Jessi63

[Jessi63]

I just read a question on Med help that has finally helped my to expain this feeling I'm having.  I have a feeling of eletrical shock or numbness in face.  It seems to only happen when I move my eyes.  I do have dizzy spells and a hard time concentrating.  I do feel nausea, have neck and jaw pain and weird ear sensations at times.  I have been on Zoloft for 7 years and due to hypothyroidism and dizzy symptoms I have been taped off of the Zoloft but it seems everything is worse.  I have currently not taken any zoloft for 2 days and feel absolutely horrible.  Could these problems be seizure related or Zoloft withdrawal symptoms?  What will help? I'm desperate.

[Carol in PA]

Zoloft is an SSRI, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.
Zoloft helps to prevent the "re-uptake" of Serotonin by certain cells in the brain, which means that more of it is available to be used.
When your system doesn't have enough Serotonin, you get symptoms.
Zoloft helps to alleviate those symptoms.
When you stop the Zoloft, your system suddenly is in the position of not having enough Serotonin again.
Cessation refers to "stoppage" or "reduction," and I was saying that your system couldn't handle the stoppage of the extra Serotonin.
Carol

[Jessi63]

Thanks I went back on zoloft 25mg.  I go to my shrink tomorrow thank god.  What do you mean by cessation of Serotonin?

[Jessi63]

Thanks I went back on zoloft 25mg.  I go to my shrink tomorrow thank god.  What do you mean by cessation of Serotonin?

[Carol in PA]

That taper of Zoloft was too abrupt.  No wonder you said you feel absolutely horrible.
Your system can't handle the cessation of Serotonin, which the Zoloft helped to alleviate.
This may improve over the next couple weeks, but you may need to go back on the Zoloft.
Just my opinion.
Carol

[Jessi63]

I am being treated for my hypothyroidism, but I think she crazy.  So I have scheduled for a second opinion in Jan. I think the numbness/electrical impulses in my head and face are also zoloft withdrawal.  I've read on here about others with the same problems.  I have an appt with my shrink on the 18th.  Thanks

[noops01]

Hi,

Nausea, dizziness, inability to concentrate can be side effects of zoloft withdrawl.I would suggest you to consult your physician about hypothyroidism and numbness in face.

[Jessi63]

I was on 100mg.  I took 50mg for 2 weeks then 25 mg for 2 days.  With direction from my shrink.  I don't have any symptoms as I am falling asleep.  I didn't think Hypothyroidism and feeling dizzy were good reasons to go off the Zoloft either.  But according to the shrink the Zoloft could have been causing the dizzyness.  Personally I think it was related to the hypothyroid but he didn't see it that way and neither did the endocrinologist treating my thyroid.  Needless to say I have an appt to see another endocrinologist in Jan.  Thank God.  


Jessi

[Carol in PA]

How large was your dosage, and how long did you take to taper off the Zoloft.
Was this done under the direction of your doctor.
Zoloft withdrawal symptoms include brain zaps, body buzzing, irritability, and auditory hallucinations, like snapping, buzzing, or sudden loud noises, often as you are falling asleep.

Hypothyroid and feeling dizzy do not seem like reasons to discontinue the Zoloft.

Carol