Weaning off of SSRI, specifically, Zoloft

Hi everyone.

I am new to this forum. I stumbled onto it while searching different side effects and withdrawals symptoms when tapering off of Zoloft. I found a thread regarding this, however no one has posted in it for almost two years, therefore I am starting this new thread.

In a nutshell, I have been on SSRI's for 17 years, the first ever was Paxil which I was on for about 5 years before I had to be switched because they would no longer be making the brand and only generic was available, which did not work well for me. From there I was put on Celexa for quite some time, then that became an issue as it was not working well anymore so I was switched to Lexapro with Wellbutrin as well. I was on that combination for quite a few years and then eliminated Wellbutrin and just continued with Lexapro. I was taking Lexapro for a total of about 6 years. Once again, it began not working for me so my Doctor and I began a journey of trying to find the right medicine for me. I tried Prozac and did not at all like how that made me feel so she switched me to Zoloft. I have been on Zoloft since January 2016. I have gradually increased since then from 50mg per day to 200mg per day. Needless to say, I HATE it. I have had weight gain, memory loss, trouble concentrating, and still not completely satisfied with my overall moods. I have decided that I want to get off of medication completely. I have no idea of Who I Am without medication anymore. I have started the wean process and am at this time down to 100mg per day. The side effects are uncomfortable to say the least. Horrible headaches that sometimes feel like sinus pressure, dizziness, some occasional nausea, lethargy, irritability, and trouble concentrating. I have had no issues with anxiety or depression while weaning so far. I do have .5mg Ativan for "as needed" foe anxiety episodes which I tend to never take. Lately, I have been taking one a day, though, to help take the edge off of the withdrawal symptoms. I am apprehensive to continue the wean at this time, but rather sit tight at 100mg for a little bit to see if these side effects subside some. I have been down to 100mg since August 31, 2016.

Has anyone here been on these types of medications as long as I have who have completely gotten off for good? I would love some input on the experience and thoughts of others who have been down this road. I thank you all for reading my post and any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Hi WAI and welcome!

I'm sorry to hear about the discontinuation effects you are currently dealing with. :/ It is often a necessary means to an end...but difficult to be going through it now, I am sure.

Some find the addition of supplements such as fish oil or Vit. B to be helpful in easing the weaning effects. Asking your doctor about this possibility could be a helpful step to take.

For now, check out our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Practicing the suggested exercises daily should help...not only now, but especially in your new med free status. (be sure and check out 'the road back' link found there as it has good A/D discontinuation info)

Post with us anytime for anxiety sharing. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat

Sounds like you are doing really well already...so just keep up the good work...pick up some new tools here in the Resources. ..

...and keep posting, so we can keep you cheered on! :)

S.C.

I guess i am the person who mentioned benadryl, i have been using it to sleep, i take it right at bed time
and i always read when i first go to bed, normally i drop the book i am reading and it wakes me up long
enough to turn off the light, i have no hang over or dopy feeling in the morning, before benadryl i was
taking half a xanax, i have only needed two xanax in the last three years, Peace

Larry ***

I spoke with my doctor today and as of tomorrow I will be going down to 75mg. She has given me an official wean schedule starting with tomorrow which is:

1 week of 75mg (50am and 25pm)
1 week of 50mg (25am and 25pm)
1 week of 25mg (25pm)

I feel that is a fast taper but she is my doctor, I am assuming she knows best. So far I have went form 200mg to 150mg, stayed on 150mg for 6 days and then went to 100mg and have been at this point for exactly 2 weeks. I'm praying this road doesn't get much rougher.

if it does get rough-ask dr about prozac sub . it works

WAI,

You will get there! It is a whole new experience again as you said...

...so being patient with yourself and the process is in order! :)

Keep up with your coping skills...give things some more time, and know you can come here for support and encouragement anytime you need it!

Talk soon,

S.C.

congrats-you have been tru a very tough withdrawl. you post if full of truths -esp about learning to handle your emotions with out a drug. i struggle with this daily but i have made it 3 whole years ssri free. i hope you can take insperation from this and you can do it also. very proud of you . those of us former zoloft users know exactyl what you are going tru. the brain zaps are the pitts

for me it was about 2 weeks

Hi eliza-jo,

I answered the thread you started for yourself...rather than tag onto to this one.

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=3726903

Please see that post...and respond there if you choose to do so.:)

***other members please do the same...so we don't have a double subject going on here, as it's confusing.***

S.C.

just keep the prozac method in mind-it works and is easy to do

Hi Everyone-

Here I am still SSRI free since October 5th. Brain Zaps are non-existent and have been for quite some time. I am so sorry I have not posted any updates as I have been dealing with lots of issues with my mother being very ill. Which is what brings me to why I am actually posting today. I am having great difficulty with dealing with my mother being sick. Constant bad thoughts and always fearful of impending doom. My moods are terrible as I am as nasty as any one person could be about 80% of the time. I HATE it. I am so short tempered with everyone and the littlest thing sets me off. I just don't know what to do. I am 4 months SSRI free however on rare occasion I will take 0.5mg Ativan to take the edge off but I don't like to do that often as I don't want to get dependent on needing them. I have considered going back on medication here in the past couple weeks. I am just not sure what to do. I do know that I am not liking myself, not ONE BIT. I hate having horrible racing bad thoughts on a constant basis, I hate that I am so nasty toward people over the littlest of things. I am sure the pressures of my mom being sick and me being the primary one to handle things is probably adding to my issues. But I am just at my wits end. I am very hesitant to request to be put back on the SSRI's to seek help but at the same time I feel like I am never going to get out of this funk/horrible place in my mind any other way

Hi WAI,

I am so sorry to hear of your mom's illness, and the stress it is creating.

It's a personal decision of course whether you choose to go back on an Rx...but there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you determine your course of action.

First, have you done all you can with therapy and self help? If not, you a want to explore more into those options.

Second, is your care giving situation a long term situation?..if so, then it a be worth going back on a daily med...but if this is going to be temporary/situational anxiety period...then you may want to stay with your rescue medication for challenging days.

I wish you the best in your decision, and send any healing thoughts and prayers for you and your mom.

S.C.