Trying to survive the "Discontinuation Syndrome"

Hello,

Hope everyone is doing well and taking care of themselves!
I haven't written in awhile. Last time I checked in, I was down to about 150 mg of Sertraline after taking 200 mg for 12 years. I have finally weened myself completely off and I'm on day 3 without ANY drugs in my body!
BUT the withdrawal or "Discontinuation Syndrome" is unbelievable! Mentally I feel ok, and in fact I'm starting to actually feel strong emotion again as opposed to the dull blaaahh that came with being medicated. It's the physical symptoms that are so bad that I ALMOST want to take a pill to relieve it.

I know withdrawal can be different for everyone but here's what I'm going through: DIzziness (ALL THE TIME), indigestion, headache (pressure in the top of my head like it's going to pop!), IBS, terrible dreams, and a few minor mental issues (i.e. increased road rage).

I'm trying to do everything I can think of to ease these symptoms; ibuprofen, sprite for my upset stomach, light foods (soup, salad) to deal with the IBS, yoga, bubble baths, ANYTHING to ease the discomfort!

Has anyone gone through this? When will it end?! What have you found that works to relieve at least the dizziness!
It was so bad that I came home early from work on Friday. I don't want to miss any more work!!

Any advice...I'll take it!

Thanks Karen! Did you go back on the med long-term, or just to get through withdrawal?

Angelic_Victory,
Isn't it crazy how Baths are something you crave because of the few minutes of relaxation!?!
Did you have the bad dreams? Sleep used to be one of my favorite things ever, but I'm scared to go to bed because of the nightmares.
I'll have to ask my doc about phenergen! That may be a huge help!
Thanks for your insight!

Well guys, I took 25mg (which is what I was taking up until 3 days ago) to try and get through this phase of withdrawal until I can get in to see my doc.
Thanks for at least helping me realize this is just part of the process. Hopefully I can ease out of this last 25mg a little less painfully with help from my doc!
Take Care!

I have been on Zoloft for about 10 years.  There was a brief time a couple of years ago when I tapered off while starting Cymbalta when I felt that the Zoloft wasn't working.  That lasted for about a year and then I went back on to the Zoloft, which historically is the only antidepressant I've had success with (after trying many). 

I just turned 35 and am recently married and want to wean off of Zoloft so that I can get pregnant.  I did wean off of my 200mg dose over the course of several months, with my psychiatrist's support.  I noticed mostly emotional symptoms while I was tapering off, similar to severe PMS, that was at its worst for a couple of days after decreasing my dosage. 

When I was finally off completely I was so relieved and proud of myself, but after being off of Zoloft for about 5-7 days I started experiencing terrible physical side effects.  I felt dizzy and light-headed all the time.  It made it difficult to concentrate (especially at work) and drive and was just very unpleasant. 

I went to my PCP after about 4 days of feeling that way.  She could not find anything wrong but had me undergo an MRI to make sure it wasn't an issue with my brain.  My MRI was normal, but I ended up at the ER when my symptoms persisted.  Each doctor told me that since I had weaned so slowly off of the Zoloft that withdrawal couldn't be the cause. 

My dad ended up doing some research online for me and then I did some as well and I realized that what I was experiencing was discontinuation syndrome.  I tried to stick it out, but was so miserable and planning my wedding- so I ended up starting back on 50mg.  My side effects went away within a few days and I felt good.  I decided I didn't want to mess with my meds again until after the wedding. 

Well, now it's after the wedding and I tried taking 3/4 of my 50mg pill for a week.  I've been struggling emotionally with mood swings, depression, anxiety, and even slight dizziness on the decreased dosage and feeling very discouraged...I'm going to try picking up a book someone recommended on a different message board "The Antidepressant Solution" for help.