WITHDRAWLS FROM ZOLOFT

I HAVE TAKEN ZOLOFT FOR THE LAST 13 YEARS TO EASE PMS SYMPTOMS MAINLY THE MOOD SWINGS.  I AM STARTING MENOPAUSE AND I FELT THAT IT WAS TIME TO STOP THE ZOLOFT SINCE MY PERIODS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN.  I HAVE EXPERIENCED FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS, SEVERE HOT FLASHES AND LIGHTHEADINESS.  I AM AT THE END OF MY FIRST WEEK OF COLD TURKEY.  HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL THESE WITHDRAWL (withdrawal)
SYMPTOMS?

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Stopping Zoloft cold turkey can lead to the symptoms you are talking about. They usually last about 2 weeks but can last for up to a month. To be safe, it is best to taper the dose with a doctors supervision. Talk with your doctor about tapering the dose and helping you avoid the withdrawal.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD