zoloft withdrawal

[igala13]

I've been taking Zoloft for about 3 years now. I haven't been taking it regularly for a year or so now, and I haven't taken it in a week. I have gone longer without taking it before, but this time stopping I am noticing some syptoms. I cannot sleep, feel as if I cannot breathe/tighness in my chest, light headed , tingling in my hands. I get it sometimes in really bad spells, and the doctors don't know what it is. Could this possibly be Zoloft withdrawal?

[narla]

You cannot just stop taking Zoloft,there is a warning on the box not to stop without a doctors help it must be done slowly.I'm on 200mg and once I couldn't afford to fill my script I got that bad I went to my chemist he gave me enough to get me through till we got paid and he said don't ever stop like that again,He told me to go see him if I'm ever in the same situation again,I became very suicidal.I've now been on it for 15 yrs and I don't care if I have to be on it for the rest of my life at least I'm balanced.

[mammo]

It most likely is withdrawal.  It's dangerous to not take these types of medications as prescribed, and you never want to abruptly just stop these types of medications due to withdrawal.  I assume and hope that the Zoloft was prescribed by a psychaitrist?  If so he would be able to tell you how to taper off.  Also, being without the medication may be causing you anxiety, which in turn will cause your current symptoms.  All this may also mean you still need the medication.  I think I would see your psychiatrist to find out exactly what's going on, and the best way for you to taper off.