Posted by Cam W. on February 12, 2000, at 0:16:48
In reply to Side Effects of tapering off Zoloft , posted by Donna on February 11, 2000, at 19:21:05
> I have been on 50 mgs of Zoloft for approx. three years. I have slowly tapered off until I am completely off the Zoloft. I am now
> experiencing some weird symptoms such as dizziness, strange sensations washing over me and I am very short tempered. Could this be a result of
> going off the Zoloft? If so, how long will this last? I have been completely quit for a week.
>
> Thanks,
>
> DonnaDonna - You are probably experiencing Serotonin Withdrawl Syndrome (a mild version). It should last much longer. It is quite common with serotonergic antidepressants that have a short half-life (also Paxil, Effexor and Serzone). You are having a milder variety since you did taper. Sometimes tapering needs to be done over a month or two to minimize the side effects completely and sometimes that is not enough. If this lasts another week, see your doctor. He/she may put you on a low dose of Prozac (long half-life) for a week or two, but you will probably not need it unless the symptoms you are experiencing become debilitating. The symptoms of Serotonin Withdrawl are:
F - flu-like (fatigue, muscle pain, loose stools,
nausea & sinus congestion)
L - lightheadedness/dizzinessU - uneasiness/restlessness
S - sleep & sensory disturbances (feeling "weird",
ringing in ears)
H - headacheThese symptoms can also feel like the depression is returning, but usually it is not. It is just the body readjusting itself to life without the drug. The serotonin system is up and running again and your stress response system (HPA axis) is adjusting to normal levels of serotonin made by your body and not being artificially raised by the anti-depressant. This reaction is quite normal, Just bear with it and you should be fine in a week. Like I said, if this continues longer than a week or two more, see your doctor for his/her advice. Good luck - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:21195
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/21234.html