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Weaning off Zoloft 50mg starting today

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Posted 1/30/2016 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I have been on Zoloft for about 8 months. When I first started.. my body was so sensitive from medication that even with 12.5mg I was getting bad side effects. It took me almost 2 months to get up to 50mg. I finally am feeling better and don't want to be on meds anymore. I have been really nervous and scared about weaning off.. but after talking with my doctor he advised to take 25mg for 2 weeks and then completely stop. Today is my first day of taking 25mg. I just want advice on how I can make this a smooth process.. because I have been reading so many horror stories, its very discouraging... Any advice would be great help =]
Posted 1/31/2016 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
NGU,

I am sending encouragement your way for your discontinuation!

With a slow and steady taper, I am sure you will do very well.

Hopefully, in the time that you've been seeking recovery, you've also gained some coping skills/tools to help you manage your anxiety and feel your best?

Now will be a great time to put them to the test.:)

If you need more ideas, see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here!

Keep us posted as to your progress, and we'll keep you in support. :)

S.C.
Posted 1/31/2016 10:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the forum.

It is always best to slowly reduce the dose over a couple of weeks and in some cases months to reduce the chance of withdrawal effects your taper sounds fine with me.

Stay with us and keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 2/4/2016 4:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you SO much Hibee and Cat! I really appreciate it. So it's been 5 days since I've been on 25mg, and honestly so far so good! The On day 3 I was getting headaches and feeling a little odd and light headed, but nothing unbearable. After that I've been totally fine! I hope that it stays this way. My doctor said to take 25mg for two weeks and then stop completely, but I think I'm going to go longer than 2 weeks and then cut the pill even smaller to 12.5mg and stay on that for a couple weeks until I naturally stop taking it. I really hope this process stays smooth. For everyone out there that are afraid to taper, trust me I know how scary it is, but you won't know how it'll go until you don't try, you may be surprised. Don't give up guys, we can do this <3 I'll update again soon!
Posted 2/4/2016 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
NGU,

I am so glad to hear this is going well for you! May it continue so!!

Sounds like your gradual plan to continue the wean a bit longer is a good one. Some say the last step can be the biggest challenge...and this will give you a more gentle step off.

Keep us posted...we are cheering you on.:)

S.C.
Posted 2/4/2016 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
Keep us updated, I am really interested in how you go as I am consider trying to come off Lexapro myself :)
Posted 2/4/2016 10:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Glad to hear your wean is going well.

I think that stopping from 25mg would be to much so your idea of dropping to 12.5mg is a good one keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 2/9/2016 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
it wasnt so bad for me except the brain zaps witch only lasted a few days. i was ok otherwise
Posted 2/17/2016 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone!

So today its been 2 weeks and 3 days since I have cut down from 50mg to 25 mg. And honestly it's been an easy transition. I am so thankful that this is going so smoothly for me. This coming Sunday, I will go down to 12.5mg for a couple weeks. To everyone who is afraid to taper, if you go slow I think it's very smooth, so don't be afraid. I think many times people just try to get off the medication so fast that our brain gets into somewhat of a shock state and doesn't know whats going on. I will keep you all updated. Thank you for all the support guys, I really appreciate it. <3
Posted 2/17/2016 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
:-) :-) turn smilewinkgrin wink cool

So glad to hear you are still doing well with your discontinuation!

Well done on taking your time and doing it right.:)

Keep up the great work, and I've no doubt your last step off will be an easy one.

Thanks for the updates and keep them coming, so we can cheer you on!

S.C.
Posted 2/19/2016 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys!

So I'm noticing one thing, but I'm not sure if its a side effect or if its just really my eyesight. So the last week my vision is a little blurry and I have to wear my glasses much more often to read things. I have read that blurry vision is a withdrawal effect, but I'm not sure. Anyone know anything about this?
Posted 2/19/2016 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hey,

I have heard of this but I also heard it doesn't last long. Keep up the good work
Posted 2/19/2016 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
NGU,

Vision issues can be anxiety related...so considering your overall stress levels...as well as the possibility of this being a withdrawl effect is a good idea.

How is your coping skill regimen going? If you feel that anxiety may be challenging you at this time (natural since you are weaning from your med.) please see our Resources at the top of the forum page here for some great self help material.

Continued success with your discontinuation!

S.C.
Posted 2/28/2016 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys!

Wanted to give a quick update on my taper! Yesterday was a full week that I was on 12.5mg. I have successfully tapered off 50mg to 12.5 mg and I am so happy to say the process has been really really good! I'm planning on staying on 12.5mg for another week, and initially was thinking to completely stop after that, but I think I may take the extra step and do 6.25mg for a week-two weeks. What do you guys think?

I am so thankful that this process was NOTHING like how it was when I was put on the med. It has gone so smoothly! I appreciate everyones encouragement! <3
Posted 2/28/2016 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi NGU,

I am so happy to hear that you are doing well with your discontinuation! This is great news, and we celebrate with you!!

I think one more step down couldn't hurt...especially if you are not in a hurry to completely wean. Some people have said that the last step off can be a bit challenging...so maybe the most gradual approach is best.:)

Wishing you continued success and support!

S.C.
Posted 3/1/2016 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
good show
Posted 3/12/2016 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Happy Friday Guys!

Today is the 4th day of me not taking ANY zoloft. I know I originally said that I was going to do 6.25mg for a week or two, but I actually forgot to take my dose for 2 days and from there decided to just stop taking it. The first 3 days were smooth, but today I have an on and off headache, I felt like a zombie this morning.. and have like these electrocuting shocks throughout my body. ( very very light)... and of course my blurry vision.

Are these things normal? It was such a smooth ride for me, and honestly still is because it's not like these symptoms are unbearable, just uncomfortable. But I just was wondering how long this will last? Thank you guys!!
Posted 3/12/2016 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi NGP

Glad to hear things in general have been going well...

...but sorry to hear today has been little rocky.

Are you currently taking fish oil supplements? If not, this could help relieve the 'brain zaps'.

How about your coping skills? The lower you can keep your anxiety the better, so practicing these should be an everyday priority.:)

I hope you get over this hurdle soon!

S.C.
Posted 3/27/2016 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
Happy Easter Guys!

Tomorrow will be 3 WEEKS since I've completely stopped taking zoloft. And it has not been bad at all! I had a day or two where I was really tired and was feeling zombie like but that went away really quick, along with the headaches. I feel perfectly fine =] But for the past two nights, I've experienced something a little scary. I will wake up in the middle of the night with my heart racing so fast and just feel this rush of panic and that "omg somethings really wrong, whats gonna happen" feeling. Last night when it happened I had to immediately jump out of bed and walk to the bathroom. and after a few moments I felt totally fine. I don't know if it has anything to do with me sleeping on my left side sometimes ( I think) ? Does anyone have experience with this.. and will it stop?
Posted 3/28/2016 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
NGU,

Nocturnal panic attacks are fairly common...

...and could be part of breakthrough anxiety you may be experiencing since you have discontinued your Rx.

Continuing your coping/relaxation skills, even if you are feeling fine during waking hours can help cover you during times of vulnerability, like during sleep.

I use slow steady breathing techniques and positive mantras to help me get through a panicked waking experience. (I no longer have attacks when awake, but occasionally will have one upon awakening at night as you described.)

Best wishes, great job on your wean...and keep posting!

S.C.
Posted 3/28/2016 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
I feel like you are almost anticipating for something to happen. Please don't take offense, but that's how panic doesn't go away/come back. But you beat it! Relax, it's normal it's still only 3 weeks after being on for 8 months.. You will do just fine. I am
Very glad to read you are doing well. Cheers.


Dog
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