zoloft withdrawal

[Pjtwenty]

So I'll first state that I understand you all are not my doctor and I should only take the advice of my doctor.

That being said just want opinions.
I've been on 25mg Zoloft for four weeks. Now my anxiety is improving darkness too. But I feel so disconnected and flat. Idk if it's the Zoloft causing it or normal recovery. I just don't feel myself. I recall from quitting before I did not feel like this and I was not on an ad. So I've come this far and I think give Zoloft another week and see what happens. Or don't give yourself more time to develope a physical addiction to Zoloft.

If I quit now would I experience wds?  

I still have a bit of an anxious feeling an hour after I take Zoloft. I take it in the morning and I've noticed I feel more normal when I get up almost like Zoloft is weak in my system so I don't have the effects of it. This indicates to me maybe it is the Zoloft causing the weirdness.

Ahhhhhh. As usual I'm thinking too much.

[Gretta96]

If it is like Prozac, do not take it at night.  I was specifically told that by the pharmacist.  It probably is helping you sleep.  I know Prozac has a long half life and will stay in your system for three months after stopping.  So it will help you sleep even though you take it in the morning, by decreasing your anxiety in general.  

[Pjtwenty]

My sleep has actually been great the past week. Rls is pretty much non existent. I take it in the morningso I don't think it helps me sleep. Maybe I'd be better taking it at night?? Then I'd sleep through the weirdness part.

[Gretta96]

Hi John-
I have heard a lot about Zoloft, that it is similar to Prozac.  I've been taking Prozac since my twins were born, about 4 years ago, for PPD.  I started at 10mg and was told to bump up to 20mg after a week.  I felt good at 10mg, it literally started working immediately for me.  I bumped up to 20 and got anxiety and insomnia.  So I've stayed at 10mg.  I've tried to go off it so many times, I'm convinced I will probably be on this dose for a long time.  
I know you are feeling disconnected, I never have experienced that, but I think you should stay on it, especially if your depression and anxiety are minimal.  Is it helping you sleep?  If so, then definitely stay on it.  Once you are completely recovered from the opiate drug addiction, then think about going off.  
There is no magic pill.  Decide if the benefits outweigh the side effects.

[nursegirl6572]

Well, your above post is excellent, and yes, you DO have to do the work to see the changes, no medication will do that for you.

Zoloft can help the symptoms of anxiety a lot while you work on yourself, though.  That's your own personal decision.  It can take up to 6 weeks to really be able to assess the effectiveness of Zoloft, and you may even require a higher dose.  Adjusting to an antidepressant is something that takes time.  If you're going to give it a fair shake, you have to give it time...which could be a few months, once you tinker with dose and such.

Zoloft has a discontinuation syndrome if stopped abruptly.  So, even after 4 weeks, yes, you should be tapered off to minimize any symptoms, if you decide not to stay on it.  Physical addiction really isn't the right term to explain how a person's body becomes used to the presence of an antidepressant, it's not like an opiate or a benzo....there are some similarities, but there are some big differences to.  Just wanted to mention that.

You're on the right track with your last post.  If you decide to stay on the Zoloft, remember that it's only a TOOL....it's not going to make you better all by itself.

Good luck!!

[Pjtwenty]

I'm sorry I keep posting crap. I think I just realized something. Im still trying to live my life the same way when I was using. Which basically translates
To being lazy sitting on my butt waiting for life to bring me happiness. Instead I need to start living and enjoy my life with my family. Seek new adventures.

I don't expect change overnight but I didn't get here overnight either.

Thanks for listening!