Need help getting off zoloft. Experienced advice wanted

I'd like to hear from people who've been on Zoloft at a similar dosage for a similar length of time. I hope it's possible.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1997(about 19 years ago). Started on low dose, made me feel so much better quite quickly; I could think straight, I felt relaxed. As time went by it became less effective, so we kept upping the dose.
The majority of time on Zoloft the dosage was 200mg. It seemed to have stopped working so I upped it to 250mg, maybe a year ago now.
I researched getting off antidepressants; and was advised to cut back SLOWLY, slower than most doctors say to. I shaved off about one eighth of one 100mg tablet, every day for 2 weeks. I continued that way, shaving another eighth off every 2 weeks. After about 6 weeks, my friends told me I had become like a zombie. I felt miserable, my memory was shot, and weepy, but didn't realize at all how I appeared.
That experience makes me feel terrified to even try it again.
I'm almost 60 and I work full time. I do not want to lose my job from the withdrawal symptoms. I know it's not helping me to take it, and the side effects are worse on 250mg.
Anyone else been there?

at that high a dose you are bound to have issues comming off. i was on zoloft for 6 years and it wasnt fun getting off but i found a way that made it eaiser. have dr switch you to prozac on a temp basis, prozac is easy and gentle to quit. its a stronger drug than zoloft so the dose is important. this worked like a charm for me. i would ask your dr no matter what course you take. . all in all it took me 2 months to get off but i was able to stop prozac cold turkey no prob

WBDF,

I am glad that the statement regarding A/D's being a life long thing, simply because of long term use, did not discourage you. I disagree with this belief...and encourage you to go along with the plan of talking with another doctor/P-doc for help in your endeavor!

In addition, for some information you might find helpful...here is the link to a site on the subject, if you've not seen it already.

theroadback.org

It is from our Resources here...which I encourage you to look through for more great material...including self help skills which might help you through your transition.

Post with us anytime for anxiety support.:)

S.C.

i had to get off. it was ruining my health . it stopped working but i got withdrawl symptoms while still taking my reg dose. hope to never go back.

Hibee, are your medications helping, and how long have you been taking them?
WBDF