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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.....
Posted by Nettie on May 14, 2005, at 16:07:57
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by DDTTBB on May 13, 2005, at 10:59:16
Thanks for the support. Down to 25mg now and doing ok. Had sleep last night for the first time since starting ADs (well, more then 2 or 3 hours, anyway). Very tired now but withdrawal symptoms gone except for some dizziness, which I can live with. Going to stop altogether next week... watch this space!
Posted by Nettie on May 14, 2005, at 16:26:46
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by Freedom on May 14, 2005, at 11:33:58
I also found the 100 to 50 change bad (although it indirectly caused me to find this message board, so one good thing came from it!). Have now gone to 25mg and am ok except for dizziness. Going to 0 next week.... Let me know how you get on?
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 15, 2005, at 1:11:58
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by lksummit on May 14, 2005, at 9:20:39
> I posted 2 messages similar to this one last night and can't find either of them.
I think there was only 1. Which you posted to the main board, but I redirected here:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050424/msgs/497798.html
Bob
Posted by bearstar on May 16, 2005, at 23:09:50
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Ryan's mom on May 4, 2005, at 14:48:41
I have gone cold turkey from a dosage of 150mg of zoloft a day. It's been 2 weeks. I'm very dizzy and have trouble concentrating. I loose my train of thought very easily. Will this last much longer?
Posted by Kristen0215 on May 17, 2005, at 6:53:07
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by bearstar on May 16, 2005, at 23:09:50
I was also on 150 then went to 100, 50 and then nothing. I also experienced major dizziness, mood swings and deep depression. I talked to my doc and he thinks that I went down too fast. He put me back on 25 mg for a week.I would suggest doing it a little slower. Although I don't know how long the dizziness will last. It's enough to drive anyone crazy.
Posted by DDTTBB on May 17, 2005, at 9:09:20
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by Nettie on May 14, 2005, at 16:07:57
I am at 25 mg now, and last night I started experiencing a lot of dizziness and nausea and maybe a coule minor zaps, so I think I am going to be feeling the first withdrawal effects now, but I am still planning to go down to 0 on Thursday and weather the storm, with the confidence that I quit cold turkey once before and made it through, and the tapering this time has been much easier to deal with.
Posted by Kristen0215 on May 17, 2005, at 9:35:13
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by DDTTBB on May 17, 2005, at 9:09:20
Can anyone tell me what a zap is?
Posted by Ryan's mom on May 17, 2005, at 14:30:34
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks! » Freedom, posted by Nettie on May 14, 2005, at 16:26:46
Good luck Nettie. It's been three weeks since I've been off Zoloft. I thank everyone for their insight and advice. What a wild ride! I'm looking forward to getting my own "personality" back again...not the one that keeps snapping at people....but the great thing is that I am feeling better. The dizziness has lessened. There have been days where I don't feel it and then POW it is back...probably due to lack of sleep or not eating properly...but I'm finally starting to feel the fuzziness dissapate....not gone completely...and still get exhausted by dinner time...but there is a lot more hope....so hang in there and know that the rough road is just a little bit longer...but you can do it... you've come this far!!!
Posted by DDTTBB on May 18, 2005, at 8:31:59
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by Kristen0215 on May 17, 2005, at 9:35:13
A "zap" is hard to explain until you have one, but it's like a quick electrical jolt in your head, literally. Sometimes there is a bright flash of light with it. It isn't painful, that I've noticed, but it is annoying. It often happens if you suddenly move your eyes from one point to another. I have done research on it on the net, and I haven't found any good explanation for what causes it. I haven't had any major ones yet during my taper, but I had them a lot when I quit cold turkey two years ago. I am dropping down to 0 mg on Thursday, so we'll see if they come with it. The brain obviously reacts to the cessation of Zoloft.
Posted by Kristen0215 on May 18, 2005, at 11:39:49
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by DDTTBB on May 18, 2005, at 8:31:59
oh my gosh! I have had those and they scare the crap out of me. I feel so disoriented afterwards. Good luck and thanks for the info.
Posted by DDTTBB on May 19, 2005, at 10:48:56
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by Kristen0215 on May 18, 2005, at 11:39:49
Yep, those zaps are something. I took my last dose of Zoloft yesterday, planning on it being the last time I ever take it, so we'll see how my body reacts. The taper is the way to go to anyone thinking of quitting cold turkey off a high dosage. I have only had a couple dizzy spells, and I am having very wrestless nights the last three nights. I wake up over and over and over. I am feeling just great, though. No depression at all. In fact, I have so much more energy and drive without it. I really think it turns us in to walking zombies, to some extent. I do think it works, to an extent, for helping with depression, but man, I am loving life without it!
Posted by Kristen0215 on May 19, 2005, at 13:16:09
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by DDTTBB on May 19, 2005, at 10:48:56
I was thinking of going back on the 150mg but I think I will just stick with 25 until I am ready to let go. That week with nothing was awful! I felt like a junkie. I do feel more upbeat and alive without having such a high dosage. I dont know how I will feel going from 25 to 0. Hopefully I will be ok.
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