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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SLS on April 11, 2004, at 23:34:15
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 11, 2004, at 16:16:29
> BUT, as I said in my very first post, this depression came on with overwhelming legal problems. Since these are almost overcome, when can I expect to try to get off the pills?
You might have a biological vulnerability to depression. It is possible that your depression was triggered by the stress of your financial woes. However, once triggered, the biological depression might continue even after the precipitating stress is resolved.
> Should I wait until I'm in near bliss.
There are many factors that must be considered when deciding whether or not to continue with treatment. When treating severe depression, some doctors recommend that one remain on an antidepressant for about a year, even if it is the first episode. However, if you have a history of recurrence, you might need to take medication indefinitely. Many other physiological medical conditions like high blood pressure require long-term medication. Biological depression is no different.
- Scott
Posted by A.L. on April 12, 2004, at 13:05:39
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by SLS on April 11, 2004, at 13:06:36
> These are SSRI withdrawal symptoms. How many of them do you have?
>
> (a) dizziness or light headedness
> (b) nausea and/or vomiting
> (c) headaches
> (d) lethargy
> (e) anxiety and/or agitation
> (f) tingling (parasthesias), numbness or "electric" shock-like sensations
> (g) tremors
> (h) sweating
> (i)insomnia
> (j) irritability
> (k) vertigo (dizziness)
> (l) diarrhea
>
I have the dizziness/light-headed feeling, severe mood swings, periods of rage, crying, hopelessness & lethargy. I have been on Zoloft for about a year. Was taking 200mg/day. Tapered off due to financial reasons (no more insurance). I knew there would be some withdrawal symptoms if I went off cold turkey, so I took 100mg/day for a few days, back to 200 for a few days, then back down to 100 for about a week. I thought that would be good enough until I ran out of pills....uh-uh...I underestimated the power of this drug and how much my brain chemistry relied on it. I took my last pill 4 days ago. My mood swings, especially at night, have been extremely bad. I've been crying uncontrollably every night. Also, I've had severe outbursts of rage where I just want to destroy something. I'm so thankful to have found this message board and to find that I'm not alone. It gives me hope that (most likely) my symptoms will subside over time.Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this board and given me hope for the future.
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 12, 2004, at 13:34:25
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by A.L. on April 12, 2004, at 13:05:39
Dear A.L. I have been receiving good advice from Scott via this site. Your symptoms are so much like mine. What bothers me is that before I started taking this medication, I did not break down as I do when I try to withdraw. However, when the doctor put me on the pills, I was having the shakes, unable to do anything. The pills immediately relieved me. Now, however, I'm afraid to do anything without them. Three days' into withdrawal, and I want them back, because I'm afraid what's ahead of me (like sleeplessness, fears, etc.)
I think if you read my thread from Scott, you'll see that the option, at present, is to continue with the medication. 'spensive, I know.
Posted by hcwz on April 12, 2004, at 19:21:54
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 12, 2004, at 13:34:25
Wow...thanks to everyone for all their info. on zoloft withdrawal symptoms. I was on it for 2 years and finally felt like my underlying depression lifted. (I have been doing a lot of work on myself while on the zoloft.) I went from 75 to 50 mg. for a month, then to 25 mg. for 2 weeks, then to nothing. Everything seems fine except these crazy "zaps"! How relieved I was to read of all these other folks with the same symptom. The zaps are wacky, but not unbearable. I did notice some hilarious (okay, NOW they're hilarious but not at the time) mood swings in the last few days.
Hope the zaps stop soon, and meanwhile I am monitoring myself for returning depression.
Best to all of you...and thanks again for the info!
Posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:24:10
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » rapunzel48, posted by hcwz on April 12, 2004, at 19:21:54
Last here on 1st April. Update: Have been on 33mg for a week now without too many adverse symptoms. (only tightness in chest - which is bearable) Have just received my box of Immunocal which I have taken the first of satchels (1/2 packet /twice daily) Will stay on this zoloft dose for another week before tapering again to 20mg. (Going slightly different taper to previous post) After that I will taper to 10mg for a week then hopefully be free of this. After reading many of the posts here, and the sadness that some of these drugs can bring, I am more determined to acheive this goal. I hope that my successful outcome may inspire others to be free also.
Posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:31:10
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » hcwz, posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:24:10
Here is a good reference for tapering off many SSRI's. Zolft is jsut one of the many that has tapering advice. Hope this may be useful.
http://www.prozactruth.com/tapertest.htm#zoloft
Posted by BradG on April 20, 2004, at 17:58:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » hcwz, posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:24:10
Last here on 13th April. Update: Have just gone to 20mg Zoloft yesterday after 1 week of taking ½ satchets of Immunocal morning / afternoon with no side effects. I have even decided to cut right back on coffee (1 cup in the morning only) and apart from dreaming about that cup in the morning I’m surprised that this has been a relatively hassle free process.
I am just starting to string together some decent 6 hour periods of deep sleep during the night (which helps during the day) I am sure that tapering slowly this way has been a major factor in this being successful to date. As stated in a previous post I tried to quit cold turkey – BIG BIG mistake. It may seem that a month or so is a long time but I believe that it has been well worth the effort so far. Any help or more details that I can offer, please feel free to ask. I’d like to think that I may be able to help somebody.
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 21, 2004, at 4:31:55
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by BradG on April 20, 2004, at 17:58:06
I am still on zoloft--50 mg. (see my previous posts), though I so want to get off. I don't know whether, when I begin to taper, and I get chest pains and fears and sleeplessness, whether it's withdrawal, or whether I'm still depressed. I have followed the taper down instructions, about Vit E and fish oil to lose this bloat/weight, but it doesn't seem to have much effect.
Posted by BradG on April 21, 2004, at 18:09:24
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 21, 2004, at 4:31:55
Re: Rapunzel148: I found that the chest pains, insomnia & fears are all a major part of the withdrawal (well I only had insomnia whilst on 100mg and had all of your symptoms when I started to taper) This eased within a few weeks. Just taper slowly, keep up the positive self talk, and when you feel any of these symptoms just remind yourself that it's not so much in your head, but part of the withdrawal process. I found this way of thinking very helpful.
Good Luck
Posted by Meecer on April 28, 2004, at 20:15:47
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 12, 2004, at 13:34:25
I was put on a low dose of Zoloft after I had my baby for post partum depression. I am tyring to get off of it and am having all the same symptoms that I'm reading here. What worries me is that they said that it was safe to use while nursing...which I still am. Now I'm scared of what this might be doing to my baby. She is four and a half months old. should I immediately stop breastfeeding? Or will she go through withdrawal too? Or, should I continue to nurse while tapering....I've copied a couple of the weaning off methods and will start trying to do this. I'm really worried about my baby...
Posted by BradG on April 28, 2004, at 20:47:22
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Meecer on April 28, 2004, at 20:15:47
Re: Meecer
Visit this site for more info for the questions you are asking. http://www.prozactruth.com/tapertest.htm#zoloft
I'm no doctor, but if you've got it in your system, I'd find it hard to imagine that your child wouldn't have also if you're breastfeeding. I would be very careful and get expert advice on this though. You are a mother and any 'instinct' that concerns you is probably right. If you think it could pose a threat to your child's health and you want to stop, just do it slowly and with expert advice.
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 29, 2004, at 5:26:00
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Meecer on April 28, 2004, at 20:15:47
I am no doctor, so I don't know about the breastfeeding concerns. However, I am a mother. Of course it's not wise; it's in your bloodstream. That's why so many little kids these days are hyper: moms who were starving themselves while the fetus was growing; moms on meds while the baby's brain cells are developing, etc.
It's difficult to wean yourself, because you become more afraid, and unable to be strong, while you're relying on the meds. One of my friends reminded me that my mother was a Holocaust survivor. If she got through that without meds, I should be able to get through my life crises. I WISH. However, I have turned to trying to toughen myself up. I find that as I am weaning off the stuff, my mind is clearer. I got past the weeping stage.
The post partum depression is bad, but passes as the baby grows and delights you to no end. You won't appreciate the growing-up part if your life revolves around "should I, shouldn't I"?
Posted by BradG on April 29, 2004, at 6:10:44
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by BradG on April 20, 2004, at 17:58:06
Update: Have been on 20mg & 12 satchets of Immunocal for 8 days now and have had no side effects at all. Still love that morning coffe though. Have decided to start on 12.5mg (how I'm gonna break up the little buggers I'll never know) and stick with that for a week. The temptation is there to just quit now, but after coming this far I'll keep going and continue the taper slowly. Sleep has been really good and I seem to have a lot more energy during the day. If I think I'm going to stumble I will just 'bite the bullet' and pay to see a therapist to help with any anxiety / depression issues that may still exist.
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 29, 2004, at 6:40:19
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BradG on April 29, 2004, at 6:10:44
sleep: while tapering off, every other night or so, I take that herbal stuff called melatonin--works exceptionally well. No side effects.
cutting up the little buggers: I bought that little plastic contraption to cut them in half, or I just bite it off.
Posted by BradG on April 29, 2004, at 8:01:33
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 29, 2004, at 6:40:19
Rapunzel148:
Good sound advice. I'm going OK in the sleep dept (finally) but if I have a problem it's handy to know that there is something natural to take. I've heard that Melatonin is very popular for long distance flight travel also to help you sleep on the journey and minimise the effects of jet-lag.
Posted by Meecer on April 29, 2004, at 20:20:13
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 29, 2004, at 5:26:00
Brad and Rapuzel, thanks for your replies. R...I actually thought about the Holocaust survivor, and anyone else for that matter that has had it or has it much worse than I. I am going to start the weaning of Zoloft NOW. I will feel so guilty if any of this has adversly affected my little girl. I am going to continue to nurse, just because I don't want her to go through withdrawal too....Wish me luck! Thanks for the help! Meecer.
Posted by jpage1969 on May 6, 2004, at 23:25:42
In reply to withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Shelly on May 4, 1999, at 17:37:51
I recently tried to come off Zoloft and got awful withdrawal symptoms. I've had them for over a week. So after reading and researching I decided to go back on and try and wing myself off slower. Anyway I went back on 3 days ago and I'm still experiencing very extreme dizziness. Does anyone know how long it takes to get back to normal?
jason
Posted by BradG on May 7, 2004, at 1:33:35
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by jpage1969 on May 6, 2004, at 23:25:42
It will take about a week or so to get you back to the same levels.
Posted by mother of 3 on May 9, 2004, at 6:02:38
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by BradG on April 20, 2004, at 17:58:06
who would have thought that getting off zoloft would be this difficult?
Posted by ladydee54 on May 11, 2004, at 16:06:31
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by mother of 3 on May 9, 2004, at 6:02:38
was taking 100mgs Zoloft for 4 yrs, just now coming off, I weaned down to terrible dizziness and head zaps, it's been almost 2 weeks with no meds and still zapping like crazy with this constant white noise in the background of my mind..I don't want to return to the MD as she will just want to put me on something else. I have had it.
How long will this last, each day I hope it will gradually get better, but it doesn't AM I permanently damaged to my central nervous system?
Posted by BradG on May 11, 2004, at 20:31:51
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on May 11, 2004, at 16:06:31
Tomorrow is the day. I will take the last of my 12.5mg portions of Zoloft. I can honestly say that I have had no adverse effects tapering down slowly and with the aid of the Immunocal. I've had no 'zapping' or any of the other major side effects mentioned here for the last fortnight. I will continue to take my Immunical (I've got 12 1/2 doses left - 6 satchets) Keep you all posted. If you want off the merry-go-round, I hope this has provided some of you with the courage to give it a go.
Posted by my_own_feet on May 12, 2004, at 18:25:53
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on May 11, 2004, at 16:06:31
Looks like you went cold turkey coming off Zoloft. Tapering off would have been way easier with the side effects your experiencing. Don't worry they will eventually go away. I have gone through them as well. Head zaps, mood swings, crying spells for no reason, restless sleeps, even had leg tremours before i went to bed. They all went away but it takes time. Measure your success in weeks and months instead of days. They will go away. Coming off is very hard on your brain. It needs to readjust now. Some things that helped me were..light exercise(walked the dog daily 20-30 mins), lots of water, fruits like kiwi and bananas and Chamomile tea sweetened with honey. All these things have a calming effect on your CNS and sets up a good environment while it adjusts to its natural state. Good Luck and hang in there.. relief will come.
Posted by my_own_feet on May 12, 2004, at 18:27:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by my_own_feet on May 12, 2004, at 18:25:53
sorry my last message was for ladydee54
Posted by ladydee54 on May 13, 2004, at 20:12:35
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by my_own_feet on May 12, 2004, at 18:27:02
Bless you, My Own Feet, I was feeling better yesterday, less buzzing and zapping. Then I had a huge argument with my husband and got very upset over the evening news, began to cry (war is hell), and then had a bad night's sleep. So today I walked around dizzy as hell, zapping like crazy. I also figured out I have to stay away from caffeine, which I love.
I guess it will take time, like you say. It's two weeks now, and I have to take care not to let myself get upset. trying to learn some meditation too.
Thanks again!
Posted by BradG on May 17, 2004, at 17:36:43
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:31:10
Hi fellow taperers. Day 7 now with no Zoloft. Depleted Immunocal supply yesterday and have had no side effects at all. I'm pretty sure that I have come to the end of this road, and am now starting to climb out of the valley. I'll be in touch next week to let you know how I'm travelling.
If you want it, you can do it. You may stumble, but never give up.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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