Coming off Sertraline(Zoloft)

Hi Everybody :)

-- I am a 22 year old student weaning off sertraline and wanting to help and inform others who are thinking of doing the same. If this thread helps one single person in making an informed decision about their own sertraline use, then I'll be happy --

As the post title suggests, I'm going to write about my attempt at leaving the last few 'sertraline-fueled' years behind and my efforts to not be reliant on a daily tablet. I have only just started this journey and will be posting regular updates on my progress including the good and bad effects that come with it. It has been at least 3 years since I started on a daily dose of 50mg and, whilst I have no experience of the higher doses, I will try to make this account as useful as possible for all who use sertraline, specifically anyone considering coming off the drug. P.S. I strongly recommend reading ZolOff's account of coming off sertraline on this site, as it helped me and inspired me to write this to help others.

FIRST AND FOREMOST this post is in no way demonizing SSRI medication, as I know 100% that it can make life bearable in the worst of times. If you are using any SSRI for whatever reason and you believe it is helping you for the time being then keep up the good work wooo . Also you should DEFINITELY tell your GP what your plan is, regardless of whether or not you listen to their advice, as at least that way they'll know your situation on future visits.

So I'll start with a bit of background. I'm a 22 year old male who currently studies a masters degree at university. Therefore I will be reporting on how any arising side effects may affect my ability to concentrate on work, as this may be a factor in some people's decision as to if they should wean off whilst they have other responsibilities/tasks. Possibly worth mentioning is that I have in fact given up sertraline, over a 3 week period, for a very brief time in the past before going back on to 50mg. I believe this was due to simply not being mentally prepared enough to deal with any relapse of anxiety, on top of a few withdrawal symptoms (mainly blurry vision and dizziness). This time, I intend to let the drug leave my system more slowly and be more methodical and sensible about the whole situation.

Anyway, apologies for the long intro, lets get started:

WEEK 0: 50mg
So I've been on this dose daily for pretty much 3 years or so. Initially, I have to admit, this worked wonders in getting me out and about when I was experiencing severe health anxiety in conjunction with other medical issues. However for the last 6 months or so I have been getting what I assume are the infamous 'brain zaps' with increasing frequency and whilst it has not rekindled my anxiety attacks, it does seem logical to associate them with my sertraline. This is a major reason in my wanting to abandon it, though I read that they get worse before they get better, ah well. My doctor has suggested dropping every third tablet for a week, then every other tablet for a week, etc, though I will be taking my time.

WEEK 1: 33.33mg
So far I am one week in to my quest for a drug free bloodstream and I have been dropping every third tablet, meaning I have skipped 2 doses so far, resulting in an effective daily dose of 33.33mg. Whilst I realize I have only just started my journey, I genuinely feel better about myself, which is perhaps down to a placebo effect. Also, the strange brain zaps are less intense and less frequent, which is always nice. One way or another, I feel great this week, better than I have done in some time. The best result is that I've noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate in lectures, which is good because I'm normally rubbish at it. It is noteworthy that I have been doing cardio/weight training in the gym every other day this week which seems to ground my mental state and could be the reason behind my sudden happiness. I cannot stress how much I would recommend doing this too when coming off a drug. I think I'll play safe and maintain this dose for another week so as not to tempt fate.
PROS: reduced brain zaps, feeling somewhat happier. CONS: none so far (fingers crossed)
Overall Mood: wooooo


I will update next week, and good luck with your choices. Feel free to ask any questions you like :D

Post Edited (Dolaz130) : 10/26/2015 11:24:00 AM (GMT-6)

Hi, I've been on Sertraline a lot longer than you, about 17 years, and am a lot older, 84, and am just starting to feel a little better after weaning myself off and after about 2 weeks since taking my last Sertraline capsule. So, here is my story to encourage you onwards and to help other older, maybe even longer users that they too can do it, if they want to, and feel well enough too.

After 35 years of an abusive marriage mentally and occasionally, but rarely, physically, I was suffering from panic attacks and extreme anxiety, so sought help. Saw a psychiatrist, who put me on benzodiazepines, then left the area, writing a letter to my GP, which she never read, to take me off them after a few weeks. 2 years later I tried to wean myself from them, and after 3 years or so was down to the last sliver, but still in need of help, a new GP prescribed Zoloft. That was 17 years ago. My life is now so different, married to the same man, who no longer drinks and has reverted to the same happy, loving, caring person I first knew, gentler also by aging and illness. My life is as tranquil and happy as any life can be in this currently chaotic world, so I suddenly realized that maybe I no longer need Zoloft, which had become as routine to me as my daily meals, vitamins, and other routine activities. So for about 3 months I took my 100mg capsule every other day, then every 3rd day for about 2 weeks. Decided I could handle the resultant few side effects okay so stopped taking Zoloft completely about 2 weeks ago. I soon started to feel really swimmy headed, tired, lethargic, from rushing around to get as much accomplished during the day as possible I suddenly felt I couldn’t hurry to save my life. I read some comments online about the side effects I should expect, and was reassured mine were normal so far, but wondered what were the electric shocks aka brain zaps that some were experiencing! Today I experienced them, and brain zaps is an apt description, a sudden sharp jolt, so quick it’s gone in a flash, till the next one. I reassure myself by reading that other people who have been on Zoloft for far shorter periods than I, are having similar problems. I got through the benzodiazepine experience and will get through this. I’m already feeling better in so many ways. Didn’t realize how emotionally numb I had been feeling, till I suddenly feel myself tearing up at the drop of a hat, while watching the news on TV, and seeing little child refugees for instance, or watching our PM Justin Trudeau, welcoming them to Canada. Hadn’t cried in years; and now realize what a great asset it is, to relieve some of life’s pressures! And though I have felt some enjoyment in hobbies during my Zoloft years, I now feel really deeply happy at the thought of doing some knitting, reading a good book, or sewing; once I get over this tiredness, and get some of my old energy back, that is!

So, there is life after Zoloft, and from learning a lot lately about alternative treatments, I intend to stick to natural treatments for whatever may ail me in future. I’m 84 and I mean to enjoy whatever time I have left.