14 years Zoloft. I want off. please help

Hello Everyone, I am glad to have found you all. I am 44 male and have been on Zoloft 50 mg for about 10 years and 100 mg for about 4. I am just tired of existing. I feel like I have no feeling anymore and am just kind of numb. I had panic attacks and that was the reason I got on it in the first place. But I dont want to be on this crap anymore. I just hope its not to late to get off of it. Any suggestions as to supplements and a weaning program. I am healthy and have had no major health issues. Thanks so much for listening and any help you can give me. 54fighting

54, I took zoloft for 10 years. 8 years at 50mg and then 2 at 25mg. I tapered without supplements, but I know there are things out there people may be able to recommend.

I did experience withdrawal symptoms such as feeling like I had the flu as well as brain zaps and nausea each time I tapered.

I have now been off the zoloft completely for a little over 3 months. I don't think it is a coincidence that I have had significant anxiety and some depression since being off. My doctor wants me to go back on the medication, but after being on it for essentially my entire adult life (I was 20 when I started taking it), and having the same numbness you describe, I need to try to work through those things with the help of a therapist and then reevaluate the need for medication after 6 months. I have a very supportive spouse, but no one else in real life besides my mother, my doctor, and my therapist is aware of my history with meds and the fact that I am off them now. My suggestion to you is to make sure you have a support system in place, both to handle the potential withdrawal side effects as well as the emotional and mental ones.

As I said I have been off the zoloft for a little over 3 months. I am over the flu like symptoms and brain zaps. I have not had the panic attacks/derealization "attacks" that put me on zoloft in the first place. I am certainly no longer numb, but I am moving forward.

I would talk to your doctor and see what they recommend regarding discontinuation of meds and then go from there. The point of my rambling post was to say that I have been where you are now and wish you well in your journey, whether it includes zoloft in the future or not.

--kate

There's a bit of ping pong game going on. Part of the reason some of us take A/D's is because our bodies aren't producing sufficient chemicals, or the receptors are not receiving what's being produced....if our bodies were producing sufficient amounts, and in balance, we wouldn't suffer from anxiety/depression.

We're trying to establish a balance so that we can have a quality of life....

It doesn't make you weak.



M.

Hi 54fighting,

Do talk to your doctor about your desire to wean, and get a slow and steady tapering schedule going with his/her guidance.

There is also a website that can help as a guidline (not a substitute for your doctor's advice!) for weaning off of A/D meds...here is the link.

http://theroadback.org/

As far as suppliments...if they were completely effective for everyone...then it would be as simple as taking them, and A/D meds would not be necessary, right?

Unfortunately, the reality is that the effectiveness of natural suppliments is pretty hit or miss. You can certainly talk to your doctor about this option...however, I would be wary of putting too much faith in this treatment.  (that is not to say that they have helped many people, so difinitely bring it up.)

First and foremost however, I would focus on learning skills through therapy and/or self-help to help manage any panic that may resurface as you wean off of your Rx.

This can be a very effective way of dealing with any breakthrough anxiety. CBT, and mindfullness are both excellent choices to consider. Ask you doctor about a referral to a therapist when you discuss your weaning schedule.

Chances are, you will do very well...so keep postive about the changes that you are going to be making! Keep posting here with us, and we will be here for your support!

Best wishes,

S.C.