25, and then done, because it seems like everyone gets the symptoms when they drop to 0 no matter how long they have been tapering off it. I am doing very well so far, and I know it might suck for a few weeks when I drop to 0, but I survived it cold turkey two years ago, so I know I can do it again.
Posted by JaneB on April 29, 2005, at 16:36:03
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by laurab on April 26, 2005, at 22:09:10
What helped me with the dizziness, nausea, etc. was to shave a bit off the Zoloft tablet and take it as soon as the dizziness was too annoying. The time span between "shavings" became longer and longer. Now I have no dizziness at all. Doctors don't always know what our bodies are experiencing. But many people have experienced extreme withdrawal from the "non-addicting" antidepressants. I have had success in coming off by using the shaving method. Try it--maybe it will work for you. But as you see new specialists and get more tests you may experience "dizziness" just from the anticipation of tests and test results. Maybe you just need to give your body a touch of Zoloft to get you over the withdrawal a little more.Are you discontinuing Ativan also? I was advised to discontinue Zoloft and then Klonopin. However, I found that it worked better for me to decrease each at the same time equally by the same split and shave method.
I am no expert. Just sharing what worked for me. Good luck.
Jane
> I have been on 200 mg Zoloft & .5 mg of Ativan for 2 1/2 years for panic/anxiety attacks. My psychiatrist told me that they were mainly caused from the stress of my old job. A short time after being on the Zoloft and getting a better job the attacks stopped.
>
> My Psychiatrist told me to start coming off of the Zoloft. I dropped 25 mgs every 2 weeks. I did fine until I got down to 0. Then wham! I was dizzy, off balance, sick to my stomach, getting these weird feelings in my head as if my brain had gone numb for a second, crying spells, and insomnia. Talk about a medical nightmare!
>
> I called my Psychiatrist to see what was happening and he blew me off. He said that the symptoms I am having is not from coming off of Zoloft and asked, "Well which would you rather have? Panic Attacks or what you're going through now?" and told me there were no after effects from Zoloft. So with that, I went on the internet to see what was going on. I was releaved to find out that this was normal (if that's what you would call this). I saw many threads about trying benedryl or tylenol cold and sinus for vertigo relief. I tried them and nothing improved. I went to see my PCP and she gave me a prescription for motion sickness...which made me feel worse and very grawgy.
>
> It has been almost a month since I have been off of the zoloft. I still have dizziness,numb feeling in my head and I can't sleep at night without taking tylenol pm.
>
> I am on Medical Leave from work and I haven't been able to drive since 3/28/05. My pcp is familiar with the effects of coming off of Zoloft however my psychiatrist isn't? Go figure. Anyway, my PCP is concerned about the numbness I am getting in my head so she referred me to a Neurologist. I have an appointment in a few days.
>
> In the mean time I am going stir crazy. I am so frustrated because I cannot function like I used to. I am so used to being on the go all of the time and now I just sit around because I am too dizzy to do anything. My question is does anyone know how long does this typically last? Has anyone found anything that works to help?
Posted by Freedom on May 1, 2005, at 11:26:21
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » laurab, posted by JaneB on April 29, 2005, at 16:36:03
Wow, so this is what I have to look foward to...
well, I just finished Grad school, and will have some time on my hands before I start working...I will take advantage of this time to get off Zoloft. I am sooooo active, eat the right foods, the correct portions, etc. stay away from fat, and white flour and sugar and still managed to gain weight....I feel lethargic from zoloft as well. I took it mainly for anxiety and PTSD from a brain injury and surgery, however, am into yoga and holistic healing, so I will rely on these therapies to help me get through the rough spots, if I in fact have them when tapering off. The meds helped and I am grateful, however, its time to move on...its been 2 years, and the doctor will not suggest to get off of them...believe me!!
He keeps asking if I want to increase!!! Its all about self determination, and doing whats best for ourselves...I will keep everyone posted on my experience....thanks for sharing all your information...this is very helpful....
Posted by KimD on May 2, 2005, at 5:34:26
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Riss on April 9, 2005, at 12:12:16
Hello there.
My name is Kim and I am new to this posting. Here is my unfortunate situation. I have been on SSRIs for 11 years. I starting taking them when I was very mildly depressed (situational depression) and stayed on them for so long only because I did not want to rock the boat and had no side effects on them. About one month ago, I stopped taking Zoloft. I was taking 50mg at the time. Well, the past month has been torterous, as you can imagine! I had the worst agitation/anxiety and aggressive moods (where are totally out of my character). I was never like this before I took an SSRI. Well, thankfully, the aggressiveness and irritability have stopped. But now, a month later, my symptoms are as follows:
extreme fatigue, despondance, trouble concentrating, foggy and light headedness. Has anyone here had withdrawal's that lasted for more than one month that can offer any words of inpsiration that it will end and if so, how long did it take to feel normal again? Thanks so much!
Posted by JaneB on May 2, 2005, at 18:29:21
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by KimD on May 2, 2005, at 5:34:26
Hi Kim,
Your situation sounds very similar to mine. However, I tried a few times to go off and then erroneously concluded that my symptoms were a return of the original depression and not because of discontinuing the medicine. Be patient is the best advice I could give to you. My second month off the meds was the hardest. But after that second month things got better. Now I can laugh again, have more energy, think more clearly and have none of that AD-induced apathy. I can even sleep! I had thought that I would never be able to sleep normally again but I was wrong.
I was on 50 mg for several months before I started to cut back more. I did it very slowly. Don't be in a hurry. Don't hesitate to shave a bit of the Zoloft after taking 25 mg for a while. Perhaps if you have a period of time when you can tolerate the dizziness,etc. you could go faster but as for me I just found that my life was interrupted a lot less by going s-l-o-w-l-y.
Yes, it took more than a month but it has been worth it. Even the big "O" has returned.
Hang in there.
Jane
> Hello there.
> My name is Kim and I am new to this posting. Here is my unfortunate situation. I have been on SSRIs for 11 years. I starting taking them when I was very mildly depressed (situational depression) and stayed on them for so long only because I did not want to rock the boat and had no side effects on them. About one month ago, I stopped taking Zoloft. I was taking 50mg at the time. Well, the past month has been torterous, as you can imagine! I had the worst agitation/anxiety and aggressive moods (where are totally out of my character). I was never like this before I took an SSRI. Well, thankfully, the aggressiveness and irritability have stopped. But now, a month later, my symptoms are as follows:
> extreme fatigue, despondance, trouble concentrating, foggy and light headedness. Has anyone here had withdrawal's that lasted for more than one month that can offer any words of inpsiration that it will end and if so, how long did it take to feel normal again? Thanks so much!
Posted by KimD on May 3, 2005, at 0:45:38
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by JaneB on May 2, 2005, at 18:29:21
Dear JaneB,
Wow, your email was a huge comfort! Thanks so much! I actually quit cold turky (I forgot to mention that in my previous post). I did take 5 doses of Prozac at 10 mg to help the withdrawals. The prozac helped but a few days after the last dose, the withdrawals came back! Since it has been a full month, I don't know if it i worth it to start the Zoloft again then taper, do you? I kinda feel like I got so far already it would be a shame to start the process all over again. JaneB, how long did your withdrawal last for? You also remember feeling a little foggy headed and your concentration low? Thanks for your help so far!
Kim> Hi Kim,
>
> Your situation sounds very similar to mine. However, I tried a few times to go off and then erroneously concluded that my symptoms were a return of the original depression and not because of discontinuing the medicine. Be patient is the best advice I could give to you. My second month off the meds was the hardest. But after that second month things got better. Now I can laugh again, have more energy, think more clearly and have none of that AD-induced apathy. I can even sleep! I had thought that I would never be able to sleep normally again but I was wrong.
>
> I was on 50 mg for several months before I started to cut back more. I did it very slowly. Don't be in a hurry. Don't hesitate to shave a bit of the Zoloft after taking 25 mg for a while. Perhaps if you have a period of time when you can tolerate the dizziness,etc. you could go faster but as for me I just found that my life was interrupted a lot less by going s-l-o-w-l-y.
> Yes, it took more than a month but it has been worth it. Even the big "O" has returned.
> Hang in there.
> Jane
> > Hello there.
> > My name is Kim and I am new to this posting. Here is my unfortunate situation. I have been on SSRIs for 11 years. I starting taking them when I was very mildly depressed (situational depression) and stayed on them for so long only because I did not want to rock the boat and had no side effects on them. About one month ago, I stopped taking Zoloft. I was taking 50mg at the time. Well, the past month has been torterous, as you can imagine! I had the worst agitation/anxiety and aggressive moods (where are totally out of my character). I was never like this before I took an SSRI. Well, thankfully, the aggressiveness and irritability have stopped. But now, a month later, my symptoms are as follows:
> > extreme fatigue, despondance, trouble concentrating, foggy and light headedness. Has anyone here had withdrawal's that lasted for more than one month that can offer any words of inpsiration that it will end and if so, how long did it take to feel normal again? Thanks so much!
>
>
Posted by JaneB on May 3, 2005, at 17:02:10
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by KimD on May 3, 2005, at 0:45:38
I did the taper so sporadically and gradually it is difficult to make a comparison.
I wouldn't start up the Zoloft again and do the taper all over. However, if the dizziness, etc. is unbearable you could buy a pill splitter and take just a bit of Zoloft or Prozac. Otherwise, just wait it out. It took a good 3-4 weeks for the fuzziness to clear (after I took my very last teensy weensy dose.) I kept thinking "What's wrong with me. Do I need an ADD medication at my age (60)?" But then all of a sudden I realized I was doing so much better. For a while I experienced an extreme hyper-sensitivity to light, sound, supplements, etc. I bought a book by Joseph Glenmullen called "The Antidepressant Solution." But I never even really read it all because I had printed from the web an article that gave instructions and cautions about exciting my nervous system while discontinuing--even violence on TV. Don't get discouraged. But do listen to your body.
Fuzziness comes back if I don't eat right. I am following a diet for hypoglycemia. When I don't remember to eat right I fade away slowly and my thinking gets very fuzzy. Do you know anything about a hypoglycemia diet? It is just basically 6 small meals a day with a little protein and healthy carbohydrate in each. That really helps me.
I am truly grateful for AD's and will continue to recommend them for those who obviously need them. But I have found that it is possible to go off them when they are no longer needed.
Good luck and God bless,
Jane> Dear JaneB,
> Wow, your email was a huge comfort! Thanks so much! I actually quit cold turky (I forgot to mention that in my previous post). I did take 5 doses of Prozac at 10 mg to help the withdrawals. The prozac helped but a few days after the last dose, the withdrawals came back! Since it has been a full month, I don't know if it i worth it to start the Zoloft again then taper, do you? I kinda feel like I got so far already it would be a shame to start the process all over again. JaneB, how long did your withdrawal last for? You also remember feeling a little foggy headed and your concentration low? Thanks for your help so far!
> Kim
>
> > Hi Kim,
> >
> > Your situation sounds very similar to mine. However, I tried a few times to go off and then erroneously concluded that my symptoms were a return of the original depression and not because of discontinuing the medicine. Be patient is the best advice I could give to you. My second month off the meds was the hardest. But after that second month things got better. Now I can laugh again, have more energy, think more clearly and have none of that AD-induced apathy. I can even sleep! I had thought that I would never be able to sleep normally again but I was wrong.
> >
> > I was on 50 mg for several months before I started to cut back more. I did it very slowly. Don't be in a hurry. Don't hesitate to shave a bit of the Zoloft after taking 25 mg for a while. Perhaps if you have a period of time when you can tolerate the dizziness,etc. you could go faster but as for me I just found that my life was interrupted a lot less by going s-l-o-w-l-y.
> > Yes, it took more than a month but it has been worth it. Even the big "O" has returned.
> > Hang in there.
> > Jane
> > > Hello there.
> > > My name is Kim and I am new to this posting. Here is my unfortunate situation. I have been on SSRIs for 11 years. I starting taking them when I was very mildly depressed (situational depression) and stayed on them for so long only because I did not want to rock the boat and had no side effects on them. About one month ago, I stopped taking Zoloft. I was taking 50mg at the time. Well, the past month has been torterous, as you can imagine! I had the worst agitation/anxiety and aggressive moods (where are totally out of my character). I was never like this before I took an SSRI. Well, thankfully, the aggressiveness and irritability have stopped. But now, a month later, my symptoms are as follows:
> > > extreme fatigue, despondance, trouble concentrating, foggy and light headedness. Has anyone here had withdrawal's that lasted for more than one month that can offer any words of inpsiration that it will end and if so, how long did it take to feel normal again? Thanks so much!
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Ryan's mom on May 4, 2005, at 14:48:41
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » KimD, posted by JaneB on May 3, 2005, at 17:02:10
Thanks for sharing. I was on a low dose of Zoloft (25 mg) for 6 yrs to get through a messy divorce and the panic attacks that came with all the nastinesss....and ended staying on it because it "evened" me out...thinking I could get off it anytime. Well, I stopped cold turkey six days ago and can't believe the dizziness, nausea, etc. I figured I just had a busy weekend doing renovation work and it might be a touch of the flu or bad allergies! Never would I have imagined withdrawl symptoms...especially on what I considered a low dose. I went on the internet to do a search for the Zoloft site to see it there was any information on the side effects of coming off. Nothing! Fortunately I found this thread and read so many confirming and similar accounts. While it doesn't take away the weird feelings, it is a comfort to know this is not abnormal...and that it will eventually go away. Yesterday I toyed with going back on to do a more gradual decrease...but now I think I'll stick with pushing forward. Thanks for the support!
> I did the taper so sporadically and gradually it is difficult to make a comparison.
>
> I wouldn't start up the Zoloft again and do the taper all over. However, if the dizziness, etc. is unbearable you could buy a pill splitter and take just a bit of Zoloft or Prozac. Otherwise, just wait it out. It took a good 3-4 weeks for the fuzziness to clear (after I took my very last teensy weensy dose.) I kept thinking "What's wrong with me. Do I need an ADD medication at my age (60)?" But then all of a sudden I realized I was doing so much better. For a while I experienced an extreme hyper-sensitivity to light, sound, supplements, etc. I bought a book by Joseph Glenmullen called "The Antidepressant Solution." But I never even really read it all because I had printed from the web an article that gave instructions and cautions about exciting my nervous system while discontinuing--even violence on TV. Don't get discouraged. But do listen to your body.
>
> Fuzziness comes back if I don't eat right. I am following a diet for hypoglycemia. When I don't remember to eat right I fade away slowly and my thinking gets very fuzzy. Do you know anything about a hypoglycemia diet? It is just basically 6 small meals a day with a little protein and healthy carbohydrate in each. That really helps me.
>
> I am truly grateful for AD's and will continue to recommend them for those who obviously need them. But I have found that it is possible to go off them when they are no longer needed.
>
> Good luck and God bless,
> Jane
>
> > Dear JaneB,
> > Wow, your email was a huge comfort! Thanks so much! I actually quit cold turky (I forgot to mention that in my previous post). I did take 5 doses of Prozac at 10 mg to help the withdrawals. The prozac helped but a few days after the last dose, the withdrawals came back! Since it has been a full month, I don't know if it i worth it to start the Zoloft again then taper, do you? I kinda feel like I got so far already it would be a shame to start the process all over again. JaneB, how long did your withdrawal last for? You also remember feeling a little foggy headed and your concentration low? Thanks for your help so far!
> > Kim
> >
> > > Hi Kim,
> > >
> > > Your situation sounds very similar to mine. However, I tried a few times to go off and then erroneously concluded that my symptoms were a return of the original depression and not because of discontinuing the medicine. Be patient is the best advice I could give to you. My second month off the meds was the hardest. But after that second month things got better. Now I can laugh again, have more energy, think more clearly and have none of that AD-induced apathy. I can even sleep! I had thought that I would never be able to sleep normally again but I was wrong.
> > >
> > > I was on 50 mg for several months before I started to cut back more. I did it very slowly. Don't be in a hurry. Don't hesitate to shave a bit of the Zoloft after taking 25 mg for a while. Perhaps if you have a period of time when you can tolerate the dizziness,etc. you could go faster but as for me I just found that my life was interrupted a lot less by going s-l-o-w-l-y.
> > > Yes, it took more than a month but it has been worth it. Even the big "O" has returned.
> > > Hang in there.
> > > Jane
> > > > Hello there.
> > > > My name is Kim and I am new to this posting. Here is my unfortunate situation. I have been on SSRIs for 11 years. I starting taking them when I was very mildly depressed (situational depression) and stayed on them for so long only because I did not want to rock the boat and had no side effects on them. About one month ago, I stopped taking Zoloft. I was taking 50mg at the time. Well, the past month has been torterous, as you can imagine! I had the worst agitation/anxiety and aggressive moods (where are totally out of my character). I was never like this before I took an SSRI. Well, thankfully, the aggressiveness and irritability have stopped. But now, a month later, my symptoms are as follows:
> > > > extreme fatigue, despondance, trouble concentrating, foggy and light headedness. Has anyone here had withdrawal's that lasted for more than one month that can offer any words of inpsiration that it will end and if so, how long did it take to feel normal again? Thanks so much!
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Freedom on May 5, 2005, at 13:55:12
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Ryan's mom on May 4, 2005, at 14:48:41
Well, I told everyone I would keep them posted...so I am....so far I am experiencing nausea, headaches, shakes, and my brain is very foggy....a few zaps here and there....I am so tired and grumpy as well...however, I can tell the difference between this grumpiness, and the sadness of depression...this is definitely withdrawal...I was on 150 a few months back, than I went to 100, however did not really experience withdrawal....I stayed on the hundred for a couple months...Tuesday May 3rd, I went to 75...Now I am experiencing symptoms....Yuk...at least I knew what to expect from everyones feedback so I am grateful to have had this site to go to in preparing me for the misery!!! I will keep everyone.
Posted by jebeth11 on May 9, 2005, at 15:34:09
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Freedom on May 5, 2005, at 13:55:12
I am so scared. I stopped taking my zoloft 8 days ago and i feel like a nutcase. Yesterday, I drank and wreaked havoc in my home. I hate myself right now and am more depressed than i've felt in months. I feel completely out of control. I was on 100mg for a few months...and i stopped taking it cold turkey (which I now realize was ignorant) I don't know what to do so I am going to my dr today...i'm scared
Posted by missred on May 9, 2005, at 15:57:58
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Ryan's mom on May 4, 2005, at 14:48:41
The good news is i was able to get off Zoloft 1yr ago. it took a good 6 months with the last 2 weeks being the worst. The bad news, I allowed my doctor to put me back on due to symptoms of perimenopause. The HRT scared me, so I'm planning on bioidentical hormones. I'm wondering if it woud be better to get the hormones in sync prior to trying to wean off Zoloft again? Also, I tried something called "Immunocal" a suppliment out of Canada last year and it helped with the symptoms of withdrawl somewhat. I take 200mg/daily Zoloft. From what i've read on prior posts from Dr. Bob, I should try taking this in 2 doses, instead of all at once in the morning. I already have insomnia from the hormone loss and take 3-4mg of Lorazapam to help me get to sleep. Any suggestions will be helpful. Does anyone know of a doctor in the Phoenix area that is sympathetic to withdrawl or will even admit there is a dependency situation with Zoloft?
Posted by Freedom on May 9, 2005, at 19:25:16
In reply to Re:hormones/withdrawl from Zoloft, posted by missred on May 9, 2005, at 15:57:58
> The good news is i was able to get off Zoloft 1yr ago. it took a good 6 months with the last 2 weeks being the worst. The bad news, I allowed my doctor to put me back on due to symptoms of perimenopause. The HRT scared me, so I'm planning on bioidentical hormones. I'm wondering if it woud be better to get the hormones in sync prior to trying to wean off Zoloft again? Also, I tried something called "Immunocal" a suppliment out of Canada last year and it helped with the symptoms of withdrawl somewhat. I take 200mg/daily Zoloft. From what i've read on prior posts from Dr. Bob, I should try taking this in 2 doses, instead of all at once in the morning. I already have insomnia from the hormone loss and take 3-4mg of Lorazapam to help me get to sleep. Any suggestions will be helpful. Does anyone know of a doctor in the Phoenix area that is sympathetic to withdrawl or will even admit there is a dependency situation with Zoloft?
Did you gain weight last time u were on Zoloft? Have you ever tried yoga, walking, meditation, music, etc..to soothe you? Massage is also very beneficial... I don't think most doctors are into natural healing or therapies, so they push the drugs....withdrawl from Zoloft is nasty I must say....however, I think its worse for those who go cold turkey...You need to do whats best for you...Hope everything works out for you
Posted by Nettie on May 10, 2005, at 14:25:15
In reply to Re:hormones/withdrawl from Zoloft, posted by Freedom on May 9, 2005, at 19:25:16
Just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has shared in this thread - discovered you all at the weekend while at my wit's end with withdrawal symptoms (which my doc assured me I wouldn't get if I reduced the dosage...!) and it was so good to know that (a) I am not going mad, and (b) I am not the only one with these issues. Maybe my doctor should read this website? Question for you - if I'm getting withdrawal symptons anyway, why don't I just stop altogether and get it all over and done with? (As I did with a previous AD, due to severe side-effects, and had bad withdrawal but survived to tell the tale - although at the time I wasn't so sure!) Really need to stop taking med as it isn't helping. Thanks.
Posted by brandonn on May 11, 2005, at 23:42:30
In reply to Re: zoloft withdrawal symptoms » Barbara Cat, posted by Katia on April 26, 2003, at 17:04:06
http://www.join-the-fun.com/paxil-withdrawal.html
that helps, even though it says paxil
Posted by Kristen0215 on May 12, 2005, at 10:36:46
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Mirandakdj on March 1, 2005, at 20:22:37
I recently just came off of Zoloft 150 mg and I am having a heck of a time getting adjusted to it. In the past week all I have done everyday is cry. It's like it's uncontrollable. I feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, hot flashes and really weak. It almost feels like the flu. Is there anyone else that has had this? Since coming off of it, I have had a panic attack and have felt more anxious than usual. Not to mention I feel like I have gone into a deep depression. I want to make sure what I am feeling is normal! I keep getting myself scared!
Posted by DDTTBB on May 13, 2005, at 10:59:16
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by Nettie on May 10, 2005, at 14:25:15
I had the experience of quitting Zoloft cold turkey from 200 mg/day two years ago, and it was not good. I am getting off it for good right now, and I have tapered, cutting 50 mg off a week the first three weeks, then 25 this week, so I am currently on 25 mg/day, and I am doing great. I have had no zaps at all yet. I have experienced some moodiness at times, but not much, and I feel great. I have noticed that I have much more energy not being on 200 mg/day. I don't have to drag myself out of bed anymore. My life situation has gotten much better, which is why I'm quitting, as well as because of the weight gain, but tapering is the way to go, trust me. Your body will thank you for it.
I am tapering without my psychiatrist's consent, but I don't care, having already quit it once. I was taking Buspar, Respirodol (sp?) and Zoloft during my divorce, but I tapered off the first two with no withdrawal effects. It can be done, everyone! Hang in there. Everybody responds differently to the withdrawal, but there may be better days ahead for you, if you really want to live without it!
Posted by lksummit on May 14, 2005, at 9:20:39
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by JaneB on May 2, 2005, at 18:29:21
> Hi Kim,
>
> Your situation sounds very similar to mine. However, I tried a few times to go off and then erroneously concluded that my symptoms were a return of the original depression and not because of discontinuing the medicine. Be patient is the best advice I could give to you. My second month off the meds was the hardest. But after that second month things got better. Now I can laugh again, have more energy, think more clearly and have none of that AD-induced apathy. I can even sleep! I had thought that I would never be able to sleep normally again but I was wrong.
>
> I was on 50 mg for several months before I started to cut back more. I did it very slowly. Don't be in a hurry. Don't hesitate to shave a bit of the Zoloft after taking 25 mg for a while. Perhaps if you have a period of time when you can tolerate the dizziness,etc. you could go faster but as for me I just found that my life was interrupted a lot less by going s-l-o-w-l-y.
> Yes, it took more than a month but it has been worth it. Even the big "O" has returned.
> Hang in there.
> Jane
> > Hello there.
> > My name is Kim and I am new to this posting. Here is my unfortunate situation. I have been on SSRIs for 11 years. I starting taking them when I was very mildly depressed (situational depression) and stayed on them for so long only because I did not want to rock the boat and had no side effects on them. About one month ago, I stopped taking Zoloft. I was taking 50mg at the time. Well, the past month has been torterous, as you can imagine! I had the worst agitation/anxiety and aggressive moods (where are totally out of my character). I was never like this before I took an SSRI. Well, thankfully, the aggressiveness and irritability have stopped. But now, a month later, my symptoms are as follows:
> > extreme fatigue, despondance, trouble concentrating, foggy and light headedness. Has anyone here had withdrawal's that lasted for more than one month that can offer any words of inpsiration that it will end and if so, how long did it take to feel normal again? Thanks so much!
>
>Reading this makes me feel so much better! I had taken Zoloft for 7 years when I stopped 5 weeks ago. I had all to the symptoms you mentioned, plus increased pain from my arthritis - thought I was going nuts. Anyway, I thought I was getting better when I caught a cold/sinus infection and have just been miserable. My doctor says if I don't go back on the Zoloft I will never feel any better. This just isn't true, is it?
Also - I posted 2 messages similar to this one last night and can't find either of them. What am I doing wrong?
Posted by lksummit on May 14, 2005, at 10:50:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Freedom on May 1, 2005, at 11:26:21
> Wow, so this is what I have to look foward to...
> well, I just finished Grad school, and will have some time on my hands before I start working...I will take advantage of this time to get off Zoloft. I am sooooo active, eat the right foods, the correct portions, etc. stay away from fat, and white flour and sugar and still managed to gain weight....I feel lethargic from zoloft as well. I took it mainly for anxiety and PTSD from a brain injury and surgery, however, am into yoga and holistic healing, so I will rely on these therapies to help me get through the rough spots, if I in fact have them when tapering off. The meds helped and I am grateful, however, its time to move on...its been 2 years, and the doctor will not suggest to get off of them...believe me!!
> He keeps asking if I want to increase!!! Its all about self determination, and doing whats best for ourselves...I will keep everyone posted on my experience....thanks for sharing all your information...this is very helpful....
>
>So... how is it going?
Posted by Freedom on May 14, 2005, at 11:33:58
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by DDTTBB on May 13, 2005, at 10:59:16
> I had the experience of quitting Zoloft cold turkey from 200 mg/day two years ago, and it was not good. I am getting off it for good right now, and I have tapered, cutting 50 mg off a week the first three weeks, then 25 this week, so I am currently on 25 mg/day, and I am doing great. I have had no zaps at all yet. I have experienced some moodiness at times, but not much, and I feel great. I have noticed that I have much more energy not being on 200 mg/day. I don't have to drag myself out of bed anymore. My life situation has gotten much better, which is why I'm quitting, as well as because of the weight gain, but tapering is the way to go, trust me. Your body will thank you for it.
>
> I am tapering without my psychiatrist's consent, but I don't care, having already quit it once. I was taking Buspar, Respirodol (sp?) and Zoloft during my divorce, but I tapered off the first two with no withdrawal effects. It can be done, everyone! Hang in there. Everybody responds differently to the withdrawal, but there may be better days ahead for you, if you really want to live without it!
I am now tapered to 25 mg starting today...my worst symptoms were at the beginning from 100 to 50...the 50mg for one week went well...and I also feel great!!! I have more energy, no longer need to sleep 11 hours, I feel alive and clear.....I don't even think about the weening off, I just go on about my business....headaches are gone...I do experience occassional nausea and sweats...however, its going to go away....Whatever anyone chooses, please consider weening off instead of cold turkey....like an drug, the body will respond!!! its inevitable...I think by weening, it gives us the opportunity to be in control, and also to be gentle with ourselves....
Thanks everyone for sharing their experiences, this is wonderful thing!!! one more thing....try to drink lots of water to flush your system out!!!
I think this helps big time!!!! Best Wishes!!
Posted by Freedom on May 14, 2005, at 11:45:11
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by lksummit on May 14, 2005, at 10:50:06
Thanks for asking...I have written a couple responses regarding my withdrawal to keep everyone posted on my symptoms...the last post I made stated that I am feeling pretty good...there were a few bumps in the road...however, I think the worst is over for me...I am down to 25 mg starting today...I am really grateful for having everyones input..it really helped me to be easy on myself and understand the withdrawal.....
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