Howard, what you are doing is commendable. I assume there is a reason you do not want to continue taking Zoloft. I am new to anti-depressants and just started taking Effexor last week, because I could not longer take the mood swings, especially now that I am on hormone blockade for cancer. After reading the experiences of others in this forum I realize this means that I may be on some form of anti-d for the rest of my life, but at least I can tell family members that I am doing something about
my moods and hopefully I won't have to apologize to them quite so often
Before starting Effexor it was necessary that I stop taking the narcotic Tramadol that I had been taking daily for over a decade. That wasn't easy, but tapered off as you are doing. I understand that anti-d's may be even more difficult. I wish you luck in getting back to your "old self", but it is possible that you may not recognize him any longer.