Zoloft Withdrawal! Please help!

[jimmy 1965]

My doctor (psychiatrist) took me off ZOlOFT. I was on Zoloft for about 5 months at a max dosage of 100mg. When he decided to take me off he did the tapering down process in 25mg increments every five days so I thought that was a good tapering process. I even asked my family doctor and he said yeah that is a safe way to get off the med. I took my last 25mg dose this past Monday night. I never had issues when I was coming off the medicne but about three days ago I started having spells of feeling light headed. I have had bouts of flu type feelings and I feel very tired and worn out. Basically I feel like **** and I dont have the flu. My question is, How long does it take to get Zoloft out of your system? I know your never to stop taking SSRI meds abruptly but when you follow a good tapering schedule and you still deal with wwithdrawal symptoms that's enough to tick a person off. My doctor wants me to start Lexapro but he wants me to wait until Zoloft is completely washed from my system. How many days do I have to put up with this ****? Any answers or advise is much appreciated. You know the medical world tells us that you cant become dependant or addicted to these meds but I tend to dissagree the more I read about people having discontinuation syndrome after following doctors orders on a good weening off process.  

Take Care
Jimmy

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I recommend a slightly different  schedule where you decrease the dose and the interval over 3 weeks...you might trying going on the smallest dose again every 2 days, then 3 days, then 5 days, then stop.

[sparkeler]

Well if it takes 6 weeks for a medication to take its full effects, I can assume it will take awhile to get out of your system completly.  You only took your last dose Monday, however little it was.  I know you just want to experience as little side effects as possible.  Hang in there, you will feel physically better soon.

[imcrazy2]

Hey, sweetie--I just posted something for guy w/a ? that might help you, too.
If you are having trouble, STRESS to your doc that you don't feel good about waiting for the zoloft to be out of your system before starting the lexapro--like I said to guy, people who recommend clearing one med before starting the next don't understand how we feel when we are off our meds----THIS MOSTLY APPLIES TO THE DOCTORS!  It's important to remember that as sympathetic as people (docs included) can try to be, anyone who has not SUFFERED with depression or anxiety CAN NOT truly understand how debilitating it is.  You do not need to suffer.  I have transitioned between paxil and prozac seamlessly by tapering one, while increasing the other (slowly). If your doc won't do it, find one that will.  They are out there, and you do need to do it under doctor's care to avoid worse things like seratonin syndrome

[CraftyCrazy]

The schedule I'm following for coming off the Zoloft was 25mgs. less every two weeks.  I'm at the last week on 50mgs and will be starting 25 tomorrow.  It's miserable and I'm in agony.  I have persistant headaches that my PCP sent me to a CAT scan for -- negative.  My vision is screwey, my eye feels like it is pulling and my eye doctor wants me to consult for possible surgery.  Meanwhile I mentioned the Zoloft tapering to all of my doctors, none of which attributed it to what I am feeling.  An online search brought me here and I see I'm not alone.

I understand everyone's systems and bodies are unique but if there a general idea of how long these symptoms will last?  Weeks? months?

Thanks.

[TaraNY]

Hey there Crafty, your posting got me interested enough to sign up for this board.  I feel so badly about your predicament with withdrawals, it's happened to me before and I ended up going back on Zoloft because of it!  The withdrawals sucked SO bad...I felt dizzy and headachey and generally ****** all the time.  Even with the tapering process, it didn't matter.  I believe my shrink at the time knew this would happen and really didn't care.  On one hand I don't fault him because I really did/do need to be on medication...so it's really a no-choice situation... but for him to say he's had NO patients that complained of withdrawal symptoms after tapering off zoloft even in the correct time frame its supposed to be done? That is a downright lie.  Everyone I ever spoke to who took it, had a terrible time getting off of it!  And the idea that your doctor wants you to get your system "clean" before starting a new drug is total BS.  You can start something right away.  My guess is you need to change doctors...sorry... I'd do that immediately if I were you because despite what you might be hearing... it's gonna be a LOOOOOONG time before you feel "better" at this rate.  Sorry for being blunt...

[CraftyCrazy]

Thanks Tara.  No worries about being blunt, there's no sugar coating this mess, that's for sure!  Right now I don't have insurance and any new doctor I've contacted has quoted me prices nearing 400.00 for a consult.  I was getting the Zoloft through the prescription care program here in NY but even that started to become a hassle to do.  I was having a few good days but today knocked me for a loop with the brain zaps.  I believe you when you say it's going to be a long, long time.  I'm at a low enough dosage to start something else and the doctor know suggests Thorazine.  Not sure how we went from an SSRI only to a mood stablizer only but there it is.  I go in next week and may ask him about Wellbutrin.  I've read it helps for weight gain as well, which for me, was one of the side effects from the Zoloft.

Thanks for your input.

[Andrea78]

Hi Crafty, if you're still here, I tapered and quit Zoloft in March/April and had lots of problems, although not as severe as yours it sounds like...mostly depression, nausea, and rage. It gradually got better over about a month after I completely stopped the medication (which i did early because the withdrawals were just so unpleasant I wanted to get them all over with at once).
  A few weeks ago I started having really acute symptoms of what I believe is depression, so I'm going to go back and maybe start some new medication, probably Wellbutrin. I was just so angry and upset about how hard Zoloft was to get off of, and how nobody tells you about these things, and doctors say "I'm sure that's not what's causing x and y"...anyway, hang in there and good luck.

[hollyloxx]

I WAS ON ZOLOFT FOR 3YEARS AND THEN TAPERED OFF LIEK THE DR SAID.
LET ME TELL YOU THAT IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST AWFUL THINGS EVER.
I HAVE NEVER DOEN HARD DRUGS, (SMOKED POT A COUPLE OF TIMES) BUT I FELT LIKE A JUNKY COMING OFF SOMETHING!!!!

I HAD SHAKES, THESE LITTLE FEELINGS LIKE MY BRAIN WAS BEING ZAPPED ALMOST. TWITCHES KIND OF. THIS HAPPENED SPORATICALLY  THORUGH OUT THE DAY.
I WAS NAUSEAUS, FELT HOT THEN COLD.
I EVEN FELT THE BRAIN ZAPS WHEN I WAS TRYING TO SLEEP. I COULD NEEVR GET REST FROM IT!! THIS LASTED FOR ME AT LEST 2-3 WEEKS AFTER BEIGN TAPERED OFF THE ZOLOFT.

GOOD LUCK BE CAREFUL

[tambi66]

Wow, glad to know I am not the only one feeling crappy!  Sorry, don't like you all to suffer like I am though.

Ugh, the dizziness, slight nausiness, fatigue, ect.  Although my insomnia has gotten better.

I ran out of zoloft and don't have insurance any more, so I had no choice but to stop taking it.  I was taking 50 mg. every day and quit cold turkey, no tapering off.

I am crying a lot more, I become more easily irritated, and constantly clenching my teeth!

Will it ever get better? or am I screwed for life?

[PUSH 2006]

DOES ZOLOFT MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT...

[CraftyCrazy]

Hi .. I'm still here, somewhat.  It has been complete, torturous hell for me coming off of the Zoloft.  The brain zapping and all symptoms associated with it have become almost debilitating.  I saw my psychiatrist last week who is putting me back on Zoloft with BusPar.  I haven't started it yet because I thought the withdrawals were subsiding but was shockingly made aware of the fact that they are still there yesterday.  Today (Thanksgiving) is so bad I'm locked up in my apartment with no desire to celebrate.

I just wanted to ride the syptoms (symptoms) out making the suffering worth it at least to stay off of meds.  No such luck.  The mental stuff is back full force, I'm crying at everything, yelling at everyone and confrontational to the point where someone is going to kick my *** for sure.  The physical pain in my head is bad enough to the point where I'm rocking my head back and forth into the wall.  My anxiety is through the roof and I can't get a grip.  I just feel so defeated.

The psych. wanted to try Abilify but said while it's supposed to not have a weight gain effect, one of his patients could not stop eating on it.  Not my first choice as I'm overweight and was hoping to have my system free of all meds to kick up my weight loss efforts.

Zoloft is supposed to be one of those meds to not cause weight gain and I'm not blaming it for mine but just think it's stalling my metabolism and/or thwarting my weight loss efforts.  No matter how much I exercise, what type, etc. I couldn't make a dent.  The eye doctor asked me, "well do you want to be fat and sane or thin and crazy?"  How do you answer an assinine question like that?  At 5'3" and small framed, I was once a comfortable 120 lbs.  Now I'm not.  Thyroid and everything else checks out fine.  It's just all a vicious spin of turning to food to comfort the depression, being depressed from gaining weight, wasting money on programs like Weight Watchers, Atkins, private nutrionists and not getting any results, going home and starting over comforting with food.  It's not even an overeating thing either, I can stop and limit myself.  Maybe it's my age and metabolism changing (I'm 39) but then again I see women in their 40's and 50's at the gym in great shape.  

I know I'm not alone here and take comfort in reading other's stories here.  No, not comfort in the way that misery loves company.  I pray for each and every one of us here to carry on the best we can in this battle.

Please don't think I feel sorry for myself.  I don't, it doesn't make sense to.  Again I just feel defeated having to go back on meds but then again, what choice do we have?

[Pixie44]

I was taking zoloft for 10 years and decided it wasnt working for me anymore.   In the past when I didnt take the meds for a couple days I would get a splitting headache and need to take it asap.   I have now been off of it for a week and taking Wellbutrin.   My doctor said I would be fine switching meds and said that the zoloft would be out oft he body when the wellbutrin started to kick in.. which i just read that zoloft has the shortest half life and is out of your body in a couple days.   Anway   my head feels really weird  i assume this is withdrawl.. although i thought it would be alot worse.. I was just wondering how long this will last???  and if the meds will all get out of my body?? if anyone knows anything about this let me know!  ij sut want to feel normal again.  Thanks

[tambi66]

I have gained 10-15 lbs. since I was on zoloft.  I could never tell if it was my lifestyle or the zoloft.  Now I think it may have been a combo. of the two.  I have always been thin, until now and never had such a hard time losing weight before.  I can't seem to lose any weight.  Now that I am off zoloft, hopefully I can lose some weight.

[NAST Mom]

Almost six years ago I started on Paxil.  Then psychiatrist added Buspar, then Wellbutrin.  Every drug increase, every drug addition caused headaches and flu-like symptoms.  Depression never went away.  I just felt like a zombie on the Paxil.

Symptoms were the same only worse going off, for each one.  I got off all and crashed.  Doctor put me on Zoloft and Xanax.

I felt AWFUL on Zoloft.  Terrible flu-like symptoms going on and up and worse coming down and off.

Two months AFTER being off Zoloft I continued to have withdrawal symptoms  My last Zoloft dose, and I tapered down slowly, was 8-31-06.

I then had to taper down and go off Xanax (last Xanax dose was yesterday, 12-14-06).  Continuing headaches, twitches, flu-like symptoms.

I have read that this is all withdrawal symptoms.

When I got aff Paxil there were no withdrawal symptoms once I was off.  Now, with Zoloft and Xanax, I still am dealing with withdrawal symptoms.

When I question the psychiatrist, who is not really tuned into me, I am told that Xanax is addicting and Zoloft is not.  Zoloft was the worst drug I have ever been on.  To me, the non-medical person, the side effects from Zoloft withdrawal are much worse than the side effects from Xanax (which, I am told, is an addictive drug).

Also, the psychiatrist is much more concerned about the addicitve qualities of Xanax then she is with actually helping me feel better.  I decided that I would be better off if I could just get off everything.

[vickie44]

hi my dr is tapering me off effexor xr 75 mg where i take zoloft 1/2 a pill the 2nd week then a whole pill of 100 mg the 2nd week of tapering off after im through maybe about a month can i just stop the zoloft all together ? im just wondering i havent started the tapering off yet i start next week .my sister said she stopped cold turkey and she said hers was 150 mg so could i do that once the effexor is out of my body? hes having me take 1 effexor for 2 weeks then 1 effexor every other day the 2nd week along with 1/2 a zoloft then the next week go up to the whole pill of zoloft the next week and the stop the effexor so could i also stop the zoloft too ?

[jamcc1977]

I have been on Zoloft for almost 6 years (50mg).  I have tried to "wean" myself off this nasty drug 3 times in the past few yrs, each time with no success.  I tapered my dose down each time little by little over a period of weeks, the last time over a month!  You all know how it feels.  Like death is creeping up on you.  I felt so much like I was going to die that I had to go back on Zoloft.  I want to try to go off Zoloft AGAIN.  I am going to make an appointment with a new doctor to see if there are any medications that will help with the withdrawal symptoms.  

Has anyone been prescribed any kind of sedative, like Ativan or something, to help with the w/d symptoms?  I DO NOT want to go on any other kind of anti depressant - I want to be drug free but I am so nervous about going off Zoloft again without some kind of help.  

[oxide23]

I am experiencing the same thing. Bouts of dizziness and I feel like I am fogging out. I went cold turkey, although I think zoloft helped me for the last 6 months, I'm not myself so I'm bailing out on anti-depressants. Never got over 50 mg a day.

[JudyT]

Hey! I am so glad to have found you all.  I have been on Zoloft 50mg.for about a year and half.  I got on it due to the depression.  I had a 4 year old and a baby and was getting way overwhelmed and stressed.  Felt very irritable all the time and just not myself.  Depression had never been an issure for me before this so I am thinking I want to get this drug out of me and see if I can feel "normal" without it.
I had NO idea of the withdrawal symptoms at ALL!! OMG, if I had known this I would have thought twice about taking it.  Or at least asked if ther was anything else available.
I have gained about 10lbs. which I know is from this drug b/c I am very active and eat ok.  
Anyway, I appreciate reading everyone's posts.  I am going to call my doctor and see about going off gradually.  Of course, now that I have heard from everyone hear, I will take what she says with a grain of salt.
My biggest fear is if I go off, I will have those zaps and all those other side effects for months.  I can't go thru that with two little ones.
Thanks for being here!  I will keep you posted.   Any advice about weaning is appreciated.
Judy

[getwise]

It has been about three months that I am off the zoloft now and the withdrawal effects are still as strong as they were at the beginning. I am beginning to wonder if they ever go away. I did not just stop taking it. Actually, I tapered it off under my doctor supervision. I feel this electric zaps every once in a while. It's really annoying. I feel my eyes are moving very fast. Most of the times when I move my eyes, I get the electric shocks. I feel very moody too.

If only I knew about this before taking this terrible drug. I will never take it again though even if the effects do not go away. It's funny how something harmless like marijuana is criminalized and you have to take weird drugs with lots of serious side effect and withdrawal effects that they prescribe for you!

If I could I would really sue the drug company.

[aspergermom]

Hi.  After reading all the comments, I decided to post for the first time.  I've also tried unsuccessfully to get off Zoloft after taking 50mg./day for a little over a year.  I started taking Zoloft when I had trouble coping with my oldest child's Asperger Syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder) diagnosis, my middle child's explosive temper tantrums, and my youngest's delayed language development.  I could not stop crying--couldn't talk or think about my kids without crying.  Zoloft helped.  I stopped crying.  But I also stopped feeling much of anything, good or bad.  After a year of counseling and support groups and now with my youngest doing much better, I wanted to see how I'd feel and if I could cope without Zoloft. I knew to taper off, but I never expected how intense the withdrawal would be once I went off completely. I can get to about 1/4 of my original dose (taken daily) without many symptoms, but can't get off completely.  I suffered for a about a week, but I was so dizzy and had so many "brain shivers" that I didn't feel safe to drive. Can't have that with 3 kids! So, yesterday, I couldn't stand it anymore and took a 1/4 of a 50mg tablet. Within 2 hours I was pretty much symptom free.  But I still want to get off of this drug!! I've looked at other sites and have seen recommedations for taking Benadryl and Omega 3 fish oil to ease withdrawal symptoms.  Has anyone tried these? I also looked at The Road Back web site.  They have a whole on-line book about getting off antidepressants.  But their main recommendations have to do with taking big doses of "nutritionals" that you should only buy from the vendors they recommend. I'm pretty cynical that kind of sales pitch, but would love to hear if anyone has tried their program.  Good luck and hang in there everyone.

[durangobound]

i am so glad i found this posing.
i did a good long tapering at my doctors suggestion from 200>150>100>50>25>0 and couldn't understand what was happening to me after a few days of discontinuing.
i am angry (well, that's a general state of being at the moment..) that my psychiatrist who insisted on multiple expensive visits "for my medical well being" while on zoloft did not even mention the possibility of this horrible withdrawal.
the past few days i have cancelled plans with friends as i didn't want to pass on the "flu" that i had to them or their kids, cried uncontrollably, freaked out about everything that didn't go the way i hoped, etc.
can someone, anyone, attest to this terrible withdrawal period coming to an end?
any reassurance that this will improve would be like winning the lottery for me.  
please...

[kristin66]

I was starting to think I was completely crazy and pathetic. I decided about a month ago that I would try to swith to Wellbutrin because the Zoloft made me feel tired, unmotivated. lazy etc. I did what I thought was a slow taper from 100mg; I did it over a month while also starting the Wellbutrin xr150mg. I felt pretty good until my last 25mg dose which was about 6 days ago. The my Dr. told me to increase the Wellbutrin to 300mg. The first couple of days I felt kind of "wired" and a little nauseated. By the third day, my emotions were right on the surface. If I merely thought of something sad , I would lose it. I kept disappearing into the bathroom so my husband and kids( yes, 4 of them) wouldn't see me losing it. I feel like  I could barf at any given time. My head feels weird and my vision is a little fuzzy. I feel like I've had a few drinks and have a big f-ing hangover at the same time! I really feel ******. Thank god i don't have that buzzing/zapping thing people are talking about. I haven't cried yet today, so maybe that's progress. If I didn't know better I'd think I was pregnant. But that would require sex...... Any way, I don't want to give up too soon, but I'm so tempted to go to my medicine cabinet and eat a zoloft. I guess I'll restrain myself for now. Did I mention I feel ******?

[walkadoo]

Thank goodness I found you all!  I have been off of zolof for 2 1/2 weeks now -- tapered off like I was supposed to...have been taking it for 8 years now -- 50 mg. a day.  Went to 25 mg. - then went everyother day for about 2 weeks.  No am off completely.  I, too, am very disturbed at the dr.s and drug companies for never explaining the withdrawal symptoms.  If I knew how hard this was going to be, I would've thought twice about starting it for anxiety and post-partum after the birth of my 2nd child.

Anyway, I hope this one thing offers a little hope.  The brain "zaps" have stopped, but I still feel dizzy and when I move too fast, it feels like my head didn't go with my body.  It's so unsettling.  This is the 3rd time I've tried to quit.  The first two times, the withdrawal symptoms were so bad I went back on.  I just want to be synthetic free.  

It comforts me to know that I am not alone. We have to stay together and talk....we can do it!  The symptoms of withdrawal just have to stop -- I just know it.  Stay with me....let's do it together.  Never ever give up....(Ok, Im not always this annoying and happy --ha -- believe me -- quite the opposite - -ask my family)...

[Loretta2007]

I have been on zoloft for about 8 years for OCD. I was taking anywhere from 100 mgs to 150 milligrams for the last couple of years.  But for about a year at one point I was up to 200 mg.  The one good thing about zoloft was that it stopped my OCD symptoms.  But in place of those symptoms, I became numb in my life.  My fear was replaced with numbness.  Honestly, I was okay with that for years because it was better than being overwhelmed by fear all the time.  But I became depressed, which was odd, since I was on such a high dosage of an anti-depressants.  I lost my desire to go out.  I became so reclusive and stopped pursuing my goals in life.  I have also gained weight and have tried so many times to lose it and it would not come off, no matter how often I exercised or what I ate.  I've tried to go off of it in the past and it sucked.  I would cry all the time, which I never did before zoloft.  So I went back on.  That was about 3 years ago.  But I keep gaining wait and am more reclusive than ever.  Not a happy camper.  So about 2 months ago, I started tapering off again since my new doctor has a theory that chemical imbalances stem from hormonal imbalances.  He believes that if he can put my hormones in balance that it may correct my chemical imbalance that causes the OCD.  He says he has gotten others (men and women) off of anti-depressants for good.  He equates zoloft withdrawal to heroine withdrawal.  So I figured I would give it a try.  

I am now totally off the zoloft for about one week and am suffering the brain shivers and the flu-like symptoms and tiredness.  But I think the bioidentical progesterone cream is making it easier than the last time.  My libido came back after using the progesterone for about two weeks.  I am not crying, and I am coming out of my numbing fog.  I am happier.  No OCD symptoms.  I will post when the withdrawal symptoms are gone for good.  

I am not saying this is the answer for anyone.  I just thought I would mention it on the off chance it could help someone.

[brigitte]

hi all, i am having a rotten time coming off zoloft.  i've been on it for about a year and i was tired of feelin chemically induced all the time so i an coming off.  om my god i feel horrible.  the zaps to me are like getting shocked in my face but without the pain or like when you bang your funny bone that boinging feeling, i get that all the time.  i dont have neasea but im soo miserable and mood swings ROTTEN. i have been weening for about a month i hate zoloft bad drug. my eyes and lips are boinging right now  well good luck everyone i hope i make it does anybody know if adavan helps

[michleh]

finally.  i have a place to talk about this.  i've been doing so much reading lately online about the withdrawal problems from ssri's, and i'm shocked that there aren't class action suits all over the place!!!

been on 25 mg for 3 yrs.  tried stopping in aug. of '05 and went ballistic all of the time.  friend finally talked me back onto it.  i returned to the same lame anti-depressed state.  just haven't felt like a normal person participating in life for a looooong time.

i kind of fazed it out again in this past december.  i had spent oct-dec. doing some vitamin therapy for this, but damn, i just got so sick of taking millions of pills every day!  it helped and i have to reconsider going back to him, even though that is not really a financial option because of course that is NOT covered by insurance and it's just wicked expensive.

so i have been off since before the holidays.  had the dizziness, the twitches (while i was on it), much trouble with sleeping through the night, night sweats, the ol' detached feeling.  it's like the front of my brain feels like lead.

then i woke up one day a week ago and every cell in my body was irritated.  by everything.  i have been raging and angry for 3 days!  and since i have a 3 yr old it's awful!  i just keep sending her to another room and telling her it's not her fault i'm angry, then i cuss out the planet!  then i cry for a while, then i move like an automaton through the rest of the day.  just trying to get the basics done so i feel like i have made some contribution that is positive for the day.  even laundry offers no feeling of 'wow, i just made my life nicer by having clean clothes'.  

and driving?  if i get in the car i put myself at risk for road rage.  i drive side streets to avoid other cars so i have less opportunities for anger triggers.  (kind of like i've been driving through my life lately, kwim?)

it seems to have calmed down the past 3 days, but the flat emptiness is all i feel.  and irritation.  no satisfaction.  no amusement.  nothing.  

i went to my doc 2 days ago.  told him i weaned myself off of zoloft.  of course, he's not happy to be included in my efforts.  not that he ever participated in the damn prescribing of it anyway.  i asked him if he was familiar with the 'DISCONTINUATION SYNDROME'.  his response was that i could come back when i was ready to try something else...  like next week.  fortunately i didn't tell him to f*** off!  i didn't even throw the PROZAC BACKLASH book i brought with me (as further evidence).  he just said that we could investigate other anti-depressants when i felt ready, especially since i had a small child.  

i just don't want to be stuck on any of them for life!  it ain't right, you know?  and i feel okay in these few minutes.

[Amy]

I, like all of you, am very happy I found this web site.  It has made me feel better.  I have been on Zoloft for anxiety for around 2-3 years and range from 50 - 100 mg.  Most recently I have been on 100 mg for about 8 months and was 50 before that.  Anyway, I started weaning down from 100 to 50 about 12 days ago.  I did about 1 week of taking 100 one day and 50 the next and then just started taking 50 every day.  I plan to take the 50 for about another 4-6 weeks and then go to 25 and then to 0.  However, I think the first weaning step I took was too quick maybe because I have had awful withdrawal symptoms.  Emotionally I feel excellent, believe it or not.  I'm happier and actually less anxious since I cut my dose in 1/2.  However, physically I have been feeling BAD!  I feel like I have the flu and it's been that way for almost the entire 12 days that I've reduced the dose.  I feel weak, achy and have sore muscles.  I also get headaches every so often but they are not too bad.  Of course the anxiety in me starts to worry that something is wrong w/ my immune system or my health because I've felt flu like for almost 2 weeks.  But, after reading what you all wrote in here, I see I am not alone in this "flu" thing.  Anyway, I'd love feedback and wish you all (and me too, hehe) the best of luck w/ going off this medicine!  :)

[eirini]

Dear fellow zoloft withdrawal sufferers!
We have these symptoms in common and our feelings about doctors in common. I have been on zoloft 100mg for three years. This is me second attempt. It has been one month a and I am on 1/2 half a tablet every second day. I have stressful life, working mother with intense family. It is, as with you, excruciating. The only aspect that is different from all these posts is : A NATUROPATH! I would not be able to do this if I wasn't taking a solution from a good naturopath. Walk alot, eat well and drink a lot of water. Pace yourself. Take one day a time. Thinking is also important. You can think your way out of these negative ruts. There is always a light in the tunnel. Have something to look forward to everyday. Give your life some purpose. So cliche! but so true! Make sure your naturopath is a good one. Anti depressents are a walking stick for a short time not for years! Good Luck!!!

[CraftyCrazy]

I'm back.  I lost my bookmarks and thankfully found the site and the board and the post again!

I'm still zapping, not as frequent but still enough to keep me complaining.  It's been a few months since I've taken my last dose of Zoloft and despite it's half life, I still feel like I'm withdrawing.  I am currently not medicated for my Bipolar and that's not working out well either.  I cry for everything and have the usual mental issues associated.

Back to the zaps though, the best way I could describe it to my neurologist was after the brain jolt, it felt as if my insides, brain matter included, were pouring out of my eye sockets in waves with my body soon to follow.  She looked at my history of migraines and said that's what these were.

Ummm, no, I don't think so.  I've been brought to my knees, with the aura, pain, vomiting all associated with a full blown migraine.  The zaps ain't that.  She said that as we get older, I'll be 40 this year, the body chemistry changes and this is a type of migraine that the Zoloft was masking.  Personally, I'd like to say the Zoloft caused it.  She wants to treat it with Topamax.

I was supposed to start at 25mgs. last week, increase each week by 25mgs. until I'm at a daily 100mg. dosage.  Follow up with her for blood work to determine the incidence of kidney stones and if they'll develop while taking this medication.  She says this blood test will determine if I'll get them or not.  Bloods come back negative, no stones ever from the Topamax.  I don't buy it so if anyone here has better or different insight, please let me know.

I won't mind the Topamax for the weight loss side affects, but something tells me I won't get that lucky.  I've read it renamed as Dopamax, because it makes you dumber than a box of rocks and I don't any more cognitive impairment than I already have naturally.

One thing with the zaps that I noticed for myself is while they aren't as frequent as they were initially, if I'm sleep deprived or get aggrevated in any way, I can be assured I'll be zapping.

Hope everyone here dealing with this is doing as well (and even better) than expected!

[jenn07]

I started zoloft back in March of 06. I was admitted to a behavioral center for severe postpartum depression. There i discovered i also had OCD,MDD,Panic Disorder, Postpartum depression and slight agoraphobia. There i was started on the zoloft. For about the first four months, i would have some really good days but mostly bad. I still cried. Sometimes i felt as if i would crawl out of my skin. I would feel SO irritated that i felt i would lose it. Finally this stopped. Thank god. Then started to feel like myself again. I was glad to have it because without it i dont know what would have happened to me. I feel i am ready to start the tapering off process but im afraid. I was on paxil before and the brain zaps were awful and that was only at ten miligrams. I am on 200 miligrams of zoloft so i can only imagine what it will be like. I missed two doses last week and became so dizzy and so sick to my stomach i couldnt stand it. Like i said before though i am happy to have the drug because it help me get my life back. I guess your damned if you do and damned if you dont.

[CanadaMomOfTwo]

I've tried to ween off of Zoloft a few times now and I always do it very slowly over an extended period of time and I am only on 50mg for goodness sakes and I ALWAYS get crazy... nausea, no appetite (the only bonus is the weight loss!), dizziness, brain zaps, and uncontrollable mood swings! I can barely hold in the yelling (and often let it alllll out) and screaming and swearing. My tell tale sign of getting depressed is that I start cursing under my breath (as not to let my little girls hear me) at every little thing I try to do! It's like I feel there is a vendetta against me. Like every little thing is out to anger me. I want to get pregnant one more time. I thought weaning off of Zoloft would be kind of easy since I take such a low dose. But I get soooo sick and soooo down/anxious and how can I live like that? It turns my whole life upside-down and that of my family. What to do????

[Harry Webb From Australia]

I have been very intrested in this site and feel it's necessary for everybody to get there point accross I have a friend who lives in the hills so I don't live near him but he is on Zoloft and has some serious effects whilst on the drug such effects ive seen in him were on 50ml a day he became very paroniod and it was like he did'nt know me he was such a different person even though I still want to be friends with him because I still care about him. I wanted to talk to him about it but felt he may see it as been a threat to him (aged 18)

I've tried to talk to his parents about him been on zoloft saying that i don't think psychiatricly it's doing him much good I have tried Zoloft before but had shaking side effects been cold etc and then been hot when it was cold. I now take Lovan (formally Prozac) I've also beeen on Prozac but it didn't do anything I find that Lovan helps a bit my question is should I approach him with my views explain to him why I don't think Zoloft is doing him good especially with the helusioations, seeing things that arn't there.

I feel terribly sorry for him but he may react of cause I'm not really answering for proffessional advice or anything it's just that I've seen people suffering that was brought out in a movie called Prozac Nation.

I've decided to give him some space for at least 1 year whether that means I'm a good friend it's just i'm sure everybody here can relate to the suffering that these drugs can do when starting and going off whether that's lovan or Zoloft. I'd like to know what other people think as well feel free to write in anytime

Mental health is very hard for everybody after working with an orginazation in australia called Diamond Clubouse I used to and still do call people from the job who sound just as lonely and depressed as I am deep down
Thaughts of souicide can go through my head but I realise that this is happening to everybody else.

I have had some issues with lovan but I think it's one thing we all wish for is the drugs we take in the world do us only good and block out the bad side effects.
I do see a psychiatrist but it's all a very slow process recovering is a hard work for me to say it also would be for others
Ive found that reading is getting my mind off my friends problem the other thing is as soon as I help someone they seem to want to think it's wrong and that I feel at times the best thing to do is just sit at home until I die. But I still have both my parents alive which is ok for a 19 year old I'll keep on this all year and probaly into next.

I think one of the biggest problems we face people with mental health problems is how society looks at us I was just called a nutter by a person who shall remain unidentified. Society forces us into what I call a box and we are all suppost to fit into a certain box providing that is away from the so called "normal" or "Sane" person

More and more people now won't have anything to do with me this upsets me becuase I'm a good guy I go out and work but I feel that the world really doesn't want me Mum and my dad only try to find distractions for me such as buying me a computer the fact is I don't want to be alone forever Can you help thanks harry

[Torontoguy36]

I have been on generic brand Zoloft Apo-setraline for 8 years. Doses varied between 25-100mg a day. I tried to come off twice the last time being about 5 years ago. I went from 100 to 50mg over 30days with minimum withdrawal then down to 25 I had about three weeks of mild symptoms then i went off..Within a week I was back on as I was experiencing the classic stuff....foggy head.anxiety and palpitations...sometimes it felt like my heart was missing beats I was told by my uninformed doctor there was no side effects and obviously I needed it. Partly my fault as when I was on it I felt pretty good for the most part and could function and never really educated myself about the drug and its withdrawal effect.  Basically I feel I was misdiagnosed because he said I felt that way because I needed the drug. Its been 5 years and finally last may I decided after educating myself that I dont need the drug and did my own taper off plan.  May 2006 I decreased from 100mg a day to 50mg..I stayed on 50mg for 3 months with little change of how I felt..I went down to 25mg in Septemeber still ok and then I bought empty gelcaps and split into approx 12.5 mg a day for 30 days. A little edgy with some headaches and stuff but no big deal. Then I split 25mg gelcaps into 4 pills so i was down to about 6mg a day. I was still ok and figured the worst would be behind me as 6mg is nothing. I took my last 6mg pill on Jan17th and on  Feb6th I started to get foggy headed. Within 2 days I have started to develop trouble sleeping...Its like I am tired but just as I am starting to fall asleep I get like an energy jolt to wake me...not a brain zap but just jolts. My sensory overload is high.If i move my head too quick i get dizzy. I am always lightheaded and am of course starting to get over anxious that im going to fail. Im rying to keep positve and hope it passes. I even planned to come off the medication as I quit a cusotmer serivce job i have been in for 15 years as it is high stress and I am not married with no kids so I invested my money and sold my house and am just staying with my parents for a few months to tie up loose ends befire I leave. I KNew I would have withdrawl and I knew based on reading forums what to expect and figured I would just hang out and deal with it...Eliminating the stresses in my life should help....but I am sitting here honestly worried if I can conquer it. I was put on this med after I had a hyposadius surgery on my penis which as a result i got a severe testicle infection and was in very extremem pain for 2 months and couldnt cope. That was when i originally got put on Zoloft..Anyway that is my story and although there is nothing quite helpful in this info i just figured people like to hear others experiences. i enjoy reading about other people in the same boat as myself and I really hope to god I can beat this thing for good ..I aprreciate any help at all or suggestions that can make this easier..thx Mike

[Harry Webb From Australia]

HEY MIC I READ YOUR MESSAGE THERE i THINK YOU SHOULD TRY ANOTHER DRUG IF YOU CAN AND SEE YOUR DOCTOR MORE FREQUENTLY IF YOU SEE A PSYCHIATRIST AS I DO I THINK YOU NEED TO TELL HIM EVERYTHING THAT'S BOTHERING YOU SOMETIMES THE MOST SIMPLEST PROBLEMS IN LIFE CAN MAKE YOU THINK THEY ARE MAJOR. i FEEL SORRY FOR YOU BECUASE I TOO FEEL PAIN PARTICULY WITH MY FAMILY ONE OF THE THINGS IN LIFE IS TO NEVER GIVE UP IVE JUST HAD SOMEONE DIE IN MY FAMILY BUT FOR SOME REASON IT ISN'T AFFECTING ME MAYBE I TRY TO HIDE MY REAL FEELINGS MIKE ZOLOFT HAS A BAD REPUTATION FOR IT'S SIDE EFFECTS I REMEMBER ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO WHEN MY BROTHER WAS ON IT AND HOW IT CHANGED HIS PERSONALITTY AND GENERAL ATTIDUDE OF LIFE I'VE BEEN TRYING TO FIND SOME BOOKS ON DEPRESSION AND HOW THE WORLD LOOKS DOWN ON THE ISSUE SO FAR I'VE FOUND A FEW GOOD BOOKS. ID LIKE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU ON THIS THIS IS A FIGHT WE CAN WIN IT JUST DEPENDS ON WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE I HIDE A HEAP OF THINGS AT THE MOMENT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY IT'S NO GOOD BUT EVERYBODY IS DOING IT I DON'T FEEL CLOSENESS TO MY PARENTS AND THIS REALLY HURTS ALL IM SAYING IS I THNK DRUGS WHATEVER THEY MAY BE MAY NOT HELP THE WAY WE WANT THEM TO MY PSYCHIATRIST HAS SAID THAT A LOT OF TIMES
THEN MIKE I THINK TO MY FRIENDS AND HOW MUCH I NEED THEM BUT I STILL SIT AROUND BY MYSELF BUT I WANT TO BE EVERYBODY'S FRIEND EVERYBODY CAN SAY THAT I OR EVEN US MAY HAVE SOME CONDITION BUT IT;S JUST THERE WAY OF COVERING UP WHAT IS REALLY BOTHERING ALL OF US IVE NEVER REALLY OPENED UP MUCH OVER THE WEB BUT FELT THAT YOU DESERVE TO KNOW HOW I FEEL IN YOUR SITUATION PERHAPS WE SHOULD TRY AND THINK ABOUT THE FIRST MAJOR PROBLEM IN YOUR LIFE TRY TO HAVE A CHECKLIST AND SAY TO YOURSELF THAT YOU WANT TO START BY SOLVING ONE PROBLEM IN YOUR LIFE. FOR EXAMPLE MY MAIN PROBLEM IN MY LIFE IS MY BEST FRIEND HIS NAME IS DAVID SHAFTED ME AND GOT A RESTRAING ORDER ON ME THAT IN MY LIFE WOULD BE THE FIRST THING I'D WANT TO SORT OUT TRY TO DO SOME REASEARCH ONLINE ABOUT ALL THE DIFFERENT DRUGS AND THERE SIDE EFFECTS YOU COULD ALSO TRY WHAT I'M ON AS A SUGGESTION I'M ON LOVAN FORMALLY KNOWN AS PROZAC. THERE ARE STILL SOME SIDE EFFECTS WITH LOVAN BUT IT CAN EFFECT EVERYBODY DIFFERENTLY LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GO AND JUST KNOW THAT PEOPLE OUT THERE EVEN IF IT'S JUST ONE PERSON IN THE WORLD CARE ABOUT YOU.

[L.C.]

I am just reading with interest your messages and advise and was hoping for some feedback also.  I have been on 100mg of zoloft since august 2006, while my husband was undergoing heart surgeries and kids in college, etc.  I have always had trouble swallowing pills and crush them and take them at night.  I have not taken them for 3 nights now and the only symptom I feels is I am very tired at night, like falling asleep around 8:00.  I guess my question is will more symptoms come or is this not even a symptom.  I am wondering if perhaps I should take a 1/2 a pill today and just go from there?  Sorry to ramble, lots of thoughts and hard to put into words.  All of you please take care.

[Harry Webb From Australia]

Hi I juat read your comment about you been on 100mg a day it's very hard I think to judge what is the right dosage It's funny you should say that you have trouble taking the tablets from what I know they are fairly large tablets each. I would keep seeing your doctor and tell him everything that's going on I also think sleeping patterns are only judged by those around you, When your at work etc I would say an earlier time to hit bed would be if by about 6am then try to get to bed earlier by then.

It could also be stress related or something going on for you like your husband's heart problem. Hope this has helped a bit

[widow me]

I have been taking Zoloft for 7 months, 25 mg. I began my tappering 10 days ago and am completely off now. The first few days, no side effects at all. Now, I can't get up without horrible dizziness. Someone had to drive me home from work and walk me into my house so I wouldn't fall down.
Was it worth it? No. I wish I had never taken Zoloft.
Someone suggested accupuncture. It helped her quite a bit. Good luck.

[Tom Butler]

Hello everyone.  I have read, with great interest, all the problems everyone is having w/Zoloft withdrawl.

I ran out of meds about 2 weeks ago, and I've quit "cold turkey".  I was on 100 mgs./day.

I have been having severe flu-like symptoms, lost of coughing, joint pain (so bad in my toes, I can hardly walk), and pains in the rib cage.  'Not sure if this is withdrawl or not.  Can anyone advise?

I also just feel like I'm falling apart.  I told a friend today, that if I don't get better soon, I was just going to throw in the towel.

Oh, well.  I'll just keep plugging along.  Perhaps some of you can give me some additional insite.

Thanks, and best of luck to all of you.

Tom Butler

[shannon235]

I have been taking 100mg of Zoloft for about 5-6 months. I have been looking up side effects of this SSRI inhibitor. The only thing I realized what was happening was that I was gaining weight for no apparent reason. I am usually 105-110 pounds. Ever since I started Zoloft, I am now 120 pounds. But this is not an issue to me. I have decided to take control of my anxiety and Depression in a natural way. I decided to slowly taper off of Zoloft by taking 50mg then to 25mg and so on. It has been about 2 weeks since I have not been on this inhibitor and it is the worst thing EVER!! I can not eat without vomiting. I feel like I have the flu because I get extremely nautious! I feel like someone is zapping my head with electricity and I am very light headed. I feels like I have been on a roller coaster all day and I can not get rid of the motion sickness. I have also been getting frequent migraines as well.  I am dizzy all of the time!!!
I have been reading people's comments on this medication as well as other Antidepressants. Some people said that their doctor wants them to try a new medication. Please do not do such a thing. It is uncomforting to know that we need to take a pill everyday just to be able to function! I think there are better ways to go about dealing with anxiety and depression. Exercise is a great way to make yourself feel great! Eating right, taking warm baths, talking to a therapist and talking yourself through what you are feeling. Maybe this advice is not for everyone but I believe it is the healthiest route.
Anyways, my question is: How long will I be feeling like this? I can not afford to feel like this since I am in college and I need to feel up to going to class and studying! I am extremely concerned. I am going to the doctor's tomorrow(02-14-07). I wish everyone the best that is dealing with this as well. My worst fear is that I will be suffering from withdrawals for the rest of my life in some shape or form. Oh and Jimmy, I feel your pain. Wish you well.

[shannon235]

For the one whos doctor wants you to go from Zoloft to Lexapro, do not do it. This is just my opinion. I know that all of our bodies are different but I had worse side effects from Lexapro than I have been having the withdrawals from Zoloft. I ended up in the ER because of Lexapro. And I am afraid I will end up there again from the horrible, painful withdrawals from Zoloft.

[Den_Mama]

Oh, thank you everyone!  I am so relieved to see that the symptoms I'm curently experiencing are actually caused by zoloft withdrawal.  I was getting a little scared it could be something more serious.

I started taking zoloft (150mg) when I was going through postpartum depression about a year ago.  Now I've weaned myself off of it and haven't had any for a week.  I'm so dizzy and tired, and am also quite uncomfortable driving.  I had one day of utter insanity - crying all day, feeling angry and agitated and I even yelled at the baby once.  That's when I called the hubby to come home and care for the baby before I snapped!

Also, I'm still breastfeeding, and I think that my daughter is also suffering some withdrawal symptoms.  I know they say that only trace amounts of the drug go into the breastmilk, but I'm inclined to believe that's not quite true.  Or, if it is true, I'm guessing it doesn't take more than a trace amount to affect the little bodies of babies.  Anyway, during this week my daughter has been unusually cranky and clingy, and she has been losing her balance a lot more when toddling around, or even just standing.  My husband noticed this even before we made the possible withdrawal connenction.  So, breastfeeding moms, I encourage an even slower wean from the drug for your little one's sake!

[CraftyCrazy]

For what it's worth, here's the schedule I followed.  Why I say for what it's worth is because still, to this day, 5 months after my last Zoloft dosage, I am still suffering withdrawal syptoms (symptoms).

Cut down the dosage by 25 mgs. every 14 days.  This means every two weeks, you'll be taking less.  When you get down to 25 mgs. a day, don't just stop.  Cut that in half taking 12.5 mgs. a day for 14 days.  I found this schedule to be helpful WHILE coming off.  I didn't experience any of the flu-like symptoms, aches or pains.  Just the jolting brain zaps that I'm still dealing with now.  I was literally incapacitated by them from 1PM yesterday afternoon until 9AM this morning.  Talk about time/life lost.

I was supposed to start Topamax 3 weeks ago and I haven't.  Like someone else here in this thread said, the medical profession thinks we need one pill after another, everyday just to fuction.   It may be true but I don't like it.

I feel everyone's pain here.

[herbgarden]

It was great to find this site as I took myself off Zoloft cold turkey one week ago. I was on 50mg/day for anxiety and depression. I've been on it for about 1 1/2yrs. and have gained 15#, even with exercise. Since coming off, I had three days of terrible headaches, body aches and fatigue. It seems to be letting up the past couple of days. Now I'm starting to feel anxious again and quite weepy. I also have been waking up frequently during the night. Maybe that's withdrawal too?? I can't decide if it's better to be calm and overweight (not feeling very good about my bigger self) or proportioned and anxious? Anyway, I don't like the idea of being on a pill the rest of my life. How long are you supposed to take this stuff anyway? If it helps a chemical imbalance does that mean we can't be normal without it? Has anyone found anything a little more natural that helps? It was great to be on it the first year, but now I'm not sure I want to deal with all the side effects of being on it and coming off it. Hang in there everbody.

[closer43]

Good Evening,

I've been reading the forum and decided it was time to write.  I have been on Zoloft for over 12 years longer than anyone who has posted here.  I had a hysterectomy and was depressed from surgical menopause and that is where it began.

I wish you all could visit the Psychiatrist I have here in Tampa, Florida.  He really gets what these drugs do to you and there is no sugar coating it.  Yes, you do gain weight!  If you have a history of weight problems they only get worse!  Most people will gain 20-30lbs over a span of 10 years.  You also will find that you crave carbs.  Your brain becomes numb and so does your metabolism.  I always thought I was crazy no matter how hard I worked out it still was a battle and the cravings were always there.  He is the only one who has explained to me and encouraged me to re-think if I still needed the Zoloft.  My intern doctor told me years ago that Zoloft has little side affects and that weight gain is a myth. My butt didn't look like a myth.

With the help of my doctor I'm getting off Zoloft.  I was on 50mg daily.  He first put me on 50mg daily, except Tues, Thurs, and Sat. 25 mg.  This lasted for three weeks.  I then went on 25 mg. for two weeks.  Then I stopped two weeks ago.  He warned me about the side affects and also gave me medicine to help.  He told me I would experience panic attacks, loss of sleep at night, out of body experiences and also I would feel alot of rage.  To combat these symptons he gave me 25mg of Xanax to take at the beginning of an attack and Ambiance to take if I had trouble sleeping.  He explained there is no easy way to come off this medicine just keep remembering mind over matter when the panic attacks start.  He also suggested to increase my exercise with alot of cardio 4 to 6 times a week which would help with the rage.

I was also informed that it will take about two more weeks to get through the above, but the panic attacks are less often and the rage is getting better.  As far as the metabolism he told me it would take 6-8 weeks before my body would start to return to normal.  At that time I could expect a significant drop in weight.  It has been a very hard road, probably one of the hardest things I've had to do.  When I started on this medicine 12 years ago they really didn't have all this information.  I believe that when most people have had suggested to them to take a drug such as Zoloft it helps a great deal.  I only wish that more doctors would re-evaluate the reason you are on, how long you have been on, and if you still need.   Thank you.

[Rich_wants_to_be_normal]

Has anyone had a delayed reaction to coming off Zoloft?  I was taking 50-75 mg daily for anxiety disorder for about one and a half years.  The meds in conjunction with some great therapy made me feel like I no longer wanted to pop the pills every day.  I took myself off gradually back in August 06 and felt pretty good.  I thought I had this anxiety thing beat until about two weeks ago.  Now I’m all torn up…constant anxiety, sweating, nervousness, and general ugliness all over.  I’m jumpy, twitchy, and can’t seem to focus.  I worry about a lot that is silly and it’s affecting my job and family life.  I’m getting ill driving and anticipating having to interact socially.  I’m back with my shrink and we’re looking at this as a temporary bought of anxiety.  However, I think he’s leaning towards going backing on the meds since it appeared to offer relief.  Reading about all the terrible side effects (some of which I experienced first hand) I’m not sure I want to go back on meds.  Is there anything else that could be as successful at controlling my anxiety?  I’m up for meditation, yoga, self-help books, whatever.  Frustrated and on the edge in Colorado.

[tilly53]

my daughter has suffered from panic attacts since she was 10 years old.  she was started on prozac for 3 yrs then zoloft 25, 50, 75, 100, she was on 100 for 2 yrs.  then 125, 150.  she was a zombie so we started our first taper very slowly.  wow!  got her down to 100 again then waited 1 year to start again.  this time we used the road back program.  they are wonderful about answering any questions you have and helping everone to cope.  we started the 2nd taper in may 06 and she took her last dose on july10, 06.  it,s been 71/2 months no zoloft and she has started behavior therapy.  it has been the hardest thing she or our family have ever been through.  i still don,t know for sure she,ll be able to stay off,  but every day she makes it is a victory.  i wish i had never let a dr. talk to her for 15 min. then put her on med. the main reason i,m writing is to say  that "the road back program" is really legit.  i don,t work for them. hope this helps someone.

[Yowza]

I'm glad to see that I'm not alone. That really helps. I've taken Zoloft 50mg for over 2 years for depression..ups and downs. The first time I stopped taking Zoloft was after jaw surgery, and oddly enough after 5 days was more concerned with the withdrawal symptoms from the Zoloft (although I didn't know that's what it was at the time) than I was with my broken face. This is while on pain meds. I thought they might be the cause. I realized at about day 5 that I hadn't taken the zoloft and that might be the cause. I took one dose and the brain zaps stopped. That scared me.
I am so pissed off at the doctors for not telling me about the withdrawal symptoms and even more pissed off at the drug company for not making the information known. It bothers me to hear so many people telling their doctors and the doctors trying to place the blame elsewhere. The "brain shocks" are horrendous. I started tapering down last week (about 6 days ago) from 50 - 25 mg. I have three kidlets, a job, I'm serving w/ two non profits and spend three days a week at the kids' school. I can't miss work...I need the insurance! I'm in a mess...(I can see ya'll understand). This is only after tapering down for the last week from 50 to 25 mg. If ya'll said it will be fine in two weeks I'd deal with it. This is nuts. I'm nauseous and the brain zaps are terrible. (and it's 1 am and I'm anxious!) I'll pray for you...you pray for me?
Maybe lawyers are good for something...this is rediculous, and it shouldn't be o.k. in the medical era we're in now.
God Bless...

[tilly53]

like i have already posted, my daughter has been off zoloft for 71/2 mo.  any time she does any kind of hard activity she goes into withdrawal.  every dr. i,ve mentioned this to says it,s impossible,  but the symptoms are the same each time.  i really don,t think there are very many people who understand or have any knowledge of how long it takes some people to recover from these med.s  i,ve looked on many different sites and cannot find anyone who has been able to stay off.  this is so frightening to me as her mother.  again the supplements, especially the o,mega 3,s do help.  it really has to be a high quality to work EHA, DHA has to be a high ratio.  i found ours at a compound pharmacy.  it really helps with the head zaps. hope this helps someone.

[Baton Rouge, La. U.S.A.]

Wow.  I feel so betrayed by the "doctors".  At 21 years old, when my GrandFather died, I was put on an antidepressant to deal with "situational depression".  It was Prozac; didn't work; made me suicidal!  This was for a few weeks.  Then, Nardil, along with nitroglycerin (the doctor said the nitro was to be used when the Nardil gave me heart flutters, not "if", but "when", so...I followed his instructions.  

I felt like I was dying when an ambulance came to get me out of my apartment.  Combination of Nardil, nitro, Xanax and Heineken.  The medication was making me soooooo depressed that I began to drink with it.  Doctor/Therapist switched me to...

The ZOLOFT. The new "miracle drug" was prescribed to me.  Along with Xanax. To all of you who are reading this, know this: it has been virtually impossible to come off of Zoloft.

I came off of Xanax, guys.  I can NOT get off of Zoloft.  My last true "attempt" landed me in a "nervous breakdown"--- in an E.R.  The hospital sent me to a rehab facility, which, in turn, put me BACK on Zoloft. This was $10,000 for a few days of talking amongst people who were there for crack, heroine, and other "street drugs".  

To read the word "brain zap" on these pages only confirms this "withdrawal syndrome" you all have mentioned. The feelings of imbalance on my feet, weepiness, eye twitching, sparkles of white light shocks, waves of darkness.  Feeling like my body is walking in front of my head.  Stuttering.  Jaw clenching.  Inability to sleep without something like Benadryl.  

Guys, I've been on it since it "hit the market".  So, longer than anyone here.  I've been unable to get off of it for longer than 2 weeks. A general sense of being down in a f'g hole ALWAYS brings me back to ZOLOFT.

To this end, I wish you all the best.  I'm going back on it after 10-18 hellish days.  I don't want to "lose it" and end up with a huge hospital bill AND the total embarassment of being in a "padded room", so to speak.

Robyn



  

[Harry Webb From Australia]

Hi to all, I've been very intrested in reading each comment I think again that all of us just need to keep experimenting with different medication and perhaps not just zoloft. This Drug seems to have a very bad reputation.

Good luck to all who are struggling at the moment I am finding it hard to go outside most people see that as been unusual but those are some of the things we are all dealing with Keep fighting Harry

[PollyEsther]

Hello to all you wonderful people!

I'm brand spanking new to this forum so here's a little about me;

I'm a Registered nurse with 10 years experience in ER, ICU and Hospice.

Four years ago I was diagnosed with panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and then went on to develop Agoraphobia (I don't like to leave the house).

I won't bore you all with the details but the short version is that eventually I ended up on 150mg Zoloft once a day.  As well as Clonazepam (which did NOTHING).

I'm here to share with you all my experiences from both sides of the fence so to speak.

You would think being a registered nurse would some how assist me in receiving good treatment?  WRONG.

You may have experienced this as well, but it seems as though as soon as a medical person reads PANIC DISORDER on your chart they STOP LISTENING.

I was in the emergency room on one particular visit and was told by the attending "Maybe you are just afraid of dying?".

It was at that point I decided to take my healthcare into my own hands.

Due to the medical community NOT LISTENING I suffered the following problems after they insisted it was "ALL IN MY HEAD".

1).  Pnuemonia (pneumonia)
2).  Diabetes  (<--suggested to be linked to Zoloft)!
3).  Vaginal yeast infections
4).  Hypotension
5).  Dizziness, EXTREME fatigue, weight gain ect...ect...

I made a decision to wean myself off the Clonazepam and Zoloft after explaining AGAIN AND AGAIN to several physicians that I was having side effects and I did not like them.  No one listened.

I have successfully weaned myself off Clonazepam and that was not difficult.

I quit smoking nearly two years ago after approximately a pack a day habit of +15 years and let me tell you what that was NOTHING compared to weaning myself off this Zoloft!

I clearly explained my brain "zapping" symptoms to several physicians and they looked at me like I was completely nuts!  (I must be right? after all I have panic attacks and am on mental disability!).

This forum was the FIRST TIME EVER I have read other people's accounts of these brain zaps!!!!!

It's like a fraction of a second and feels like you maybe grabbed on to a low voltage electrical wire?  Almost as if your brain in jerking?

I'm down to 50mg of Zoloft and had decided to just go completely off.  Bad move.  Only lasted 2 days.  I just took my 50mg tab because I know that within about 2 hours I will be feeling better.

Then in about 2 days, I'm going to go down to 25mg then MAYBE just maybe I will get off these things forever.

ALSO:

(Sorry for all the capital letters but I'm just SO EXCITED TO HAVE FOUND THIS FORUM AND YOU ALL!!!)

If you are currently on Zoloft HAVE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR CHECKED!!!

Over the course of 3 years I became increasingly tired.  I mean towards the last I was sleeping 3 hour naps at a time.  Of course then, I gained weight.  This made me even more tired.  VICIOUS cycle.

We fortunately received a new doctor in this town and I went to see him and he LISTENED.  

Come to find out I HAVE DIABETES!  (All in my head 'eh?)

Here's the interesting part;

ZOLOFT causes a lowering of potassium.
Blood tests revealed that my potassium was low.
Low potassium can cause your body to PRODUCE LESS INSULIN.

Result?  Increased fat, increased weight gain, increased blood sugar.  DIABETES.

As I have reduced my Zoloft, my blood sugars have steadily come down.  My potassium levels have come back to normal.

Sorry for the long winded post.  I am just so thrilled to have found this site!

Zoloft needs to be pulled off the market.

Here's some food for thought:

There's a diabetic epidemic in the United States.

17 million people currently have diabetes.

Diagnosis for depression is at an all time high.

Prescriptions for antidepressants like Zoloft are also at an historic high.

Could there be a link?  I think so.

Take care,
Polly Esther

[Ymie]

I've been on zoloft for about 4 months, a low dose of 50 mg. which I tapered to 25 mg the last month.
Then I stopped. the first days were ok, but on the third or fourth day it all started: the electric waves, extremely fatige, my eyes hurt, moody, nausiated, feeling down, irratable, agressive feelings. How long will this last? It's already been 2 weeks since the last dose. Reading about people who have still these symptoms after months is really scary...I'm going to the doctor Wednesday, 28th, see what she has to say abput this. I'm not going to take this drug again, that's for sure. It's unacceptable that nothing about this is mentioned in the medication instructions you get from your pharmacist.
Please keep us posted you all about how you all are doing!

[Baton Rouge, La. U.S.A.]

I "posted" a comment yesterday and noticed that I failed to mention I am now 39.  I began Zoloft in my early 20's.  

Since I've found no way to successfully be "off" of Zoloft due to the "withdrawal syndrome", my wish at this point is for the manufacturer to give me complimentary Zoloft.  I wonder if anyone has any information on this.  

Even with the introduction of the alleged "generic", the cost of Zoloft breaks me! I'm faced with just "dealing with it"--- that quite possibly my body has been rewired, so to speak, due to this medication.  

So, since there is no answer I can find anywhere on the internet, or from doctors, I'm resigned to the fact that I just have to keep taking it.

Without it, I am in a deeper hole than I was ORIGINALLY in when the "doctors" started prescribing it for me.

Please advise if anyone here knows how to get Zoloft (complimentary) from Pfizer. (spelling?)

Robyn

[magpie2007]

  Hi...Pollyesther....you said that you've successfully "weaned" off of the clonazepam? Could you please tell me how much you were on and how long and most important.....how did you get off of it??

[magpie2007]

I think that every one here is tappering to fast.It needs to be VERY SLOW and I beleive only 10% off of your original dose and so on.do this every 2 weeks and see how you feel.Doctors suck!!They need to be more educated on S.S.R.I.'s and BENZO'S and on withdrawl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Please Go to paxilprogress.com.It's free and there is ALLOT of supportive people and ALLOT of information.....

[karenkarenkaren]

I have been on antidepressants since I was 12.  I am now in my thirties and am once again struggling to wean myself off.  I was recently told that I was suffering from Serotonin Syndrome after having visited numerous doctors, hospitals, etc. I was experiencing symptoms similar to MS and had MRI's, CT scans, x-rays, etc.  I could not walk straight, think clearly, speak correctly, hold a pen or pencil, etc.  I had tremors that were so intense that taking a bath was like being in the ocean.   The cure for Serotonin Syndrome is, of course, stopping the antidepressant.  

I have been on Zoloft for years.  I have mentioned the brain zaps to doctors before and generally they think I am crazy.  In fact, I once went to an emergency room because of the zaps.  A friend of mine, an EMT, became so scared of my constant zapping that he thought I was having a stroke.  The doctor in the ER suggested that I see a psychiatrist.  Question:  What are these zaps?  What damage is done to us due to them?  

Anyhow, I am now in the depths of the weaning process.  I am no longer myself.  I have no remembrance of what used to make me happy.  I think mainly very gloomy thoughts.  I get angry over just about everything.  I no longer speak to people. I no longer answer the phone when it rings.  My body is in intense pain...as if I am slowly becoming petrified.  The list goes on...
I was told to cut my 100mg pill in half and to do that for a week and then cut that in half, etc.  I have not done that.  I know better.  I have cut 1/4 off of the 100mg pill and will do that for a few weeks.  If the weaning process is this intense for me now, what would I be like if I had followed the advice of my doctor?

Clearly, there is a massive problems here.  Something needs to be done.  I have begun to research the effects that weaning off of Zoloft can have.  I am not surprised to find suicide, homicide, abuse, loss of jobs, loss of families, etc. among the multiple lists of side-effects.  How is this medication legal?  

I am happy to have found this site because it brings some peace knowing that I am not alone.  However, I am saddened to find that others have experienced similar withdrawal symptoms.  I only wish there was something that could be done.  

[magpie2007]

Please....Please go to paxilprogress.com.....EVERYONE THERE KNOWS ALOT ABOUT THIS AND CAN HELP EVERYONE HERE!!!! With any S.S.R.I. YOU ARE TAKING....

[Baton Rouge, La. U.S.A.]

Hi...I noticed you asked how to wean yourself off of Klonipin (Clonazepame) or any kind of "benzo".  Well, I have done this!  It is really, really easy.  I promise.  You take whatever milligram your body has grown accustomed to.  Let's use my experience:  I was up to 2mg per day.  (four of the .5's).  Ok.  Do that for 7 days.  Then, remove .5 and do this for 7 days. Continue this until you are only using it "prn"; which is what it is for anyway.  Only take it when you are having a panic attack, basically.

MPORTANT: Totally limit your Diet Coke and coffee intake when you are doing this!!!  And make certain you are taking your antidepresssant as you should.  And make certain you are going to bed at a reasonable hour.  In short, take care of yourself and realize you are capable of getting off of the "nerve" pills as long as you are getting adequate rest, et.al.  

Now, I am in the position where I only take Klonipin to "ward off" an impending panic attack.  I promise.  You can do it!!!  And, frankly, sometimes I take a Klonipin if I'm having difficulty getting to sleep because of too much Diet Coke.  But I am no longer walking around in a "nerve pill" haze.  YOU CAN DO IT, TOO!!!!!  

They can be habit-forming.  Says so on all the literature.  Stay informed and limit caffeine.  Treasure your sleep.  Stay busy doing something.  Before you know it, you'll only be reaching for the "nerve pills" now and then.  But NOT every 4 hours.  You can do this.  I did it.  I promise.

Robyn

[Baton Rouge, La. U.S.A.]

I really, really got some great information from your posting.  Wow.  I'm going to share this with my Mother, who also is an R.N.(i.e., the medical world discredits a patient who has "panic disorder"; all in your head type thing).  

I have spent countless dollars on the E.R. doctor who simply refers me to a psychiatrist.  Hello?  This "stuff"; this empirical evidence that you have shared needs to be put out there in the media somehow.  I suppose the Zoloft reps that court our doctors help perpetuate the misinformation.

[magpie2007]

You did not feel any with drawl symptoms?? I was thinking about doing that (the same method)but taking it VERY SLOW with each drop...Infact I started my tapper on Monday and I feel fine.I'm not on a S.S.R.I....I "weaned" myself off of paxil 2 years ago and I did it the wrong way:to fast,within a month ,and I had SEVERE with drawl symptoms for 6 months after my last drop.How do you feel now??  and how long were you on it??  (I don't drink anything but water and decaffinated green tea.)  Thankyou for your responce..

[Ymie]

I posted a comment on February 2nd.
I have been feeling better the last 5 days!
Stil some fatigue and when I feel really tired I still have the shocks, but other than that I feel ok.
Today I went to the doctor and she didn't seem supprised at all when I told her about the withdrawal symptoms. She told me they would go away alltogether.
So, hopefully she's right!

[mrsanko529]

Polly (And Everyone else)!!!

I am new to this site. I have been researching for my husband. He has been on zoloft and has been feeling numb, unmotivated. Want to gradually reduce his zoloft and this site is soo helpfull!!!

Now, Polly... you need to go out today and buy the book The Physicans Prescription RX By Jordan Rubin.... this book will change your life. It is like we all have blinders on... and this book takes them off. You don't have to be diabetic, its ALL about the food you eat, zoloft induced or not. His book for diabetics is: The Great Physician's Rx for Diabetes. BUY IT!!!

God Bless and Good luck!

[Connelly]

I'm SO glad I found this site.  I have been on Zoloft for 11 years and Trazadone for 10 years.  I have taken 25ml to 150 ml of the Zoloft and 150ml of the Trazadone.  I currently take 50ml of Zoloft and 150ml of Trazadone.  

I have decided to stop taking my Zoloft.  I don't even know where to start.  I had no idea how horrible it can be.  Any tips would be so helpful.  I want to find a Dr. to help but where do I go.  My primary Dr. is a quack and I am in the process of changing doctors.  But a new Dr. does not know me or how I react to meds.

I just started taking hormones for menopause.  I feel so much better.  I want all the other junk out of my system.  I have gained over 50 lbs in 11 years of Zoloft.  I NEVER had a weight problem until Zoloft.

If there is someone out there that can help with a successful tappering off schedule, please respond.  I have read all the stories and I'm scared to death.  HELP!

[sslife]

Hello everyone,Just wanted to say that my husband is trying to also get off of paxil and that I have been told take if and  when he gets down to 25mgs or so to cut that inhalf and then only take  when your can:t handle the withdrawls anymore.So other words get down to your lowest dose and then take when you are feeling withdrawls and they will get further and further apart and then they will be done...Just a Idea...Iam not a doctor and not giving medical advice.
I pray that each and everyone of you get off these drugs for I have been there too.But was narcotics and just as bad.God Bless each of you. Sylvia

[magpie2007]

how long were you on them and how long did it take?did u feel any withdrawl?

[jmcb]

I was looking up Zoloft side affects and withdrawl symptoms as I was just given a 15mg script for anxiety.  Never been a med taker so I'm kinda cautious about it.  Now I'm really worried!!  I'm only taking 1/2 a pill so compared to the other doses on here I guess it's not very much.  I was just wondering if any of you have tried taking a natural supplement?  I know there are plenty out there that don't work but I tend to go with the natural stuff before the manufactured chemicals.  Also, if you are tyring to get these drugs out of your system, their is a cleanse/diet called the "Master Cleanse".  It would probably be harsh for the first week but physically I bet you would feel much betters the 2nd week.  Basically it flushes everything out of your system.  I wasn't on any meds and did it for 9 days.  I had sooo much energy, my mood was so good it was ridiculous, my anxiety all but ceased, and I lost about 10 pounds which stayed off until I started eating **** when winter came.  You can check it out online under lemonade Diet or Master cleanse.  Just wanted to mention it because it sounds like you guys are having a really rough time and no one is listening to you.  Good luck!!

[Cydnee]

Just found this website last night. Hadn't even thought of getting off zoloft after 14 months, 50mg.The reason I was put on zoloft was not the standard reasons but for severe heart palpitation for over 15 year which caused my blood pressure/pulse rate to go to high. I was in and out of hospitals and all heart test were normal. Since starting zoloft I havn't had one chest pain. After reading all the above, Im going to the doctors tomorrow to get off zoloft. I did come across a website that has a chart to use for withdrawals. The Road Back.org. Once in side the site look for "Reduction Schedule For Psychiatric Drugs" at the bottom left side #18. I'll let you all know how things are on my end. Good Luck to All

[magpie2007]

you could also go to    paxilprogress.com       they will help you with any s.s.r.i.  they will be very supportive and they use the same supplements like the road home program....

[paula1810]

I really thought I was the only one with this problem until I did a simple google search. You really can find everything on the internet...

I went on Zoloft about three years ago and for the last two years have been taking 200 mg per day. A few months ago I started suffering from the same symptoms that caused my doctor to put me on Zoloft in the first place: panic attacks, chest pain, "tingling" in my left foot, left side of my neck and back.  Another doctor suggested I was on TOO MUCH Zoloft and suggested that I start taking less, with the ultimate goal of stopping the drug altogether.  I dropped down to 100 mg a couple of weeks ago, and the doctor then prescribed cymbalta, 30 mg to take with a further reduction of the Zoloft (down to 50). I did that for a week, then stopped the Zoloft and upped the cymbalta to 60. After reading these posts, I assume the reason I feel so awful is because I dropped the Zoloft too fast. Now the question is, should I tough it out and hope that the cymbalta kicks in soon? Or should I go back on 50 mg of Zoloft for awhile?

And to all who addressed the issues of doctors and how they handle patients with panic attacks -- it's absolutely true that when they hear "stress", "anxiety", "depression", they tune out like these are not real problems. I also have lupus and a seizure disorder and can tell anyone that anxiety and panic attacks are just as debilitating as any other illness, maybe more so since they are so often under-detected or undetected altogether.

[eagleboy]

See my optimistic blogging at www.nopanicattack.blogspot.com
I've beaten the beast!

[sampepper]

I had been on 300 MG a day for 3 years for Panic Attacks.

The Zoloft did help stop those.

I dropped to 100MG a day, no weaning at all about 2 years ago. During the last few months, I tired of the Zoloft and decided to wean myself off of it.

I went from 100mg to 75mg daily for 2 weeks.
I went from 75mg to 50mg daily for 2 weeks.
I went from 50mg to 25mg daily for 2 weeks.
I went from 25mg daily to 12.5mg for about 3 days.

At about the third day, I was so depressed, so lifeless, so anti-social, so paranoid, so miserable, so panicky, so doom and gloom feeling that I am right back to my 100MG a day now.

I honor and admire and respect those of you who continue to pursue the dream of being Zoloft free. But I can tell you, my darks are so dark, that I will take Zoloft til the day I die to prevent the darkness from over taking my life.

Perhaps in the future I shall try again...in fact I know I will...

But for right now, why torture myself anymore than I need to?

Do not blame the medical companies. Hell they don't even know how or why the SSRI's work to begin with.

In time, there will be assistance, albeit in the form of another pill, to get off the Zoloft. Until then, ask yourself, are you better on or off the medicine?

And therein will lie your answer.

Zoloft does not help the problems, it masks them. So if you think getting off the Zoloft is going to make your original problems just go away because you got off the meds...that doesn't make much sense.

That's just the way it is folks.

I am grateful I have some Zoloft in my body right now, because emotional turmoil in life is even worse without it.

May God Bless us all.

[MixieIsGettingBetter]

I have been on 20mg of prozac scince may of 2006. 5 weeks ago I decided to taper off taking 20mg and 10mg on alternating days. I was fine until about 3 days ago. now I have uncontrollable crying, a creepy crawling sensation and find my self having a lump in throat and having trouble breathing. I saw a hollistic doctor and he said it is withdrawl symptoms. i was under the impression that prozac isnt that bad especially at such a low dosage. can anyone tell me how long this will last. I want it to get better but it is like i am obbessing about it and it is making it worse. PLEASE HELP

[bcemre3]

I have been a Zoloft "victim" for at least 5 years (took it for panic attacks) and I finally decided it was time to get off the drug.  The weight I have gained is about 30 pounds (I weighed in around 110 lbs. before starting Zoloft).  The weight has affected all of my blood chemistries and my blood pressure. Soooooo
I am now on day 156 ( yes it says day 156) of my taper down from 150 mg. and just now I am feeling a bit dizzy, lethargic and a general "I don't feel like doing anything" attitude.  Til now, I have had NO withdrawal symptoms at all.  I am now taking 12.5 mg. every other day alternating with taking no Zoloft on some days.  I have 8 more 12.5 mg. pills and then its over !!!  I'm just so scared that I will get some of the nasty withdrawal symptoms I have been reading about here.  
Anyone out there who did such a slow taper?  Did you have awful withdrawal when you finally stopped the medicine?  Did the weight ever come off?  How long did it take?  Thanks for any feedback.  If anyone would like to have my schedule, I'd be happy to share it with you.  Just remember that it doesn't matter how long it takes to taper off just so long as there are no adverse reactions to the taper.  Success to all of you who visit this wonderful site.

[downer42]

I can relate to what everyone is saying. I have been on Zoloft for 10 years...first 25 mgs for 4 years then 50 mgs for 1 year then anywhere from 175-125 mgs for the past 5 years. I was taking it strictly for performance anxiety...panic attacks during on stage performances. After a career change recently I said to myself and my Doc that I don't need Zoloft anymore because I never had a panic attack outside of being on stage.
My doctor said ok...he agreed and off I went dropping from 125 mgs to 0 in 6-8 weeks.
I was doing fine after my last dose for about 4-6 weeks then whamo. I was hit with a feeling of being overwhelmed bu sadness/worry. I was crying to my sister and mom on the phone everyday for two weeks after this started.
It was crazy, this was a feeling I had not even had a hint of before.
So I contact my doc again and say I want to see him. He suggests I go back on the meds...so I do (not knowing what I know now).
Three days after starting back on Zoloft I have a major psychotic episode. I felt limke I was going to 'hurt myself', something I had never and would never ever think of doing. It was from the drug, without a dought. So again I call my doc and he says it has nothing to do with the drug but is withdrawal from pot. (I had been smoking from time to time). Well pot withdrawal is a joke compared to this and he was/is wrong.
I spent that night shivering like a baby, praying I would not have to go to the ER, but inches away from going. My doc would not give me anything to calm me down (ie valium./ativan) he said if I felt that bad to go to the ER.
The next day I had a freind who is an MD call in some Ativan for me and after taking it I felt totally back to myself.
I was told to keep taking the meds (Zoloft) and even increase in a week. I did but looking back that was a mistake.
It is now 7 months from that event and I am finally coming back to normal. I am taking 125 mgs of Zoloft only and have had some major therapy over the last 7 months, which has helped greatly.
My new doctor is open to the idea that zoloft is to blame. Shge pointed out, that I was 'gunned up' on a high dose going from 0-100 is just too fast. She also pointed out that there is a well known issue with the SSRI's where people who start them get these feelings of suicide,etc, it's been in the news for  along time now. Well that is what happened to me...I had one of those episodes. Scary!
In the past 7 months I have been recovering and learning as much as possible about what may explain what happened to me. I have concluded that my depression or anxiety 6 weeks after going off Zoloft, was indeed related to Zoloft withdrawal. Like others on this post have said "if I knew about this, I would have never started the drug".
So now I blame Zoloft for my horrific experiences of withdrawal and whatever one calls the 'psychotic' episode. I too think there should be more warnings from the drug companies and doctors. In fact I feel a lawsuit against the makers of Zoloft should be in order. If I can't get off this drug, I will be trying again soon, I will be contacting an attorney.
My plan is to taper off very slowly. Like 2 mgs a week, I know it will take a year or so to do but that is my plan. From what I have read, from reliable sources, it takes time for your mind to start producing what it didn't have to for so long. Zoloft slowly causes your body to stop making serotonin and to stop being as receptive to it. So when you take away a massive amount of the chemical that the drug supplies, you are left with nothing. IN ADDITION, your receptors are dull or dead and unable to even think about picking up what your brain contains in the way of serotonin, which at this point is zilch, because the drug has been stopped and your body isn't making it yet.
IN time your body should start making it again, but more importantly your brain has to grow more receptors to even get back to a hint of where you once were before the Zoloft. I just don't buy the 'chemical imbalance ****' excuse, except for very few/unusual cases.
That is what I have read and believe. So to summarize, it sucks, but we have been allowed to ingest a drug that is indeed very habit forming, in the sense that physiologically, your body take s avery long time to get back to a healthy state. Even worse the TIME it takes is very difficult. As a matter of fact it is like a living hell, where you can't feel or think anything positive/happy/good. It makes sense because your brain is stripped of that ability due to the changes the drugs cause.
Sorry for the long-winded post BUT this is very SERIOUS and needs to be looked at very closely. I guarantee in the next 10 years, these drugs wiull have many more black label warnings, including withdrawal issues, I for one will be watching and learning more and more as time goes by.
Good luck everyone and wish me luck on my one year schedule for tapering.
Thanks

[Blondyishere]

I posted earlier...but my post went to the wrong site...my daughter is 25 and the dr started her on zoloft and he wanted to give her 150 mg a day to start...she did not take that and started on 50 and that was about six weeks ago.  She started shaking all over...teeth chattering and leg and hands...about two weeks ago and today...severe reaction...yesterday was no fun either.  We had called the dr to get klonipin.  He gave her 50 mg twice a day.  This is supposed to help with seizures and tremors as well as for anxiety which she has.  So far all it did was make her SO lethargic and still she was shaking like crazy.  What gives...I want her off Zoloft and if we drop the dose to half a day for a week...I wonder if that will help...I just am afraid that she needs NONE of it from now on with such extreme side effects.  However, my question is since she has been on it for only six weeks will she have withdrawels?

[HateTheDrugs]

I sincerely feel for every one of you who have posted about the withdrawls, no matter what drug you've taken.  I stopped my Zoloft cold-turkey (I know..I know) about a week ago and I have been feeling like I just want to die. To escape the pain it's caused, that is. I've been on 100mg for about 2 years and it's the absolute hardest drug to come off of.  I've been on many others for anxiety (and some for a mis-diagnosed depression). I've been experiencing just about every symptom that's been listed so far. I thought I was doing well with not having any nausea or flu symptoms but those are now starting to show up.

My head feels heavy, I wish I could just rip it off sometimes. It's like a headache but not. I couldn't shower for about 3 days because I couldn't stand up long enough to do so! My head would feel light and I would get dizzy and I would get heart palpitations and then my vision would start to go so I would have to lay down very quickly. I'm still having the palpitations and the head pain. My eyes are very itchy; don't know if that's a side effect or not. I, too, have gained quite a bit of weight from being on the Zoloft. And I'm another who would have refused to take it had I known about such side effects. On OR off the stupid thing!

I have started going to an acupuncturist and he's pretty optimistic that we can fix the problems that all these stupid drugs just seem to have NO effect on. I've suffered from Social Anxiety since I was 13 years old and I'm very nearly 30 now. That's insane to suffer that long. I'm not about to turn all Tom Cruise on everyone, but Western medicine hasn't been able to do a thing for me when it comes to this disorder. And I refuse to go through the rest of my life this way because I haven't had much OF a life for many, many years now because of this. I can't work! I can't meet new people! I've been single for 10 years! I live with my parents!! What the hell kind of life is that?!?!  It's not!! And I'm willing to try anything I can (and have pretty much tried everything) to make my life liveable.  I just want to be "normal" and live my life like anyone else. I DESERVE to be happy, I don't deserve this type of existence.. since that's really all it is, existing.  I'd rather LIVE.

Sorry for the tangent but there's just too many of us suffering when we don't deserve to. SOMETHING needs to happen and it needs to happen soon. We need to make people listen because they don't understand.

Good luck to all of us because we really need it and deserve it!!

[Blondyishere]

I HOPE AND PRAY THAT EVERYTHING WORKS OUT FOR YOU...THE LAST POSTER...IT WILL GET BETTER.  I UNDERSTAND THAT IT TAKES A LONG TIME.  THERE ARE ALOT OF NATURAL HOMEOPATHIC REMIDIES THAT YOU MAY CONSIDER AS WELL.  DON'T GIVE UP AND CHEER UP.  THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT WILL BENEFIT FROM YOUR DAYS OF HELL.  THANKS

[Bassman263]

Yeah, I am having a lot of the same withdrawal symptoms as everyone else here.  I was only on Zoloft for about 3 months or so, maybe 4.  I was having serious panic and anxiety attacks after my divorce, and I went on Paxil and it didn't work at all, so tried Lexapro, which made me feel all foggy and out of it all the time, so decided to try Zoloft.  Well, I was only taking 25mg a day, and I tapered it off for 3 weeks by simply cutting the dose.  I cut the pill in half, took half for a week, then cut it in half again, and did that for a week.  Something like that anyways.  Anyways, I took my last dose about 1 1/2 weeks ago, and jeez. This is horrible. I wish I could sue the stupid drug companies!!  Can't beleive these drugs are legal, while harmless ones like pot are not, its insane.  But anyways, I have these zaps that go all through my body, head to toe, I have feelings like I am going to puke my guts out, I am dizzy and nauseated, bad headahces, and this really weird pressure kinda feeling all through my head!!!  Very cloudy and feel like I can't move properly.  And I was only on a low dose of the stuff, can't imagine how U folks must be feeling who have been taking higher doses and/or been on it for a long time. I even quit my IT job.  Couldn't handle being at work anymore. I just stay home now, and try to hit the gym at least 3 days a week, figuring the weight lifting must help at least a little bit.  All I can say, is I hope this gets better soon, and gets over with soon.  I have been getting very angry lately, hitting my walls and stuff, just totally irritable.  MAN!! I HATE THIS!  I will never do these types of drugs again.  I will live with anxiety attacks before I deal with this **** ever again! GOOD LUCK to everyone out there,hope it gets better for everyone going through this!!!  Jacob

[Bassman263]

Forgot to mention, my vision has been getting blurry now too, and I feel flu symptoms as well.  I forgot about them, there is just way tooo many symptoms that go with the withdrawal of this drug!!!  Good Luck Everyone!!  I really wish there were people where I live that I could talk to about this, that are going thru it as well.  Its hard because none of my friends have been through this, and they don't understand how debilitating it is!  sucks.  Anyways, bye.  Jacob

[shanemiller]

IT GETS BETTER!  I know firsthand how frustrated evryone is with Zoloft wd. The past two months have been a living hell. My head was cracking like a ligtning storm. It took me 5 seconds to change the direction of my head because trails would follow. I felt plugged into a socket evytime I moved my eyeballs, like I was frying away, like my brain cells were literally cooking. I was only on 50mg for about 6 months and when I quit, I quit cold turkey only because I had no idea of the side effects and that Id need to taper off to minimize them. If youre on this site chances are you allready know what Im talking about, the withdrawl is hell. But, there is hope! Its been nearly 2 months since I took my last pill. and Im getting a little better everyday. It needs time to work out of our systems and just like we all look different, we all have different systems. Its going to be a little different for all of us as far as symptoms and severity and duration. Just Stick with it! It gets better! Do eveything you can to help your body along with it. Work Out as much as you can. Eat right. I started taking Omega 3 Fish Oil and I think Its helped. Feed your body natural stuff and not this poison. And thats what Zoloft is Poison! Maybe some of you need it for severe depression and anxiety. but if you can go without-then kick it out of your system. Its been a hard ride but I just want to offer some encouragemnet for those of you who feel like I did a month ago when I took 4 days off of work because my head was spinning and foggy and zapping all over the living room. I still have it to an extent, but its so much better now, and Im confident that soon it will be a thing of the past. Stick with it, You will feel better too. I promise you, your body will take care of you if you take care of it. Stop taking this **** and get outside for a walk. Keep your heads up folks, youre going to be fine.

[Nancydo]

I am interested in getting off Zoloft (50 MG) after 1 year. Your postings have been very interesting and helpful. I do not understand what is meant by brain zapping. Can anyone please explain what exactly this side effect is and what you are experiencing? Does anyone find that a natural vitamin/herb ease the withdrawal symptoms and which ones work the best?

Thank you all for your insight!

[beerad65]

up until last week i had been taking zoloft for 6 mo in adittion to wellbutrin and
lamactil. has anyone been on multiple meds and quit zoloft fairly abruptly and if so how long did their withdrawls last? its been about 5 days since my last one and it dosnt seem to be getting any less severe. its funny to hear others describe brain zaps. ive been trying to explain it to my wife and couldt find the words.

[tbipriceless]

I started Zoloft after a TBI Nov 2003. traumatic brain injury.
Is anyone experiencing strong impulses to cut or hurt oneself in addition to nausia, spelling, foggy thinking, crying for unknown reasons, angry, agitated, kill for carbs cravings to sight of food nauseous. and much much more.

[tbipriceless]

I don't know if this post will go through the other didn't.
Started Zoloft after a traumatic brain injury 2003. Causing me problems, so been decreasing since Jan 2007. Took last pill two weeks ago. my life is not my own.
Does any one experience strong impulses to cut or scratch or hurt especially during times of high anxiety?

can't remember what else I wrote.
ER doc wants me back on 25mg Zoloft and ativan prn as needed.
does any one know of a good neuro in VA?
God's blessings to al of you!

[tbipriceless]

Being the last person to post on this page at this moment, I saw the ads by Gooogle posted at the bottom of the page
zolft....paxil....and others
We cannot escape from them even in a 'safe' zone!!!

[magpie2007]

OH MY GOD.THAT MANY MG OF CLONAZEPAM WILL GIVE HER A STROKE!!! YOU NEED TO WEAN HER OFF OF THAT A.S.A.P. OR GET HER TO DETOX!!!! I feel for you.That idiot doctor!!!!

[Baton Rouge, La. U.S.A.]

Hi Maggie! I'm sorry I didn't respond to your questions concerning Clonazepame.  I haven't checked this forum in quite a while.  Weaning off of Clonazepame, down  to just a prn-type thing, really was quite easy for me.  

I reduced the milligrams slowly, probably over a period of about a month.  And, yes, there were withdrawal feelings on the tale end, which I know now were more related to an increase in Diet Coke.  

Getting off of Clonazepame was totally doable.  I had to go into treament to get off of Xanax when I was younger.  That was a monster of an addiction.  The Clonazepame was given to me because my doctor(s) have said it is less addictive; in my case, they've been right.  I

I take it only to ward off a panic attack or take one to get some good rest if I've had too much caffeine.  I don't have a sense of "craving" them (like it was with Xanax).  

If you feel like you are taking them because you're craving them or can't function with or without them, be honest with your doctor and see about treatment or an alternative medicine for your panic attacks. Maybe I've just been lucky with reference to Clonazepame.  

I hate that you're going through this.  I can understand because I guess you are experiencing what I went through with Xanax.  By the way, the doctor/therapist had to pay for my treatment to get off of Xanax.  Perhaps yours will, as well.

[E]

So glad I found this forum.

I had been given a complimentary pack of Zoloft about 8 years ago for what seemed to be situational depression.  I didn't take the medication as it seemed drastic - I instead used Klonopin as needed (fairly rare).

I ran out of the Klonopin a couple of years ago and often found that Xanax helped - again.  I only took rarely.  Usually exercise was the most helpful and long lasting.  

Then a month days as I started feeling trapped in life.  I no longer see the Doctor.  My thought was to start with small amounts of Zoloft (.25mg) daily less than was originally prescribed by the Doctor.  So I started the medication 5 days ago with the hope that it would help me.  I did 3 days at .25 and the 4th day at .125mg.  I didn't feel much better and instead felt somewhat detached.  I remember the Doctor saying the effects wouldn't be felt for awhile and could take as long as 2 weeks to be full.

Then yesterday (day 5) I decided to skip the .125 and to rethink my self-prescription.  I noticed about 24 hours after my last dose (.125mg) I started having trouble seeing/focusing.  I was tired and feeling quite detached.  Then 2 mild panic attacks came on.  I knew what it was as I had experienced the same symptom (about 2 years prior) after trying someone's pot brownie with a horrible panic attack that lasted for hours.

Last night although tired I could hardly sleep.  I felt a couple of mild panic attacks come on while in line at fast food restaurants yesterday and today. I'm traveling alone and have considered returning home until this all plays out.

I now know even with my reduced dosage and only 3.5 days of use that this has been a major mistake.  To what degree I'll learn in the coming few days or weeks?  The whole experience is really scary and I'm praying I can just return to my original self (even if it felt trapped/hopeless).  

Any idea if I can expect this to pass or if I am just beginning the withdrawal process?  Three days doesn't seem like much but with this drug I cannot be sure what is going to happen next.

Assuming higher dosages and longer times of prescriptions (than I took) cause greater symptoms of withdrawal, I cannot imagine how awful and hopeless people must feel.

[JamieAnderson]

ATIVAN, ZOLOFT AND WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS - I really don't recommend taking Ativan even though I too am going through the most horrible withdrawal from Zoloft even though I tappered.  I feel like a drug addict and like I am on the edge of death with the nausea, fatigue, and headache... plus my immune system is **** right now during withdrawal.  I have taken ativan for panic attacks for 2 years now and I don't recommend using them unless you can't stop a panic attack - they simply numb you but you still feel as anxious inside.  Plus they are highly addictive and if Zoloft is not supposed to be addictive and the withdrawal symptoms are this bad then I am extremely worried about any of us taking ativan constantly and tapering off.  Good luck to everyone - I really appreciate these posts - they help put my suffering into perspective and help me not feel so alien in my withdrawal.

[eagleboy]

See my optimistic blogging on anxiety at
www.nopanicattack.blogspot.com

[my2men]

Hi,
   I was reading your post last night and found it very interesting how much your doctor knows about zoloft withdrawal.  Do you know where he found out this information because the doctors I have spoken with have no knowledge of any of this.
Thanks

[Ymie]

Lately I'm doing much better in regard to the withdrawal symptoms, hardly any of those,(after about 2 months)
The symptoms of depression however have returned.
I'm not plannin to take Zoloft or any other "regular" antidepressant, though, but I'm planning to visit a homeopathic doctor, see if there's a good homeopathic alternative.
Has anybody reading this any experience with this?

[TrotOn]

Hi Everyone,
I am so glad to have found this board. I finished my last dose 7 days ago and I have gone to hell and back with the withdrawal symptoms starting 14 days ago. OONE, I mean NOONE can answer how long this will last (that I have spoken to anyway). My GP thinks it is the stomach flu (moron) since he hasn't heard of "withdrawals". Although I must say that I am doing slightly better than a last week. When it hit full on I was bed ridden, nauseated, light headed, achey (achy), chills, hot flashes, diahrrea, no appetite, muscle spasms, headache you name it. Today I am just light headed with a headache, tired but semi functioning. I am hoping that the worst has passed and it is only up hill from here. I guess like so many of you I am looking for a light at the end of the tunnel, some sort of time frame, something/anything & I realize that not knowing this entices me to "think" about going back on the meds. I am determined not to, I hope I will not have to cross that bridge. The one thing I found helpful was to acknowledge that this is a withdrawal and give myself permission to feel like ****, I try not to dwell on how bad I feel but to imagine what I will feel like when this passes. Believe me it is not easy and I get negetive thoughts all the time, but I have to try and stay focused on the end goal. I pray we all get there!
BTW, long hot baths (for achey (achy) sore muscles), massages, ice packs for the head work great too, as well as lots of advil, pepto & benedryl.

[E]

I had hoped to post a comment on improvement but that hasn't happened, yet.  Yesterday I got another panic attack which I monitored with a BP cuff.  As the BP skyrocketed I finally went to the clinic.  They ultimately prescribed Klonopin which helped.  Still I've gone 5 days now without Z and having only taken it for 3.5 days total I feel this should be over.  But it is not and doesn't seem to be getting better.  Strenuous exercise helps while doing it but the near panic conditions return a few hours later.

[bcemre3]

I thought this day would never come -- Today I took my very last 12.5 mg. Zoloft --  It took 176 days (yes, that does say 176 days) to get to this point tapering down from 150 mg.

I am having some nausea, lightheadedness and a general blah feeling and I hope that that is the worst it gets.  I'll keep posting if there are additional symptoms of withdrawal, but I sure hope not.  

Thus far, my recommendation would be to taper VERY SLOWLY.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.  My next goal would be to drop all of these excess pounds that I have gained from this ****.  Each of you is in my prayers also.
Louise

[Krsmbt]

First thanks to all of you that have shared your experiences. Reading the last 5 months of messages is like reading my own experience. I have been on 100Mg of zoloft for a while. Gained 15 lbs of extra weight like everyone else. Decided to make a change and get off the Zoloft when I did find out that it is attributed to weight gain....  I have been weaning myself off, similar approach to many of you. 50mg to 25 mgs and then zero. My last dose was Friday last. I am dealing with the joint aches and dizziness. If I look straight ahead, I am a-ok if I move my eyes, everything just gets dizzy. Very disconcerting.

My Doc has told me to go on Wellbuterin. So that is the plan. My question is will it eliminate the withdrawl symptoms from the Zoloft? And does anyone have any experience with withdrawl from Wellbuterin? If so, what was that like....

MY goal is to be free of the meds one day. But that is for another day. For what it is worth, my experience on the Zoloft has been great with the exception of the weight gain. I am hoping the Wellbuterin will replace the Zoloft and will elimnate the weight gain.

Any thoughts please post them.

[zukate]

Ugh. I have been on Zoloft for about three months (up to 100mg/day), and never thought it was doing anything for me emotionally. My doctor started me on Wellbutrin, but left me on the Zoloft. I was taking 4 pills a day including birth control, and couldn't keep track of the schedule, especially since I was told the zoloft and Wellbutrin had to be at least 2 hours apart...

This past weekend, I went on a ski trip and completely screwed up all my doses. I forgot to bring pills to the mountain, or didn't know what time it was, or was just too exhausted to remember. I am working myself back onto the Wellbutrin now, but since I never thought the Zoloft was helping anyway, I am not motivated to start taking it again. the result is that I basically quit cold turkey four days ago.

I am having the weird dizziness and constant feelings of motion sickness, but it's not actually making me puke, and I'm not getting the brain zapping thing. Should I try to take more of my pills, or should I just try to ride this out?

[Jessica_Marie]

I was just taken off of Xanax and was put on Zoloft as well as Klonopin for anxiety. Currently, I'm feeling sick to my stomach, and would like to hear more about other people's experiences with these medications before I get in too deep.

Thanks.

[Barbara ESM]

I have been on Zoloft for about 7-8 years, 50 mg daily for anxiety and panic attacks.  It has helped me sooooooo much.  About 2-3 months ago I filled my perscription and it was the generic form, this did not bother me at all but for about  a month or so now I have been having panic attacks again and frequent anxiety.  Can any one out there tell me if this has happened to them ? Has the generic form made a big difference with anybody else, or maybe it is all in my head.  But I am terrified that I am going to feel like I did 8 years ago, Any one who has ever suffered with panic attacks will know how I'm feelling and how horrible it can be.

[Krsmbt]

For what it's worth, I went to the generic Zoloft about 6 months ago and I did notice some withdrawl symtoms. I did ask my Doc and she said, that generic drugs can at times contain only 80% of the actual drug. So, in reality you could be getting a lower dose. About a week or so later the withdrawl symtoms from the "lesser" dose disappeared. Everyone is different so I  would suggest you check with your doc.

[tatianis]

ATTENTION: THE ONLY THING THAT HELPED ME WITH THIS HORRIBLE FEELINGS FROM ZOLOFT WITHDRAWAL WAS BENADRIL 25MG. EVERY 6 HOURS, PLEASE TRY IT, IT MAKES YOU FEEL A LITTLE BIT ZOMBY BUT BETTER THAT THE OTHER EFFECTS, STILL ON 25 OF ZOLOFT, BUT IF IT WASN'T FOR BENADRIL I WOULD STILL BE ON 100 MG. PLEASEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 GIVE BENADRIL A TRY, YOU DONT LOOSE ANYTHIN TRYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[magpie2007]

I've been on every S.S.R.I. you can think of.Eventually they will all "poop out" on you.They will stop working.In the mean time, WHILE YOUR ON THIS ****,you will gain weight,lose all of you emotions,nothing makes you laugh,or cry and you will not "WANT" to do anything because you just won't care.Music even sounds dull.You may even become depressed,SUICIDAL.Then when you go to your doc. when the drug "poops out" on you,you will have the same "problems" before you've takin it:anxiety,panic attacks,depression.....This is called "WITHDRAWAL".....Very simular to why you've takin this **** to begin with! You will tell your doc. that "OH MY GOD,WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME.I KEEP GETTING PANAIC ATTACKS" OR "I'M DEPRESSED".......so what he'll do is up your dosage or give you a "different" anti depressant along with a benzo,then the cycle begins all over again.You take your new drug for another year then it "poops out" on you and you then go to your doc. again....he ups you dosage,gives you something different....do you see where I'm going here?? You need to get therapy.Someone that specilizes in anxiety,panic, or depression.Not a psychatrist,they give you pills.Along with the right diet and exercise.It's withdrawal!!! It's not that you need something different...Go to paxilprogress.com...the site is loaded with information and very helpfull people.You can go there no matter what S.S.R.I. you are taking.

[sickofbeingsad]

After reading everyone else's comments, I'm releived to know that I am not having a stroke or anyeurism (spelling?)..I have been on Zoloft for almost one year. I have been dealing with depression as the result of a separation from my son's father. I am 29 years old. My ex left six weeks after the birth of our son, and I have been going through hell ever since. I have been on 100 mg, and decided recently to go "cold turkey." BIG MISTAKE. I have felt light headed, dizzy, and faint for almost four days. I stopped taking the zoloft five days ago. I have been feeling so bad that the anxiety combined with headaches/dizziness..is enough to make a person go off the deep end. DO NOT STOP TAKING THESE MEDS COLD TURKEY!!  My doctor has never explained the side effects of this drug, and unfortunately many docs hand this stuff out like its candy. I went to the pharmacy today to get my script filled and I am hoping the headache goes away within a day or so. Not sure if I will ever be able to get off of this medication, I dont ever want to feel like this again.

















































]\]=
[';t four days. I thought I was having a stroke today when I was at the store!Q l,m.

[samwitch]

OK. I think we are all coming up with similar symptoms.
And Drs. have no idea that this occurs!!
Here's my Zoloft short story
Went on 50mg.  June 2006.
Decided to wean myself off early Feb.2007, as I felt I had dealt with my situational depression successfully and I was tired of these symptoms:
15 lb. weight gain, although initially I lost weight on it.
No sexual feelings.
Numbed emotions.

I cut my dosage in half for a month!
Then i took the half dose every other day for another month.
Withdrawal symptoms did not start to occur until about a week of being totally off.
Here's what I now think I can attribute to withdrawal, based on all of our experiences:
1. More moodiness(i was expecting that)and impatience.

2. The electrical "ZAPS".  Horrible, for me they happen over my eyes(but inside my head) and down the back of my arms into my hands. Then my inner ears "flutter"
This happens 10-20 times a day.

3. joint pains. I thought i had the flu or was beginning to experience arthritis.

4. Bouts of emotional "mania" where i feel very active and productive, then I crash into fatigue.

5. Insomnia.

6. very intense dreams when I do sleep.

7. Decreased desire for cigarettes. I never would have connected that but another poster mentioned it.  I have gone from a half a pack a day to 2 or 3 cigs, which I don't even enjoy...

8. This might be my own symptom and not attributable, but I seem to have a "PMS" appetite all the time. Girls, you know what I mean---sweet and salty carbs, chocolate, intense flavors---salt, salt, salt!

9. Stuttering! especially during the manic parts of my day. I really thought I was going nuts when that started happening!!  Seems to be diminishing.

Any of you who have been off for a while wanna jot down briefly how long your withdrawal lasted?? And whether you noticed weight loss after gaining while on it??
I am going out to buy some fish oil.  I've wanted to take it anyway for it's other health benefits.
Thanks all---samwitch

[OCD Mom]

My now 9 year old son had a severe OCD crisis beginning in Jan 2006. After exhausting CBT attempts and out of desparation in March 2006, we allowed him to be put on Zoloft 50 mg and has conquered the beast beautifully for over a year. Now we would like to wean him off over summer vacation, but this posting is freaking me out. I would appreciate it greatly If anyone can address children's withdrawal. He has recently been having minor headaches (still on 50 mg dosage) but generally a happy kid. He is very athletic and pays attention to healthy eating, so am thinking of intensive nutrition research. Please help!

[Krsmbt]

My only thought would be to make sure you consult your doc. Don't do this on your own. The withdrawl symtoms are real, I can't imagine if I was 10 years old and had them, I really wouldn't be able to articulate what was happening. I have seen the comment about the use of Benedryl a bunch of times. I am actually going to try that and see if it helps the symtoms.

[Judith52]

Dear fellow zoloft users and Loretta in particular:
FOR LORETTA-My son has OCD with very high anxiety levels.  As you may know OCD has many faces, but the underlying cause is the same.  The inability to filter fears easily.  Everything must be evaluated or dealt with before, an OCD thought can be let go.
And there is the irony. If you have a fear(the obsession), the OCD person feels very anxious and rational thought does not alleviate the sympton of anxiety. The OCD person developes a ritual to reduce anxiety. The anxiety dissipates, until the fear is retriggered. The cycle begins, the rituals begin and the OCD symptons get worse.
(Hence--people being put on SSRi's or Zoloft to alleviate the anxiety, but this needs to be done in conjunction with cognitive therapy to developing the habits to identify and ignore (did I say ignore??) OCD. ZOLOFT DOES NOT CURE OCD.
To get off the cycle you need to see a psych who specializes in OCD to help you develope your courage ladder and retrain your brain by living thru the anxiety without giving into the compulsion.
THE DISTRESS WILL LEAVE WHETHER YOU DO THE RITUAL OR NOT, but for your brain to learn this you must start with very low anxiety producing OCD behaviors (The COURAGE LADDER is that list with you rating the level of anxiety) and DEVELOPING THE TECHNIQUES of identifying the OCD thought:
RELABELING--it is not me, It is the OCD;
REATTRIBUTE--this is junk mail from my brain. My fear filter is stuck; REFOCUS-- your thoughts to something else--music, video games, go for a run, garden, different strokes for different folks and different times;
REVALUE--keep a journal (even it is just a piece of paper or note card and you will have a record when your symptons decreased or when one of the OCD behaviors dropped away or the urge to perform ritual began to decrease.  It will keep you trying reattribute and relabel when you feel this process is not working.Learning to do this is like riding a bicycle.  It takes practice, some falling off, but always getting back on  and eventually you will feel the freedom of the wind in your face.
Where did I get this information?  Two excellent books recommended by DR. John Hatton at UCSD:  Freeing your child from Obseessive Compulsive Behavior by Tamar Chansky, Ph.d and Brain Lock: Free yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior by Jeffrey SChwartz, M.D.
TO MY FELLOW ZOLOFT USERS:  I am so happy to have found this site to know what is in store for me as I go off Zoloft.  I started Zoloft about 4 years ago, when my marriage hit rock bottom, I had a nine year old and I started therapy to deal with the pain engendered by my husband having and wantingto have an affair. My therapist asked me if I always felt anxious. I immediately said no, but after reflecting for about 4 weeks, I realized that I had felt anxious my whole life-- as a child, in school, in relationships, in career and especially when I had to make life changing decisions.  These decisions for me were never happy, because they always involved some form of rejection.  Anticipated rejection=Anxiety.
I did really need the Zoloft at that time or I probably would have gone off the deep end with the level of anger I felt. The Zoloft took the sharp edges away and allowed me to think when I was hurting.
FAST FORWARD TO 2007:  My current dosage is 150mg.  About one year ago, I tried the taper approach and reduce down to 125mg for about 3 days.  My anxiety or upset quotient was so pronounced that I went back up to 150mg.
Now, I am ready to get off the medicine. I've made some life decisions and for at least this year the physical attributes of my life are stable.  My son's schooling decisions are decided. He is being treated for his OCD.  My husband's work schedule has stablized and I've decided not to divorce at this time, because the stress of it was making me sick.
By reading your postings, I can see the taper off approach does not necessarily prevent the harsh symptons of withdrawal. I am trying the cold turkey approach, because the elements in my environment that were producing anxiety have been significantly reduced and I felt ready to get off this numbing medicine for some time.
I HAVE DEVELOPED A LIST OF CRITERIA TO HELP ME SELF EVALUATE AND AM TALKING TO A GOOD FRIEND AS AN OUTSIDE MONITOR.  If my withdrawal is too severe,( if my peaks and valleys are too intense--too euphoric or too depressed-- if I find I am getting too angry at my child, if the peaks and valley intensity does not dissipate with time ) then I will get back on the "***' medicine and try the taper approach.
Currently, I have been off the medicine one week and I am feeling much more intensely.  I do know I do get euphoric because I keep chattering about happy stuff and I think, "I really do need to stop talking"  I also know I am prone to intense sadness--I will start to cry about the state of the world or prejudice, if I hear a story on the news.  AS LONG AS MY FEELINGS DO NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THOSE AROUND ME and  if I don't suffer any depression for more than an hour or so, and I don't have any harmful thoughts (I have never had them, but I know getting off this medicine is tricky.  You arereadjusting your brain chemistry and your neurotransmitters), I will continue cold turkey. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS APPROACH IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE COMPLICATED DIAGNOSIS THAN ANXIETY AND THAT ANXIETY IS NOT TIED TO ANY OTHER MEDICAL CONDITION. THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO DISCONTINUE ZOLOFT AND ALWAYS IT IS BETTER TO DO TAPERING WITH A QUALIFIED CARING DOCTOR. I will post weekly and let you guys know how I am doing and I will keep a journal to help me self monitor.  It is hard to see ourselves.
I have not experienced the fog, dizzy  or flu like symptons to the degree others have posted.  Sometimes I feel very slightly dizzy, but I just eat and it goes away.  As for the fog, I have been having foggy moments ever since premenopause symptons set in  when I was 48. And when I am foggy, I don't try to do finances or have deep converstions. As for flu like symptons, I have achy muscles, but I have fibromyalgia so what's new?  I just do gentle stretching and walk and it really helps.  I may have to repeat stretches and movement exercises several times a day. From the trenches, Judy52

[graciegirl1]

     My heart goes out to all of you experiencing pain from Zoloft withdrawal!  Don't give up, though.  If you feel you're capable of going off your meds (b/c your depression is truly better), hang in there because riding out Zoloft withdrawal can be a long, bumpy, and LONELY road!
     I was on Zoloft for 4 years.  It really helped my depression but when I went off the meds, my withdrawal was HORRIFFIC!  I will never go on Zoloft again!
     I was on 50 mg and went down very gradually over numerous months.  I experienced life-altering withdrawal symptoms for over 6 months!  I felt like I had been kicked in the chest every day for over 6 months.  It was dreadful!  There were many days when I just wanted to give up and go back on the meds just to make the symptoms of withdrawal stop.
     Zoloft is a fabulous drug for helping people with clinical depression, but its side effects when you go off of it are enough to put someone back into a deep depression!
     Patients should be warned before taking Zoloft.  But the reality is that you're so depressed and desperate for help, you're probably willing to risk later withdrawal to benefit from the drug.  There must be better options!
     Good luck and don't give up!

[E]

Finally I feel back to normal (95%) and have felt so for the past few days.  The improvement began in earnest on day 8 after my last .125 amount (note I only took it for 4 days).  Happily what I thought was turning into a relapse never happened.  The strenuous daily exercise I did (10+ mile runs) may actually have lengthened the days of feeling "out of it" as I expect the "detuned" re-uptake receptors were awash with serotonin.  Still, I felt it would be better to overdo the exercise as it was the only thing I could control while feeling so awful and helpless.  I hope others out there can feel some hope from my recovery experience.

[Judith52]

Dear Rich,
You were on zoloft for an anxiety disorder and it sounds like your current symptons are not withdrawal, but your old friend anxiety.  Use what you've learned about your anxiety, to lessen your symptons and try to remove the trigger stressors until you are dealing better with it.
Is your doctor good?  If not, do some research though the American Pschiatric Association (I'm not sure I worded this organization cmpletely correct), for board certified specialists for your condition and then research what his or her peers think about him or her and lastly do you feel better with him or her?
Is your anxiety a PHOBIA -- then you must you must use techniques used to extinquish phobias--over exposure until the anxiety goes away (Classic phobias:  fear of flying, heights, spiders, etc) (marker:  the further away from anxiety producing object or event,  the better you feel.)
Is it OCD--the more you think about it or don't think about it or try to cope with it the worse it gets over time? OCD is counter intuitive-- you must not cope withsympton but wait until anxiety goes away.  THis is alearned behavior and you nee a therapist, (i.e. coach)  to hlep you develope the courage ladder of anxieties (OCD obsessions, there level of anxiety production 1-100, and the ritual response that you have developed and need to learn to ignore.
Please talk to yur doctor and educate yourself about the condition you were originally diagnosed with and what cognitive therapies, nutrition, exercise, breathing techniques, etc. can help you control this anxiety monster.  ONLY GO BACK ON THE ZOLOFT IF YOU NEED TO BUY CHEMICAL CALM TIME TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM UNTIL YOU HAVE A BETTER HANDLE ON THE CAUSE AND YOU'VE DECIDED ON A COURSE OF ACTION WHEN YOU DECIDE TO WITHDRAWAL OFF ZOLOFT AGAIN   With Friendship, fellow zoloft user and I am not a doctor  Judith52
Books to read:  Brain Lock, By Jeffry Schwartz  MD.  Freeing your child from Obessive Compulsive Disorder, by Tamara E. CHansky, Ph.D.  Often good books have bibliographic references re other conditions.  What I have learned so far that all this anxiety, ocd, phobias, authism, ADHD are on a kind of anxiety continuum.  Find out where you are, what you have and what combination of methods will help you but this anxiety monster in a very small controllable box.  Good luck!!  It is hard and it is ******, but at least we weren't born 200 years ago, suffering in silence or worse yet placed in a mental institution

[grailmaiden]

I am so glad I found this posting. I have been on Zoloft for the past 8 months. I started taking it after the birth of my daughter because of depression (even though I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder for 17 years). I went on Zoloft because it was the only medication that I could take while nursing. My husband and I have decided to have another baby, so I decided it was time to go off the Zoloft. I talked to my OBGYN and he gave me a titration schedule, which I followed.

It has been about 2 weeks and I still feel like ****. I keep have dizzy spells that are so bad I feel like I am going to pass out. This happens several times a day. It is really scary when I am out with the baby and I start to feel like I am losing control of consciousness. I am lightheaded, and keep having horrible headaches. I have started taking Benadryl to help me get to sleep at night, but then I don't want to do anything but sleep all day. Thank goodness my daughter is still on a two nap a day schedule. I am very irritable, have a short fuse, and I am very emotional (however, I attribute this to the resurfacing depression).

It is really hard because I am starting to rethink my decision to have another child. I don't know if I can go another year without being on medication. I haven't felt this bad in a really long time. Another woman wrote in an earlier post that going off the Zoloft made her feel like she was pregnant. I couldn't agree more!! Same type of symptoms. I started worrying that maybe I got pregnant while was still on the Zoloft, but then again like she stated, you have to have sex to get pregnant. The Zoloft definitely put a huge damper on my libido.

I just hope that these withdrawal symptoms start to fade soon, or else I feel like I may have to give up my hope of having another baby. As much as I hate the way I feel now, I have already started counting down until when I can take the Zoloft again. And the experts say it is not addictive...that is truly funny. I feel like an addict jonesing for the next fix. I refuse to take it when I am pregnant, but I don't know if I can make it a year without it (I am starting to wonder if my husband feels the same way). I want my daughter to have a sibling, but now I feel I have to weigh the pros and cons.

[grailmaiden]

Forgot to mention, I have also felt like my eyesight has been funky. At times it feels like everything is blurring together and I can't focus on anything. Also feel like I am underwater sometimes, feel a rush through my head and my ears start to buzz. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Krsmbt]

Zoloft withdrawal - I am in my 5th day of 0mg's of Zoloft, based on the 1/2 life of Zoloft my body should only have about 1mg left. Tomorrow it will be 1/2 of that, etc.. In any case, the eye focusing issue started in ernest today. If I move my head to look in a different direction and then look back (checking traffic while driving....) it takes a second to refocus. It is like my eyes have to catch up with my brain. Really uncomfortable. And I am not thrilled with driving while I am experiencing these symtoms.

The other symtoms have subsided, the brain zaps, the headaches are much better. The joint aching, etc..

So at the moment it is just the ability to focus that is driving me a bit crazy.

I am going to gut it out, I will never go on Zoloft again, this withdrawal is as bad as anything I have ever experienced and frankly worse in some ways.

Good luck to all. I will continue to post and provide feedback on how long this lasts. Hope it helps.

[brittanyjay]

i've been on zoloft for almost three years now and i have an incredibly horrible memory.

i've probably gone through withdrawl at least a dozen times from just FORGETTING to take it. obviously this can't be too healthy...
probably the worst incident is when i was feeling incredibly dizzy and confused from the absense of the zoloft and i ended up blacking out and crashing my car!

best advice... do what the side of the bottle says and DON'T OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY (for at least the first couple days)

... you also get some pretty crazy dreams :)

[bcemre3]

Today is day 12 since I took my last bit of Zoloft.  I can't say I am totally symptom free but what I have is very minor.  First some nausea, then a little lightheadedness, a little diarrhea and cramps but nothing horrendous.

The key to this success I would think would have to be my VERY GRADUAL TAPERING down from 150 mg. -- The taper took me 176 days !!!  I started on Paxil in 1999 and then switched to Zoloft probably 4 or so years ago.

If anyone wants my schedule, please let me know and I'd be happy to share it.  I tried last year with my doctor's help and that schedule failed after 3 weeks.  I begged to get back on the **** because I had horrible side effects with the faster taper.

Good luck to all and thanks for all the support.
Louise

[JessicaR]

Robyn...

Are you still looking for Zoloft? Please e-mail me at ***@****.

Jessica

[bcemre3]

I just realized I forgot to tell everyone about a web site I was referred to who have registered dietitians who can help get rid of those extra SSRI pounds.  The dietitians work one on one with you when you sign up and they give you a plan tailored for you with the right balance of calories, exercise, etc.

Go to http://www.tntgetfit.com/ and click on "start losing weight today".  It is working great for me and the pounds seem to be coming off now - slowly -  (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each week. )  I look at it as instead of spending the money on Zoloft, I am putting out a little money now -- and soon I'll feel and look great but without the side effects of the SSRI.

Sorry for the winded message but I thought it was important enough to give you the good stuff because I certainly complained months and months ago.
Good luck to all.       Louise

[withya]

Zoloft - What a drug! The med greed thug drug companies must have forgotten to tell us about the withdrawal symptoms, and the diabetes possibilities!

I have been on this poison for about 5 years, and I WILL get it out of my system - whatever it takes!

Just got the type 2 diabetes diagnosis last month - THEY SAY I HAVE IT!

Oh well... Why do you think they call it "practicing" medicine?

They don't know their *** from a hole in the ground!

Worthless, every one!


I am going to try St. John's wort... it actually grows out of the ground - SO YOU KNOW THE MED THUGS ARE AGAINST US USING IT - THEY CAN'T MAKE ANY MONEY OFF OF IT!!

[sawyer74]

I am so glad that I found this site.  Even though I feel bad at least now I feel validated.  I have been on many different types of antidepressants.  I used to do illegal drugs.  Nothing has been as bad as coming off of Zoloft.  I am so close to going back on a low dose of this drug just to stop the withdrawal symptoms: horrible headaches, very irritable, inability to concentrate, insomnia AND fatigue (weird, I know), seeing weird tracer things or thinking that I see see things that aren't there, panic, heart racing...I could go on but my memory is shot right now so I can't recall everything else.  Oh yeah!  A sugar craving that is worse than any PMS type craving.  I am on my fourth day of no Zoloft after slow tapering down from 100 mg.  I am trying to make it through day by day.  I keep telling myself 'tomorrow will be better'.  But so far it hasn't been.  I started taking some supplements after reading on this site that others have had luck with them.  And I am taking ativan as needed.  It is not helping much.  I have Ambien to sleep and that provides me with about 5 hours of sleep before my eyes pop open and I am off zipping around the house.  I wish someone could tell me when this would end!

[bcemre3]

How long did you take on your "slow taper" from l00 mg. Zoloft?  It took me 176 days to go from 150mg to 0.  I have very minimal side effects.

Everyone is in a hurry to get off the stuff, but I learned from here the secret is really tapering VERY slowly.  Good luck and before long you will be feeling better.

[TredMcNeil]

I agree with the above poster on how fast everyone is getting off of Zoloft.

I've been on Zoloft for about 8 years at 25mg for anxiety and panic attacks.

Thus far, I don't really feel it at all anymore, but know it's still there. I have in the past tried coming off just to see what would happen. I was told
of all the symptoms before I started, so I really didn't get's suckered into
it or anything.

Really people this comes down to brain chemistry and common sense. Also, we all
have to remember we are all different people, so some symptoms of rage, depression, ect can not all be thought of as w/d completely. We were all put
on this medication for many different reasons and we all have different brain chemistry. Just remember that while reading the forum.

With that said, a small reduction in your dose over a very long period of time, is the way to go off any type of medication long term. Anyone that thinks putting a medication in your body that actually changes your recpetor/downregulates, whatever.....is just not really reading into what their taking. I will say that doctors do NOT in the majority of cases tell a patient the pros and cons effectivly. Money is the name of the game and hurting business is not what they want to do as they help. With the internet being used more and more, these symptoms will be well known for those that actually research what they are doing to themselves.

Receptors are being numbed and or filled with a medication. It should be obvious that when a medication takes over what your brain is lacking or trying to accomplish, then when a discontinuation of the medication is desired, the natural brain state has to compensate the difference. Think of your brain as a muscle. If you don't work out for a long period of time, you get fat. Your receptors are fat after you take a medication for a long period of time and the only way to get it back in tune to any sort of normalacy is to exercise the organ and get your recpetors firing in a consistent manner. This can be done in many ways. Diet, exercise, different therapy ideas, meditation, travel, ect ect.. These all spark natural serotonin receptors in some manner and will help with recovery.

An opiate addict is lacking dopamine (in a simple explanation). The opiate (heroin,hydrocodone,oxycodone) fill this particular function. Zoloft and the like fill a simular type of need of a receptor, but more to do with serotonin. The brain is unable to produce what it needs to fill the void of discontinuation if not tapered in a manner that alows your own functions to take over. Many different factors come into play with ssri's due to so many different reasons zoloft (and others) are started to begin with. A persons recovery really depends on their mental state as well and how well the brain can adapt to change from prolong use of an ssri. It's a given that chemical changes have been made...Now...how to correct those changes if one's desire is to be substance free.

Taper: Slow and low is the answer, but not without work and yes uncomfortable feelings. Also, a person really needs to weigh what life means to them and what the reasons for wanting to be substance free are. Once a person has a very strong desire to be substance free and is in a position to actually be safe (meaning no mental illness still effecting natural states), then a person needs to realize a very focused taper will have to start.

If a person is on 50mg zoloft, then a reduction of 10mg every two weeks would be minimum in my mind. (I'm not a doctor, just observations of discontinuation and other experiences from people) Then the last 20mg should be tapered over a month or two or more... What is the rush wanting to come off of this medication when you've been on for years ? Makes no sense to me and is setting yourselves up for situations that may not have happened if discontinuation was done differently.

This means you have to cut your pill. You can not taper by just using the score make made on the pill. Good luck I'm really so sorry you all are experiencing these feelings. I have as well and realize what is happening. When you have the tools and information about what it is you are taking, it will help reduce the fear when the symptoms start to occur. Mental health is hard to pin point when it comes to withdrawal, because a persons environment and daily lives, greatly effect symptoms. Remember, a healthy lifestyle and proactive nature will speed up all these unfortunate side effects.

[sawyer74]

the slow tapering probably wasn't that slow.  A matter of weeks not months.  Between the ages of about 18-28 I took Zoloft.  I would take myself off and on it at will with no side effects.  I was off of it for a few years and, recently, went back on for a few months.  This time, at 32 y.o., trying to come off of it has been hellish.  I'm vacillating between 'gutting it out' as one person said or starting back on a low dose (12.5 or 25) and taking the step down process much slower.  Problem is my doc. is out of town for about another week.  Any suggestions?

[in2mec]

i may have all of you beat on how many mg of zoloft i take per day...200mg (for the past 2 yrs) i have run out of it, and haven't had any for one week. i have been fine until right this moment. feeling light headed, a little insane, and am having hot flushes. the reason i took the dosage i did was because i took it for panic attacks and not depression. i can't wait to feel clear headed again so i can read about everyones experiences, etc. i do have an immediate question that someone may be able to answer. i have gabitral ( i think that is how you spell it) and cymbalta on hand. do you think it would be okay to take one of these in liue of zoloft?  it will be 2 more days until i get more zoloft...and i am a bit freaked. i hate the ZOLOFT and willl share these stories with you once i get through this moment..semi panic attack! yippee~

[TredMcNeil]

The gabitril is something I wouldn't toy with, unless you talk to your doctor. It's very unpredictable when starting and needs to be under a doctor's care. There
are seizure warnings with gabitril as it effects your gaba receptors directly. It may help, but again not something I would personally do.

The cymbalta is something more likely to help, but it can cause a speedy energy feeling that may be mistakened as anxiety, but is closer to what you would be looking for. Again, we are all just people on this board so no doctor advice from me.  Good luck, but if you google what each of these meds effect, then you may
have better luck choosing if you just can not deal.  

[JessicaAnn]

Has anyone else experienced along with the brain zaps and light headedness a motion sickness like feeling constantly?  I'm having a hard time functioning because I have to keep stopping what I am doing to take deep breaths and concentrate on not throwing up.  I tapered off the drug as my doctor recommended.  I've been completely off for about 5 days, but can't stand the way I feel, so I took a chunk of a capsule today (not a whole one, more like a crumb).  I feel so helpless, gross and sick.  It's miserable!  Any thoughts on how to cope with the constant motion sickness?  Dramamine??  

[abby12]

Hi all you fellow zoloft victims. I have been on this drug for 6 years now, and i dont think i really should have been put on it in the first place. I was'nt depressed just highly strung, as is everyone in my family. I have put on about 15kg over this 6 years, my sex drive is non existant, which is putting a great strain on my relationship with my partner and like others have said on this site I feel no emotional response to anything. I would like to have a good cry now and then but cant. I have tried many times to ween off this **** and until i read all your symtoms i thought i was going crazy. I tried to explain the head zaping to my doc and she thought i was making it up.But now i know it was real.Like most of you i ended up back on the zoloft just to ease the horrid withdrawls. But as of today i am going to try again, i have to, i want my sex life back. I will ween off slowly and try to ride out the withdrawal symptoms, i am determined not to let this nasty drug rule my life...WISH US ALL LUCK...

[Knowalot]

It's so disturbing to know that Dr's are prescribing this drug and not stating its addictive attributes.  I feel for all of you, not because I'm a Zoloft victim, but because I'm an alcoholic and I've gone through these withdrawals...sweaty, cold, shaking, throwing up, delirium, brain zaps, anxiety and the feeling of despair.  However, now I feel luckier than all of you because, even though I was totally disabled, my withdrawals only lasted two days at most. My drug of choice did, unfortunately, ruin my life, where Zoloft doesn't seem as harmful.  But, shockingly, it will NOT let you leave...just like a jolted, pychotic ex it will stalk you for months.  I will pray for all of you...that you kick it, and never touch it again!  Love you.

[Knowalot]

Harry, you're just a baby...Not that I'm that much older, but you're so young. Please...know that people - the nice, intelligent, sincere people, won't ever make you feel like an outcast.  You may be different from the majority, but that's just a uniqueness that you have.  You appear to be very smart and caring.  Please know that, regardless of those looks you get from the "normal people," you are normal!  You are unique!!  Think of it as a gift, and you should smile to yourself every time someone gives you a "look."  Love you!

As for those suffering from Zoloft withdrawal...I know there are some drugs out there to help with nausea and hallucinations and sleep disorders.  You should check with other dr's - don't just listen to one source. They want you to come back for it - ZOLOFT, because they're making big $$$$ off it.  That's why they don't mention the addictive characteristics. I wish you the best of luck and pray that eventually the government will look into this.

[canuk1]

Like everyone else, I am delighted to find this site as I have spent a very uncomfortable week withdrawing from Zoloft. I have been on it for over 10 years and reluctantly took it when I realized I was breaking down due to menopause and a genetic propensity to bi-polar disorder. I was delighted with the change - it saved my life at the time and I recognized the irony of having refused all meds for the 20 years previously, then weeping with relief when the Zoloft worked. However now I am sure I can do without the drug, and the irony returns... the drug doesnt want to do without me!  I have come from a high of 100mg to 50mg this past year and then 25mg for the past 3 months. I stopped a week ago after committing to the following support system for myself:

I stopped drinking all alcohol. Being a migraine person with fibromyalgia, I finally admitted it did me no good and a lot of major damage to my system .. (being Irish by lineage, it was hard! :)

I stopped all diet drinks with additives; all sodas, sugars, chocolate and carbs.
I finally admit the sweeteners are poison and not helping with the chaos in my brain. I drink herbal tea or bottled water only - all with liquid stabilized oxygen to increase the oxygen in my blood. I crave oxygen all the time and realize I do not get enough. I order it from the US (I am Canadian) but it can be found in any health store.

I read The Metabolic Typing Diet by William Wolcott and determined the best diet for me based on genetic typing and personal habits (sleep, digestion, mood, etc). As I suspected, I am a strong candidate for a high Protein/Fat diet with little or no carbs. It supports what I have felt 'in my gut' all my life and I intend to stick with it. Protein supports brain function and I need a lot of it right now.... protein is not for everyone but the book determines what is best for your type.

I committed to 3 days a week at Curves for cardio/weight workout and either stretching or walking the other days. As of yesterday, the Toronto paper came out with a huge article on the fact that we are deficient in Vitamin D becuase we are covering up in the sun for fear of melanoma, and are in fact giving ourselves breast cancer.. but that's another topic.

The big thing is.... and only one person has mentioned it.... a huge number of Americans are not covered with health insurance. No Canadian is covered for alternative health care. We do not think to seek out alternative care as it is ridiculed and buried by the system. It can be expensive and as such, is dismissed by a lot of people turned off by western medicine..  and becuase the pharma companies do not want you to know there are alternative therapies available in your health food/drug store - over the counter.

Please consider finding a competant homeopath, Chinese herbalist or naturopath and commit to a plan. It can be expensive but I will spend every cent I have to on myself to be in charge of my own health, and if necessary, my own nervous breakdown!! :) Just a joke.

I am the daughter and granddaughter of Canadian medical doctors who practically started Public Health and Allergy medicine in Canada but who, because of their own anxiety and mental problems (and probably bad diet and drinking and pill abuse) ended up suicides.  The system failed them.

The reliance on drugs has to stop as there are natural remedys available to us if we look hard.... we need alternatives.

So I have my plan with my naturopath. She is French, trained in Europe where naturopatic remedies for depression, anxiety, OCD, etc are sold over the counter and given to children as nutrients in their diets during their growing up years.. we give our kids soda, chocolate and fat.... our brains are dying.

As soon as I stopped the Zoloft, I started an amino acid called 5-HTP.
I am taking 100mg 3 times a day and will probably take more at night as I am still 'hooked' on a sleeping pill to allow me to sleep.
I am also taking another amino acid called Tyrosine.. 800mg 3xday.
Omega 3 fish oils are mandatory. I am allergic to fish so I take Phos Choline instead for memory (I have none and I want it back)
Zen Thianine in the morning helps with brain function.
B12 in the afternoon for nerve support, brain damage and to help absorb nutrients.

Homeopaths / good naturopaths will also determine your individual, specific needs and what your body has to have to help get you functioning properly. That is why we do not heal.. the system wants to shoehorn us into a certain category and then treat tens of thousands of people with the same pill. We are all unique and have unique needs... the time has to be spent on ourselves to determine what it is that is causing our internal clocks to tick in an off kilter manner.  We just dont want to hear that we are contributing to our own mental and physical illnesses.. anxiety, diabetes, heart disease, cancer. It's not my fault.. I have to drink alcohol to relax, eat hormone ingested meat, snack junk food because I am too tired to buy proper foods... that was me, for sure.

Meditation, quiet time and decent sleep is mandatory. It took me a long time to realize that. Over the past 2 years I have not been able to sleep at all and have to rely so far on chemicals, which I hate. The upside is that I feel better and more mentally energized with enough sleep....enough to take a risk, make the decision to move out of a polluted city to a small town, on the water, live simply in fresh air, and walk the dog. While I'm a lot poorer than I'd like, I'm happier and healtier breathing fresh air and getting sun... all of which I consider part of the 'non-drug' plan for my future.

This has been much longer than I intended but I cannot stress enough the importance of physical balance with mental balance. My doctor father and grandfather both ended up thinking the next pill would save them, and I consider myself lucky to have had a chance to take Zoloft and recognize how it feels to be 'normal' and 'calm'...and how to recognize the difference between being 'normal' and being out of  whack mentally.  Now I am sure we can (or most of us can) do it ourselves with the pharmas waiting in the background with wallets open.

(This in no way implies there is no room in our lives fo r drugs. They saved me at a time when I needed them. There are serious illnesses that ensure someone can have a close to normal life who would otherwise be institutionalized or probably dead. I only mean to urge people to do their own evaluations, to make sure they are doing the best for themselves - not relying solely on the drug companies they hate so much to give them the magic bullet)

Make sense??

[mbanks]

TredMcNeil; it sounds like you have done your homework.  I just finished the book "Your Drug may be your problem" and read about the downregulation.  This will be my 3rd and hopefully final attempt to kick Paxil to the curb in 7 yrs and have had bad withdrawls before.  A 5% decrease for 10 days each step is what I'm understanding, so approx 35 weeks to quit 50 mgs a day.  I'm hearing what you're saying about easing your brain into taking over and recovering.  My question is will I be in bed ill with each step down?  And if so, isn't one big ugly sick week long detox more efficient?
Canuk1; I appreciate your posting because over the time I've been medicated with paxil and occasional Xanax, so much has slipped away.  I realized that i wasn't even doing the things that are bare minimum common sense things like taking a multivitamin, and proper diet and excersize.  It is all connected and we have to take care of the whole package.  In preparation for getting off meds, I started aerobics again, eating right and trying to get physically healthy enough to do this.  Where did you get your supplement info?

[ryanleesmommy]

if you all think you're crazy, read this: i am also suffering from the NIGHTMARISH withdrawal effects caused by stopping zoloft...i have been on zoloft 25mg per day for 2 years...i have major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and several types of severe anxiety... tried to wean myself off it once be4...didn't work...anyway, for some dumbass reason i don't know, i decided hey, this time  i'm quitting this drug and i guess i'll just deal with the side effects...so i went off COLD TURKEY about 2 weeks ago...BIG MISTAKE...let me tell ya, i'm a complete mess...i haven't been the same ever since...all the problems that caused me to take the drug in the first place came right back and then some...
here's a list of my problems from stopping the zoloft: (AND I'M NOT KIDDING YOU)
sporatic "brain zaps",  a continous feeling of euphoria mixed with terror, (almost like a bad drug trip or something and i'm not a druggie), screwed up vision, movement, and speech, paranoia, anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks, depression, rage, constantly on edge, uncontrollable laughter, (prolly caused from being so nervous), always feel like something bad is going to happen...irritable, moody, and shaky...AND THIS IS ALL CAUSED FROM STOPPING ZOLOFT...i go through all these things every day...my life is pure hell rightnow...i prolly just should go back on the damn drug becuz now i'm feeling the way i was before took the zoloft plus 10 times worse!!!! It's not even worth trying to stop taking it once you've been on it for so long...i DO NOT recommend starting an SSRI like ZOLOFT unless you know you ABSOLUTELY need it, which i knew that i did be4 i started taking it...don't get me wrong, it's a great drug that really does help most ppl have a normal state of mind, but once you start it and take it for a long period of time, don't plan on stopping it and having a hunky dory life becuz stopping it WILL TURN YOUR LIFE UPSIDE DOWN and make the problems you had be4 you took the drug come right back again and then some...good luck to everyone

[sunni898]

Thank You All!
I am sitting here in tears, can't believe what I'm reading. I thought that I was crazy and the only one!
I have been on Zoloft for four years and thought that these withdrawal symptoms were just something I was going through. Thank Goodness you are all out there.
The Brain Zaps, the sweating, and most of all when I move my head, my eyes don't follow... all of these things and more... weren't supposed to happen?  Where were the warnings about all of this when I started taking this drug?
I wanted to die last night, only the fact the I have two children is keeping me from harming myself over how horrible this is.
Why didn't they tell us?  I never would have started taking this if I knew how much I would suffer trying to stop. Does it ever end?
I can barely drive, I can barely take care of my children, I haven't been grocery shopping in two weeks. I go from tears to rage in 0-60 and then just pure exhaustion.
I don't know what to do any longer. I've been off this medication completely for over a week now. I am on abien cr at night to help me sleep through the brain skips and sweats and take migraine medication during the day for the horrible migraines, not mention topamax to prevent them altogether.
DOES THE END? HELP

[Brenda10years]

Hi.  I've been on zoloft for over 10 years now.  do you think any m.d. would try to help me get off?!  the pharmaceutical industry c.e.o.'s, etc., are millionaires thanks to us depressed anxious people.  i'm trying to get off it for one month now.  slow or fast, we are going to have nasty withdrawals.  my husband encourages me to get off, due to the fact of not wanting me to be in an institution when i'm 65 with alzhiemer's disease, when we should be enjoying our retirement.  makes sense right!
i've searched natural medicine sites for help.  SOME GOOD NEWS HERE!
you can take nature's valium, VALERIAN.  i've tried it, and it does help.
once i'm off zoloft, i will start natural products proven to help.  they are -
5-htp, rhodiola, and hyperforin(st.john's wort).  GOOGLE, "amoryn".  you can buy the product, or go to a health food store and purchase the three main ingredients (5-htp, rhodiola, st.john's wort) separately.    i have tried many natural products to help with certain health issues, and all have worked.  some take longer to take effect, such as Evening Primrose oil for PMS, but it will work, and does, if you take as prescribed.  Seek out counsel from  your health food store, or general nutrition center.  good luck.

[charlottee52]

I thought I was going crazy before I read all these posts. This site is a god send. I honestly felt like dying before reading these. I went and saw my doctor yesterday to tell her how I was feeling and she just said that it was normal and that I should go back on the Zoloft. Something I dont want to do. I have been off Zoloft now for one week and my withdrawal symptoms are getting worse. I woke up this morning and felt worse than yesterday. The worst thing is that I couldnt explain to anyone how I was feeling. My partner thinks im going mad im sure. But when he gets home from work I am going to show him these posts and then he will understand what ive been trying to explain to him for the last few days.
I can say one thing and that is I feel so horrible and weak. I hate it. I really cannot handle it. My body does not feel like it is mine. I feel like im moving in slow motion and I have tingling in my whole body. Those zaps are horrible. Im really shaky and cannot be bothered doing anything. I just want it to end.
The only good thing that has happened in the last couple of days was to read these posts. I dont know what I would have done if I hadnt found them. I actually thought I was going to die. I thought I was going to have a stroke or something. I was so scared I was going to die in my sleep because something really bad was wrong with me. And now I know it all has to do with the Zoloft. I am so angry with my doctor for perscribing them to me 5 years ago. She never told me that getting of them was going to be this hard.
I wonder if anyone has contemplated dying with these withdrawals.
One good thing for me is that now I know that I am not the only one going through this.

[Mumzie]

I want to get off this!  What is the best way?  My prescription has run out so this would be the time I guess.  I have tried before but it didn't work cause my Dr. said if the depression came back I was to start up and my hubby said my constant sleeping, cranky (aka bitchy) attitude was rising to the fullest!

My husband said I would never be able to stop this drug......could he possibly be right?

My need for these antidepression aids are because of my inablility to handle/accept the problems of my children.  Daughter with COPD,IBD and possible Crone's and Son is "very healthy" however in prison.  So I worry and through out the past 20 years been taking Prozac (I weaned myself off that) then Paxil ( this one flat lined my feelings so I weaned myself off it) then I used the overcounter Sam-E which was working quit nicely for a few years.  Then problems rose with the adult children and I was drawn into the depression arena again and this time my Dr. suggested Zoloft stating that it was different than the others I had been on.  It worked but I want to get off now because I don't want to take something for life "just because I can't stop".  Do you know what I mean?  I exercise, do yoga, have finally dealt with problems in life and realize I can't fix what ail 'em and have lowered my cholesterol and high blood pressure almost to the point I can be taken off..........but I have noticed that since being on this Zoloft my blood sugar has been from 100 to 132.

Any advise I'd appreciate.  Thanks for this site!!!!!!!!!!

[Val S.]

PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME WHY I AM COUGHING MY BRAINS OUT!

Several months ago the doctor took me off the zoloft (on it for years-150 mg) and put me on Wellbutrin.

I coughed and coughed and researched this on the internet.

I found one person who also came off of Zoloft and onto Wellbutrin with coughing effects.
This person went back on Zoloft and the coughing stopped.

I also went back on Zoloft and the coughing stopped.

Due to financial problems, I weaned myself off of Zoloft and am coughing like crazy!

Been a month and am still coughing~~feels like a hurricane is going through my head at times.

I know that I could have other problems due to a cough but it seems funny to happen when going off of Zoloft~~twice!  And then to stop coughing by going back on it.

I believe now that the coughing was never due to Wellbutrin and is a side effect from going off of Zoloft!

I cannot find the person who also had this problem, but I do see that one of the rarer side effects of Wellbutrin is coughing and was wondering if this small percentage of users just switched over from Zoloft?

If someone can shed some light on this, sure would be appreciated!

[sunni898]

Hi there,
Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I know what you're
going through and if you read my previous post from 4/30 you'll see
that I also considered drastic action in response to the withdrawal from
Zoloft.
It's been two weeks now, I am feeling better. I can't say that I'm ALL better
but the withdrawal is somewhat better. The zaps are still there, just less
frequent. I am no longer in bed all the time, I am no longer wishing that I were dead, which trust me is a vast improvement.
If you want to talk, I would be happy to send you my email address. I am still
feeling slightly crazy, so maybe it's stupid to offer that to a complete
stranger but I remember thinking that I was alone in this mess until I found
this website and I wouldn't want anyone to harm themselves because they
felt the same way.

[charlottee52]

Hi Sunni and thankyou for your response. I actually went and saw a different doctor yesterday and told him what was going on. I dont think he believed some of the things that I was telling him. Especially the part about the brain zaps. But none the less he did believe some of it. I told him that I did not want to go back on the Zoloft but I couldnt handle the way I was feeling. He put me on a tablet called Stemetil ( Prochlorperazine ) I looked it up when I got home as I have a book which tells you what the medication is for. It said it was for Nausea, Dizziness. I took one tablet as soon as I left the chemist and it did help me. That was yesterday and this morning I woke up and felt just as bad so I took two of these and they have helped. The best thing I read about these tablets is that it says they are not addictive. But I remember hearing that about the Zoloft as well. Anyway Sunni im so glad you are feeling a bit better. It gives me hope that this is not going to last forever. I NEVER want to ever go back on these horrible tablets. I felt like I was going through hell.
Thankyou Sunni for making me feel like there is hope.
My email address is ***@****
If you would like to contact me and just chat.

[bcemre3]

Wow -- you have now opened my eyes big time when you talk about having a cough that won't leave you.

I am completely off Zoloft (it was a 176 day taper) since April 1st.  I am been coughing constantly since I began the taper in October.  The coughing led to vomiting and I ended up in the hospital with a GI bleed.  How's that for coughing!!  

I have been on 3 different cough medicines with no help.  Been to the allergist (no allergy) and the GP numerous times.  Still coughing.  Been on different antibiotics 3 times, steroids, etc etc etc.  Still coughing.

I am feeling like a wet rag now but I can't determine if that's from the Zoloft withdrawal or the coughing.  I cry at the drop of a hat and never did that b4 Zoloft.  I took Zoloft for panic attacks.  I stopped it because of the weight gain.  

Good news, the weight is beginning to come off..   If anyone else has been coughing, please let us know -- maybe we are on to something.

Louise

[theckla]

Guess what?  It's not just zoloft!  I've just come off years of celexa
and I've got all the same symptoms--even the coughing.  I thought for sure
that was unrelated.  I feel like I'm breathing water.  I was just making up my
mind to give up tomorrow and go back on the pills until I came across this site.
I've got such rage sometimes that I can't be in the same room with anyone.  
Even alone I have to take Benadryl, or anything else that will sedate me enough that I'm harmless.

I just take something and burrow under my bed covers as much as possible.  It's crazy, I threw a pop can in a doctors waiting room while arguing with my husband.  Thank god we were the only ones in there!  The rage seems
to be triggered by almost anything from a strong odor (like bananas) or the Tv being up a tad too high.  Even normal bodily functions like having to pee or being sexually aroused make me hysterically angry (no idea why, god knows I should be grateful for any sexual feelings after being on antidepressants since '93!)  And of course, I've gained lots of weight so seeing myself in the mirror or getting dressed in the morning is enough to upset me normally, but can be downright dangerous right now!

I was beginning to think I was relapsing (I was depressed and  I have borderline personality disorder), but I feel so sick at the same time. Like being hungover and seasick all the time.  Sometimes just walking across the room will make me dizzy and sick, and my head hurts all the time. And the electric brain zaps are almost constant unless I'm very still.

The Benadryl idea came from a website somewhere--it does help with the nausea, dizziness and the rage--but you feel slightly muddle headed and I think you get a bit anxious and irritable when it starts to wear off.  I'm going to ask my doctor if she has any recommendations, but I'm not holding my breath.  If it was up to her I'd be on meds forever.  She told me that only time will help with the withdrawal (sorry, "discontinuation syndrome") so I had to find even the Benadryl myself.  I had to go on stress leave from teaching (4 schools--don't ask :>) otherwise I'd never be able to get off these pills.

I can't believe that the same pills that saved my life in the 90's are ruining it now.  

[noriejune]

Wow, I am so glad I found this site when I did.

For years now the doctors have been trying to get me to take prozac and zoloft. I come in and they tell me I'm depressed and take this drug... it will help you. I explain to them I'm not depressed... I just suffer panic attacks...and I have since I was 2 years old, I'm 38 now. Sure I would like to live a life where I can come and go as I please and  not suffer these attacks... but it is not in the cards for me.  I go for months at times and have no attacks, just anxiety that never leaves me unless I am home safe. See I suffer from a fear of vomiting and so flu season is a real killer for me. So I stay home a lot at this time of year.

It wasn't until a year or so ago that I found out that there were others like me and that my phobia has a name. (emetaphobia) Anyway the doctors keep trying to get me to take drugs. I ended up in the emergency room almost a year ago and this nice doctor gave me lorazopam... wow... never knew I could feel so calm. It took him a half an hour or more to convince me to take it. He told me they give it to cancer patients for nasuea and vomiting.

Well they won't just give me this drug for those times when I really need it... after all it is addictive and I don't really know myself well enough to know if I need it or not and might take it too often. SO they want me to take this wonderful drug Zoloft... take it every day????? Why I don't suffer severe panic attacks every day???? Anxiety, yes, attacks daily, NO.

After reading what all of you have had to say about zoloft... I thank God for visiting this site. I just took both prescribtions (25mg and 50mg) and flushed them down the toilet. As far as I am concerned that is all they are good for.

I can't even take tylenol without fearing a drug reaction that will cause nasuea or vomiting. What would have happened to me if I started this so called "CLEAN" drug. yeah... that is what the doctors told me... zoloft if a clean drug... one that is not addictive and has no side effects.(at least no side effects that would keep me from successfully taking it.) Either taking it or quitting taking it...WHAT LIARS doctors are. Are they really that stupid, do they not see what they are doing to people? There has got to be a better way! I'll stay home and watch LMN or SciFi everyday before I take a poison like this!

Thank you all so much for sharing your struggles with this drug and others. You saved me from suffering as you have. God bless each and everyone of you. I hope you all get better soon and I pray you all get free of this drug.

Nora

[regosen]

During my past 7+ years on Zoloft, there was only one thing that warded off the side effects COMPLETELY:

Cannabis.

After about 4 years of taking 100-200mg of Zoloft, I was able to swiftly taper off while smoking cannabis on a daily basis.  But here's the catch: 6 months later I stopped smoking altogether, and soon after that came the dizzyness and fatigue associated with Zoloft withdrawl.  Eventually I'd had enough and got back on Zoloft (though I didn't resume the smoking habit this time), and soon I was back to "normal".  Now I'm tapering off without the help of cannabis, and (surprise surprise) here comes the fatigue again.

So Robyn, you don't have to take Zoloft for the rest of your life if you're avoiding the withdrawal symptoms; you can just smoke pot instead.  :)  But that's probably not practical for many of you (including myself), not to mention more expensive.

[eec333]

Wow - I'm so glad to have found this forum.  So much of it hits home!  I've been on Zoloft now for almost 10 years for panic/anxiety attacks.  In the past six months, I've been taking the generic Zoloft, Sertraline.  I've also changed jobs during this time, so my stress level has likely increased.  I was attributing an anxiety increase to the job change, but then I realized how much it corresponded to the change in meds.  After reading some other posts and articles on the web, I'm really wondering if Sertraline is all it's cracked up to be.  The unusual thing about this medication switch is that I actually feel more depressed than I have in a long time.  I've noticed little muscle twitches and a definite increase in insomnia.  It's strange...it's like I traded in my old panic attacks for depression and insomnia!

So I'm going to do a little test...I switched my latest prescription of 50mg Sertraline to 50mg Zoloft (it's $80 more expensive but worth it for my peace of mind).  I'm curious to see if the brand name actually is more effective, and if so, I definitely think the issue should be raised to insurance and pharma companies, because although I can spare the $80 at the moment, not everyone can.  I just don't understand the idea that a generic drug can cut corners in dosage of active ingredients, although it sounds like that is the case.  It just seems wrong!

I have to say again, I'm glad to read all of your comments.  Makes me feel much less alone.  :-)  Hang tough, all!

[Val S.]

Wow! Seems like you are really going through hell with that cough!
I am not coughing as much now but feel like hell and cannot deal with life in general without crying and screaming!

Back to your cough........I know that this is probably not good advice but if I was going through the coughing you seem to be going through, I would go back on Zoloft just to see if the coughing stops.
Coughing should stop within a day or so and then you would know that this is just part of the withdrawl.

When I went off of Zoloft the first time, I coughed for three weeks and when I went back on Zoloft the coughing stopped instantly.
Someone else said the same thing on another forum which I cannot find again.

What really gets me is how little the doctors seem to know about all of this!

I am surprised that there is not a class action suit against these companies!
I bet that something will happen soon!

I have read all of these posts and some on other forums and I have not found one person who says they feel normal again!
Maybe when the "normal" comes, no one posts.
We all seem to want someone to tell us how long these withdrawls last but no one seems to have completely recovered from Zoloft!

What if we do something horrible? Are we responsible for our actions in the eyes of the law?
Seems that many of us are worried about losing control!

[bcemre3]

Thanks for your suggestion of restarting Zoloft to see if my cough does subside. BUT ----- there is no way in H--l that I will ever put one of those little evil pills in my mouth again.!!!!!

It took 176 days to get off of the junk and I think I'd rather cough till the cows come home before I take that again.

To add insult to injury, I was at a stop light and was hit in the rear by a drunk driver who fled the scene ---  I got his tag and he is in jail --  The pain in my back that is running down my legs sorta makes the cough feel "not so bad".

I truely feel I have no MAJOR withdrawal symptoms from the Zoloft because of the slow taper.  I would plead with anyone who is thinking of tapering to do so VERY slowly to avoid all the side effects mentioned in other posts.

Good luck to all who visit this site in successfully ridding their body of this awful drug.  I wish there were an attorney willing to take on the drug companies on our behalf.  

[Questioning?]

Thanks to everyone that's posted your experiences with Zoloft.  I started 50mg a little over a week ago for mild depression and anxiety.  My original concern was about weight gain.  My doctor said that I shouldn't gain weight, but after reading about how many people have gained weight on Zoloft, I called my pharmacist, and she said that you will gain weight, and it can start in as little as 2 months.  

Last night I started taking 1/2 a tablet.  I plan on taking 1/2 a tablet for another couple days then stopping before this has a chance to kick in!

Today, I was looking for information about withdrawal and found this forum.  I'm so glad I made the decision to stop.  It sounds like the "cure" is worse than the problem.

Thanks Again!

[bcemre3]

You can certainly call the Zoloft group a "well rounded" group of people.  We have all gained in the 20-40 pound range.

Good move to not start it - anything is better than trying to get off of this junk.  Good luck.

[charlottee52]

Hi Everyone.
I wrote a message around 2 weeks ago when I was feeling at my worst with the withdrawals from Zoloft.
It will be 3 weeks tomorrow since I had my last 1/2 tablet. I am still suffering withdrawals. I still have the brain zaps but not as frequent. And I am still having that slow motion feeling. Like when you move your head it seems like the rest of you takes a second to catch up. I also still feel very sickly in the stomach and feel like i am going to be sick at any time. I am still crying at the drop of a hat and get angrier than ever before.

These withdrawals are still awful but are better than 2 weeks ago. I couldnt handle the way I was feeling two weeks ago but now I can just handle what im going through. I just wish all these symptoms would go away.
I wanted to write this because I read in one of the last messages that no one posts after they are better. So I thought I would. Even though im not better I can say it is better than it was.

I will post again soon if anyone is interested and let you know how the withdrawals are going.

[Krsmbt]

I have been off Zoloft since April 6th. Withdrawal symtoms have been totally gone for about 2 weeks. All in all, it took about 3 weeks. Good luck to all.

[cptvpete]

This forum is a goldmine of information for those of us battling these medical demons.  I've been on Zoloft for 7 years and, in many ways it has given me back control over my daily life.  I tried to wean off several times, but, as a PCP explained to me..."it's like insulin to a diabetic.  The chemical imbalance is your diabetes and this is your insulin."

Not very comforting, considering the 40 lbs weight gain and almost total loss of libido which have resulted from this wonder drug.  I miss my sexuality and....my damned waistline!

As for the Sertraline, I too was switched to that brand by my insurance company.  For the first two weeks, I had the BrainZaps (feels like short electric bursts every time you turn your head), but that was the only noticeable difference.

As of today, I am reducing my dose from 100mg to 50mg daily.  I will record here, my symptoms, so that maybe we can all observe what happens.  I pray that the mood swings and out of control tears do not return, like they did the last two attempts I have made at reduction of dose.   Wish me luck, stay well and stay tuned.

[cptvpete]

Pleeeeease keep posting!  You're right, we all need to hear from folks who have successfully stopped taking the med!   Thanks.

[Scarlett545]

I am trying to get off of Zoloft...I've been on SSRIs since I was 12: Paxil, Klonopin, Prozac and now Zoloft.  My psychiatrist cut down my dose from 100mg to 50 mg and I am having horrible withdrawal symptoms: dizziness, nausea, depersonalization, lathargy, brain zaps, ect. I  was having bad side effects while taking the medication but now I feel worse getting off of it! I feel like I don't need them though so I'm trying to get off.  I was just wondering if anyone here has had any of those symptoms, especially the dizziness after running or exercising.  Also, on these postings, there are hardly any successful stories of someone quitting zoloft!  It is very disheartening but I have to remember that everyBODY is different!

[bcemre3]

Take your time tapering off Zoloft and the symptoms are minimal.  I decreased 12.5 mg (cutting the 50mg in quarters) every 2 weeks.  It took 176 days to get from 150 mg to nothing -- but it was worth it not to have the awful side effects.  Try to taper slower and maybe you'll feel better.

Don't give up the ship and don't go back on the poison!

[Daylelynn]

I have read all the posts.  I will try to be brief.  After being on zoloft for 8 years I weaned off slowly, and after two months it hit like a ton of bricks. Withdrawals.  I had to go back on.  Children, etc.
Could someone please tell me how long it takes to feel back to normal?  It's been around a month and I still don't feel back to normal.  I'm up to 150 my old dose.  Thank you so much if anyone could answer this.  It's mostly the ocd and sleeping  that haven't returned to normal.  Thank you very much.  I am desperate for an answer.

[Bethie1]

I am 40 years old and have been on Zoloft for over 8 years. I have made at least 3 attempts in the past to get off . But each time go back on because I am can not get passed the anger and rage I feel for no apparent reason. I have two young children who I love dearly and a great husband. I can not take this out on them. It's just not fair and I don't want to screw them up and them feel the need for anti-depressants later in life.
I am on  another attemp this time I hope to succeed. I am doing things a little different this time. I am really watching what I eat and drink taking fish oil Kava   Kava I tried 5HTP and wish i could have keeped on but I had bloating and terrible stomach problems and it made me feel very wired. Anyone else with these side effects from 5HTP? Anyways I am just a raw nerve crying angry and very irritable!! If the side effects only effected me then I would just have to try and deal but when I feel I'm effecting those I love so much it's hard to press on.
I will not give up I am tappering off very gradualy. I am a christain and I know I have God's help! I will keep each of you in my prayers! I really feel for you and know what you're going through.
Dose anyone ever fully return to "normal" after taking Zoloft? I havn't really hear a definate "I'm off and doing really good." If anyone has pls. post so I can have hope that i too can be a success story Too .  

[Daylelynn]

Also,  please let me know you can still feel normal again if you go back on the drug.  At least that much would make me feel better.  Thank you.

[amalee]

I just turned 20 and have been on Zoloft (generic) for just barely a year now. My doctor started me out on 50 mg and now has me on 200mg.

When I was at 100 mg, I stopped taking it for about a week, not knowing about the short half-life. I got the electric zaps, crying, insomnia, and general feeling of craziness. I basically didn't go to class for a week (i'm in college).

I should have known better than to let my psych put me on an even HIGHER dose after that incident, but Zoloft did seem to help my depression. When I was having some depression "breakthroughs," as my psych calls it, I agreed to being put on more.

Now I am regretting it because I don't want to be on Zoloft my whole life...and I can already tell it's going to be hell trying to get off it. I decided to decrease the amount ASAP (meaning before my appt with the doc). I figured decreasing it by 50mg (to 150mg) would be fine. I was wrong, and have had a HORRIBLE headache for more than 24 hours now. Needless to say, I'm getting really panicked about getting off this now!!!

Another issue I'm having, that maybe someone could give me their opinion on, is that I am wondering why the doc ever put me on 200mg in the first place. At the time I didn't think it was strange, as i'm not that familiar with doses. However, after reading the posts on this site...I realize that 200mg seems to be a lot (max amount apparently). Seems strange to me...because I am not/have never been suicidal or harmful to myself. My main problems have been being too depressed to get out of bed/socialize sometimes...stuff like that.

If anyone has any comments/suggestions, let me know.

[charlottee52]

Hi to you all.
Scarlette all the withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing are all to do with getting of the Zoloft. I went through all the symptoms. Crying all the time. Bad tempered,  Slow motion feeling. The zaps in my body and feeling awfully sick as though I just wanted to throw up all the time. I felt like I had a really awful disease or something before I found this site. I actually thought I was dying. It has been three and a bit weeks for me now and I am still experiencing symptoms. I can say they are not quite as bad as they were. So keep doing what you are doing because you are doing a great job. If you feel as though you dont need them then listen to your body. I am not a doctor of course. But I feel we should listen to our body's.

Cptvpete STAY STRONG, you can do it. Believe me if I can do it anyone can. I am such a weak person usually. But because of what I have experienced with these Zoloft I never ever want to take another one ever again. And I never will. I do not ever want to go through anything like this again. So please stay strong. I think its great that you are going to record what you are going through here on this comment site. I think it is great to share with everyone what we all go through and hopefully help someone else that may be thinking of going on the Zoloft. I also think its good to record because it will make you feel a lot better as well.

Amalee the reason why our doctors put us on a higher dosage is because they take it apon themselves to tell us that we are not coping. So they prescribe more tablets. I remember 5 years ago when I was leaving my husband I went to the doctors and I was upset and told her what was going on in my life. She said to me that I should go on the zoloft and so I did. I trusted her to know what was best for me. Then after 3 years of being on them I had horrible news. My dad died, he had a heart attack. After the funeral and a couple of weeks I went to see my doctor again because I wanted to be checked that my heart and all was well because my dad died young. I was in talking to my doctor when I told her that my dad had died and I started crying. I told her that I was there to have a physical. Which I did get but she also upped my dose of Zoloft because she thought I wasnt coping with the loss of my dad. I mean I was devistated by my dad but I was grieving and that is normal. That was two years ago. So all I can say is that life brings us lots of challenges and we can either deal with them or we can take a pill and not let it hurt as much. Well whatever life deals me next I am going to deal with it and not take a pill to suppress the way I feel. We are supposed to feel and have emotion. Thats life. And I choose now to live my life with out tablets.
GoodLuck Everyone and Stay Strong.  

[amelia100]

i'm 19ys old and in a very competative college. i've been on 75mg of zoloft for about 2 months, and was on 50 before that for about 4. i fought so hard not to be put on this drug, regulating my diet, exercise, st johns wort, and therapy for months. finally it was evident that i needed meds or i was going to have to drop out of school. when i got on the drug i felt completely horrible. couldn't eat, couldn't sleep and couldn't think. but i was so depressed that the ammount of inconvenience from the drug was far less from the illiness. now i am feeling better but i think it was a mistake to go up to 75mg. 50 seemed to be good for me. but on 75 i feel so apathetic, unmotivated and emotionally dead. i'm not depressed but i'm not happy either. i just want to be on 50 for a little boost, not 75 for sedation. now i'm trying to get back down to 50 by splitting some 25mg tabs that i have left from when i first started. i plan to do this for about 2-3 weeks or when the 25mg tabs run out. it's been about 4days and i woke up this morning really early with the WORST headache i had ever experienced. it felt like there was a vice squeezing my whole head. luckily i am home for summer break but if i was alone at school i'm not sure what i would do. just took some tylenol so hopefully that helps. but how long do you think this will last? i feel really sick and am worried because i work everyday and i'm starting summer classes next week. ADVICE PLEASE! how long do you think this will last? do you think that i'm tapering off in a safe way? HELP!

[Praise the Lord]

I want to start by saying like you all I have been on "drugs" the doctors call it medication. For over 20 years. I have lived in a fog, raised four chldren, been married 25 years and remember the pain of NOT living but existing. Then I found Jesus. I strted to wean OFF Paxil and Klonopin with the doctors expertise. I started first with Paxil because is has thr shortest life of the two. The first 5 Mg not a problem. I have 5 to go. I have put this ALL in Jesus hands. I hand it all to him and rebuke Satan when he gives me symptoms. They go RIGHT away. Amen. I also drink a lot of WATER and WORK OUT> Nausea and dizziness can be helped with dramamine (ask your doctor) as these take those symptoms away. I have NOT had them. I read postings all day before  Istarted to wean off the meds. The stuff on some of these sites would SCARE anyone into NOT trying. So, I decided to join and say GIVE IT TO THE LORD!!! You need HIM NOT this stuff. You can do it BUT not without Jesus help. Please what do you have to lose??? The DRUGS!!! You will gain a realtionship for life. LIVING not EXISTING. Amen. Keep the FAITH.

Praise the Lord.
CSL

[updown]

I have been off zoloft for over 4 months now and I was doing very well until about 2 weeks ago.  I never had any symptoms when I stopped but now all the anxiety is coming back. Has anyone else had this long delay in symptoms?

[cptvpete]

Thanks to all who've offered encouragement.  This is my 5th day, cutting dose from 100mg to 50mg, and....I'm still here!  The brainzaps are more pronounced each day and I'm extremely fatigued (I've fallen asleep in mid-email several times).  My energy level has dropped like a rock, and I've had a ringing in my ears for 2 days now.  (similar to the frequency of the zaps, only not quite as loud/)

The insomnia has also become more severe (it's now 4:11am) and yes, I feel like I'm in a fog most of the time.  I'm going to try changing my sleep environment (different room/bed) for a few days to see if this can aid in the transition.  Already, I long to just feel *normal* again, but I have not upped the dosage and pray that I never do!

Some of the reasons I picked *now* to try this weaning are:

1.  Recently laid off from job, so I'd rather try now than to risk alienating folks that I work with.
2.  Can use relaxation techniques more easily since I'm home all day.
3.  My First grandbaby is due in November and I would like to be free of this **** by the time he/she arrives!
4. No one around to **** off except the husband, and....he'll be away next week on business.  This is a good time to juggle the emotional **** that accompanies Zoloft withdrawl.
5. Hubby admitted that my weight gain was a deterrent to our love life...so...I need to get OFF THIS DAMNED DRUG!!!
6.  Ok, just fell asleep as I was typing this....heeeeeeelp me!


Don't we all sound like a bunch of ungrateful children...who ONLY  want this major thing to be resolved overnight...  I realize it cannot be, but
I MISS MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!  

I PRAY that this will all be worth the effort someday soon.

[amelia100]

just an update.



i had a therapy session today and my therapist felt that i should remain on the 75mg dose not 50mg because i'm back to my original state of wanting to die 24/7. i'm disappointed, but she realizes that i really want to find other ways to help me feel better so maybe this will be motivation or something.

[ZoloftAlternatives]

I am a newcomer to the Forum and am planning my exit strategy for Zoloft... I have been on 150mg for 14 years and am researching healthy alternatives to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal and improve mental functioning both short-term and long term. My decision is based on a lasik consultation that I had recently, where I was diagnosed with severe dry eye syndrome, most likely from prescription meds. This diagnosis eliminates my ability to have lasik and blepharoplasty, and makes me wonder what other negative, longterm effects I have suffered...

What I found so far in my research for healthy alternatives include a high level of anti-oxidants, Omega 3 (fish oils), B-6 L'Tryptophan, 5 HTP, Gingo Bilobo, Siberian Ginseng, SAM-e and St. John's Wart as potential products. If you have tried any of these or a combination of these, please let me know how they have worked for you or if you have other healthy supplement recommendations... Thanks!

[PoppyS]

Hi,
I was on Zoloft for about 8 months (200mg) for depression but had to stop because of severe migraine. I tapered during two weeks according to my doctors recommendations and felt ok during this time. One-two days after quitting (after two days on my final dose, 25 mg) I got severe side-effects. Not so much emotional but more physical: brain (and body/limb) zaps, serious dizziness (had to hold on to things to avoid falling), nausea, stomach problems, extreme fatique, generally feeling sick, and was just totally dysfunctional. The worst were the brain zaps and the dizziness, they were intense and scary. Within the first days of withdrawal effects I came across a website with a program for getting off psychiatric drugs (http://www.theroadback.org/trb.htm). I ordered all the supplements that they recommended (vitamin E, omega-3, magnesium, protein suppl, and some other stuff (see their website)), despite the fact that we were struggling financially -- I was sooo desperate, and started taking them all without following their program really (you are supposed to start already before tapering). I am not exactly sure if it help me but I do think so. It took me about two weeks to get out of the worst withdrawal but about three months to completely get rid of the brain zaps. I thought I was going to have to live with them for ever... Like I said, I did not exactly follow the program from the Road Back website but I would now if I was to do it again. I remember reading that the Zoloft (and other drugs) changes the activity and metabolism in the brain (and other places) so that you may "burn" certain chemicals/substances/nutrients more and create a deficiency in your body. Eg brain zaps could occur because of Omega-3 and magnesium deficiency. For some reason it makes sense to me and I would totally try their program out. If it can prevent you from getting some of the withdrawal symptoms it is well worth it!!!

Another side-effect I had during my Zoloft was that one (always the same) pupil was larger that the other. This can still re-occur (although much milder) now almost 6 months after I quit Zoloft, but who knows, maybe that is unrelated. Had a neurological exam back then and all appeared fine.  
Oh, and I also used Benadryl and sometimes Ativan to sleep during the withdrawal.
Good luck everybody on getting that stuff out of your bodies -- it is a great feeling to be free!! Although, I am still struggling to keep my depression under control...

[ZoloftAlternatives]

Thank you for validating my research on nutrients and supplements to augment the tapering process. I found that site that you recommended very helpful - http://www.theroadback.org/aaapretaper.htm.

I am actually taking a liquid nutraceutical that has many of those same pharmaceutical grade ingredients already, so I think that I may just up my dosage during this time and do a slow tapering. It is great to have many of those ingredients in one drink as opposed to having to buy 5 different products. Will let you know how it works out...

I have always done the weekend holiday with Zoloft even though I have been at the 150 mg. level the rest of the week and am wondering if that will make my tapering a little easier. In fact, I am thinking of going from 5 days to 4 days on Zoloft for a while and see how that works rather than lowering the dosage... Don't know if that will work or not. Has anyone done it that way?

[HateTheDrugs]

I first posted back on March 22nd.  Almost all of the symptoms I had from the withdrawl seem to be gone.  All except for the clicking ears.  My ears have been clicking and popping for 2 months now.  It started when I stopped the Zoloft, but I've been everywhere to try and figure out what's going on. I've been to 3 ears, nose and throat doctors and 2 dentists because two of the ENT docs thought it could be TMJ.  So I went to a TMJ specialist... he told me I had none of the symptoms.  So there goes that.  

The clicking is driving me so crazy that I just can't do it anymore.  I sleep as much as I possibly can just so I don't have to deal with it. I was in the emergency room last night because I was crying so bad because I just can't take it anymore.  I really, honestly can't and NO ONE seems to give a damn.  Well, I get a CT scan and it ends up coming back perfectly normal.  Great.  So they STILL don't know what the hell is going on.

The doctor comes back in the room and says he went online and did a little bit of research and said that Zoloft seems to cure those types of symptoms.  He called it "Tinnitus" (sp?) Except for the fact that my ears don't ring!  They click!!  There wasn't anything he could do for me.  He suggested I go to my family doctor and talk to her about going BACK on the Zoloft because he believes that's the only thing that will EVER help this stop.  NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!  

[HateTheDrugs]

I first posted back on March 22nd.  Almost all of the symptoms I had from the withdrawl seem to be gone.  All except for the clicking ears.  My ears have been clicking and popping for 2 months now.  It started when I stopped the Zoloft, but I've been everywhere to try and figure out what's going on. I've been to 3 ears, nose and throat doctors and 2 dentists because two of the ENT docs thought it could be TMJ.  So I went to a TMJ specialist... he told me I had none of the symptoms.  So there goes that.  

The clicking is driving me so crazy that I just can't do it anymore.  I sleep as much as I possibly can just so I don't have to deal with it. I was in the emergency room last night because I was crying so bad because I just can't take it anymore.  I really, honestly can't and NO ONE seems to give a damn.  Well, I get a CT scan and it ends up coming back perfectly normal.  Great.  So they STILL don't know what the hell is going on.

The doctor comes back in the room and says he went online and did a little bit of research and said that Zoloft seems to cure those types of symptoms.  He called it "Tinnitus" (sp?) Except for the fact that my ears don't ring!  They click!!  There wasn't anything he could do for me.  He suggested I go to my family doctor and talk to her about going BACK on the Zoloft because he believes that's the only thing that will EVER help this stop.  NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!  I don't WANT to go back on that sh*t!!!!  I don't ever want that back in my body.  I've got enough problems now thanks to that stupid drug!!!!!  And he mentioned Lexapro... that it was one of the "lesser troublesome" drugs or some **** like that.  And I remember reading here that someone had lots of trouble with that.  Besides, I refuse to take any more SSRI's.  

These companies need to be held RESPONSIBLE for what they do to us.  They COVER the symptoms, they don't CURE them. Not to mention the fact that they create brand NEW ones!!!  Something really needs to be done.  I can't live my life this way and I shouldn't have to!  None of us should!!  We give in because we feel like we've lost all hope and that there's no other choice.  But they know exactly what they're doing.  And if they don't, they certainly don't seem to care!

No one else's ears click??  I don't know what to do.  It feels hopeless.

[HateTheDrugs]

I want to apologize for the semi-double post.  This laptop is a piece of junk and  clicks on whatever it wants to, whenever it wants to.

[Bethie1]

Just wanted to say I am doing good so far. I posted about a week ago. I have been on 50mg for 8 years. now I am down to 12.5 every 4 days and I am copying much better. Not so anxious and uptight. I agree with another post that supplements are very helpful. I take magnesium,fish oil(but i read not after 4pm because it needs time to metabolize before you go to bed) also I have begun to take St. John's wort and SAMe. I have not had any brain zaps or much dizziness to speek of. I am not completly off I realize yet but, I think I am doing good compared to some. Also, I don't let a day go by with out walking either on my treadmill at the lake or around the neighborhood. I really watch what I eat limiting junk food considerably. Lots of fruits(I make a shake EVERYmorning with blueberries and any other fruit I have, flax meal and flax oil ,aloe vera juice, milk, and powdered greens). I am trying very hard to do all I can to support my body with good foods and excercize. In the past I have really let myself go. I weighed 198 and I am 5'6. In the last few months I have lost about 8lbs.and I am happy for that.
I want you all to know I am keeping you in my prayers! There is power in prayer and the Lord does not want us in slaved to these drugs. Zoloft helped me when I needed it but its like you sell your soul to the devil. He lures you in by making you feel good then you have to pay dearly when you want out. But I keep proclaiming "I can do all things through Christ who strenghthens me!" We will over come!      

[Bethie1]

One more thing I forgot to say was that maybe we don't see many success stories posted because people get better and don't bother to let us know. They move on and that is wonderful! But let us if we do get through the withdrawls and months down the line we are feeling good and doing well pls. remember to post so that we can let others know there is hope and it is possible. They need that from us.It's great to have a place to go to to vent, cry out and try to get support from others but we must give back in the end and let them know we made it out of the valley and they can too.

[toni2723]

Hello all!
I was on Zoloft for about 6 weeks for situational depression.  Well situations are changing and I hated the sexual side effects so I decided that I was coming off Zoloft.  It is day three and I do feel flu like.  It is strange because it seems that my symptoms come when it is time for my Zoloft.  I was only on 50 mgs a day, and not even very long.  I am really hoping that I don't have all of the symptoms you all describe!  
Best of luck to all of you!!

[CatD]

Hi, I only took Zoloft for 2 weeks and now went off of it and I feel horrible, and I was on such a low dosage. I am pregnant so my doctor started me on 10 mg (compound made) I was on this for 5 days, and felt better with my depression and anxiety, then I went up to 20 mg (compound made) and I stayed on this for only 2 days, I felt like a bus had hit me! I couldn't get out of bed and at the sametime I couldn't sleep. I'm pregnant and I have to be able to sleep and be able to take care of myself somewhat for the sake of this unborn child. I went down to 10 mg again for about 3 days and then went off of the 10 mg, just 2 days ago. I feel worse now than I did before I started this medication. I do have problems with depression, anxitey and irratibility for many years, but the way I feel right now is worse then my regular mood problems... I feel like I am out of my body, not in control of my thoughts, I feel no emotions at all, I feel so incredibly tired and weak and have horrible dizzy spills. I can't believe I feel this way from being on a very small dosage of Zoloft for only 2 weeks! I am very sensitive to medication, I have been on other anti-depressants over the years, and I also went through a horrible withdrawal with Effexor but I was on that for 1 year and at a regular dose... I don't understand why I have such horrible withdrawal from Zoloft from only being on it for 2 weeks and such a low dose... I am worried about my baby inside of me, how she is feeling. Will this withdrawal symptoms go away? I'm hoping being on such a low dose for only 2 weeks that it will go away, but how long does it take? I am so glad I didn't continue longer with this drug. Please if anyone can help me with my questions, I am very worried not just about me but the baby inside of me... please post me back. thank you so much.

[sweetone1]

started zoloft 4 2007 been on 6 weeks, severe anxiety hyperventilating tapered dpwn from 50 to 25 for 2 weeks now off 2nd day after stopping extreme achiness headache hyperventilating again week tired how long will these symptoms last i only was on it 6 weeks

[Momof2Foxes]

Hello, I am at work and experiencing side effects strong enough to get me to search online for what the heck it is.  I found this forum and feel much better to see others experiencing these brain zaps and fogginess and vision problems and headaches, etc.  I have been taking Zoloft for maybe 5 months now, and previously on Lexapro for 3 months. My memory is terrible since starting these drugs. Lexapro took away so much of my memory that I couldn't remember what day it was...all day long!  It was scary and embarrassing and my doctor just didn't believe that it was worse than everyone elses normal forgetfullness.  So now on Zoloft at least I did feel like I wasn't so upset or depressed (I have 2 baby girls, 3yr and 11mo) or angry at my defenseless kids.  Last week I accidentally stopped my medication due to forgetting to take it.  Once I realized that I hadn't taken it in 3 days and haven't killed myself or someone else I decided to purposely not take it last night. Well today the side effects are pretty harsh.  My muscles really hurt, my eyes burn, headaches, and really bad fogginess/dizziness.  I am hoping it doesn't get worse and I can just deal with it until it goes away.  Since I am not angry or paranoid or depressed like the last time I tried to taper off of Zoloft it seems like a good idea to just keep going through the pain in case I can come out the other end drug free without flipping out entirely or losing friends in the process.  It is quite painful and like many others my doctor is not so supportive of believing the intensity of the side effects so I am not even telling her about it.  What's the point?  If I do spend money to go in and talk to her she will just smile and nod and I'll get nothing out of it.  

This chat room helps.  THANKS.

[CatD]

feeling a bit better today from the withdrawal symptoms. I went to see my naturopathic doctor and she gave me a homopathic remedy and it seems to be working, I feel more like myself again. I'm going to have to learn how to deal with the depression, anxiety and anger without drugs, and with alternative medicine and with therapy.. I don't care what the docs say I don't trust these anti-depressants anymore and especially with being pregnant I can't risk how it could potentially affect my baby. I wish everyone the best of luck and hope that they get through this.

[jmb2151]

I am currently tapering off Zoloft for the third time in 10 years. I had never researched withdrawal symptoms before, and it is horrible to read some of the personal stories posted here. I feel compelled to post myself for people who come across this board while thinking of quitting the drug but get scared away by the painful anecdotes here.

First, the effects of going off Zoloft vary, and for some people, aren't even that severe. I dismiss the people who say they wish they could bring a class-action lawsuit against Pfizer. I truly think Zoloft has had a big hand in restoring my life several times. (My first major depressive episode, 10 years ago, ended with a suicide attempt.)

That said, I have had one negative experience coming off of it. The first two times I went off, I had absolutely no issues (see now, isn't that comforting?). About two years ago, I went off again, but not for very long. I was suffering panic attacks, and even though I could recognize those for what they were, having your heart feel like it's going to beat out of your chest is freakin' scary. I also recognized that maybe I was having withdrawal this time around because I was going through a major life change: I had just moved from the West Coast to New York City to begin a graduate program.

Again, maybe I am just lucky, but I've never gained weight while on the drug. Just the opposite, in fact. I definitely see the diminishing effects on my libido, though, which is a bummer, but also a side effect I've accepted as par for the course.

And just to drive the point home that we all react differently to these drugs, I hate Wellbutrin. Hate it! People talk of it here as a wonderful alternative to the "evil" Zoloft, but I found it unbearable. For the few months I took it, I was sweaty, anxious, couldn't keep my feet still, had heart palpitations, and my depression got worse. So.

If you're reading this and thinking of going off it, you should give it a try. It might not be that bad. If you go into something with negativity, it probably will be a negative experience (self-fulfilling prophecy, anyone?). You can always go back on if it sucks. Excercise, of course, helps tremendously, but so does keeping an open mind.

Cheers, and good luck to everyone here!

[Reldalee]

I'm a 49 year old post-menopausal woman who has been on anti-depressant/anti-anxiety meds for over 14 years. I'm new to this forum, but after withdrawing from Zoloft 50 mg/week (300 mg to 0 mg) over the last 6 weeks with no side effects other than some mild dizziness, my first 2 days completely off Zoloft have been nasty, and I wanted to touch base with other Zoloft users.  I feel as though I've been run over by a truck with muscle pain and weakness, and a simple walk to the store exhausted me for the rest of my day.  I still take 450 mg Wellbutrin and 50 mg Trazadone at night to sleep, and my doctor knows that I'm off the Zoloft.  But he wanted me to replace the Zoloft with SerroquelI (which has weight gain side effects, and I am now 60 pounds overweight) which I did not do. I went off the Zoloft because I am visiting an ex-boyfriend next month, and would like to be able to have an orgasm without resorting to high-end machinery. I also felt numb and fuzzy a great deal of the time. I expected some withdrawal symptoms, but the flu-like symptoms and the weakness were a surprise.  I heard about them for the first time in this forum - for those of you who have (or had) them - do they last a long time, or god forbid, get worse?  And why don't doctors tell us about them?  Any help would be greatly appreciated - just knowing that other people have experienced these symptoms has made me feel less of a freak.

[renal123]

I am now off Zoloft completely for one week.  I, too have brain zapping, and a feeling like i'm going to lose conciousness.  I totally flipped out on a friend the other night over nothing (she locked the car doors while I was driving) totally out of character for me.  My doc suggested Wellbutrin and I am on it now 300mg a day.  I'm in a total fog.  One good thing, i really don't feel like smoking, i have 5-6 a day down from a pack a day habit.  I'm going to hang in there and ride these symptoms out.  Good luck to everyone.  

[kf2353]

I found this site just before picking up the phone to call at least one of my doctors to see what is going on with me.  I will preface this with the fact that I had been on 100mg Zoloft for about 10 years for anxiety/depression after the death of my mother (continued on it because my gynecologist said that I might need it for the rest of my life to control a possible 'chemical imbalance.')

Now, the past couple of months - since February - have been a wild and confusing ride for me.  At that time, I lost my father quite suddenly to a massive heart attack at 72, I then decided that at 54 it was time to see the family doctor ... even though I've been seeing specialists for "woman" things, allergies, etc.  Well, he found that I've gained over 50-60 lbs. in the last ten years (Zoloft?), and my blood pressure and cholesterol were dangerously high and immediately put me on blood pressure and cholesterol medications.  My thoughts ... "man, I hate taking another medication on top of Zoloft & Allegra, Albuterol, Nasacort!"  But, this BP and cholesterol thing is a little more life threatening than my anxiety or sneezing & wheezing.  SO, THE BIG STORY HERE ... about four weeks ago I decided to stop the Zoloft ... cold turkey.  I also started a wonderful healthy eating regemine (Sonoma Diet if your interested), started drinking lots of water and walking on my treadmill for at least a mile each day, have lost 17 pounds and even want to redecorate my house (more energy and interest in life than I've had in a long time).  Felt great!  If I was having withdrawal, I didn't know it!  THEN, (after the doctor ordered stress test indicated a possible blockage), a cardiac cath was ordered and I'm told little or no walking until after the procedure (which I, unfortunately, put off for three weeks).  During that three week period, I continued my healthy eating habits, but didn't concentrate so much on drinking lots of water and of course little or no exercise.  THEN THE AWFUL head rushes, flu symptoms, aching muscles, crying fits, rages, loss of concentration (well, you all know) ... I even told my husband that I hoped I didn't live through the cath!  To bring this long story to somewhat of an end, I had the cath this past Monday and no problems, I have a healthy heart; and, all of the blood-work and tests I've had since going to my family doctor indicates that, at 54, there's absolutely nothing wrong with me ... praise God!

Why do I still feel so physically bad - I can't move my eyes without these awful head rushes (a/k/a 'zaps)!  I'm thinking perhaps this is a side effect of the BP or cholesterol medication (most especially the cholesterol meds because they have a well-known side effect muscle pain.)  That was my question when I decided to research the internet on Zoloft withdrawal instead of continuing researching BP and cholesterol side effects.  AND I FOUND YOU GUYS!  Once again, praise God I am not alone and you have helped me lock down my "problem," and I will join the crusade to warn people about these awful effects.

I have started drinking a lot of water again (as it really seems to help the head things going on) and will be able to get back on the tread mill soon (when this cath incision heals enough), I do anticipate feeling better.  I am so happy TODAY that I've found you guys and the reason for feeling like I want to die ... and Zoloft was the cause!

Hang in there everyone and I will too.  I'll let you know how diet and exercise work on the withdrawal symptoms ... I certainly have to feel better soon!!!!  This is withdrawal stuff is beyone miserable!

[badsidaffects]

well im so glad i found this website. I have been on zoloft for 3 yrs an take 100 mg to 200 mg...I havent been taking it for like 2 weeks and im ganna tell u what....the side afects really suck. Im having all the symtoms that everyone else has listed, the dizzy feeling or zap-like feeling..very irritable like i wanna ripe someones head off...an on top off it all my boyfriend cant stand me cause this.  I didnt chose to come off of it...i lost my insurence an cant afford it right now....o and i have gained 70 lbs sence i've been on this ****, went from 138 to 200 lbs...tell me if that dont suck...im glad to know im not crazy cause when i tried to tell people what i was feeling they looked at me like "what" hopefully they will go away soon....

[Bassman263]

Hello All!  I posted on here about a month ago, when I found this site, which was definitely a big help to me.  Seeing what everyone else is going through makes me feel not so alone in this, as no one I know has ever gone through this, and it's horrible.  I have now been off the Zoloft completely for about 2 months, and they withdrawals are still with me!  I don't have the brain zaps anymore, but now I have something worse.  I get this weird pressure in the front of my head, that goes from my forehead to both temples, and it makes me feel completely out of sorts.  Like I am on a different planet or something.  it's hard to describe but the first time it happened, I went to the clinic and they had to calm me down, as it created some panic, because it felt so weird and I didn't know what was going on.  And lo and behold, the dang doctor tried to give me another medicine to take, a cousin to Lexapro, Celexa.  I told him no way was I going to take another drug, as it has been hellish trying to get off the Zoloft.  These symptoms seems to come in waves, that last anywhere from 10 mins to an hour, and then I have a respite for a bit, then they come back again.  This has been going on for about 2 weeks now.  I also have nausea and dizzy spells, and those suck.  Point I am trying to make it, it may take some people a really long time(3 or so months) before the withdrawal symptoms go away completely.  During this time, you will feel anxiety, I know I do, I feel terror sometimes at nothing, and I even had bouts of complete anger and frustration at absolutely nothing.  So, take heart everyone, these symptoms are rough, they are the worst thing you will ever go through, but don't go back on the Zoloft!!!!  Don't do it!  It is not worth it, unless you really need it, and it really helps you with no side effects.  Instead of drugs, get outside and exercise, meditate, go fishing, go camping or do something that you enjoy that relaxes you.  Also, I have found something that seems to help me alot, and I pass this on as a kind of test to everyone.  I was having a bad day, and I started watching a few of my co-workers play chess, and I started planning out moves for them and such in my head, and it seemed to help.  I think that when we get creative, it uses some part of the brain that helps with the serotonin or something.  I am not sure if this will work for everyone, but give it a shot, do something that makes you think creatively, draw a picture, paint, make a dresser if you like woodworking, something.  It may just help.  That all said I am still going through withdrawals, and they really suck, and i hate it, and all it does is make me more determined to not go back on these types of drugs because after 2 months of hell, I don't want to do this ever again.  So, hang in there, and stay as strong as possible.  These things will eventually pass, and you will feel much happier and better.  If anyone would like to chit chat about things, or just needs some support or whatever, email me at ***@****.  My name is Jacob, and I would be more than happy to help in any way I can, even if its just a should to cry on or vent to etc.  Hope everyone has a decent day!  STAY STRONG!  Bass.

[jbro2006]

wow - I'm so glad to find you all.

I started taking Zoloft at 25 - 50 mg in my early 20's for post traumatic stress disorder, I was suicidal at the time and I felt like it saved my life.  I loved it.  After some intense counseling and an overall improvement in my life, I went cold turkey - with no side effects at all.  I swear to god.  I felt great - never was an issue again for years.

Fast forward 10 years - quit smoking after 17 years and couldn't stop crying.  Asked the doctor for my beloved Zoloft and went on my merry way - few months later - I weaned off with (AGAIN)  NO side effects.  Maybe a little cranky?

Fast forward 5 years -

Had baby, had run in with crazy mom, got back on the Zoloft - stayed on for long, long time.  (4 years?)  Gained alot of wieght.  At least 40 pounds.

Started weaning off (want another baby)  BUT much to my suprise weaning off this time has been hellatious.  I just don't understand.  The dizzyness, rage and nausea are beyond me.  My poor son.  My husband is taking him fishing this weekend to give me a chance to unhinge in peace.  I don't have the brain zaps - thank god - but those of you that do have my utter and complete sympathy.

Why would I be able to wean off this drug two times previously with no side effects and now be SOOOO miserable?  This makes no sense to me.

[FrostyGal]

After reading these postings, I don't know whether I want to cry because my symptoms are the same as those I have read here and MIGHT be around for a long long time or because I am so happy to find I am not alone.  I was stunned to read about the diabetes and coughing related postings.  After building up to 100 mg of zolft over 7 years I had to be treated for gestational diabetes for my third pregnancy and was recently prescribed lipitor for high cholestoral.  I was six days into stopping cold turkey last weekend when I couldn't figure out why all of a sudden I started coughing when I didn't have a cold.  I was more alarmed when I was cleaning the carpet and it started to move like wavy water.  Then the nausea hit big time.  Someone commented about feeling like they were pregnant.  I can confirm this does feel very much like "morning sickness" in that I feel nauseated, weak, and I just want to eat saltines.  But I can add to that brain zaps, feeling like your eyes don't follow when you turn your head, headaches, dizziness, coughing, irritability, word recall and memory issues, insomnia, and a general zombie state.

I did take some more zoloft (actually the sertraline) a couple of times in the last few days, because I have three kids to take care of and I couldn't function well.  From everything I have read here, it seems to me that even when you slowly decrease the dosage you still go through this **** when you finally stop it for good.  Is it possible that decreasing the dosage doesn't have much to do with the degree you suffer withdrawal?  Maybe people just suffer different degrees of it no matter what?

Are people taking the Benadryl to reduce insomnia or are there other benefits from taking it?

[troubled1]

Hi, I'm new to this but just stumbled across this site at 3:00 in the morning because I can't sleep so I am trying to figure out why.  I am 27 years old and had my second child 11 mos ago. I'm nursing so taking zoloft (actually sertaline) was a hard decision but I finally decided to go on it when he was about 5 months old because I was having horrible fears.  I thought everything was great after a couple of weeks and the meds seemed to kick in.  Things were fine for a while but then, I thought I could possibly be pregnant and decided to get off the meds.  I take 50 mg so I just tried to take 25mg for about 3 days then completely stopped taking them.  The only side effect I noticed at the time was this sort of sinking feeling when I was trying to fall asleep. It was like my heart would stop beating for a second or something.  Then I noticed my anxiety coming back full force. It had been about 3 weeks, I found out I was not pregnant, and decided to go back on the meds. I just started right back on 50 mg.  After about 3 days of being back on the meds I started feeling crazy symtoms.  I felt choking sensations, like I had something around my neck.  And then I started to worry that I was going to pass out or something. It made me feel slightly nauseous and I also had this pressure all over my shoulders and neck and upperback. I went to the chiropractor twice in two days thinking I needed an adjustment and nothing helped. I finally talked to a dr. who said I was having panic attacks (which were unlike my typical panic attacks) and gave me a prescription for valium to take as needed. I'm still nursing my son so I have only taken it a couple of times.  I have been back on the sertaline for more than 2 weeks now and I can not sleep. I feel shaky every time I try to relax. I'm exhausted but can not rest! Now it seems like the valium isn't even helping. I don't know what to do. It almost seems like getting back on the meds screwed me up worse. But, I don't know if it's just a mix of going off of them really quickly and then back on or what. Sorry for the long post but I'm feeling kind of helpless and of course because I'm anxiety ridden I feel like maybe something else could be wrong with me.

[FrostyGal]

I can't comment about your other symptoms, but I believe difficulty sleeping is fairly common when taking zoloft and sertraline.  My psychiatrist has had me taking trazadone (which I have read here there are others taking it for the same reason) an hour before bedtime for a few years.  While I believe it has helped it also created another strange side effect that lasted for weeks.  If I didn't fall asleep immediately my nasal passages would completely close up and I would be forced to breath only through my mouth which made me panicky.  I later found that if I took really slow deep breaths through my nose when I started to feel the passages were closing off I could keep them open.  Weird!  Sorry if all of that isn't relevant for you, but I thought the details might also help others reading here.

[migz]

hi, ive been off zoloft for two months and a half now and im feeling as anxious as ever. im having a hard time rationalizing things. can someone tell me when these symptoms go away?

[novemberbaby]

So amazed to find this forum. I Googled "zoloft, lightheaded, withdrawal" half-heartedly, not really imagining I'd find others experiencing the same symptoms as me. I started taking 50mg of zoloft (generic) in October 2006. While it helped with my depression symptoms and actually brought a kind of peace to my life, it also brought on a quicker than normal temper and level of irritability that I hadn't experienced before. Thinking that it was possible a dosage increase would help, I began taking 100mg in January.

Bizarre as this sounds, I started experiencing symptoms of pregnancy, similar to those I had when I was pregnant with my son. Food aversions, thickening of the waist, breast enlargement and tenderness, major mood swings, and the most bizarre of all...........production of milk. Thinking I must have been pregnant I took a few pregnancy tests as the weeks went by, but all came back negative. When I went to my OB/GYN she ran blood tests to check for increased hormone levels, but those came back normal and she didn't seem as concerned as I was, so I made an appointment with my internist. She ran another series of blood tests and even scheduled me for an MRI to see if my pituitary gland had any abnormalities which could be producing hormones. Nope. In the midst of all my testing it was determined that I am diabetic, and after reading these posts I have to wonder whether that, plus my weight gain of 10 lbs. since going on Zoloft, are due to this medication.

Anyway, a month ago my doctor switched me to Wellbutrin for my depression symptoms and had me wean myself slowly off the Zoloft, starting with 50mg (from 100), then 25, etc. Well, since I dropped to 50mg, I have not felt "right" at all. My pseudo pregnancy symptoms slowly started to disappear (thank God!), but the lightheadedness that a lot of you describe, as well as a feeling of "slow motion" and a sort of "jangly" feeling in my head have continued. I describe it as "jangly" to my husband, as it reminds me of the motion of bells jangling around in my brain, without the sound. This has gone on for about a month. I stopped taking the zoloft completely two days ago, and I just feel so weird still. I needed to see if this was normal, and I found this forum. Whew! I am relieved, and yet a little freaked out that this has happened to so many other people.

[hoping and praying]

like everyone else here, i just want to say that i am also so glad i found you guys.  i stumbled upon this site after googling zoloft withdrawal on a "sick day" from work where i really just couldn't bear to leave the apartment.  i found i could relate to at least one thing in every single post i read.  it's a relief but also painful to hear because i sympathize with all of you and am myself about to begin my withdrawal for the 2nd time in one month.

let me start off by saying that i "self-prescribed" paxil by telling my family practitioner that i needed it for severe pms.  it was really for a severe bout of depression and social anxiety i had gone through for an extended period of time in which my family wouldn't allow me to seek counseling (long story- Asian culture outlook "if we can't fix it in the family then you don't have a problem").  the paxil did nothing for my depression and left me with no libido.  i went back to my doctor who then prescribed zoloft and i have been on it for the past 10 years, 25-100 mg.  it helped calm all the crazy depressing thoughts flying around in my head and allowed me some clarity for the first time.  but it wasn't consistent and i would fly off in rages or cry sometimes although not alot. about 6 or 7 years ago i tried to quit cold turkey, not researching it first or consulting a doctor; not knowing anything about how to withdraw- just doing it.  i naively thought there would be no symptoms.  i was fine for the first 3 or 4 days but then started experiencing the dizzy spells, motion sickness, nausea, unfocused eye sight and blurry trails when i tried to turn my head.  i had no idea what it was.  i could barely walk upright and i was easily confused i think because my brain was under so much stress.  it was so bad one day that i completely yelled at my boss for no reason.  after thinking that it might be withdrawal symptoms and confirming it with a friend who also tried to quit cold turkey, i went back on the pills and felt almost immediate relief.  i have weaned myself gradually from 100 mg to 50 mg to 25 mg. over the course of several years in no attempt to quit but just so i wouldn't have so much of the chemical in my body.

i recently went through some pretty big changes in the past couple months (like a falling out with sister-slash-roommate and moving into my own apt on very short notice) and it's caused me to fall into a depressive state that i haven't felt in a long time.  through all the changes i realized i hadn't taken my zoloft for about a week or 2 and was feeling okay.  i have to preface this by saying also that i don't take my zoloft with any kind of regularity- i only pop a pill when i start to feel dizzy so basically once every 4-5 days.  i know this can't be good but i know i'm a slave to the drug and i hate it.  so, i was feeling okay after 2 weeks but realized i was coughing A LOT.  like i couldn't stop and at times felt like i had a seed stuck in my throat that i couldn't swallow.  it was the worst form of irritation.  this was about the time i moved into my new apt and had found out the previous owner had a cat which i am allergic to so i attributed it to that.  after reading some of the "coughing" posts, i realize it could very well have been the withdrawal.  i also started to withdraw within myself at work and cut off almost all contact with all of my friends- at work and outside it.  to the people that i did interact with i started to stutter and couldn't seem to form linear thoughts, my thoughts were all over the place and when i talked i started to become a bumbling idiot.  so i immediately went back on 25 mg.  i don't like zoloft and know that it has contributed to the 5-10 lb. weight gain i've had in 10 years, to my almost non-existent memory, to flare-ups that have caused me to act out on family, friends and boyfriends, and who knows what else.

it is so disconcerting but i really want to get off these because my sister did and if she could then i know i can.  it took her 2 tries and she said it was horrible.  she was crying all the time and suicidal.  i've been crying a lot lately, been easily agitated and felt like i wanted to harm myself.  i've holed myself up in my apt for whole weekends instead of enjoying life.  i am either wholly lethargic or just can't bear to face anyone.  it's so miserable and i just want to say thanks to all the posts that have made me feel like i have people whom i can relate to.  i will faithfully document my experience little by little because reading your posts have helped me gain some strength and i just hope i can help others.  i am on 25 mg now and will gradually taper off to 12.5 over the course of several months if i have to.  i am going to take it incredibly slowly and realize that it's going to be a long and painful road ahead but i just know i have to.

-hoping and praying

[hoping and praying]

also, i have to add that i've been taking zoloft proper for all but the past 2 or 3 months of the 10 years i've been on it when i've had to switch to sertraline for insurance purposes.  i DEFINITELY feel there's a difference- i know some people were questioning it and my pharmacist seems to think i'm nuts- but it does not seem to have the same effect as zoloft.  that's my experience anyway so those who weren't sure, you're not alone.

[sunshynesag]

WOW!  this is my first blog-ever, but I felt compelled to write after my experience coming off Zoloft and reading that I am soooo not alone.  Started zoloft about 5 yrs ago and just decided to go off as my husband and i were going to try to get pregnant.  I thought, better to do it now.  Well, 6 months later- after the HORRIBLE debilitating withdrawal symptoms, I have decided to try Wellbutrin.  Just went to a new doc today.  I have been in therapy, trying every modality (freudian, jung-ian, body talk, hypnosis) but the withdrawal symptoms of zoloft were brutal.  I did the same thing- 100-75-50-25-12.5-and even broke that in half to (approx) 6mg.  Let me tell you, I even felt it then.  I would move and my brain would stand still.  It would spin, I became very angry and agitated.  I still lash out at my husband for no reason.  It is horrible.  It seems worse than before I went on Zoloft.  My weight obsession is horrible now and it is exaserbated by the weight I gained on Zoloft.  I am now depressed and fatifued b/c I can't lose the weight, and w/o the medicine, I start crying when I get dressed.  I had to take action, I can't live like this.  No motivation, excessive fatigue, lack of enthusiasm for life.... life is going by and I am not on the train.  ENOUGH!  I choose to make a change today.  Please send thoughts and prayers the new medication works without too many insane side effects.  How can I even think of getting pregnant and having a baby in a depressed womb/state of mind.  I also suppose my sex rive should have returned from not being on the zoloft, but the reality is, I have such a poor body image, I don't even want to be intimate.  I hate being naked right now so what's the point of increased feeling.  

Ok- thats it for now.  thanks so much for sharing your stories, it compelled me to write.    

[bcemre3]

Welcome to the site.  As awful as I have felt or feel now, it is wonderful to know that I am not alone and I am not imagining the side effects of withdrawal.

I must tell you that if you read any of my old posts, you will notice that it took me 176 days to get off Zoloft.  Now it has been about 8 weeks and the weight is really coming off ( yeah !!!!).  At the time I stopped Zoloft, I also cut out the sugar -- no chocolate, no candy, very little dairy, only 100% whole grain bread, etc.  I found it much easier to do the carb cutting only AFTER I was off Zoloft.  Before I had an incredible craving for the carbs.  

Don't give up the ship.  My kids are all grown up now and married, but I have accepted my body as it is.  Don't waste your time worrying about it - love yourself just the way you are.  Have a couple of kids and you will realize that your new shape is because of the kids but it was worth it for sure.

Best of luck on your new meds.  

[Sydney girl]

So glad to have googled to find this site as I know that I am not a hypocondriac!

I am in recovery from Osteolymphoma (1 year in) which is a type of bone cancer, so as you can imagine I've been through a lot of medications - chemo, radiation therapy and lots of paind killers (chemicals) which is supposed to help (in the short term).

One of them is Zoloft 100mg which I've been on for about 4 years now for anxiety and depression.  Sure helped alleviate the symptoms but really only therapy can assist with your mindset.  Some of us though do have a chemical imbalance and require some sort of medication in addition to therapy and good health choices.

The awful thing is that when I was first diagnosed with cancer my teenage daughter could not cope and was having debilitating panic attacks and vomiting (as you would do as a sensitive and intelligent person) and our friendly GP also put her on Zoloft.  With therapy too we have managed to wean her off with very little side effects.  I guess it is because she was only on it for about 8 months.

I've been tapering off over several months but noticed the brain zaps, fogginess, awful body pain (flu like symptons), with hot and cold flushes.  Very difficult to function (I need my job and can just lose it at home).  I've given up smoking previously and morphine based pain killers for my cancer and can honestly say it is similar to coming off these pain killers.  With the pain killers the detoxing did not seem to go on and on for weeks.....

I've had blood tests as my doctor thought it might have been lupus but now has put me on HRT as I'm menopausal from chemo and thinks that the symptoms are from the hormones.  I'm trying this but I will NOT go back to Zoloft as I believe these types of medications whilst effective in treatment are HIGHLY ADDICTIVE and I am suffering from terrible side effects.

I will be telling my Dr about this web site and urge everyone to look at alternative therapies and medications.  

Good luck to you all and don't lose the faith.  Be strong.

[Sydney girl]

Who are you trying to kid?

I am glad that taking Zoloft and then withdrawing gave you little side effects.  Lucky you.  It seems strange that you appear to be the only one on this forum who believes that the majority of the people who are experiencing serious withdrawal issues are probably "negative" and should have an open mind.  

Very suspicious to me......But then you would probably say that I am "paranoid".

I am happy for you that this was a positive experience and whilst Zoloft can be a great assistance (it was helpful in controlling my anxiety and depression), but when it came time for me to become drug free as I felt that I could conquer my demons with positive self talk, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes, it appears that the detoxing may be too much to bear!

People that have "mental illness" need lots of understanding and compassion and INFORMATION to make an informed choice.  What is right for some may not be right for others.  

[pseudonym]

Zoloft 50 mg for about 3 months; tapered to 25 for about 3 weeks; 1 day after last 25 mg dose I started experiencing strange bouts of brief dizziness not unlike that of some viral symptoms (flu, etc.) although not as pronounced.  I guess that's what people here are referring to as "brain zaps".  Alarming, to say the least! Anyway, I can live with those now that I know what they are, and that they will eventually cease.  In the mean time I have noticed that 200 mg of Ibuprofen every  6 hours seems to help reduce the frequency of the withdrawal symptoms.
Good luck to all!

[novemberbaby]

Just wanted to post here about how long my symptoms have lasted. It's been about 2 weeks since I stopped taking zoloft at all. Yesterday I noticed that my "brain zaps", lightheadedness and nausea had diminished VERY significantly, as in down to 90% of the potency that they had been. Good luck to all of you who are still experiencing the ugly withdrawal symptoms at their strongest. Thankfully, it gets better.

[Bethie1]

Thanks for letting us know how your doing! I'm really encouraged to hear that your are doing so well. Please continue to post now and again to let us know if you feel that you are back to "normal" and if you have experienced any weight loss (if you gained while on Z) and if your libido has returned if that had been a problem while on it. I'm excited and very happy for you. Thanks for the good news it's good for all of us!

[atg23]

Hey,

I was reading these post and noticed no one has said how much weight they lost when they went off of Zoloft.  I have been on Zoloft for close to 10 years and have just realized I will take it my whole life If I dont stop.  I gained about 75 lbs. while on this.  DO PEOPLE LOSE WEIGHT IF THEY STOP TAKING ZOLOFT?

[tuffmother]

It's comforting to know I'm not crazy/having a stroke! The "brain zaps" I'd been experiencing were frightening to me, especially since I'm a physical therapy student in my clinical affiliation. I HAVE to be cognizant at all times!

I took Zoloft for nine months to combat anxiety attacks and got up to 75 mg/day. I weaned myself from 75 to 50 to 25 over a period of two weeks. Started feeling "off" about two weeks after the last dose.

I am going to meet with a pharmacist friend and pick his brain about withdrawl symptoms and what can be done to lessen the severity of them, notably:
- light headedness
- nausea
- flu-like symptoms
- will I lose weight?
- will I improve my memory?

Anything else? I'll ask questions you have. Respond ASAP.

Hang in there everyone...sounds like there's light at the end of the tunnel. I sure as hell wish I had known how severe this withdrawl was going to take; I wouldn't have taken these stupid meds!

[bcemre3]

After many, many years on Paxil and then Zoloft (150 mg), I finally finsihed my tapering off this awful drug.  The last date I took Zoloft was March 31.

To date, I have lost about 10 pounds.  I must admit, I have cut out almost all sugars and have hreatly diminished my carb intact.  I stopped most dairy products also.  None of this has even been much of a problem since getting of Zoloft and before, I couldn't pass up anything that was a carb.  I just don't have that appetite for the sweets - chocolate included and I LOVED chocolate.

I haven't even exercised at all since I got hurt in a car accident 4 weeks ago, but the weight is still coming off.  This is the # 1 reason why I got off Zoloft.

Keep your chin up and and follow my carb solution and the weight should come off.  I put on about 30 lbs.

I do, however, feel my anxiety and panic beginning to return and that I don't like.  I will absolutely, positively NOT go back on an SSRI.

[skopi]

I am reading your comments and can't believe my eyes that I have found a place where we all feel the same.

I was put on 50mg Zoloft about 9 months ago due to mainly anxiety problems. I started getting off it about 4 weeks ago with the advice of my doctor, first took 25mg a night for 2 weeks, then 25mg every two nights for two weeks.

I had my last dose about 4 days ago, and started feeling some of the well documented problems, since yesterday. Slightly dizzy, feel like I'm floating sort of thing, ribcage pain etc... I am a bit concerned as to the duration of this withdrawal condition. Reading some of the comments about months and months of suffering have got me a bit worried...

I am taking Omega 3 as part of my normal diet (have been for about 2 months now) and I hope that can help.

I will post again here and give everyone an update on my "recovery".

PS. Aren't there any good lawyers here that suffered from this evil?? A lawsuit sounds like a good option right now. There sure are more than enough of us to file a class action against these monsters!!

[hottyautiemommy]

OMG, this forum is a Godsend right now...I can't tell you how many times I've tried to explain these "brain zaps" to friends and family and they just look at me like I'm nuts! If you don't get them, I've been describing them as electrical synapses...I don't know what the hell that is, but that's what it feels like...When I found out I was pregnant almost 3 weeks ago, I wanted to get off of it, asap....I weaned myself off as advised by my MD, and ever since I started weaning off, and currently, I'm having the brain zaps and some CRAZY rage...like I've never felt before...My poor husband!!! We weren't sure if it was the pregnancy hormones or what...that is until I found this forum.. Today is one week since I've been completely off of it...and the zapping is starting to ease up a bit..so I'm praying I"m a the tail end of it...I have an appt. on the 11th....they wanted me to stay on it....they said that they let women take it throughout their whole pregnancy now...but I just keep thinking of the newborn baby getting the brain zaps because he would have to come off of it cold turkey once he left my body!!! Any thoughts or experiences on this matter? Best of luck everyone..I hope I can make another post in a week or so that will encourage anyone just starting the process.

[Memory Back]

[Memory Back]

Hi Group,
Thank you all for your honesty.  I am cold turkey off zoloft now for a 2-3 weeks.  I first broke all of my 100mg in half, took for a day or two, then said forget it.  Personally, I loved Zoloft when I first took it over a year ago.  My doctor gave it to me to battle extreme PMS symptoms.  His instructions were to take 25mg daily and double to 50 five days prior to menses.  Well, after about 6 months of use, I felt I needed an increase.  I am cold turkey because in less than 6 months I noticed short term memory loss.  The field I am in requires me to be a quick thinker and make knowledgeable decisions FAST without thought or hesitation.  I noticed forgetfullness, idlemindedness and terrible weight gain. (at least 35-40 pounds) Here are the symptoms I have, and here are some things I have noticed helps me:

Symptoms:
1) Crying over dumb things
2) issues with patience
3) less tolerant
4) easily irriated
5) Dizzy if I look down too much
6) Dizziness if I get up too fast
7) Insomnia
8) shaky
9) Sore muscles
10) Paranoia (I am scared to death of bugs, rodents, reptiles)
11) Easily nauseated or grossed out over dumb little things like garbage, odors, little holes in things

Things that Helped so far
1) Deep breaths
2) forcing myself NOT to cry (mind over matter)
3) Exercise
4) Iburprofen
5) Chewing Ice
6) Reading
7) Busy work - house cleaning, projects, shopping
8) Rosemary tea
9) Less Coffee or Caffene

Hope this helps.  Zoloft works if used in tiny amounts.  Terrible if you get over 25 mg in my opinion... Way too powerful.  Efexor too.  Much too powerful.....  I still dont know what a brain zap is so please help me out and let me know...  

[jss2176]

We seem to be going through similar situtions...although I am not pregnant, I started weaning myself off of zoloft because my husband and I are going to start trying to have a baby in the next year .  My doctor advised me to wean myself off of zoloft as it could be harmful to a baby.  She suggested that I take Wellbutrin (which is considered "safe" during pregnancy) instead because of the chances of my depression returning.    

So, I weaned as I was told and have been completely off of Zoloft for about  2 weeks or so.  The brain zaps are finally getting better (although still there), but my rage and irritability is at an all time high.  Sometimes I just want to hit whatever is in front of me.  My husband even said he woke in the middle of the night to me punching the bed in a fit of rage.  This scares me!  I had a friend who couldn't handle going off of zoloft during her pregnancy and her doctors put her back on a low dose. Her baby is perfectly fine, but I don't want to take that chance.  I have also been really nauseaus.. I feel bad for my husband too!  Lately I am so moody I am sure I am horrible to be around.  I wonder if this is how I really am without the drug (I have been on it for 14 years) or if it is a withdrawal.  I guess I will keep at it and hope I don't bite someone's head off.  Best of luck to you!

[searchman]

Ditto, memory back. Just came off 100mg daily dose of Zoloft (cold turkey) really dumb, but after two years of taking this med (that did serve its purpose) it has left me in a constant state of forgetting things and just being plain lacksadazical (sorry for the spelling). As a web designer and programmer this is not good. It has been one week and I am going to rough it out, but it is HELL!

#1 DIZZY with a capital "D" I have to get up slow and make my movements even slower. I do not trust my gait all the time.
#2 Cold hands/feet
#3 Not a good time for anyone to irritate me.
#4 Joint pain/muscle pain
#5 Had some strange irregualar urinary function, meaning I found it difficult to urinate for about 4 days, this seems to now be improving.
#6 Feeling of numbness in my mouth and teeth.
#7 Occasional nausea
#8 Mild headaches (at times)
#10 Teary! meaning I can get emotional good feelings and bad. Both can make me cry.
#11 Feel palpitations from time to time, but this may be due to excessive coffe intake.

I am also taking Lamictal 100mg per day but have not started any weaning process for that yet. I am going to wait until all the effects of the Zoloft withdrawal subside. After that i will try round 2 with the Lamictal. I am going to try to make a go of it without the meds for a little while and see how things go. I will post occasionally to inform how things are going so some of you who are going through the same thing or are thinking of this route can maybe identify.

[hottyautiemommy]

Have you done any research on Zoloft and pregnancy...I've done a little bit...I read that every woman that gets pregnant has a 3% risk of having a baby with a birth defect. It said that in studies, women who take Zoloft (it didn't specify a dosage amount) had the same 3% chance..in other words it didn't raise the risk for birth defects..It did, however, say that zoloft mothers tend to have fussier, or colicky babies...Well no wonder!...they're probaby going through hellish withdrawl after being on zoloft for 9 months and then coming off cold turkey! That's my motivation...Not wanting the new baby to get these crazy brain zaps!

Speaking of brain zaps it's been about 3 weeks now that I've been completely off..and I still get them, but slowly getting better...I have a fear that they'll never go away, but surely they will...just as I'm sure your rage and irritiability will let up...just in time for the good ole pregnancy hormones to come in and fill you with more rage and irritability, lol... Since my last post a week or so ago, the rage I've had is almost totally gone...although I do feel a bit "down"...Good luck to you, and to everyone...

[MGC70]

My gosh! I know I'm echoing everyone else who has said this - but boy am I glad I found this thread. I love the description "Brain Zaps" because that's EXACTLY what got me searching, and searching, and searching. Finally I thought, hmmmmm maybe it's because I haven't gotten around to picking up my zoloft from the drug store, and it's been almost 2 weeks cold turkey. I was on it for not very long - about 6 months: 50MGs.
Now I'm exhausted all the time and have those weird brain zaps. Horrible. I researched everything, honestly thinking it was a brain tumor, Thyroid disorder, adrenaline gland issues...etc.
I can also really relate to the feelings of euphoria - I have just recently (before finding this site) began to wonder if I'm bi-polar because I would be so full of joy one day, and then filled with anger the next.

I'm tired of feeling sick, of the brain zaps and of my strange emotional state, but I now don't think I want to go back on it. I got on the zoloft because of a hellish work situation and the lack of excersise and stress that comes with always working. I believe I can control my "generalized anxiety" with food, zero alcohol intake, the right supplements, intense excersise (I need that sort of rush), and calming excersise like yoga and walking.
I don't want to go back on this ca-ca drug now. I went through a major depression before and truly believe that anti-depressants can really help people, but I think I (me personally) took the easy way out by drugging myself instead of trying to help myself more naturally. I will continue to visit to post any ideas and helpful hints I find.
I'm going to take the advice of a previous poster and begin taking supplements (amino acids and omega threes) tomorrow....
THANKS to every single person who posted (i read the entire thread) because I now don't have to worry about the "brain tumor" that was causing these zaps and fatigue. Good to everyone!!

[efrank]

This has helped me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b30iwhEw9ho

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azkLQpyiGHA&mode=related&search=

[searchman]

I think you are on the right track with your plan. After taking Zoloft for 2 years (100mg per day) I can tell you that it is not  great med. I think it serves its purpose (short term) The withdrawel from this med is dangerous. It has now been almost 3 weeks for me and i still have the withdrawal symptoms. Your plan of 0 alcohol, good diet and lots of exercise with relaxation techniques is great. This is what will help you.

I will tell All on this thread that are withdrawing from Zoloft to also drink LOTS OF WATER! Exercise and lots of water have really helped me. I am still dizzy a lot and have strange tingling in my extremities at times but my concentration is coming back. Case in point I went bowling for the first time in 3 weeks yesterday  and bowled a 203, 211 and 257 (high score and high series for me) This takes a level of focus and concentration that i did not have on the Zoloft so I see a light at the end of this tunnel with the withdrawal symtoms.

I hope and pray that all of you FEEL BETTER soon and take the advise of people who have gone through this withdrawal. Anything that helps is a Gos send.

[sickof beinfat]

Thanks everyone.  YOu have been a great support system.  

[Music54]

I wondered are you over the withdrawal symptoms?
How do you feel since your last post 05/24/07 ?
I'm going through all of this too. I stopped my zoloft 4-5 weeks ago after 6 yr.s of (200mg.) a day.
Thanks,............. Please reply

[sickof beinfat]

Please post the 176 day withdrawel of zoloft. I really will appreciate this information.  How does this work?  What should I do?  I have been on 75 mg. for 5 years and hava gained thirty pounds.  I recently have been told I have Type 2 diabetes and must lose weight.  My familly doctor advises staying on the zoloft and staying happy so I don't eat to feel better?  Thanks.

[midniteblue]

I cannot believe I have stumbled across this.  I began coughing in March of 1998. I have literally coughed my brains out ever since. I have been to:

several general practitioners
a Pulminary Specialist
2 different Allergists
Ear-Nose-Throat Dr.
a Speech Pathologist (referred by the allergist)
Chiropractors (3)
and a Licensed Massage Therapist

I have been treated for asthma, allergies, COPD, told it was a nerve, narrowing of the Turbinaids (sp?), chronic bronchitus (bronchitis), sinus infections, whooping cough, GERD (acid reflux) and "just a cold."
Doctors get fed up and give up on me, it seems. Or prescribe things and tell me to "give it 6 months" and then come back. In the meantime I have been coughing for over 9 years. Coughing until I have pulled muscles in the back and rib cage area and ended up in the ER, coughing till I have vomited, not being able to sing in church and having people get up and move because they assume I am sick. Coughing until I have headaches or break blood vessels in my face. Pulled my right arm out of socket and threw my back out. Coughing 365 days per year. NOTHING...none of the medications have worked....I won't list them all here, but you name it... I have tried it. Some things...especially inhalers made it worse. I have been put on an at-home breathing treatment and dones sinus rinses religiously. I was currently drinking apple cider vinegar and using chinese herbs and probiotics (hey, you'll try anything when you get where I am) when I ran across this while searching chronic cough (for the 9 millionth time).  WOW!  I was on Zoloft for 2-3 years after a divorce and tapered off sometime in mid-1998. I didn't have any side effects...so I thought. I made no connection to the cough and the discontinuation of Zoloft. But after reading this I started taking it again..just 50 mg 2 days ago--almost instant relief. I have that dry mouth feeling and very little drainage (I kept telling the doctors about excess phlegm and sinus drainage). I don't understand it, and I really don't want to be on zoloft just for a cough...but I wish someone would figure it out so that I could take something THAT WORKS on the cough without the other stuff.  Mary

[cbee27]

i am feeling depressed....definitely mildly...just under alot of stress and want to wake up feeling a little better in the morning...

i read that taking 5 htp--100-300 MG A DAY and sjw together can work between 3 and 5 days....anyone know if thats true or have any other recommendations..kinda looking for a quick fix..my best friends wedding is in a week and a half and im not even excited about it..im afraid im gonna not be into it the day of and im the maid of honor so that wouldnt be good

i mean..everyones looking for a quick fix but i dont know if there is a such thing..has to be otc cause i hav no insurance....ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED