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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by msnattygrl on March 9, 2006, at 13:41:04
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by whenry on March 9, 2006, at 13:22:59
I so understand what you are talking about. A few days ago I posted because I was having the mental side effects: intense fear and loathing, upset and crying all the time, hopeless, fighting fighting fighting with my fiancee. I feel for you. I just went back up from my 12.5mg to 25mg because I could not tolerate feeling this way, and frankly I now feel so much better! I plan to try to work my way down to 12.5mg (and eventually 0mg!) a little slower now.
Going cold turkey off this drug is not a good idea if you don't want to experience the emotional side effects. Might I recommend consuming a small dose (25mg or something) and working your way down so that you are less freaked out? And have you seen a doctor to help you with the withdrawal? Because withdrawal manifests as more than "physical" symptoms; there is emotion withdrawal as well.
Wishing you peace,
Natalie> > i'm on my 8th day coming off 100mg zoloft (for panic attacks) cold turkey and i am experiencing extreme rage. i really feel like i want to hit someone. or drive off a cliff. i really feel like i shouldn't be around people, much less driving. my fiance and i are fighting nonstop because he is making me so mad! but - i don't know if it's the withdrawal making me so crazy. things are bothering me much much more than normal. i really feel like i'm going crazy, like i can't control my thoughts and they are mostly bad. the physical symptoms of withdrawal are gone, just the mental ones remain. also, yesterday was my 30th birthday and i was really upset about it. i had to force myself to smile whenever someone said "happy birthday". someone please help. has anyone else experienced this anger and frustration???
Posted by suec on March 10, 2006, at 7:44:42
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by whenry on March 9, 2006, at 13:22:59
It is very dangerous to stop zoloft cold turkey. That is why you are having these symptoms. Doctors try to say there are no withdrawal symptoms, but there are. But even your doctor would tell you to never just stop. I would call my doctor, tell him what you did, and have him advise you. Maybe you should go back to the 100 mg, then start to taper off. Good luck. Sue
Posted by joyeba on March 10, 2006, at 14:34:07
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by whenry on March 9, 2006, at 13:22:59
I disagree about getting back on the zoloft. It seems the withdrawal is the same whether you are taking 12.5 or 100 from everyone I have talked to. If you have panic attacks and rage, I would ask you doctor to put you on Clonzapem, or Valium to get you through the next couple of weeks. It is much easier to get off of, No matter what the doctor says. Just remember, it's only your mind playing tricks on you, and you can try and control it by remembering that. Good Luck!!!!
> > i'm on my 8th day coming off 100mg zoloft (for panic attacks) cold turkey and i am experiencing extreme rage. i really feel like i want to hit someone. or drive off a cliff. i really feel like i shouldn't be around people, much less driving. my fiance and i are fighting nonstop because he is making me so mad! but - i don't know if it's the withdrawal making me so crazy. things are bothering me much much more than normal. i really feel like i'm going crazy, like i can't control my thoughts and they are mostly bad. the physical symptoms of withdrawal are gone, just the mental ones remain. also, yesterday was my 30th birthday and i was really upset about it. i had to force myself to smile whenever someone said "happy birthday". someone please help. has anyone else experienced this anger and frustration???
> > > We are all experiments it seems with these antidepressent drugs.
> >
> > We are definatly experiments. I have always been a happy person-went to my doc with sleeping problems a couple of years ago and he tried to put me on Zoloft then. I refused, but took it the last time I went back, about 8 months ago. He said the only side effect was weight loss. I felt like a zombie. When I didn't have money for my script, I knew it was a good time to quit. It's been over 3 weeks now and I feel great. I have changed my diet to less carbs and started exercising. The book that bvisuze reccommended has helped as well. My doctor never asked my about my diet or sleeping patterns-which of course is commmon sense, but they should ask. I can finally sleep through the night, get up refreshed, and when I get MAD I can yell at people..which sometimes is good. The medical system definatly needs an overhaul to the holistic approach.
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Posted by Bev UK on March 10, 2006, at 17:20:57
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by joyeba on March 10, 2006, at 14:34:07
I have been on Zoloft(Sertraline) for around 6 years and was also prescribed a anti phycotic drug at the age of 7 for anxiety and oh my god I had the worst time of my life coming off of them I ended up on a ward for 3 months and was treated like a mad woman by my Doc, Who clearly never had a clue to what I was feeling. I recently got married and would love nothing more than to get pregnant but have been told the risks of Zoloft during pregnancy are unknown, I now feel I have more problems on the drug than I may have if I was off them. I reduced my dosage from 150mg originally to 100mg to 75mg and 8 days ago I ran out and just decided enough was enough, I have done nothing but cry my hormones are awol I am angry snappy, and am suffering major panic attacks, The usual sort of thing like oh god will this last forever and am I going to die, I have been to work and dragged myself along and I am sure I am doing the right thing I would rather deal with the real me than feel like a junkie. And I know from my past experiance that there is a light at the other end of this dark tunnel, Please all keep your chins up and on the times that you are strong tell yourself it will all be over soon (do not fall back into your pills to make it all better as all this does is hide problems that will never be cured, They need to be raw to be sorted out like ripping a plaster away to expose a sore before it heels. It has helped me so much to read about all your experiences although I do wish such a site never had to exist, I know now that I am not alone, I will keep you all posted.
Posted by whoopdeedoo on March 27, 2006, at 7:55:37
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Gina on May 30, 1999, at 13:27:18
I'm scared guys. Been off Zoloft for 3 weeks, have basically had a flu every since, extremely low energy, fatique, dizzy, weak, nerve zaps, tingles, woozy, colds every other day, bouts of random anger and intense irritability.
PLease let me know if this is normal after 3 weeks, and how much longer I have before I return to normal!!
Thanks.
Posted by jaclamac on March 27, 2006, at 7:55:46
In reply to has anyone tried becalmed?, posted by Charlotte Wilson on August 27, 2004, at 15:53:41
Hi, yes I have just started taking them, and I feel absolutely brilliant! feel so focused and calm, I also was on zoloft, went cold turkey 6 weeks ago. good luck, give them a go....
Posted by ladydee54 on March 27, 2006, at 7:55:49
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by whoopdeedoo on March 20, 2006, at 20:48:16
Relax, it was a full two months before I felt OK after withdrawal. On the other hand, my depression returned full force for the next year and now I'm taking Lexapro, 10 mgs a day. so far so good.
These drugs are tough to get off of. Just keep in touch with your MD.
> I'm scared guys. Been off Zoloft for 3 weeks, have basically had a flu every since, extremely low energy, fatique, dizzy, weak, nerve zaps, tingles, woozy, colds every other day, bouts of random anger and intense irritability.
>
> PLease let me know if this is normal after 3 weeks, and how much longer I have before I return to normal!!
>
> Thanks.
Posted by Joe84323 on March 27, 2006, at 7:58:01
In reply to withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Shelly on May 4, 1999, at 17:37:51
I read this thread before I started Zoloft about 8 months ago, but decided to do it anyway as I was having chronic panic attacks, and thought my life as I knew it was over.
To go off Zoloft (Still coming off) I went down from 100 mg to 75 for a week, then 50 for a week, then 25 for a week. The day I ended Zoloft, I started taking some Wellbutrin I had leftover from attempting to quit smoking.
I took Wellbutryn for 5 days. The two days after I stopped Wellbutryn (has longer half life less withdrawal symptoms,)I experimented with St. Johns Wort.
St Johns Wort is a Reuptake Inhibitor in itself (some kind of protein causes this) and isnt the same effect as Zoloft, but keeps my serotonin steady whilst the SSRI's filter out of my system.
I am still irritable somewhat, but The St. Johns wort makes my sleep better, helps me wake up better, and makes me more productive.
I think after two months, I will continue a small regimen of St. John's Wort, which is incredible in itself.
The past two days I have had a ringing in my ear, and every sound is like 4x as loud, and sometimes I reply to friends while really I am hearing somebody talking 2 blocks away.
Some sort of crazy Superman stuff? eh?
God Bless peoples.... good luck
Posted by joyeba on March 27, 2006, at 10:46:54
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by whoopdeedoo on March 20, 2006, at 20:48:16
> I'm scared guys. Been off Zoloft for 3 weeks, have basically had a flu every since, extremely low energy, fatique, dizzy, weak, nerve zaps, tingles, woozy, colds every other day, bouts of random anger and intense irritability.
>
> PLease let me know if this is normal after 3 weeks, and how much longer I have before I return to normal!!It took right at 3 weeks for me to feel better. After the third week, I didn't feel completely better, but I wasn't so sick. Took a while for the head zaps to go. Drink lots of water, take vitamins and keep yourself as happy and healthy as possible. MAKE SURE you get enough sleep. This seemed to help me tremendously. I have been Zoloft free for a couple of months now and feel fine. Although, I still get a head "zap" every now and then. YOU WILL get through this. It just sucks really bad. My depression is back again, but I am fighting it the natural way, with exercise, doing things I enjoy and getting lots of sleep.
>
> Thanks.
Posted by SallyW on April 1, 2006, at 0:18:27
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by jaclamac on March 3, 2006, at 4:34:42
Get the liquid zoloft, a 1 ml. syringe, and titrate down very slowly. 1ml = 20 mg. The 1 ml. syringe is marked off in tenths (.1), so you can really manage the dosage quite well. For some reason, I was able to titrate down more quickly with no side effects using this method. Had major problems trying to break pills. Lots of side effects. Warning: at higher doses, the liquid mixed in orange juice is a little like a screw-driver for breakfast - I don't drink, so I just had to hold my nose and swallow fast ;-) Good luck!!!! I've been off for 7 months and it's great.
Posted by Luci on April 13, 2006, at 11:20:16
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Mia CD on March 6, 2006, at 21:45:25
hello all,
Been on Zoloft for many years. Decided recently that i'm tired of being numb and on drugs. I started weaning myself off from 200 mg to 150 for 1 week, them 100 for another week, then 50 for one more week. I think i should have done 25mg for at least 1 week or two but i didn't. I've been off Zoloft completely now for2 1/2 weeks, my symptoms have been incredible. Been so nauseated and so very dizzy i actually got scared and went to the emergency room(everything checked out fine) (I didn't tell them about that).
The sounds of people talking and tv', etc are magnified 4x louder, i'm very irritable and my sleeping patterns are way off. I don't recall feeling so nauseated, oozy, fatigued and dizzy in my entire life. oh yes and some anxiety also.
Nevertheless i'm commited to see this through.
Praying hard that these debilitating symptoms subside soon....
Luci
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Posted by peter007ty on April 14, 2006, at 19:52:55
In reply to Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Dr. Bob on March 27, 2006, at 7:59:53
hi living in australia its my second day of coming off 200mg of zoloft been on it for 2 years after industrial accident and surgery to remove 2 disc in my back not sure if i can do this i dont know any one else in this country on zoloft also on 200mg celebrex and 8 panadine forte a day so giving allup together hope this is not suicide at present i feel so ill not sure what to do
Posted by SLS on April 14, 2006, at 21:19:35
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by peter007ty on April 6, 2006, at 11:58:47
How did you go about discontinuing Zoloft?
- Scott
Posted by zoloft on April 19, 2006, at 1:11:58
In reply to Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Dr. Bob on March 27, 2006, at 7:59:53
I recently came off of Zoloft after being on it for 8yrs at 50mg. I tapered off it very slowly with direction from my GP. It's been almost 3 weeks now that I have been off completely and I'm still going through the withdrawal symptoms. My double whammy is that I am also pregnant and went through both pregnancy and withdrawal symptoms. If I stayed on the Zoloft, I was having worse pregnancy nausea and vomiting. Being off them has subsided the vomiting, but nausea is still there. I am now 14weeks pregnant and the worst symptom is the dizziness and "buzzing" in my head. I feel like I'm having a migraine without the headache, all day, everday and it makes me scared of driving. I feel okay when I'm sleeping, but when I wake up, it starts all over again. Especially when I'm woken up suddenly - it hits sharply.
Please help. How can I get over this, and how long is this supposed to last? My GP says, a couple of weeks. Well, a couple weeks have past. I hate this feeling, I hate the constant "brain zapps", blurred vision and "sick feeling"! I feel dysfunctional, and I KNOW it's NOT a recurrence of the depression!!
HELP!!
Posted by ladydee54 on April 19, 2006, at 1:12:02
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by zoloft on April 15, 2006, at 15:35:02
You gotta hang in there, there is no way to shorten this. taking any other drug will only prolong it. eventually the head zaps will go away. the one thing that has never gone away for me is the faint "whooshing" that I hear at times, usually after a meal for some reason!
all other symptoms will subside given enough time. drink plenty of water and just hang in there!
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 6:12:08
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by zoloft on April 15, 2006, at 15:35:02
I don't like the idea of anyone allowing withdrawal symptoms to persist day after day. It isn't necessary. However, since you are so far along, I doubt you would consider reintroducing SRI medication.
One thing that does help mitigate withdrawal symptoms is small amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is an over-the-counter antihistamine / anticholinergic.
- Scott
Posted by joyeba on April 19, 2006, at 10:11:38
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 6:12:08
>
> One thing that does help mitigate withdrawal symptoms is small amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is an over-the-counter antihistamine / anticholinergic.
>
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> - ScottIf you are pregnant, DO NOT take any antihistiamine. That is a big no-no according to my doctor. Just hang in there. It took about 4 weeks for me to feel normal again, and you will get through it. Drinking water helps.
Posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 15:51:17
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by joyeba on April 19, 2006, at 10:11:38
SIGH... Been off for about 5 weeks now, but had no choice but to take 25mg of the zoloft every other day for the last week or so. Just couldn't take it anymore. The buzzing in my head and the incredible dizziness just won't go away. I feel nauseated from the minute i get up still, and i'm fatigued all day long. I have to lay down for the most part of my days.
As i had mentioned before i tried to wean myself off after about 15 years of being on 200mg zoloft, but it's been over a month and i'm so sick still and so exausted.
First i thought i had diabetes or a thyroid problem or lung cancer or something. Went to doctors and had blood work done etc. Thank GOD i'm ok. I feel like i have vertigo most of the time. The sensitivity to noise is still here also, i'm forever short fuzzed. To day i took another 25mg, hoping it will help me a little and it does.
WHAT NOW???!!!!!!!!!! I will not go back but i don't want to feel so very sick either, feeling very depressed about how physically sick i feel.
This site has helped me to find out about what i was feeling was withdrawl symptoms and that i am not alone in this. I'm grateful for this site.
Posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 17:27:07
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by joyeba on April 19, 2006, at 10:11:38
you suggested Benadryl.could you tell me how the benadryl would help??? wouldn't it make you even drowsier and spaced out??
Thanks so much for the kind input
Luci
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:42:17
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by joyeba on April 19, 2006, at 10:11:38
>
> >
> > One thing that does help mitigate withdrawal symptoms is small amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is an over-the-counter antihistamine / anticholinergic.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> If you are pregnant, DO NOT take any antihistiamine. That is a big no-no according to my doctor. Just hang in there. It took about 4 weeks for me to feel normal again, and you will get through it. Drinking water helps.
Hi.What's the problem with antihistamine?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:49:27
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 17:27:07
> you suggested Benadryl.could you tell me how the benadryl would help??? wouldn't it make you even drowsier and spaced out??
Probably. You might want to use the Psycho-Babble search feature to review people's experiences. Some people report that using even small doses helped with nausea and flu-like symptoms. I don't recall how well it worked for the brain zaps, though.
Try clicking on the link below:
http://www.google.com/search?q=benadryl+withdrawal&sitesearch=dr-bob.org
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:50:30
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 15:51:17
How small can you split the pills?
- Scott
Posted by suec on April 20, 2006, at 8:17:16
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by Luci on April 19, 2006, at 15:51:17
Hi Luci. My heart just breaks for you. The problem is you just needed to really really go off slowly. I was on 75mg, and thought I was ready to go off. Spoke iwth my doctor, and he said to go down to 50 for a week, and then 25. Well, even that was a mistake. I was okay on the 50, but when I went to 25, I was a mess. I have a balance disorder and a condition called vestibular neuritis. So I have dizziness all of the time (some days are better than others, which began with vertigo attacks) and have experienced the nausea and definitely the head zaps. So when I went to 25, my symptoms were 100 times worse. And I was having crying jags. The reason I was put on zoloft was when I became ill almost 4 years ago, I had a great deal of trouble coping with it. I was only 46 and I was bed ridden for 3 months. My doctor put me on zoloft, and I have to say, it was a saving grace for me. I went back on to the 75 mg, and for me, I will never go off again. I wish you so much luck.
Posted by joyeba on April 20, 2006, at 12:21:00
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof » joyeba, posted by SLS on April 19, 2006, at 18:42:17
> > I have a lot of allergies, and when I got pregnant, my ob said not to take any type of antihistamine. The only medicine that any doctor I have ever talked to said that I could take was sudafed. I have been pregnant 3 times with three different doctors, and they have all told me the same thing. I think it has to do with the fact that antihistamines dry out the fluids in your body, and this could cause your amniotic fluid to decrease. All the pregnancy books say this as well.
> > >
> > > One thing that does help mitigate withdrawal symptoms is small amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is an over-the-counter antihistamine / anticholinergic.
> > >
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> > > - Scott
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> > If you are pregnant, DO NOT take any antihistiamine. That is a big no-no according to my doctor. Just hang in there. It took about 4 weeks for me to feel normal again, and you will get through it. Drinking water helps.
>
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> Hi.
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> What's the problem with antihistamine?
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> Thanks.
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> - Scott
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Posted by SLS on April 21, 2006, at 13:35:17
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawal symptoms coming off zolof, posted by joyeba on April 20, 2006, at 12:21:00
> I have a lot of allergies, and when I got pregnant, my ob said not to take any type of antihistamine. The only medicine that any doctor I have ever talked to said that I could take was sudafed. I have been pregnant 3 times with three different doctors, and they have all told me the same thing. I think it has to do with the fact that antihistamines dry out the fluids in your body, and this could cause your amniotic fluid to decrease. All the pregnancy books say this as well.
Thanks for answering my question.
I know Google is not the definitive source of information, but everything I found seemed to indicate that Benadryl was safe to take during pregnancy. It is a category B drug.
I'll try Medline.
- Scott
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