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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by slip on February 11, 2004, at 10:49:08
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by JohnL on June 5, 2000, at 3:21:01
I have been taking Zoloft for a few years now. I stopped cold turkey last summer and experienced extreme irritability. So much so that I went back to drinking alcohol. Well this didn't help as I am an alcoholic. So I stopped alcohol but went back to Zoloft. I had no idea it was Zoloft causing these symptoms as my Doctor told me Zoloft wase not addictive. I also experience dizziness, sores breaking out on my skin (almost like a bug bite). Thought that was kind of wierd, as it is winter time , soft errections, involuntary muscle movements, and just a strange spatial feeling at times. Could these symptoms also be attributed to Zoloft???? Since doing some research, and finding this site, I want to get off this medication. I have read all kinds of bad side effects from using this drug. When am I going to get it into my head that there doesn't allways have to be a pill to cure my ills.
Posted by BostonBill on February 24, 2004, at 8:16:09
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by MaddieGrace on October 18, 2001, at 11:56:00
I am presently coming off Zoloft after being on it for 10 years. For the last year I have been on a low dose of 25mg a day. I have mainly dizziness, or what can be describe as a "surge" in my head. Sort of like the feeling you get when you hyperventilate or stand up too quickly from a crouched position. But it lingers all day. Cant wait till its over. Im glad to fin out its only a symptom of withdrawal and not something more sinister like a brain tumor...
Posted by cleareyes on February 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BostonBill on February 24, 2004, at 8:16:09
Hey everyone,
I wanted to tell you what I found when I went off Zoloft. I have been off for about 3 weeks now and so far everything is fine. This may not be the case for you of course. . . (ymmv)
I already knew that withdrawal symptoms occur because your body has made some chemical adjustments to the presence of the drug.
How long you are on the drug is how long your body has been making the adjustments. Therefore if you have been on it a long time, go off of it VERRRRY slowly.
How big of a dose you are on is how big of an ajdustment your body has made. Therefore if you are on a largeish dose, say over 50mg, go off of it VERRRRY slowly.
Be nice to your body, give it a chance to make the reverse adjustments to the absense of the drug. Don't be impatient, don't be hasty, try to hang in there because transitions are important, they are where things are fragile.
Using the half-life information of the drug, and the info you have about how long and how much you have been taking, you can create a taper schedule for yourself. I found out that zoloft has a half-life of 24 hours. That means that 1/2 of the drug is still in your body 24 hours later. Then 1/4 remains after 48 hours and so it goes.
Here's how you do it: Let's take the example of someone who is taking 100 mg a day. What is actually in their body? About 200 mg. Why???? A small portion of the dose they took 8 days ago (!) is still in their system. 100 from today plus 50 from yesterday, plus 25 from the day before that etc. 100(today)+ 50(2days)+ 25(3)+ 12.5(4 days ago)+ 7.25(5 days ago)+ 3.125(6)+ 1.56(7)+ 0.75(8 days ago) Whew!!!! Sorry about that ;)
So take your dose and make a chart. What you are looking at is the total in your body on that day. If that person taking 100 mg drops 12.5 mg off their dose, the first day, the amount in their body only goes down by 12.5, but because of the half-life, on the second day of the taper (two days in a row with the decreased dose) the amount in their body will be down by 18.75 mg.
That is why the taper has to be *so* agonizingly slow, the effect is cumulative. So plese do yourself a favor and don't try to go off cold turkey or fast, even if you are only on 25 mg.
This chart takes a little patience the first time you try to make one, but just stick with it. If you make the chart, you will be able to see exactly what is going on for you. You will see in the bottom-line number what happens if you take 87.5 on the first day of the taper, back to 100 on the second, back to 87.5 on the third day etc. You won't get confused, you will know exactly how much is in you and how many days you have left on your plan. You want the amount in your body to go down so slowly and gradually that your body will hardly notice.
If you develop a really hairy withdrawal symptom, just bump your dose back up a smidge, adjust your chart and wait. Once your body gets used to the new level, you can shave a little bit off your dose every other day, and get yourself down eventually. The good news is that while the withdrawal symptoms are coming in, the side-effects are going away! :) Libido coming back, weight going down a bit etc. Yay!
You may decide to take a plateau when you get to convenient doses like 50 or 25, and coast in place for several weeks. I did this. It helped to minimize the bowel symptoms and headache problems etc and to let me check in with myself on the depression.
You also have to be completely nailing your self-care during this period, don't slack off on that. :) I can't stress it enough. To be responsible to yourself you need to be doing non-drug things that make a person feel better. H.A.L.T is a good place to start, don't ever let yourself get too Hungry Angry Lonely or Tired. Sunlight, mild exercise, no sugar, no coffee, don't argue with people, do things that make you happy or feel nurtured or entertained, laugh. Don't skip therapy, don't get frustrated, choose health. Choose choose choose.
Good luck!
Posted by jdgjdg on February 27, 2004, at 21:56:50
In reply to taper slowly to avoid symptoms coming off zoloft » BostonBill, posted by cleareyes on February 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
I can not agree more about tapering off of the Zoloft slowly. It is hard enough without trying to do it quickly. Crunch up the tablet if you have to take little bitty peices and slowly make them smaller until you are taking nothing. Also, don't let your doctor minimize the feelings you may have when coming off of Zoloft. They have probably never taken them before. Jenn
Posted by krowe on March 4, 2004, at 3:26:55
In reply to taper slowly to avoid symptoms coming off zoloft » BostonBill, posted by cleareyes on February 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
I am suffering from Zoloft withdrawal after having quit cold turkey from 50 milligrams five days ago. My doctor also has me on Wellbutrin. I am wondering if it also has the same type of withdrawal. I am looking for other people’s experiences with Wellbutrin and if anyone has been taking Zoloft and Wellbutrin together.
Thanks.
Posted by my_own_feet on March 29, 2004, at 21:25:56
In reply to taper slowly to avoid symptoms coming off zoloft » BostonBill, posted by cleareyes on February 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
Hi everyone... I was on 150 mg of Zoloft for 8 years and decided with my therapist it was time to try life without the drug. I went to my MD to discuss a dose reduction. He recommended to reduce the dose by 50 mg every week. This meant I would be totally off the drug in three weeks. I thought that would be too drastic so I decided to drop the dose every three weeks instead of one. The first dose drop, I experienced irritation mostly and some sleep disruptions with nightmares. The second dose drop I found the withdrawl less then the first drop. The last dose drop from 50 mg to nothing was a big kick in the head. I have wicked head spins or mind warps.. or whatever we call it.. we all know it by feel. I have been Zoloft free for one week and I am experiencing these spins all day finding the worst part of the day being in the afternoon. It's very weird but I am still able to function. I regret not doing an internet search first to hear what other people have to say about the withdrawls and instead putting all my faith in my MD. I'm sure it would have been even more severe if I would have followed his weekly reduction. Being on this drug for 8 years is a long time and I wish I had tapered those last 50mg wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more than just cold turkey. I have decided to fight through another week of withdrawl and see if it gets better instead of trying to take more zoloft. I never want to have to drug again. Good luck with everyone and thank-you for all your input about this drug and your own personal withdrawl experiences. Sounds like Clear eyes has a well thought out method of easing off the Zoloft with minimum withdrawl. Use this advice, I know I would have if I read it before I got off the drug.
Peace, Love and Happiness
Posted by slip on March 29, 2004, at 21:43:01
In reply to Re: taper slowly to avoid symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by my_own_feet on March 29, 2004, at 21:25:56
Well, I am back on Zoloft after going cold turkey for about a month. I began to get very angry and irritable quite often, so I got my script refilled. I am not sure this was caused by the withdrawal from the drug or if it was because of my depression, but I feel better now, albeit somewhat sedated.
Posted by BradG on April 1, 2004, at 19:22:58
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by D on April 14, 2000, at 13:33:28
I initially had mild anxiety attacks and was prescribed this evil drug. Was taking 100mg for 8 months then made the mistake of quitting cold turkey in Nov 03. What a disaster. Wasn't warned of any side effects by doctor until too late. Had severe deppressive episodes and outrageous mood swings. Zoloft has slowly ruined my life, marriage etc. It just seems to compound & magnify everything gloomy. The insomnia is torture. Unfortunately I had to go back onto 100mg and have just started tapering from 100mg down to 50mg. I am going to go for two weeks at this level (it's been 1 week now and no side effects) whilst using the 'Immunocal' product to help with this process. It gives itself glowing testimonials, so we'll see how it goes. After this next week I'll go down to 25mg for two weeks then down to 12.5mg for a week. After that just 12.5mg every second day for a week. This should exhaust both my current prescription and my supply of 'Immunocal' also. I can't wait to get my life back and never put another pill in my system. Keep you posted.
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 11, 2004, at 8:39:45
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BradG on April 1, 2004, at 19:22:58
I have been on zoloft, for extreme depression (as a result of terrible legal problems), for almost 3 years. I am also on clomazepam (sp?). These have completely dulled my senses. I can't exercise, I'm always drowsy (though happy). I sleep like a top. I have tried to wean myself, but when I do, within 2 weeks, I'm incredibly weepy, frightened, sleepless. Do I need to pass this stage to achieve previous normalcy? Can I conquer this stage? I, too, have had (as did a previous poster) crazed anger. Bottom line is this: what does it take to get through those withdrawal fears and crying jags?
Posted by SLS on April 11, 2004, at 8:49:41
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by rapunzel48 on April 11, 2004, at 8:39:45
> I have tried to wean myself, but when I do, within 2 weeks, I'm incredibly weepy, frightened, sleepless.
These symptoms might actually be a return of the depression, and is part of a phenomenon known as "rebound depression". This can occur when one stops taking an antidepressant that they still need to treat a biological depression.
- Scott
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 11, 2004, at 12:34:22
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by SLS on April 11, 2004, at 8:49:41
Scott: thank you. but Rats. I want to cure myself of both the depression and the medication. I guess I still have to stay on them, and look the blimp.
Posted by SLS on April 11, 2004, at 13:06:36
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 11, 2004, at 12:34:22
> Scott: thank you. but Rats. I want to cure myself of both the depression and the medication. I guess I still have to stay on them, and look the blimp.
I could be wrong, you know.
It is sometimes hard to tell the difference between depressive rebound and SSRI withdrawal. However, if you are overwhelmed by feelings of a crushing depression along with the anxiety, it is probably the former. How many days passed between the last dose of Zoloft and the appearance of symptoms? If it was longer than a week, I think that would argue for depressive rebound. Work with your doctor. Perhaps it is time to adjust your treatment regime. Prozac might not cause as much weight gain as the other SSRIs. I really don't know what to advise you.
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
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 11, 2004, at 16:16:29
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by SLS on April 11, 2004, at 13:06:36
I have only the irritability (sometimes, in the afternoon, akin to insanity, none other that appear on your list.
I have just begun weaning myself today...once again. I tried 3 weeks ago, but collapsed into near-hysteria, and went back on the medication, and was fit as a fiddle; heavy overeating in the afternoon, good sleep, wild dreams. That's wonderful, I realize. However, I got on well all my life without medication, without looking overweight, and OLD. This stuff makes me droop around like someone who should be wearing a flowered housedress and floppy slippers. 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? Should I wait until I'm in near bliss. Should I go on holiday and try there?thank you.
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"?
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