Zoloft Withdrawal Symptoms

[flowers0911]

I recently started taking Zoloft for anxiety, but I felt ill after taking it for five days, so I discontinued it.  For the past three days, I have been having terrible withdrawal symptoms.  I was just wondering if anyone else has discontinued Zoloft after a few days and if so, how long did it take for the withdrawal symptoms to subside?  I was only taking 25 mg.

[degeiso]

Too small of a dose and only 5 days taking it, I would say "no" on the withdrawl symptoms.  Definitely checkup with your doctor.  All the best.

[nursegirl6572]

I agree with the above posters, that you either were overly sensitive to the Zoloft, or even possibly could have had an anxious reaction, especially if you were very nervous about starting the Zoloft.

There aren't any real significant on the record interactions between Zoloft and Nexium, although there are some theories that the two meds together can intensify each of their actions.  

I also agree with Paxiled about taking a med like Nexium long term.  They really were never designed to be used long term, with the exception of some other conditions (not GERD) and can actually make issues worse in the long run.

Unfortunately, like so many other meds, the GERD meds have exploded in popularity...they were already being way overprescribed, and then when so many were released as OTC meds, people started taking them like candy.  For short term use, in some situations, they can be helpful, but like anything else, there are better long term solutions for treating GERD.

Hang in there...if the Zoloft is the culprit, really, you should feel better fairly soon, you weren't on it long enough to see any long term symptoms, and definitely not a discontinuation syndrome (aka "withdrawal").  If it was a reaction or sensitivity, your symptoms should improve in a matter or a week or two, if not much sooner.

If the symptoms persist, please see your doctor.

[Paxiled]

I think you probably had a bad reaction to the Zoloft -- it happens.  But that's not the same as withdrawal.  Hope you find something that helps.  As for your digestive problems, those drugs you're taking aren't too good for long term use anyway, as they cause a rebound effect given that the stomach must fight against the suppression of acid whenever it needs to produce acid to digest protein.  I'd suggest, personally, that you try to replace these with some nutritional help and natural remedies, which tend to work without causing this rebound effect, such as DGL and aloe juice.  Unfortunately, that won't do anything about your reaction to the Zoloft.

[nowhopefull]

I really really think that this is anxiety rather than withdrawl symptoms.  It would be highly unlikely to have them after just five days.  But if they are they will subside in a few days from my personal experience.  I have been experiencing some slight withdrawl symptoms after weening off zoloft after taking it for 15 years and the first few days are rough and then okay.  Best of luck to you!

[flowers0911]

Thanks all for your replies. Perhaps it could be something else, but I wasn't feeling this way before taking Zoloft. I've been trying to reach my therapist regarding this issue. I was taking Nexium about five weeks prior to Zoloft. I've noticed now I can not take Nexium or Prilosec. They make me feel so ill and this has happened only since taking the Zoloft. Just before a BM, I get these awful tingling sensations and a feeling like I want to pass out. I never had these feelings before and I'm sure it has something to do with Zoloft. I'm now wondering if I experienced a dangerous drug reaction when combining Zoloft and Nexium or Prilosec. Does anyone know of this?

[cj29]

I would tend to agree.  In my opinion, you were not on it and at such a low dose that withdrawals should not even be an issue.  Were you originally nervous about taking it?  If so, do you think your anxiety could be working against you here?  In my experience with Zoloft (I have taken it on and off for years), it does take a good month or so for it to start 'working.'  I would notice side effects in the beginning, but they tended to go away as the days went by.  Initially, I was very nervous about taking it, and read so much online about it that I noticed every potential side effect even if it was not there.

What has your doctor said?

[BluCrystal]

You were on a baby-dose, and not on it long enough to experience the sort of withdrawals you are describing.  In fact, I would go as far as to say you shouldn't have any withdrawals.  However, please see your doctor if you are still unreasonably uncomfortable.  Blessings - Blu

[Paxiled]

Kind of hard to believe you would have withdrawal after only five days -- it hasn't even started to work yet.  Remember, side effects start before effects.  Not saying this is impossible, I would never say anything is impossible with drugs that affect the brain, but is it possible you were on another medication before going on the Zoloft that you might be suffering withdrawal from?  You were also on an extremely low dose.  Not ruling your theory out, but would suggest looking for an alternative theory so you don't miss anything here.