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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by joyeba on March 27, 2006, at 10:46:54
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by whoopdeedoo on March 20, 2006, at 20:48:16
> I'm scared guys. Been off Zoloft for 3 weeks, have basically had a flu every since, extremely low energy, fatique, dizzy, weak, nerve zaps, tingles, woozy, colds every other day, bouts of random anger and intense irritability.
>
> PLease let me know if this is normal after 3 weeks, and how much longer I have before I return to normal!!It took right at 3 weeks for me to feel better. After the third week, I didn't feel completely better, but I wasn't so sick. Took a while for the head zaps to go. Drink lots of water, take vitamins and keep yourself as happy and healthy as possible. MAKE SURE you get enough sleep. This seemed to help me tremendously. I have been Zoloft free for a couple of months now and feel fine. Although, I still get a head "zap" every now and then. YOU WILL get through this. It just sucks really bad. My depression is back again, but I am fighting it the natural way, with exercise, doing things I enjoy and getting lots of sleep.
>
> Thanks.
Posted by SallyW on April 1, 2006, at 0:18:27
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by jaclamac on March 3, 2006, at 4:34:42
Get the liquid zoloft, a 1 ml. syringe, and titrate down very slowly. 1ml = 20 mg. The 1 ml. syringe is marked off in tenths (.1), so you can really manage the dosage quite well. For some reason, I was able to titrate down more quickly with no side effects using this method. Had major problems trying to break pills. Lots of side effects. Warning: at higher doses, the liquid mixed in orange juice is a little like a screw-driver for breakfast - I don't drink, so I just had to hold my nose and swallow fast ;-) Good luck!!!! I've been off for 7 months and it's great.
Posted by Luci on April 13, 2006, at 11:20:16
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Mia CD on March 6, 2006, at 21:45:25
hello all,
Been on Zoloft for many years. Decided recently that i'm tired of being numb and on drugs. I started weaning myself off from 200 mg to 150 for 1 week, them 100 for another week, then 50 for one more week. I think i should have done 25mg for at least 1 week or two but i didn't. I've been off Zoloft completely now for2 1/2 weeks, my symptoms have been incredible. Been so nauseated and so very dizzy i actually got scared and went to the emergency room(everything checked out fine) (I didn't tell them about that).
The sounds of people talking and tv', etc are magnified 4x louder, i'm very irritable and my sleeping patterns are way off. I don't recall feeling so nauseated, oozy, fatigued and dizzy in my entire life. oh yes and some anxiety also.
Nevertheless i'm commited to see this through.
Praying hard that these debilitating symptoms subside soon....
Luci
>
>
>
Posted by peter007ty on April 14, 2006, at 19:52:55
In reply to Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Dr. Bob on March 27, 2006, at 7:59:53
hi living in australia its my second day of coming off 200mg of zoloft been on it for 2 years after industrial accident and surgery to remove 2 disc in my back not sure if i can do this i dont know any one else in this country on zoloft also on 200mg celebrex and 8 panadine forte a day so giving allup together hope this is not suicide at present i feel so ill not sure what to do
Posted by SLS on April 14, 2006, at 21:19:35
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by peter007ty on April 6, 2006, at 11:58:47
How did you go about discontinuing Zoloft?
- Scott
Posted by zoloft on April 19, 2006, at 1:11:58
In reply to Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Dr. Bob on March 27, 2006, at 7:59:53
I recently came off of Zoloft after being on it for 8yrs at 50mg. I tapered off it very slowly with direction from my GP. It's been almost 3 weeks now that I have been off completely and I'm still going through the withdrawal symptoms. My double whammy is that I am also pregnant and went through both pregnancy and withdrawal symptoms. If I stayed on the Zoloft, I was having worse pregnancy nausea and vomiting. Being off them has subsided the vomiting, but nausea is still there. I am now 14weeks pregnant and the worst symptom is the dizziness and "buzzing" in my head. I feel like I'm having a migraine without the headache, all day, everday and it makes me scared of driving. I feel okay when I'm sleeping, but when I wake up, it starts all over again. Especially when I'm woken up suddenly - it hits sharply.
Please help. How can I get over this, and how long is this supposed to last? My GP says, a couple of weeks. Well, a couple weeks have past. I hate this feeling, I hate the constant "brain zapps", blurred vision and "sick feeling"! I feel dysfunctional, and I KNOW it's NOT a recurrence of the depression!!
HELP!!
Posted by ladydee54 on April 19, 2006, at 1:12:02
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by zoloft on April 15, 2006, at 15:35:02
You gotta hang in there, there is no way to shorten this. taking any other drug will only prolong it. eventually the head zaps will go away. the one thing that has never gone away for me is the faint "whooshing" that I hear at times, usually after a meal for some reason!
all other symptoms will subside given enough time. drink plenty of water and just hang in there!
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 6:12:08
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by zoloft on April 15, 2006, at 15:35:02
I don't like the idea of anyone allowing withdrawal symptoms to persist day after day. It isn't necessary. However, since you are so far along, I doubt you would consider reintroducing SRI medication.
One thing that does help mitigate withdrawal symptoms is small amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is an over-the-counter antihistamine / anticholinergic.
- Scott
Posted by joyeba on April 19, 2006, at 10:11:38
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 6:12:08
>
> One thing that does help mitigate withdrawal symptoms is small amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is an over-the-counter antihistamine / anticholinergic.
>
>
> - ScottIf you are pregnant, DO NOT take any antihistiamine. That is a big no-no according to my doctor. Just hang in there. It took about 4 weeks for me to feel normal again, and you will get through it. Drinking water helps.
Posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 15:51:17
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by joyeba on April 19, 2006, at 10:11:38
SIGH... Been off for about 5 weeks now, but had no choice but to take 25mg of the zoloft every other day for the last week or so. Just couldn't take it anymore. The buzzing in my head and the incredible dizziness just won't go away. I feel nauseated from the minute i get up still, and i'm fatigued all day long. I have to lay down for the most part of my days.
As i had mentioned before i tried to wean myself off after about 15 years of being on 200mg zoloft, but it's been over a month and i'm so sick still and so exausted.
First i thought i had diabetes or a thyroid problem or lung cancer or something. Went to doctors and had blood work done etc. Thank GOD i'm ok. I feel like i have vertigo most of the time. The sensitivity to noise is still here also, i'm forever short fuzzed. To day i took another 25mg, hoping it will help me a little and it does.
WHAT NOW???!!!!!!!!!! I will not go back but i don't want to feel so very sick either, feeling very depressed about how physically sick i feel.
This site has helped me to find out about what i was feeling was withdrawl symptoms and that i am not alone in this. I'm grateful for this site.
Posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 17:27:07
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by joyeba on April 19, 2006, at 10:11:38
you suggested Benadryl.could you tell me how the benadryl would help??? wouldn't it make you even drowsier and spaced out??
Thanks so much for the kind input
Luci
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:42:17
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by joyeba on April 19, 2006, at 10:11:38
>
> >
> > One thing that does help mitigate withdrawal symptoms is small amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is an over-the-counter antihistamine / anticholinergic.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> If you are pregnant, DO NOT take any antihistiamine. That is a big no-no according to my doctor. Just hang in there. It took about 4 weeks for me to feel normal again, and you will get through it. Drinking water helps.
Hi.What's the problem with antihistamine?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:49:27
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 17:27:07
> you suggested Benadryl.could you tell me how the benadryl would help??? wouldn't it make you even drowsier and spaced out??
Probably. You might want to use the Psycho-Babble search feature to review people's experiences. Some people report that using even small doses helped with nausea and flu-like symptoms. I don't recall how well it worked for the brain zaps, though.
Try clicking on the link below:
http://www.google.com/search?q=benadryl+withdrawal&sitesearch=dr-bob.org
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:50:30
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 15:51:17
How small can you split the pills?
- Scott
Posted by suec on April 20, 2006, at 8:17:16
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 15:51:17
Hi Luci. My heart just breaks for you. The problem is you just needed to really really go off slowly. I was on 75mg, and thought I was ready to go off. Spoke iwth my doctor, and he said to go down to 50 for a week, and then 25. Well, even that was a mistake. I was okay on the 50, but when I went to 25, I was a mess. I have a balance disorder and a condition called vestibular neuritis. So I have dizziness all of the time (some days are better than others, which began with vertigo attacks) and have experienced the nausea and definitely the head zaps. So when I went to 25, my symptoms were 100 times worse. And I was having crying jags. The reason I was put on zoloft was when I became ill almost 4 years ago, I had a great deal of trouble coping with it. I was only 46 and I was bed ridden for 3 months. My doctor put me on zoloft, and I have to say, it was a saving grace for me. I went back on to the 75 mg, and for me, I will never go off again. I wish you so much luck.
Posted by joyeba on April 20, 2006, at 12:21:00
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof » joyeba, posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:42:17
> > I have a lot of allergies, and when I got pregnant, my ob said not to take any type of antihistamine. The only medicine that any doctor I have ever talked to said that I could take was sudafed. I have been pregnant 3 times with three different doctors, and they have all told me the same thing. I think it has to do with the fact that antihistamines dry out the fluids in your body, and this could cause your amniotic fluid to decrease. All the pregnancy books say this as well.
> > >
> > > One thing that does help mitigate withdrawal symptoms is small amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is an over-the-counter antihistamine / anticholinergic.
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> >
> > If you are pregnant, DO NOT take any antihistiamine. That is a big no-no according to my doctor. Just hang in there. It took about 4 weeks for me to feel normal again, and you will get through it. Drinking water helps.
>
>
> Hi.
>
> What's the problem with antihistamine?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> - Scott
>
Posted by SLS on April 21, 2006, at 13:35:17
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by joyeba on April 20, 2006, at 12:21:00
> I have a lot of allergies, and when I got pregnant, my ob said not to take any type of antihistamine. The only medicine that any doctor I have ever talked to said that I could take was sudafed. I have been pregnant 3 times with three different doctors, and they have all told me the same thing. I think it has to do with the fact that antihistamines dry out the fluids in your body, and this could cause your amniotic fluid to decrease. All the pregnancy books say this as well.
Thanks for answering my question.
I know Google is not the definitive source of information, but everything I found seemed to indicate that Benadryl was safe to take during pregnancy. It is a category B drug.
I'll try Medline.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 21, 2006, at 16:45:43
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof » joyeba, posted by SLS on April 21, 2006, at 13:35:17
> > I have a lot of allergies, and when I got pregnant, my ob said not to take any type of antihistamine. The only medicine that any doctor I have ever talked to said that I could take was sudafed. I have been pregnant 3 times with three different doctors, and they have all told me the same thing. I think it has to do with the fact that antihistamines dry out the fluids in your body, and this could cause your amniotic fluid to decrease. All the pregnancy books say this as well.
>
> Thanks for answering my question.
>
> I know Google is not the definitive source of information, but everything I found seemed to indicate that Benadryl was safe to take during pregnancy. It is a category B drug.
>
> I'll try Medline.
There are very few abstracts on Medline dealing with the use of diphenhydramine in pregnancy, thus the category B assignment. There just isn't enough data to be sure.
- Scott
Posted by bvisuze on April 25, 2006, at 22:01:12
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 15:51:17
hi everyone
have to say first off that the connection i feel from this forum is really remarkable. it is an amazing thing to be able to share and receive advice and comfort among people that really can relate.
luci: honey, hang in there. try using the information in the Chemistry of Joy - it really helped me. sleep. relax (even if it feels like you're just pretending to relax). excercise - alternating agressive cardio and yoga helps me. drink lots of water. it will pass. your body is just having a rough time adjusting so be kind and go easy on yourself.
i've been on the 25mg (having cut back from 100 mg) since march and am feeling really good. been pretty diligent about taking all the vitamins recommended in the The Chemistry of Joy. still need to get more sleep. been thinking about cutting down to 12.5 but part of me is chicken and another part of me wants to wait until i get settled in after moving.
i have no idea how much zoloft actually helps me, but i have dedicated myself to going incredibly slow with withdrawl process. my therapist agrees.
best and love,
bvisuze
Posted by luci on April 26, 2006, at 7:53:05
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by bvisuze on April 25, 2006, at 22:01:12
Thank you so much for the kind remarks, they are greatly appreciated. I feel the warmth.
I've been taking 25 mg every other day and i feel so much better as far as being nauseated and dizzy. Still feel very short fuze and have fits of anger which i have to watch out for. I'm hoping to go down to 12.5 and then evebtually zero. Still sleeping a whole lot, still very fatigued. I'm going to try to do more water which is hard for me and yoga sounds good. Once again thank yoiu so very much for the thoughtful responses.
God Bless,
Luci
Posted by Mary Kay on May 5, 2006, at 19:35:50
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof » Luci, posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:50:30
I have been on 150 mg. of Zoloft for 14 years (since 1992). Last summer I felt the need to tapper off of it and have been doing so very gradually over a very long period of time. I was finally down to 25 mg. every other day and quit 2 weeks ago. My moods are a mess. Aggitated over the stupidest things. Cry, Cry, CRY! I am just so sad. Makes me feel crazy. I need some reassurance, encouragement and prayers that this will pass. Does anyone know how long it will take? Last fall, I initially went through the body aches when I began to cut back, but this up and down mood swings are tough. My husband is very concerned.
Posted by janeB on May 6, 2006, at 10:19:03
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Mary Kay on May 5, 2006, at 19:35:50
I would suggest taking 12.5 every other day for a few weeks and see if that helps. Were you ok with 25mg every other day?
My withdrawal symptoms were mostly physical and I have been off for over 8 months. But I did stay on clonazepam @ .25mg/day. Otherwise I can't sleep.
My prayers are with you.
Jane
> I have been on 150 mg. of Zoloft for 14 years (since 1992). Last summer I felt the need to tapper off of it and have been doing so very gradually over a very long period of time. I was finally down to 25 mg. every other day and quit 2 weeks ago. My moods are a mess. Aggitated over the stupidest things. Cry, Cry, CRY! I am just so sad. Makes me feel crazy. I need some reassurance, encouragement and prayers that this will pass. Does anyone know how long it will take? Last fall, I initially went through the body aches when I began to cut back, but this up and down mood swings are tough. My husband is very concerned.
Posted by bvisuze on July 22, 2006, at 13:16:11
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Mary Kay on May 5, 2006, at 19:35:50
hey there!
my thoughts, prayers and reassurance are with you. it WILL pass! I am thinking about you and know that you will be just fine!
> I have been on 150 mg. of Zoloft for 14 years (since 1992). Last summer I felt the need to tapper off of it and have been doing so very gradually over a very long period of time. I was finally down to 25 mg. every other day and quit 2 weeks ago. My moods are a mess. Aggitated over the stupidest things. Cry, Cry, CRY! I am just so sad. Makes me feel crazy. I need some reassurance, encouragement and prayers that this will pass. Does anyone know how long it will take? Last fall, I initially went through the body aches when I began to cut back, but this up and down mood swings are tough. My husband is very concerned.
Posted by Forrest on October 17, 2007, at 20:00:16
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Tom Goode on September 27, 2000, at 9:21:51
> I am very upset about the withdrawal effects of Zoloft. I have been using Zoloft for 2 years to treat depression. I started at 50mg/ day, and after 3 months, My dr. and I decided that I had recovered from my problems, and I was ready to come off the drug. Within a week, I started to get the dizziness, and "surges" inside my head. I went back on the drug, eventually going up to 100mg/day.
>
> Recently I have decided that I am ready to go off the drug permanantly. After consulting my DR., we agreed that it was probably best to go to 50mg, then 25mg, then 25mg every other day. That was 3 months ago. I have been following the regimen, and I have been experiencing the dizziness and "surging" non-stop to a greater or lesser degree for the past 2 months. It has also gotten worse than that... I am now having so much trouble sleeping that I am afraid it may be harming my carreer. I cannot get to sleep before 4AM, even though I am exhausted, and I have to be up at 7AM each morning to go to work. I cannot sleep because I have "micro-tremors" in my legs as I am trying to sleep.
>
> Needless to say, this is a hellish experience. Is there any way for Canadians to file complaints with the drug manufacturer?I too am trying to come off of Zoloft, I have done a great deal of research regarding this medication and by no means do I feel as though someone should be on it for extended periods of time. I initially was prescribed Zoloft to help with terrible panic attacks induced by another anxiety medicine (Paxil). I was up to 75 mg per day but have continually battled (twitches in my legs when trying to sleep, hot flashes, dizziness, and social anxiety. So....I've decided their must be a much better way. I am bouncing down in small dosages from 75 mg to 50 mg to 35mg and have experienced only slight dizziness and some sleeplessness. But, I am also taking Omega 3 and a high power multivitamin with high dosages of B complex, exercising daily, and taking Klonopin at night to help with the leg tremors. All in all my withdrawl has been livable. I just can't wait to get off of this stuff. Good luck to each of you.
Posted by jetsya on January 7, 2008, at 20:34:37
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Merv on April 8, 2000, at 14:50:01
I was on 100mg for 6-8 months, and stopped cold turkey. I did not experience any side-effects that I noticed. However, after doing some reading on the 'net, I dicovered that my anger outbursts toward my wife, that I could not explain, were probably the side=effects for me. BTW, I had the head short-circuit effect while I was taking the med. I have had that also while taking Paxil and again now with Buspar. MY doc was not up on this effect, and was no help. Anyone else, or a dosctor reading this, please, help explain this. What is it? And why does it happen wth some SSRIs, and not others--I never had these brain zaps, if you will, with Prozac. ?????any info appreciated.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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