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Coming off 50mg Sertraline

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Posted 9/17/2017 10:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there,

I've been on 50mg of Sertraline for coming up 8 years! Im 24 and about to marry in October. about 7 weeks ago I decided id had just about enough of having take this little pill everyday and feel like (for lack of a better explanation) ive had enough experience dealing with/coping with and remedying (naturally) my anxiety that i no longer need to medicate. Not to mention we want to start a family in the near future and i refuse to fall while taking these awful chemicals!

Anyways, fast forward to today. Ive spent roughly 3 weeks on 1 pill one day, half pill next day. Then the following three weeks on half pill everyday. And just this week attempting half pill one day, no pill next day. Ive recently begun to feel withdrawal symptoms, today especially. Dizzy, motion sickness feeling, light brain zaps and SO tired. Exhausted and not even doing much. Its Sunday in Australia and im heading to work tomorrow hoping my week wont be too awful.

Do these symptoms hang around? Any natural remedies for them? Has anyone successfully come off this medication completely? I guess im chasing some positivity and advice in this process. Googling similar threads, ive only come across long and difficult experiences coming off the same thing cry
Posted 9/17/2017 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you have run into some challenges with your discontinuation. :/ I know this must be frustrating.

If I am reading your post correctly...it sounds as if you are on about (approx) 12.5 per day...since you are taking 25 mg every other day?

Did your doctor give you this wean schedule? You were not on a high dose, but since you had been taking it for an extended period...this method of skipping days might just be too inconsistent.

I think a preferable method is to reduce the mgs over a period of weeks (sometimes months) rather than use the skip a day method.

See about talking to your doctor about splitting the pills, or getting a prescription with reduced mgs if possible...for the most gentle approach to your step downs.

I also always recommend checking out our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help coping skills that will help you through this process....and beyond!

Best wishes, congratulations...and keep posting with us if you find it helpful! We understand, care and are always here to listen and support. smile

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/17/2017 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Sertraline is one of the more difficult ones to discontinue especially as you have been taking it for a long period so a very slow weaning of the dosage is the best way forward.

Your doctor should of given you a schedule to follow so if they haven't go and speak with them.

Hibee
Posted 9/18/2017 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have come off this medication completely, then was put back on it.

The symptoms will go away, but you will be experiencing the withdrawal effects until you're off the medication completely.

I don't have any great suggestions for you in lessening the severity of these symptoms. I kind of just pushed through as best as I could.
Posted 9/18/2017 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
I was on 100 mg for almost 3 years. I tapered off over a month period. My doctor said just stop(military doctors).
Posted 9/19/2017 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all, thanks for the responses. My doctor suggested I get off them a lot quicker (over about a month in total) which was never going to work for me. I have thought about going to get a prescription for the 25mg and splitting them to make it easier again so I might just do that! I will definitely try to push through all the icky withdrawal symptoms and take advantage of the awesome resources available if things get a little challenging. A friend suggested fish oil tablets helped when she was coming off the same thing so Im also giving them a go (one a day) can't hurt right?

I'll keep you posted smile
Posted 9/19/2017 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
B.,

The fish oil was a good tip...as it does provide relief for some!

Yes, do keep us posted so we can keep you in support!

Peace and progress,

S.C.
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