is this normal

[pinkgurl361]

I started 50mg of zoloft 9 months ago, and the side effects were gnarly from hot flashes to anxiety,grinding teeth to weird vision and losing 20 lbs. About 3 months ago I decided to wean myself off because I felt great, so I went to 25mg to see how I felt, big mistake! The past 3 months have been hell, I'm slowly regressing to how I was. So I slowly got myself back to 50 to try and bypass side effects. Well I'm experiencing them all over again :(  is that normal? And could my anxiety that came back, could that just have been withdraw side effects?! Thanks  

[pinkgurl361]

Well after I got used to the zoloft the first time, all my side effects were gone! I'm thinking ill stick it out, nothings worse than my anxiety, thanks guys

[Paxiled]

If the side effects are really bad, this might not be your med, but quitting these meds isn't easy.  Not only can the old problem return, but you can get new problems from the withdrawal.  You might want to establish a taper schedule to go off it more slowly and if you want to stay on meds, gradually replace it toward the end of your taper with a different ssri.  A word of warning -- they might suggest Paxil, and I'd research that one pretty thoroughly before trying it.  Have you ever tried Lexapro?  There's also the possibility that the side effects will diminish over time, but who knows?  They all have side effects, the real question is whether they're worse than the disease.

[Alisonj29]

It really could be that your anxiety is returning or it could be withdrawals although the dose is low. Have you discussed it with your doctor? I would and see if they think you should stay on your regular dose or what. Good Luck

[DJ873]

50mg is a low dose, that is what i take and have for years, You don't say your age but I get hot flashes cuz of hormones is that a possibility? I do get side effects on 100mg feeling fuzzy headed and tired. I do take it at night you might try that.