Could I be permanently emotionless after taking Zoloft?

[Scarface94]

I took Zoloft (50 mg) for 1 month and just flushed them down the toilet because I don't want to rely on a pill. I have been off Zoloft for 3 days and I don't feel passionate about things anymore like I did before I started taking the Zoloft. I also feel emotionless. Could I have caused permanent brain damage?

I started the medication on December 19, 2014 and stopped taking my medication on January 19, 2015. (So I only took the medication for 1 month)

[Paxiled]

First, no, it won't happen to you, and second, I still don't know that you're in fact having withdrawal, especially given you were only on it for such a short time and you seem to say you started suffering these symptoms when you were still on the Zoloft and that's why you flushed them down the toilet.  I can't tell you what you have, only generally that withdrawal depends on the individual.  So far you've learned some things:  everyone is an individual; drugs should only be used when necessary because of this but when it's needed it's needed; that you really don't know at this point if it's withdrawal or something else, such as a bad reaction to Zoloft; that perhaps you should either wait it out a bit or consult a psychiatrist you trust to see what he or she thinks is happening, though I don't know they'd do that or not; and that next time taper off, don't flush.  

[Scarface94]

Some people can experience withdrawals forever? Yikes. That won't happen to me right? Is that for people who have been taking it for a LONG time? I mean, I know you said there's no way to tell how long it will last for me but isn't it highly unlikely that I will experience withdrawals forever? Since I didn't take it that long nor did I take a very high dose.

[Paxiled]

I really can't tell you if it is in fact withdrawal, but saying it "should last 3 months" isn't at all factual -- it lasts as long as it lasts.  Some don't get any withdrawal, some get it for a week, some for a month, some forever.  It all has to do with how well your brain is able to react to working normally again, and your brain isn't my brain.  But generally, after only one month there really shouldn't be much of a withdrawal problem -- for many it doesn't even start to work that quickly; side effects begin before effects.  So again, we can't tell you if it's withdrawal or not, just that withdrawal can't be generalized.

[Scarface94]

I read that withdrawals from Zoloft should last 3 months. Isn't that only for people who took it for awhile though? I was on a pretty low dose for a short amount of time, wouldn't you agree?

I'm also experiencing depersonalization, Confusion, poor concentration, and a lack of appetite. All those symptoms are listed on this site- http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/zoloft-sertraline-withdrawal-symptoms-list-duration/

I was listening to a song I always use to think was very catchy before I took Zoloft, and now I can't figure out what was so appealing about the song. Do you think that's from lack of emotion combined with the other symptoms I've been having?

[Paxiled]

It's not brain damage per se, withdrawal is caused by the brain trying to adjust back to working normally.  For some that can take more time than for others.  Feeling a lack of emotion is a common side effect of antidepressants, so you might have gotten that one from the Zoloft.  If it lasts you can try to go back on the Zoloft and taper off slowly, otherwise you're just going to have to wait and see what happens.

[Scarface94]

Ok I won't anymore but did I cause permanent brain damage? Am I going to be permanently emotionless?

[nursegirl6572]

Zoloft should be tapered off, not stopped abruptly.

You really need to stop taking your medical care into your own hands.....and start consulting with your doctor.  You're probably experiencing some w/ds.....no doubt your brain is confused I'm sure, as it was starting to adjust, only for you to stop.