i'm trying to wean off zoloft now (worried about
unknown long-term dangers, weight gain, sexual side-effects, etc.). i have been taking 200mg for basically 11 years. i've gone down to 150 for the last week and a half and haven't had any issues yet (or at least nothing really noticeable). i am reading a great book called "The Anti-Depressant Solution" by Joseph Glenmullen. It's a very moderate book - he points out some of the controversy surrounding anti-depressants and the whole "withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome" debate, but also still prescribes them to some of his patients because he recognizes there are benefits for many people. The book is essentially a step-by-step guide to stopping SSRI's safely and a discussion about
all the things one should consider before starting the process and what happens during the process. He also discusses the whole biology of SSRIs. It's a very honest and informative book. Might want to check it out.
the zoloft was great for me for many years - i had issues with OCD and related social anxiety and general anxiety. the zoloft pretty much made them non-issues. but in the last couple years it's not been working so well, primarily i think because i've just been overwhelmed by certain things in my life. but i have been doing better lately and feel like i should get off the meds because i think that they are limited in their helpfullness and i feel like i didn't give myself enough credit for the early improvements. i think the zoloft provided a good crutch when i was limping but i healed and have learned a lot and i feel like i can do things on my own now, with the help of a good diet and exercise and positive thinking. too many studies suggesting the SSRI's are limited in their effect (even some saying no more than a placebo - though i disagree with this), not enough studies on long-term effects, many people with side-effects, weight gain (not particularly healthy when it's 60 pounds), etc. My doctor always told me i could and should stay on the zoloft indefinitely and that it was mild enough not to be dangerous. but i think he was speaking about the liver and things like that and not about brain changes.
anyway, i think you may be someone who is very sensitive to SSRIs and may have trouble finding one that helps you without causing intolerable side-effects. when you find the right one it's wonderful. but there will probably be a time down the road when you'll want to get off them. if you can stay strong you may want to consider trying to go the natural route and avoid the SSRIs altogether. i have been taking omega 3 supplements and a multi-vitamin for several months now and feel very good. the natural stuff takes longer to show results (months) but it's obviously the safest way to go. but if things get too rough there is no harm or shame in continuing to try and find the right SSRI. most people do eventually find one that is helpful and can give you the boost you need to get to a point where you can start to think about helping yourself. because sometimes life gets you down the point where you don't have the energy to pick yourself up on your own. that's when medication can be most helpful.
good luck on whatever you do. as most here have said, if you tape gradually you should be just fine. and if you have any troubles, just taper even more slowly.