Stopping Zoloft then Restarting and It not Working This Time

[freedom314]

Hi I don't have a psychiatrist anymore which is why I'm asking this here.
I've been taking 400mg Zoloft/day for a few years. I ran out and probably won't have it again for a week.
I'd like to try and see if I am ok off of it for about a month or so. Question: If I go off of it and decide later to go back on will it still work? A friend of mine's daughter, who has OCD, was advised by her psychiatrist not to take a break with the Zoloft because sometimes for some people it will not have the same effect the second go. Is this true? Information please. Thank you, experts!

[hmf099]

I'm on zoloft and like they said DON'T stop without the ok from a dr. I've stopped cold turkey thinking I knew what I was doing and it gave me dizzy spells so severe I couldn't drive. Even worse, after a few days I got really depressed and angry. these.symptoms are very common when you stop cold turkey. If you feel you don't need it anymore talk to a psychiatrist about coming off it or at the very least an md, who will probably suggest a psychiatrist. Why don't you have a psychiatrist anymore? Keep us updated! Good luck!

[aquamarine_moon]

I agree with Nysff that you should NEVER just stop taking a medication like that.  Zoloft can have some wicked side effects when stopped cold turkey.  

And, to answer your question about the Zoloft and it "not working" if stopped and retaken, I think you may have misinterpreted the advice. Usually psychotropic medications like Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, etc - take a while to build up in your systom to properly work.  Most of them have a long half-life and will not be completely gone for a month or so.  If you are off the drug for several months and then restart it, there may be a possibility it will not work the same way (i.e. you may have developed a bit of a tolerance).  Also, many people with depression and/or OCD have to switch meds from time to time for them to remain effective.  
Anyhow - listen to me and the other poster - do NOT stop your meds without a doctor's supervision.

[Nysff]

DONT STOP TAKING. I'm sure if you did after the first 2-3 days your head feels like crap. Go to the ER And have them write u a script if possible.

Although I wanst on Zoloft i was taking lexipro and stopped on my own cause I thought i had everything in control and it made me sick for 2-3 weeks. I had what I called Brain shocks, I couldnt make ANY quick movements, I did the wrong thing and so are you. I hope you've seeked help to have this script filled by now, but if not. Please do so. I wouldnt wish what I went through on ANYONE!