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Weaning off Sertraline 100 mg. & Dantroline 25 mg.

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 8/24/2014 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
I am a 72 y.o. woman. I have been taking Sertraline 100 mg. for the last 8 yrs and I am now weaning off it. I don't need it anymore. My doctor told me to take 50 mg. for a month and then 25 mg. for the next month. And after that taper off. What kind of side affects might I have? I've been doing this for 5 days so far and I feel a little lightheaded. Is this normal?

I am also taking Dantroline 25 mg. 3 times a day as I have issues walking. My neurologist thinks I have a spinal cord injury. I have had many tests done ruling out MS. I have spasms and at times my legs feel "mushy" and I walk like I'm drunk. He started me at 1 a day. I told him it's just not working. Then 2 times a day - not working. Now 3 times a day and now I can't even walk normal with a cane. My legs feel like they are caving in. This medication just isn't working and making my walking worse and I would like to stop it. I've been on Dantroline for 8 months. I need to know if it is OK to wean off this medication at the same time as the Sertraline? I'll call my neurologist tomorrow. I just want to know about stopping both these meds at the same time.
confused
Posted 8/25/2014 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome.

I think that it is great that you have consuted your doctor about weaning off your Sertraline Rx. So many people attempt to do it themselves, or simply stop...and this is never a good idea.

It sounds like you have a plan in place, and if you tolerated the 50% initial cut well (lightheadedness can be expected)...you should continue to do fine with the reductions.

I can't answer your other question regarding your Dantroline. I know nothing about this med, or how it will be to wean in combination with your A/D.

Please consult your prescribing doctors, as well as your pharmacist. They can all direct you in how to proceeed.

Wishing you the best in your cessation process. Post anytime!

Scaredy Cat

p.s. just to be on the safe side...keep an eye on your BP if your lightheadedness continues.:)

Posted 8/25/2014 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
I called my neurologist and was told to stop the Dantrolene and to call him in 2 days to see how I'm doing. I forgot to mention, I am also taking Trazodone 25 mg. at bedtime. I have no issues with that.

I am now experiencing more side effects. At times I feel like my heart is beating like crazy and I feel anxious. I am also having strange dreams. I hope these eventually stop. I never knew it was this difficult to stop Sertraline.
Posted 8/25/2014 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
I hope so too!

I think that it is expected to have some anxiety while weaning from an Rx used to treat just that...

What alternative coping skills do you have for managing the anxiety?

We have some good ideas for self-help in our Resources. Find them on our main page, 1st thread...

...or let me know you're interested, and I will post the links directly for you. :)

S.C.
Posted 9/18/2014 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
I have another question. I just had an endoscopy last week and I had stomach polyps which were benign. My doctor told me to stay on Sertraline as it would help with stomach issues and pain. I also have excruciating neck pain. I had an ablation done about a 6 weeks ago and I still have a lot of pain. It didn't work. I was told that Sertraline would help with my pain. I am in the process of weaning off Sertraline from 100 mg. I'm down to 50mg/day and I start 25mg. today. Should I keep taking sertraline and if so, how would I go back on it? Could I just go back to 100 mg.? I appreciate your suggestions.
Posted 9/18/2014 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
H.S.

I am sorry that you are having pain and stomach issues.:( I am also sorry that your ablation was not successful.

With all of these concerns, you really need to consult your doctor(s). We are not medical professionals, and therefore it would be irresponsible of us to do anything other than support you...and let your medical team decide what is best in terms of your Rx decisions.

For some good self-help ideas to try for anxiety and physical symptoms (which can present as tension and pain) try some of these coping skills in this link. Practicing them everyday could help bring some relief.

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

 

Wishing you the best...call your doctor for advice in your next step!

S.C.

Posted 9/18/2014 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
I spoke to my gastro doctor and was told it was OK to just stay on the 50 mg. Sertraline as opposed to going back to the 100 mg. and see what happens. I'm also on Trazodone 50 mg. taken at night.

:-)
Posted 9/19/2014 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
i was on zoloft for 6 years and stopping was easy. i did it by stopping cold turkey but going on 20 mg of prozac for 1 month. the prozac eaised the wirhdrawl and stopping prozac was easy. no withdrawl at all. as for staying on zoloft for pain thats a new one . if anything its harder on your stomch
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