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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by missred on May 25, 2005, at 10:21:08
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by DDTTBB on May 24, 2005, at 22:16:33
> I was on 200 mg and cut 50 mg per week, then from 50 to 25, then 0. What's weird is I am doing really pretty good during the day. I had a bad day Sunday, with a lot of dizziness and the zaps, but otherwise during the day I have done well. It's the night I fear now.
>
> Tapering has definitely worked better for me than when I quit cold turkey the first time, and I went back on it in November of '03 because I became suicidal and checked myself into the hospital when my first wife filed for divorce, so I can totally understand my psychiatrist putting me back on it, but things are going very well for me now, and it's time to get off it for the last time, because this withdrawal is not cool!what time period did you take? did you stay on a dosage until symptoms subsided? How long overall has this taken you? How long have you been completely off? Are you having vivid dreams? Are you in "the dark place" at all? are you experiencing much "emotional liability"? I have envy that you have the courage to go off! good job!!
Posted by DDTTBB on May 27, 2005, at 10:45:43
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks! » DDTTBB, posted by missred on May 25, 2005, at 10:21:08
> what time period did you take? did you stay on a dosage until symptoms subsided? How long overall has this taken you? How long have you been completely off? Are you having vivid dreams? Are you in "the dark place" at all? are you experiencing much "emotional liability"? I have envy that you have the courage to go off! good job!!
I used a four (five?)-week taper. One Thursday, I cut it to 150 mg (from 200), then to 100 exactly a week later, then 50, then 25, then 0. I have been totally off since last week Thursday. I did not worry about what symptoms I was having before dropping the dosage...I just wanted to get off Zoloft. I have not shaved off a little bit to counteract the withdrawal symptoms. This stuff will not be in my system ever again. The withdrawal effects have been much, much milder with the taper. I have had dizziness and rarely the "zaps," and some stomach upset, but overall I feel great. My personality has re-emerged out of nowhere. My in-laws said I have talked more with them the past two times I've seen them than in the entire year and a half prior I had known them. I am energetic and just damn happy. People are mentioning it. I am happier at work, and I get out of bed in the morning raring to go. It is amazing. I literally feel like a kid again.
Yes, I have had a few vivid dreams, and some were bad ones, but that's minor, and everyone has some bad dreams. I have been taking a couple Unisom pills before bed and they have helped with the insomnia a great deal. I can honestly say that I have not had one depressed feeling at all during this whole taper. I have not been in "the dark place." Quite the opposite, actually. I must mention that my life situation has improved dramatically. I moved from a very bad, depressing marriage to a controlling wife and a debilitating divorce to a new marriage that is the way marriage should be, so I think that contributes a lot to it. I am also a teacher with only two more weeks of school until summer vacation, so I'm riding that wave of good feelings too.
I really think everyone reacts to the withdrawal differently. But people, please taper! It was awful quitting cold turkey. Just know that life without Zoloft can actually be better than with it. I will always make the disclaimer that I do think Zoloft works, but it's not something to be on for life.
Also, for those with significant weight gain, you can lose it all. When I quit Zoloft two years ago, I started excercising a lot, and a couple months after I quit, I was literally 15 pounds lighter. Some people thought I was sick because I lost the weight so fast. It will take some time before the pounds start to come off, but it will happen if you exercize regularly. Of course, since I went back on Zoloft in late 2003, I have gained back about 35 pounds, mostly in my gut, but I am psyched to lose the weight again, hopefully for good. This was the main reason I quit it. I hate having this gut when the rest of my body is very slender. It looks almost like I'm a pregnant man!
Posted by Freedom on May 27, 2005, at 14:06:10
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by DDTTBB on May 27, 2005, at 10:45:43
Here is my update on my withdrawal.
I have been off completely since last Thursday as well. I tapered just like you. OMG....talk about energy, feeling happy, feeling free and feeling like a kid is an understatement!! I really don't know what happened to me, however, I have also experienced no lows, no dark moments, and I am feeling again, and it feels great to feel!! I have my sex drive back after 2 years!!!
I feel like dating and meeting people which I haven't done in so so long. I thought it was because my nose was in the books for 2 years in my Masters Program, however, I feel differently, very motivated and positive!!! Someone told me the other day that it looks like I have lost weight, not that I was very very heavy...however, I went up a pants size and chunked up no matter how much I exercised. I agree, Zoloft is a great drug, however not something that should be a lifetime thing. I am very happy for you and thank you for being honest and sharing and keeping it real...Best Wishes to everyone!!!
> > what time period did you take? did you stay on a dosage until symptoms subsided? How long overall has this taken you? How long have you been completely off? Are you having vivid dreams? Are you in "the dark place" at all? are you experiencing much "emotional liability"? I have envy that you have the courage to go off! good job!!
>
> I used a four (five?)-week taper. One Thursday, I cut it to 150 mg (from 200), then to 100 exactly a week later, then 50, then 25, then 0. I have been totally off since last week Thursday. I did not worry about what symptoms I was having before dropping the dosage...I just wanted to get off Zoloft. I have not shaved off a little bit to counteract the withdrawal symptoms. This stuff will not be in my system ever again. The withdrawal effects have been much, much milder with the taper. I have had dizziness and rarely the "zaps," and some stomach upset, but overall I feel great. My personality has re-emerged out of nowhere. My in-laws said I have talked more with them the past two times I've seen them than in the entire year and a half prior I had known them. I am energetic and just damn happy. People are mentioning it. I am happier at work, and I get out of bed in the morning raring to go. It is amazing. I literally feel like a kid again.
>
> Yes, I have had a few vivid dreams, and some were bad ones, but that's minor, and everyone has some bad dreams. I have been taking a couple Unisom pills before bed and they have helped with the insomnia a great deal. I can honestly say that I have not had one depressed feeling at all during this whole taper. I have not been in "the dark place." Quite the opposite, actually. I must mention that my life situation has improved dramatically. I moved from a very bad, depressing marriage to a controlling wife and a debilitating divorce to a new marriage that is the way marriage should be, so I think that contributes a lot to it. I am also a teacher with only two more weeks of school until summer vacation, so I'm riding that wave of good feelings too.
>
> I really think everyone reacts to the withdrawal differently. But people, please taper! It was awful quitting cold turkey. Just know that life without Zoloft can actually be better than with it. I will always make the disclaimer that I do think Zoloft works, but it's not something to be on for life.
>
> Also, for those with significant weight gain, you can lose it all. When I quit Zoloft two years ago, I started excercising a lot, and a couple months after I quit, I was literally 15 pounds lighter. Some people thought I was sick because I lost the weight so fast. It will take some time before the pounds start to come off, but it will happen if you exercize regularly. Of course, since I went back on Zoloft in late 2003, I have gained back about 35 pounds, mostly in my gut, but I am psyched to lose the weight again, hopefully for good. This was the main reason I quit it. I hate having this gut when the rest of my body is very slender. It looks almost like I'm a pregnant man!
>
>
Posted by Freedom on May 27, 2005, at 14:16:54
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft - thanks!, posted by missred on May 24, 2005, at 11:49:16
This is the one drawback for me....my sleep has been so messed up....no matter how much I train myself and structure myself, I am restless, wide awake, etc. I have restoril (use as needed) however, I don't like to depend on benzos, so I only take them if I really cannot get sleep, Insomnia was an issue that began after my brain injury and post surgery, thats when I I went on Zoloft two years ago. however, I really think this time the sleep issue is withdrawal from Zoloft, its different than 2 years ago....I also have body zaps of electricity inside my body...and my body jolts at night, very strange. However, like you, I am feeling better and happier. so it seems like its part of the body finding its balance...
> > I have been off Zoloft five days now, and I am having a horrible time sleeping at night. I am waking up a lot, and having obsessive thoughts that keep me from going back to sleep. I am typing this at 2:30 a.m. My wife just left our bed to sleep in another bedroom, so I assume I have been thrashing too much. I had similar problems the first time I quit Zoloft. I took a sleep aid two nights ago, but it didn't help at all. I hate this facet of the withdrawal, but otherwise I am doing really well without Zoloft. People are mentioning that I seem to have so much more life in me lately. I hope this sleep disorder is just temporary.
>
> I feel your pain. I understand what you are going through. I wish I would never have gone on Zoloft a 2nd time. Doctor's are so eager to push meds! How did you wean off mg/days? I hate the "dark place" you get thrown into when you quit. take care, its not you.
Posted by Helenb on May 27, 2005, at 21:08:44
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft -sleep, posted by Freedom on May 27, 2005, at 14:16:54
It is amazing how many Drs push antidepressants (i live in Australia), and it is like they are handing out lollies. I'm starting my second week coming off zoloft, i'm actually starting to get sleepy at about 8.30pm (i was never getting sleepy before at all). Hang in there, the sleep does come. I've also started getting into a really good sleep routine, by going to bed at the same time every night, and then waking up at the same time each morning, i really believe that this is working. Also praying for sleep works a treat too.
Posted by DDTTBB on May 27, 2005, at 21:13:42
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft -sleep, posted by Helenb on May 27, 2005, at 21:08:44
> It is amazing how many Drs push antidepressants (i live in Australia), and it is like they are handing out lollies.
Well, to some extent, that's what the purpose of psychiatrists are. They are allowed to dispense medication. But, it is very clear that they have the drug companies in their back pocket.
>
>
Posted by Freedom on May 29, 2005, at 10:04:01
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft -sleep, posted by Helenb on May 27, 2005, at 21:08:44
Thanks for the input on sleep...I pray every night regardless of sleep or no sleep....I am very spirtitual and very into holistic healing. I am taking whatever action I can to help myself as far as relaxation techniques, etc. I also am into structure and go to bed the same time every night. I think everyone is effected differently and what works for you may not work for everyone else....We can do our part, however, the rest is up to biological, physiological, and chemical reactions. I am grateful that I feel so full of energy and I can see clearly now....
> It is amazing how many Drs push antidepressants (i live in Australia), and it is like they are handing out lollies. I'm starting my second week coming off zoloft, i'm actually starting to get sleepy at about 8.30pm (i was never getting sleepy before at all). Hang in there, the sleep does come. I've also started getting into a really good sleep routine, by going to bed at the same time every night, and then waking up at the same time each morning, i really believe that this is working. Also praying for sleep works a treat too.
>
>
>
Posted by Freedom on May 29, 2005, at 10:11:06
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft -sleep, posted by DDTTBB on May 27, 2005, at 21:13:42
> > It is amazing how many Drs push antidepressants (i live in Australia), and it is like they are handing out lollies.
>
> Well, to some extent, that's what the purpose of psychiatrists are. They are allowed to dispense medication. But, it is very clear that they have the drug companies in their back pocket.
> >
> >
> Psychiatrists are doing what they know. I am glad I was on the meds...they helped me. However, I think its important to take accountability and responsibility for our own healing and utilize whats out there, but know when we no longer have a use or need for a certain medication.
>
Posted by Helenb on June 2, 2005, at 16:58:03
In reply to Re:withdrawal from Zoloft -sleep, posted by Freedom on May 29, 2005, at 10:11:06
I am in my second week of withdrawal (woo hoo!!!), i have so much energy, i am actually getting tired and not having to take painkillers to help me get to sleep. I also feel that i am much happier and also a nicer person.
Posted by suec on June 6, 2005, at 8:23:28
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » laurab, posted by JaneB on April 29, 2005, at 16:36:03
Hi. I so wish I had seen this site before I attemmpted to go off zoloft. I was put on zoloft 2 years ago to cope with a disability disorder of my vestibular system. I was very depressed because of how ill I became, and I must say the zoloft was a god-send. I was on 75 mg. It never made me tired. I didn't have any negative reaction. At my last physical, I spoke with my doctor about trying to get off it, and see how I would cope. When I went to 50, I had no problem. But at 25.......omg. My main symptom of my vestibular disorder is dizziness, and now the dizziness and head zaps were 100% worse. Even nausea, which I didn't expereince for 2 years. Crying, upset, etc. I went back to the 75 mg on Friday. I can't deal with the dizziness, siince that is my number one problem with the vestibular disoreder. I wish I had never gone off. Obvously, doctors don't see that there are withdrawal symptoms. I was wondering if any one knows how soon after going back on I will start feeling good again. I am very very scared. Thank you all so much.
Posted by Helenb on June 7, 2005, at 1:04:34
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by suec on June 6, 2005, at 8:23:28
I'm only guessing about 4 weeks to start feeling better. I'm now down to 25mg every second day, i'm getting a couple of dizzy spells a day, but mainly in the morning. My dr says this is normal because my brain chemistry is changing. I'll admit is a little scary, but i'm starting to finally get back to my real self. Goodluck, i hope you feel better real soon.
Posted by SallyW on August 20, 2005, at 11:13:54
In reply to withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Shelly on May 4, 1999, at 17:37:51
I have tried many times since 1999 to withdraw from zoloft. The closest I got was 6 mg. in 12/2001, but my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and my dad was very ill too. I have experienced many of the withdrawal symptoms everyone has mentioned on this site. As of today, I am 3 days completely off zoloft and thrilled. I did it using liquid zoloft and a 1 ml. tuberculin syringe. I began seeing a psychiatrist just to do this. Cutting the pills didn't work for me. Anyway, 1 ml. = 20 mg., .5 ml=10 mg., etc. The last dose I took was .05 ml = 1 mg. I came down in 10 mg. intervals every 4 days. As the dosage decreased to really small amounts, I began coming down in smaller increments. The smallest increment was 1mg. I mixed the liquid zoloft in orange juice. In the beginning, it was a little like having a screwdriver for breakfast (liquid zoloft has alcohol in it). BUT the withdrawal symptoms were minimal (vague dizziness, but rarely). I have tried this unsuccessfully so many times and have read this message board off and on for so many years, I just wanted to share how I got off the stuff. I should never have gone on it, I wasn't clinically depressed and my family doctor put me on it. My psychiatrist didn't know you could get liquid zoloft and she says I am one of 5 patients she is seeing for the purpose of SSRI withdrawal. Long post, but if you are trying to withdraw, don't give up - it's worth it just to know you beat it!
Posted by SallyW on August 20, 2005, at 11:13:57
In reply to Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Dr. Bob on March 1, 2005, at 23:47:43
Dr. Bob, is it possible that there are metabolic reasons why some people can't withdraw from the pill form but are successful liquid? This withdrawal was so easy compared to using the pills.
Posted by ed_uk on August 20, 2005, at 11:14:00
In reply to Withdrawal SUCCESS!, posted by SallyW on August 19, 2005, at 9:56:11
Hi Sally,
Welcome to babble :-)
Congratulations for getting off Zoloft! :-)
>My psychiatrist didn't know you could get liquid zoloft........
You can't get it in the UK. Do you live in the US?
Kind regards
~ed
Posted by SallyW on August 20, 2005, at 11:14:02
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS! » SallyW, posted by ed_uk on August 19, 2005, at 14:10:37
Thanks! Yes, I live in Illinois. Couldn't you order it over the internet, say from Canada?
Posted by ed_uk on August 20, 2005, at 11:14:04
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS!, posted by SallyW on August 19, 2005, at 15:17:42
Hi!
>Couldn't you order it over the internet, say from Canada?
Probably - I don't need it though, I'm not on Zoloft. I was just curious because so few people seem to use liquid Zoloft.
Here in the UK, only Prozac, Paxil and Celexa come as liquids - not Zoloft.
Kind regards
~ed
Posted by SLS on August 22, 2005, at 0:43:47
In reply to Withdrawal SUCCESS!, posted by SallyW on August 19, 2005, at 9:56:11
Hi.
That was a great way to discontinue Zoloft. Perhaps you could write a more detailed essay.
How often would you take Zoloft during the day?
- Scott
Posted by SallyW on August 27, 2005, at 22:29:11
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS! » SallyW, posted by SLS on August 22, 2005, at 0:43:47
Hi Scott - I started out tapering at 50 mg. When I began reducing the dosage by cutting pills, I felt really awful. We (Dr.&me) switched to the liquid. She suggested the 1 ml. syringe.(Get 2, 1 lasts about 3 weeks before it gets sticky and won't cooperate)- 1 ml. = 20 mg. I went back to 50 mg. (2.5 ml. or 2 1/2 syrngefuls) so that I would feel okay. I got a little pocket calendar and mapped out dosages and dates so that I would have a target. I took the zoloft once a day when I got up. I squirted it into 4-5 oz. of orange juice. I began coming down 10 mg. (.5 ml) a day for 7 days. I soon realized that I could come down faster and began decreasing the dosage every 4 days. I initially noted how I was feeling each day with a smiley or sad face. After a few days, this wasn't necessary because I didn't feel bad. Once I got really low, like 7 mg. (.35 ml), I decreased the dosage in smaller amounts. After 4 days at that level, I went down to 3.5 mg. (.17 ml) for 4 days, then 2.5 mg. for 4 days, then 1.5 mg. for days. The last dosage was 1 mg (.05 ml) and that was only for 2 days and then I didn't take anymore. That was two weeks ago. One thing I need to note is that you CANNOT cheat on sleep while you are doing this. You HAVE to get at least 8-9 hours of sleep each night. If you cheat, you will feel some withdrawal effects. I still feel fine except for an unrelated sinus infection. I actually feel empowered because I've wanted to be off of the zoloft for so long. I've been on it and the doxepin before it for 10 years and hypothyoidism symptoms before that. I'm not even sure how I'm supposed to act I've been drugged for so long. But I'm happy (and not manically so!).
Posted by SLS on August 28, 2005, at 6:28:38
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS!, posted by SallyW on August 27, 2005, at 22:29:11
Hi.
Thank you so much for sharing the details of your withdrawal method. It sounds great!
- Scott
> Hi Scott - I started out tapering at 50 mg. When I began reducing the dosage by cutting pills, I felt really awful. We (Dr.&me) switched to the liquid. She suggested the 1 ml. syringe.(Get 2, 1 lasts about 3 weeks before it gets sticky and won't cooperate)- 1 ml. = 20 mg. I went back to 50 mg. (2.5 ml. or 2 1/2 syrngefuls) so that I would feel okay. I got a little pocket calendar and mapped out dosages and dates so that I would have a target. I took the zoloft once a day when I got up. I squirted it into 4-5 oz. of orange juice. I began coming down 10 mg. (.5 ml) a day for 7 days. I soon realized that I could come down faster and began decreasing the dosage every 4 days. I initially noted how I was feeling each day with a smiley or sad face. After a few days, this wasn't necessary because I didn't feel bad. Once I got really low, like 7 mg. (.35 ml), I decreased the dosage in smaller amounts. After 4 days at that level, I went down to 3.5 mg. (.17 ml) for 4 days, then 2.5 mg. for 4 days, then 1.5 mg. for days. The last dosage was 1 mg (.05 ml) and that was only for 2 days and then I didn't take anymore. That was two weeks ago. One thing I need to note is that you CANNOT cheat on sleep while you are doing this. You HAVE to get at least 8-9 hours of sleep each night. If you cheat, you will feel some withdrawal effects. I still feel fine except for an unrelated sinus infection. I actually feel empowered because I've wanted to be off of the zoloft for so long. I've been on it and the doxepin before it for 10 years and hypothyoidism symptoms before that. I'm not even sure how I'm supposed to act I've been drugged for so long. But I'm happy (and not manically so!).
Posted by ed_uk on August 28, 2005, at 8:42:51
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS!, posted by SallyW on August 27, 2005, at 22:29:11
Hi Sally,
Are there 10 divisions on your 1mL oral syringe?
~Ed
Posted by SallyW on August 28, 2005, at 17:18:20
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS! » SallyW, posted by ed_uk on August 28, 2005, at 8:42:51
It actually breaks it down into 100 increments - each ml. is subdivided into 10 mcl. (micromililiters - is there such a thing?)
Posted by SallyW on August 28, 2005, at 17:19:33
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS!, posted by SallyW on August 28, 2005, at 17:18:20
I have just finished registering my complaint with the FDA and a zoloft attorney. I registered a complaint two different times with Pfizer (years ago).
Posted by ed_uk on August 29, 2005, at 3:46:33
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS!, posted by SallyW on August 28, 2005, at 17:18:20
Hi Sally,
>It actually breaks it down into 100 increments...
Does the oral syringe have a brand name? I'd like to look it up on the internet.
Thank you
~ed
Posted by SallyW on August 29, 2005, at 23:25:40
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS! » SallyW, posted by ed_uk on August 29, 2005, at 3:46:33
It's not actually an oral syringe. It's an injection syringe without the needle. They're made by B-D. The pharmacy just gave them to me.
Posted by ed_uk on August 30, 2005, at 14:58:42
In reply to Re: Withdrawal SUCCESS!, posted by SallyW on August 29, 2005, at 23:25:40
Ah right, I know the one. Thanks :-)
~Ed
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