withdrwal from zoloft

[tammyelizbeth]

My daughter is 15 and has been on zoloft (sertraline) for almost 4 years due to anxiety. She now has been off the drug for two weeks after being weaned down to a half dose (25mg) for two weeks. We were never told of possible side effects of coming off the drug and I'm not sure what to look for. She has had severe nausea, some headaches, and mood swings. Since she is a teenager, sometimes it is hard to tell what I should be concerned about and what is just "normal" for a teenager with her moods. She certainly isn't suicidal yet every situation seems so much more traumatic than before. Also, is there nutritional supplements which may help with balancing her out now that she is not taking the drug?  Some articles suggest Omega 3's, what do you suggest?  Tammy

[MrGreen]

Found this online. May be of some help / use to you -

I've been on the Zoloft roller coaster for 6 years. I started on it after my divorce to help with depression. Worked. Problem is, I've tried many many times to get off of it. Everytime that I tried I would meet with failure, until recently. Failure includes wild mood swings, panik attacks, heart pelpitations, foggyness, irrational response to stimuli, etc. Lost a really nice boyfriend to Zoloft withdrawal... :(
But this time I think I've actually got the habbit kicked!! I tapered off more slowly, and in addition, I am taking Magnesium supplements (Mag is used in hospitals for women in preterm labor to stop contractions) need kinda high doses, check with a professional nutritionist or naturopathic doctor on dose) stops the GITTERS. Also, am taking Valerian Root and Melatonin (health food stores have this). Valerian is a natural herb that calms you down and helps with depression, and Melatonin also calms you down and helps you sleep. Take at night til you see how it effects you. (Melatonin is always best taken at night anyway) Omega-3 fatty acids like in fish oil is also recommended. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine like the plague!!! Both exacerbate the problems immensely. Also, tell as many of your friends/relatives as you can that you are going off the meds so that they can be a sounding board for you if you start to freak out. Also, develop your spiritual side as much as you can...meditate daily and try to call out to your "higher power" as much as you can until you are finally your TRUE WONDERFUL SELF again. For GOD sakes, lets try to find alternatives to this newest epidemic of Zombies that we are all turning into...I know it seems hard to find, but they are definatly out there and in the long run you will be so much better off. Getting off antidepressants makes the reason you got on them in the first place seem like a walk in the park! And I hate to sound paranoid, but I'm sure that is no accident either.
Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[MrGreen]

When one stops Zoloft too rapidly a withdrawal syndrome may develop. Among the symptoms that may be experienced are nausea, tremors, lightheadedness, muscle pains, weakness, insomnia, and anxiety. The withdrawal symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks but in some instances they may gradually decrease over a period as long as a month. It is generally recommended that one taper off this medication gradually under a doctor's supervision.

Not exactly the right person to answer anything about supplements. I will leave that for someone else. Hope things pick up for your daughter.