Quitting Zoloft

[zake]

I'm a 56 year old male who has been taking Zoloft for about four years for anxiety and stress-related depression.

My life is pretty stable right now, my confidence is high, I have a strong faith, and I am trying to slowly get off of Zoloft. Over the last four years I have always taken a minimum of 100MG daily, with some periods as high as 200mg. The last few months I pushed it to 200MG in order to see if that was necessary to create an improvement in my mood. It didn't, so now I have been down to 100MG for about three weeks, My question is twofold. First, how gradual should my reduction be? Second, what are the most common side effects I might expect and how do I get through them?  If it matters at all, I am about 40 pounds overweight and have type II diabetes too. (Ain't life grand?)

I appreciate any replies.
Zake

[j7653]

I take 87.5 mg a day (I cut them into pieces).  I do have experience coming off Zoloft, but it was at the wrong times in my life (wife's midlife crisis).  I also seem to be very sensitive to drugs (I can take 1/4 Xanax and get a nice calming effect).  So keep that in mind as you read this...

First was taking 50 mg for years and came off over the space of 1 month.   Did not really feel the side effects but I did find my sex drive was intense and actually was premature ejeculating for a while (that was really bizarre).  Anyway.... After about 1 month I drifted down, down, down into a deep and ugly depression with anxiety.

I went back on Zoloft about 3 months after coming off it.  Climbed as high as 100 mg for a few weeks.  Backed off to 87.5 mg and felt okay.  So I thought hey, I can come off this stuff.  Dropped to 75 mg, seemed okay.  Dropped to 62.5 mg and went back into OCD / depression / anxiety.

Soooooo.  I am now somewhat stable.  You have to come off VERY slowly.  If you have been on for years, then I would suggest coming off it super slow over a long time.  Seems like you have not much to loose by taking longer than you would guess you need.

Hope this is helpful.

[zake]

Thanks for your reply. I do have access to various doctors, but none that I could say I trust with my life. For that decision, I need to trust myself and God. I was functioning fine prior to beginning Zoloft, and while it has reduced some of the anxiety I was experiencing then, I feel that I am capable of managing them without medication. Won't know until I try, correct? Besides, the weight I put on due to the Zoloft is not healthy, nor does it improve my diabetes.

I was hoping someone may have experience with quitting Zoloft and could offer their experiences and perhaps some tips.

Thanks again.
Zake

[Ella789]

It is pretty common to do a very slow tapper with alot of meds but some meds can not be divided and should not be divided.  Esp. the time released meds.  or anything else time or extended release.   wow,  I think I would consult my Dr. concerning this as it is best to be safe.  Some people have head-buzzses or rushes when going off their medications, while others have headaches and dizziness.  Since you have other medical conditions, it may be a wise thing to ask a Dr.  or perhaps see if there is an "ask the Dr" forum  that you could post this question in.

Best wishes to you

Ella