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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ladydee54 on May 18, 2004, at 1:20:32
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BradG on May 17, 2004, at 17:36:43
good news BradG! I'm in my third week post-zoloft, and have more time without symptoms in between symptoms...I see my MD tomorrow for a long chat about this;I find that when I get emotional the symptoms (head zaps, white noise in head) increase, so I try to stay on an even keel, but it's like that Airplane! movie...there's always something and it looks like I picked the wrong (month, administration, year) to give up antidepressants.
Gotta keep my sense of humor or I would go insane!
Thanks!
Posted by BradG on May 18, 2004, at 1:38:33
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on May 18, 2004, at 1:20:32
Shelly,
Don't give up girl. Three weeks without is better than 3 weeks wanting to get off, I'll tell you that. You are showing that you are a tower of strength just to get to this point. Keep going and if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. My msn chat / hotmail address is BradGreen429@hotmail.com
Posted by ladydee54 on May 20, 2004, at 6:36:55
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BradG on May 18, 2004, at 1:38:33
three weeks today post-Zoloft. Saw my MD yesterday, not the same one who put me on it. She said that given my withdrawal experience, I am not a good candidate for this class of drugs (DUH). They are lessening, though I still have some light swooshing in my head, which she says is probably the result of brain chemicals adjusting (?)The zapping is definitely not as bad, although still present and if I let myself get too emotional in any direction (it's called LIFE)it intensifies.
So far, however, I feel OK in the sense that I'm not depressed. Most days I'm perfectly OK, not manic or down, so perhaps it did serve a purpose. Pre-Zoloft I was always very depressed. Was is worth the post-experience? Can't answer that yet, too new yet.
Many thanks to all who helped me here with words of encouragement!
ladydee54
Posted by Mindy S. on June 7, 2004, at 20:52:59
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by A.L. on April 12, 2004, at 13:05:39
I was diagnosed with clinical depression a year ago. I insisted the dr.put me on something, except Paxil. (Bad experience there.)He gave me Zoloft, 25 mg to start and it worked great. I was not having crying spells or all the other unpleasant side effects anymore. However, when I began Zoloft, I was previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism. At that time, my TSH was sky high at 25.2. So, I was already feeling all the hypo symptoms, including weight gain and depression. I truly believe Zoloft stimulated my thyroid to be at a normal level. I have been hovering around 5 (TSH) for almost 6 mos now.
My chief complaints of Zoloft are the rapid weight gain and fatigue. There's also dry mouth and insominia.
I have been on Zoloft (50 mg) for one year. I felt I was ready to come off of it and told my doctor but he didn't seem to take me seriously. He quickly gave me more refills and instructed to keep on it for 6 more months. Guess what? I went cold turkey. It's been 7 days today and I feel fine. The first few days were rough though. I had this constant dizzying headache, strange disaster type dreams, and sometimes night sweats. I also started my period (late) right in the middle of these headaches, which made it much worse. If I looked too fast to the right, I would get dizzy.
Now, my period is over and I just have a calmer headache like I'm wearing glasses with a too strong prescription. (Bayer aspirin works like a charm!!!)
Best of luck to you. I hope your suffering is as short and as painless as possible.
Posted by ladydee54 on June 8, 2004, at 5:07:17
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Mindy S. on June 7, 2004, at 20:52:59
Mindy, good that you only took 50 mgs only for a year. I was on the 50 for a year, then thought it wasn't working anymore, so my MD upped it to 100 for the next 3 years. That's why even though I tapered off, it was still so hard with my sypmtoms (see previous posts)
I am off the drug now going on my second month, I still have MILD symptoms, sometimes worse than others, like the dizzyness, also still have that wooshing in my head, although again, much less.
Thru recent events at my job, though, I have been very depressed recently and thought about taking a drug again!
But I will work thru it this time instead. Life just has to be lived, and it's not always pretty.
Posted by BradG on June 10, 2004, at 3:56:17
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Mindy S. on June 7, 2004, at 20:52:59
MindyS & Laydee54
MindyS: Good luck to you girl. 7 days and your fine. Keep at it. Don't look back
Laydee54: People will read these posts and take inspiration from your achievement. You are stronger than I think you realise.
As for myself, off now for a while and no nothing. Would never consider putting another mood altering synthetic chemical in my system. Not for all the tea in China. They still make tea don't they?
Posted by meecer on June 10, 2004, at 20:08:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BradG on June 10, 2004, at 3:56:17
I'm still zapping after 2 weeks....when will it stop?
Posted by ladydee54 on June 11, 2004, at 5:17:39
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by meecer on June 10, 2004, at 20:08:02
> I'm still zapping after 2 weeks....when will it stop?
Longer than 2 weeks, I can tellyou for sure. I have been off the drug now almost 6 weeks about, and I still have the occasional, weak zapping. Mostly at night when I'm tired, or after too much caffeine.
Still also have some whooshing in my head albeit softer sounding now. I sometimes wonder if these symptoms every go away completely. My doctor says they will, that these symptoms are from our nervous system easing into not having the drug to fall back on, or some such explanation that I don't know if I believe.
I only believe what I can FEEL. but YES I do feel better. SOmeone told me in the beginning that this type of withdrawal is measured in weeks and months, not days, and that's so true. I never noticed a symptom lessening in days, it was always in retrospect of weeks.
There is hope!
I also find that my depression (I call it falling in a hole) comes and goes pretty dramatically now, so I just have to hang in there during the times when I feel really down, sometimes all it takes is a good night's sleep to make it go away.
BTW, I am a true believer that people like us should stay away from sugar and white flour products also. Protein will help us heal faster, it's what every system in our body needs to heal.
take care!
Posted by meecer on June 11, 2004, at 19:35:15
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on June 11, 2004, at 5:17:39
Thank you lady...Looks like I have a while to go yet...It takes a lot for me not to split a pill and take it just so it will go away. I will not do it though, because that will only add to the time it will take. What makes me so angry is that I was told the drug was safe to take while breastfeeding, which I was doing (and still am), but the last time I got it refilled, there it was...."not recommended while breastfeeding". It had never said that before. I just hope that my little girl (6 months old) is not going through the same thing. She seems happy and normal...I'm just hoping I didn't harm her. That's what scares me the most.
I'm glad you are feeling better. Just take things day by day and as they come. The thing that gets me through a lot is something my dad always told me when I would get stressed out. "Not to worry". That's my mantra....
Thanks for letting me know that it's not going to be days, but weeks to months before this will go away.....how frustrating!
Posted by ladydee54 on June 12, 2004, at 19:36:19
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by meecer on June 11, 2004, at 19:35:15
Yes, meecer, I remember wanting to split a pill and take a bit just to make it stop....talk about feeling like a junkie, I really understand what they go thru now, only probably 100 times worse.
Keep the faith, and pls don't worry about your baby, chances are she didn't get enough of anything to do anything, but really, worrying isn't going to help, we all know that but how hard to put into practice....
Posted by Mats on June 13, 2004, at 7:29:37
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on June 12, 2004, at 19:36:19
I stopped 200 mg / day zoloft from one day to the other. What followed was 1 month of mood swings and crying spells and alot of my old depressiv sides. Im now 6 month past, and feeling fine. Never an AD more in my life.
Posted by Hulkster on June 14, 2004, at 12:58:24
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Mats on June 13, 2004, at 7:29:37
Been getting of of Zoloft for 3 weeks now. I had a weight gain of 25 Lbs in about 2-3 weeks. Will this subside and my motabalism return to normal? I am still zapping a little too.
Posted by AMG on June 14, 2004, at 23:55:42
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on May 18, 2004, at 1:20:32
You will all survive...I promise...it is so hard to get off of Zoloft but, you can do it. I decided to get off of it because I gained weight...over 30lbs...that made my anxiety worse. I tired to get off of Zoloft in early April cold turkey, it was hell...I thought I was going crazy with all my mood swings. When that didn't work, I cut my dosage down from 50mg to 25mg for about 2 weeks. Then thereafter I would only take 25mg eveyother day..then I slowly cut the 25 mg to 12mg every other day...and finally on May 21st I took my last 12mg...and so far I have survived...Sometimes I get myself all scared thinking I will have another panic attack with out Zoloft but in reality I know I won't. I use the tools I have learned through out the last 2 years that I have been accepting my anxiety. I always reassure myslef that nothing horrible will happen...I ask myself "what's the worse thing that can happen?" and the answer is always the same one NOTHING, I get a panic attack...and I don't fight it and it goes away...simple as that...anyhow to make a long story short...I promise if I can get off zoloft anyone can...If anyone of you need addtional support, please feel free to email me at ana_516@yahoo.com. I will be more than happy to help you get through this small stepping stone...best of luck....Ana
Posted by Hulkster on June 15, 2004, at 12:35:47
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by AMG on June 14, 2004, at 23:55:42
Ana thank you for those kind words. I am not so much concerend with the lack of affects from taking Zoloft but rather the effects of not taking it and these maddening withdrawls. I never thought Zoloft actually helped me other than turn me into a walking turnip. It definatley helped me concentrate but the lack of sexual interest was not good for my life.
Did you find that you weight stabalized or actually reduced after you stopped the medication? One little factod that also caught me by surprise is that my weight gain brought with it increased blood pressure.
Thanks again.
Posted by Mindy S. on June 18, 2004, at 17:23:36
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on June 8, 2004, at 5:07:17
It's been 2 weeks and still off Zoloft 50 mcg. The headaches have decreased, but one question: HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED EXTREME MOOD SWINGS, FALSE ACCUSATONS, AND SHOUTING MATCHES TOWARDS LOVED ONES? I began accusing my husband of being a worthless husband who does not treat me well, etc. This is very unusual for me. I believe it was prompted because of certain aggravating family members and general stress added. I felt like I was losing my mind!! Is this typical of Zoloft withdrawal or should I get my head examined? I have to try to fix this problem because my husband is very hurt. As well he should be. I'm scared another episode like this will occur again! I do not want to take Zoloft for the rest of my life!! I'm a 28 year old female, no children. HELP!!!
Posted by Marilyn on June 22, 2004, at 8:09:46
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Mindy S. on June 18, 2004, at 17:23:36
Dear Mindy,
Get in touch with doctor Ann Blake Tracy. Below are her details:
Ann Blake Tracy, Ph.D.
Executive Director, International Coalition For Drug AwarenessNumber: (1)-800-280-0730
Website: http://www.drugawareness.orgMeanwhile you might want to navigate through the following URL's:
Personal antidepressant experiences
http://www.drugawareness.org/Archives/Survivors/survivor_index.html
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/files.htmZoloft side-effects reported by physicians
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/zoloft-ADF.htmMarilyn
> It's been 2 weeks and still off Zoloft 50 mcg. The headaches have decreased, but one question: HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED EXTREME MOOD SWINGS, FALSE ACCUSATONS, AND SHOUTING MATCHES TOWARDS LOVED ONES? I began accusing my husband of being a worthless husband who does not treat me well, etc. This is very unusual for me. I believe it was prompted because of certain aggravating family members and general stress added. I felt like I was losing my mind!! Is this typical of Zoloft withdrawal or should I get my head examined? I have to try to fix this problem because my husband is very hurt. As well he should be. I'm scared another episode like this will occur again! I do not want to take Zoloft for the rest of my life!! I'm a 28 year old female, no children. HELP!!!
Posted by jimmyg on June 24, 2004, at 10:17:43
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Marilyn on June 22, 2004, at 8:09:46
Hi. My wife has been on 50mg of Zoloft per day, and she's convinced it's okay to miss a dose or two without problems. Her reasoning is that she's been told (by doctors?) that it takes a couple weeks for the medication to enter or leave the system, so there's a sort of "buffer" when you're still medicated but not dosing.
I, however, see subtle but clear mood and personality differences when she misses a dose or two (and sometimes not so subtle). Plus, I am skeptical of the above reasoning.
Can someone confirm for me whether missing a dose or two of Zoloft is okay or not?
thanks
Posted by antigony on July 19, 2004, at 20:07:42
In reply to Re: Any suggestions of getting off of Zoloft, posted by Chica on February 28, 2002, at 9:44:30
I just wanted to say that the info. posted here has helped me psycologically deal with the withdrawl symptoms of weaning off of zoloft. My doctor actually had me go down to 12.5, then 12.5 every other day for a week before quiting and I am still feeling a little dizzy and very tired. its only been a few days since the last dose though, and the messages everyone left has given me hope. thanks.
Posted by meecer on July 20, 2004, at 20:21:51
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by jimmyg on June 24, 2004, at 10:17:43
I am eight weeks post Zoloft. I still zap, but rarely, and they aren't so intense. I figure a few more weeks and it will be all over. (I hope). I gained weight too, but am starting "Dr. Phill" and I believe this will work for me. (Have to lose the "baby weight" anyway.) I'm glad this site was here, or I don't think I could have done it! To all that have been here posting... Thanks! To all of you that have yet to take the leap, you can do it!
Posted by Mindy S. on July 20, 2004, at 21:01:07
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by meecer on July 20, 2004, at 20:21:51
I've been off Zoloft since 6/1/04.I had several "clamping" type headaches, but that lasted for about a week. My sleep pattern was affected only by the headaches. Since then, my mind and body feel much healthier and normal.I haven't had any of the zaps I've heard of. I feel even better since I've started the South Beach Diet. Not strict like Atkins and I've lost about 6 lbs. after one week. Some of the weight was from the Zoloft (and a sluggish thyroid).
Hope this helps. Hang in there and Good Luck!
Posted by Jonathan on July 22, 2004, at 1:18:23
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » meecer, posted by Mindy S. on July 20, 2004, at 21:01:07
Originally posted on the Newbies' Board by kate king; reposted on this thread because Lustral is the name in the UK (and perhaps some other countries) for what the US majority at PB know as Zoloft (sertraline).
Unfortunately, I'm not entitled to post on the Newbies' Board, so Kate may never see any replies on this thread to her post before they vanish into the archives :( It would, therefore, be helpful if a kind newby would please reply to her original post - http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20040420/msgs/367340.html - and include a link to this message. Thanks in advance :)
Here (at last) is what Kate said:
> Hi everyone, have just registered and am v. new to all this. Was surfing the web,in desperation as am trying to stop taking Lustral, and found the site. Have had depression for about ten years but only started taking anti-depressants about 3 years ago. Have been on 100mg and then cut myself down to 50mg and have now been off them for 2.5 weeks and finding it very tough now. I'm really not sure how much they've helped, they make life less painful, and give others around a break, but the downside is that I've got nothing meaningful done and don't mind just coasting along in a haze. Has anyone else had this problem and has anyone managed to come off successfuly (this is my second attempt)Kate.
Welcome, Kate :)
I've never taken Lustral, so I'll defer to the many contributors to this thread.
The simplest way to browse/read such a long thread, much easier than clicking on more than 330 links to individual posts, is to go to http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/extras.pl , copy & paste the URL of this message (or any other in the thread) into the box near the top of the page, then click on the "Display messages" button.
Good luck!
Jonathan
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/babblemail.pl?to=Jonathanmoclobemide 600 mg
lofepramine 140 mg
lithium 1000 mg
Posted by JCM on July 26, 2004, at 7:43:16
In reply to Coming off Lustral [Zoloft] « kate king, posted by Jonathan on July 22, 2004, at 1:18:23
> Wow, that is like reading my own words! I found this site tonight at work having had a meltdown at work and bawling without notice at my manager, whilst trying to apologise to him for my menopausal behaviour (I am 25)!
Kate it sounds like you are going through exactly what I am, although I have been off cold turkey for only 5 days. It has made the biggest difference to hear that other people have gone through these insane withdrawal symptoms, as, for the last 5 days I have had those crazy dizzies, hot and cold flushes, pounding heart, not to mention the moods. I have tooted my car horn at so many people over the last few days...anyway in a nutshell I have been taking 100mg for 6 months, then cut down to 50mg 2 weeks ago. On doctor's advice I went cold turkey after a week and I can now see this is a really bad idea. I'm going to taper (with another doctor) in a gentler way, like those suggested by others here...maybe alternate 100/50mg, then 50/25mg, then 25/0mg. How are you going now?
It makes me really mad that we aren't warned properly about the physical, emotional and psychological effects of these drugs.
It was just the biggest relief to read everyone's comments- thanks. Hope you are going ok Kate.
Julia
Originally posted on the Newbies' Board by kate king; reposted on this thread because Lustral is the name in the UK (and perhaps some other countries) for what the US majority at PB know as Zoloft (sertraline).
>
> Unfortunately, I'm not entitled to post on the Newbies' Board, so Kate may never see any replies on this thread to her post before they vanish into the archives :( It would, therefore, be helpful if a kind newby would please reply to her original post - http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20040420/msgs/367340.html - and include a link to this message. Thanks in advance :)
>
> Here (at last) is what Kate said:
>
> > Hi everyone, have just registered and am v. new to all this. Was surfing the web,in desperation as am trying to stop taking Lustral, and found the site. Have had depression for about ten years but only started taking anti-depressants about 3 years ago. Have been on 100mg and then cut myself down to 50mg and have now been off them for 2.5 weeks and finding it very tough now. I'm really not sure how much they've helped, they make life less painful, and give others around a break, but the downside is that I've got nothing meaningful done and don't mind just coasting along in a haze. Has anyone else had this problem and has anyone managed to come off successfuly (this is my second attempt)Kate.
>
> Welcome, Kate :)
>
> I've never taken Lustral, so I'll defer to the many contributors to this thread.
>
> The simplest way to browse/read such a long thread, much easier than clicking on more than 330 links to individual posts, is to go to http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/extras.pl , copy & paste the URL of this message (or any other in the thread) into the box near the top of the page, then click on the "Display messages" button.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Jonathan
> http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/babblemail.pl?to=Jonathan
>
> moclobemide 600 mg
> lofepramine 140 mg
> lithium 1000 mg
>
Posted by mommyjones on August 10, 2004, at 18:19:54
In reply to withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Shelly on May 4, 1999, at 17:37:51
Oh thank goodness. I thought I was going crazy. I can't afford the meds, and now I'm getting those fun little waves in my head. HATE IT. I guess I'll break down and buy them on payday. (3 more day's - wish me luck) I think I will just take 1/2 a pill.
Thanks for all the great info.
Posted by WanaBfree on August 11, 2004, at 12:48:34
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » meecer, posted by Mindy S. on July 20, 2004, at 21:01:07
I've been on Zoloft for 5 yrs (50mg) & decided to wean myself of it. Tried cold turkey several times but became a raging lunatic, so now I'm skipping 2 days between doses until my one month supply runs out. Been on it so long I can't remember life without it. BUT I'm tired of the side-effects (S/E), i.e., weight gain, low/no libido & flat emotions. Talked to my doc, he suggests Celexa-another drug w/ similar S/E. So, I'm going to see how life is "drug free," but if the same old demons come knocking at my door again, I'm going to need help. I'm considering Wellbutrin if that comes to pass. Suggestions anyone?
Posted by SusanP on August 22, 2004, at 16:11:19
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on June 12, 2004, at 19:36:19
I have been on Zoloft 100mg for 10 years. In June, I was layed off from my job and decided that I could not afford to buy the Zoloft so I stopped taking them and the fun began. I went to bed on a Tuesday night and as I lay down, I had what felt like a electrical current go up my neck and over my head, the room started spinning. I kept telling myself that this would go away and I kept turning over trying to find a comfortable position until I finally fell asleep. The next morning I awoke to go on a job interview and was unable to walk or sit up. I called to my mother and she called a ambulance thinking that I had a stroke. I got to the hospital and the E.R. doctor ran tests and told me I had vertigo, gave me a prescription of Antivert, told me to follow-up with my primary physician and sent me home. The antivert did not help, I went to see my primary physician and he increased the Antivert and sent me home. I have been to several other doctors and back to the E.R., admitted to the hospital, been on the internet and talked with anyone that I could to try to get answers. All kinds of test have been run with no results. I have been in bed for 6 weeks. I have been dizzy, nauseated, very tired, crying for no reason, irrate, aggitated and feelings of suicide. Last week, I decided to go to a Chiropractor as a last resort and he researched the Zoloft and found that I was having withdrawals. I cannot understand how a Chiropractor could figure out what was wrong with me and not any of the other doctors that I went to (some of them being specialists). The only difference was that the Chiropractor acts like he cares. Anyway, I am now going to the Chiropractor and he is helping me get past the withdrawals of Zoloft. I am still dizzy, nauseated and weak, but at least I now know what the problem is and have someone helping me. I have not taken Zoloft for the past week and the symptoms are getting a little better. I know that this will take time and am resolved that I will get through this.
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