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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Klavot on July 13, 2006, at 8:58:31
Hi all
I have decided to terminate the 50 mg / day Zoloft that I am taking. What is the fastest possible discontinuation regimen without having withdrawl symptoms?
Posted by SLS on July 13, 2006, at 9:27:45
In reply to Zoloft discontinuation, posted by Klavot on July 13, 2006, at 8:58:31
> Hi all
>
> I have decided to terminate the 50 mg / day Zoloft that I am taking. What is the fastest possible discontinuation regimen without having withdrawl symptoms?I'm curious as to why you are discontinuing Zoloft at such a low dosage.
You might consider taking very small amounts of Zoloft only when you feel withdrawal symptoms appear. In other words, you use the Zoloft as a PRN on an as-needed basis - sort of like taking aspirin whenever a headache reappears. This is what I like to call a flexible-dosing strategy. I have used this method to discontinue Effexor, Cymbalta, Zoloft, Ativan, and a few others.
It is quite possible that you won't experience much withdrawal at all. Some people don't.
- Scott
Posted by Klavot on July 13, 2006, at 12:26:28
In reply to Re: Zoloft discontinuation, posted by SLS on July 13, 2006, at 9:27:45
> > Hi all
> >
> > I have decided to terminate the 50 mg / day Zoloft that I am taking. What is the fastest possible discontinuation regimen without having withdrawl symptoms?
>
> I'm curious as to why you are discontinuing Zoloft at such a low dosage.Are you saying that at 50 mg / day I can just stop? I was wondering whether it makes any sense (due to Zoloft's 26 hour half-life) to progressively go as low as 25 mg every second day?
Thanks SLS.
Posted by SLS on July 13, 2006, at 13:48:12
In reply to Re: Zoloft discontinuation, posted by Klavot on July 13, 2006, at 12:26:28
> > > Hi all
> > >
> > > I have decided to terminate the 50 mg / day Zoloft that I am taking. What is the fastest possible discontinuation regimen without having withdrawl symptoms?
> >
> > I'm curious as to why you are discontinuing Zoloft at such a low dosage.
>
> Are you saying that at 50 mg / day I can just stop? I was wondering whether it makes any sense (due to Zoloft's 26 hour half-life) to progressively go as low as 25 mg every second day?
>
> Thanks SLS.
Skipping days never seems to work with these drugs (with the exception of Prozac and its 7-day half-life). I do think you should try to taper, despite your only taking 50mg. How small can you divide the pills? As I described, I have had success nibbling off very tiny pieces of the tablets several times a day if necessary - but only if the withdrawal symptoms reappeared. This just about guarantees that you are tapering at the fastest rate possible. I do this not so much at the higher dosages, but more when I get down to the smaller dosages like where you are currently at.
- Scott
Posted by overtheedge on July 13, 2006, at 19:03:44
In reply to Re: Zoloft discontinuation, posted by SLS on July 13, 2006, at 13:48:12
I have been known to go off zoloft when feeling better, or shall i say when the meds are working, and i "think" i am better, i just stop mine and never get withdrawls i am on 75 mgs.
I am back on it now, but i think the advice you just have recieved from scott, sounds preety reasonable if you are afraid of the side effects..good luck.
Posted by nolegirl323 on July 19, 2006, at 14:14:01
In reply to Re: Zoloft discontinuation, posted by Klavot on July 13, 2006, at 12:26:28
> > > Hi all
> > >
> > > I have decided to terminate the 50 mg / day Zoloft that I am taking. What is the fastest possible discontinuation regimen without having withdrawl symptoms?
> >
> > I'm curious as to why you are discontinuing Zoloft at such a low dosage.
>
> Are you saying that at 50 mg / day I can just stop? I was wondering whether it makes any sense (due to Zoloft's 26 hour half-life) to progressively go as low as 25 mg every second day?
>
> Thanks SLS.I don't think you should just "stop." I had HORRIBLE withdrawl symptoms when I was forced to quit Zoloft cold turkey (due to insurance.) I couldn't see straight, had horrible headaches, and felt as if there were electric zap's (buzzing) in my brain. I couldn't walk a straight line - it was AWFUL.
In my humble opinion, I would taper :)Good luck!
This is the end of the thread.
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