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Getting Off of Zoloft

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Posted 2/13/2017 5:55 PM (GMT -5)
Hi everyone,

I'm curious to hear other peoples' experiences getting off of Zoloft/Sertraline. It's something I've considered for a while as I've been on it for over ten years, and I really feel like I'm at a point in my life where I'd like to not be so dependent on it. I find that when I forget to take it for a few days (like I accidentally did the past couple of days) I get flooded with these annoying withdrawal symptoms (D/P + D/R, general head fogginess, shaky, and moody *which is putting it really lightly*). Again, I just don't want to have to be so dependent on something, but if I get these types of withdrawal symptoms from three days of missing a dose, I'm nervous for what truly withdrawing will feel like.

If you're comfortable telling me, I'd love to know how you felt getting off of your dose of Zoloft. And curiously how long you were on it and at what dosage. I am at 100mg a day.

Thank you!!!
Posted 2/13/2017 8:28 PM (GMT -5)
50 mg a day for 6 years. its lost its punch and i got withdrawl symptoms while still taking it every day . brains zaps and all. i switched to prozac for 4 months then stopped that. i tried upping my zoloft to 100 mg but it didnt work . brain zaps were the only real withdrawl symptom that was bad. lasted about 2 weeks. prozac was just to strong and i had trouble driving while on it. it did stop anxiety and depression well
Posted 2/13/2017 9:20 PM (GMT -5)
Dan,
Thanks for your response. Are you on any SSRI/ anti-anxiety now, if you don't mind my asking ?
Posted 2/14/2017 10:57 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Blu

Zoloft is one of the antidepressants I have not tried but have heard it is one of the harder ones to discontinue so best to very gradually decrease the dosage over the course of a few months especially as you have been on it for a long time.

I think it's great you have reached a point where you feel you don't need it so speak with your doctor about a plan of action re stopping the medication.

Hibee
Posted 2/14/2017 1:37 PM (GMT -5)
Blu's

Wanted to give others with experience to be able to post first on this...

...but didn't want to let your post to go by without wishing you the best on your decision!!

Supporting you in any direction you take.smile If you decide to do it, I know you'll do great!

S.C.
Posted 2/14/2017 2:47 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Blus

Hibee is correct speak to your doc about the plan of action. it feels so good not to depend on meds.
Wish u luck my dear.
keep us posted
Posted 2/14/2017 5:13 PM (GMT -5)
blue- no i am not on a ssri med at this time. i do take buspar during rough patches but only as needed. zoloft was a terrific med while it worked.
Posted 2/14/2017 5:16 PM (GMT -5)
I took the first step today and contacted an old psychiatrist who I feel most comfortable with. My p-doc is the one who prescribes me my Zoloft every month but as far as consulting with someone on my physical symptoms and stuff, I'd feel way more comfortable with the psych! Excited and slightly nervous !
Posted 2/16/2017 4:01 PM (GMT -5)
I took the first step in breaking up with my Zoloft today! I'm reducing from 100mg to 75mg starting today. He said it will take me about 9-12 months to fully be off given the length of time I've been on it and my still existing anxiety. Side effects should be pretty minimal and nonexistent! I'm so excited!
Posted 2/16/2017 7:07 PM (GMT -5)
Awesome!!! I was never on a high dose, but I had start up side effects but none as I tapered. I did it suuuuuper slow!

Good luck, girl!
Posted 2/16/2017 10:00 PM (GMT -5)
Blu's

Happy break-up, lol! ;)

You are going to do great. ..and we will walk beside you on this journey every step of the way!

Keep us in the loop, and we'll be your cheering section. smile

S.C.
Posted 2/17/2017 3:56 AM (GMT -5)
Hi

Good news sounds like you have a good plan in place keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 2/17/2017 1:20 PM (GMT -5)
Wow! So proud of u..just letting u know its not easy the 1st few days but please hang in there dont give up...put your coping skills into full force...don't let the devil tempt you...what a feeling when u take that 1st step 🙌 praise the Lord!
Posted 2/18/2017 2:33 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Blu
How you doing?
Posted 2/18/2017 6:29 PM (GMT -5)
Hi, I just joined this, I just want to say I was going to ask for an antidepressant for my anxiety, I never had this before and ever since I broke my ankle i got it a couple weeks later, it is horrible, and dont know what to do about it, I am taking over the counter stuff, one seems to be ok but doesnt last too long and takes a while to kick in. i got it from amazon it is called Zenapin... I am so afraid to take the zoloft etc drugs as i see they must be addicting and I dont want that.. Isnt there something that works and once you get use to being ok can stop like a few weeks or so with out problems? Will this ever go away? Im feeling mine may be situational cause of the ankle. Any one have any answers?? Thanks
Posted 2/18/2017 10:28 PM (GMT -5)
Hi rippi and welcome.

I would recommend trying some coping skills to start with...especially if you feel like your anxiety is temporarily being triggered by your injury.

At the top of the main forum page here you'll find our Resources filled with great self help material. Practicing the suggested exercises and meditation there will make a big difference in how you feel.smile

If you find you need further help...talk to your doctor about your treatment options which include a few different options as far as medications go...

...and also therapy referrals.

Wishing you the best, and inviting you to post with us anytime. (start a thread of introduction if you decide to stick around and feel comfortable doing so!)

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 2/19/2017 8:10 AM (GMT -5)
riipi-i recommend buspar. might be perfect in your case. not addicting and is not as strong as most benzos. ssri just for anxiety is overkill in most cases i feel.
Posted 2/19/2017 6:48 PM (GMT -5)
Prew,

Doing pretty well with the lower dosage... the doc said I really shouldn't feel any S/E's with going from 100 to 75, I'll feel more of a difference going to 50, so I'm just grateful for the easiness at this time. Thanks for checking in. Will keep you all posted. I start tomorrow with a personal trainer to get my behind into gear which I think will really help, too.
Posted 2/19/2017 8:29 PM (GMT -5)
You got it girl, move those muscles and keep positive, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 2/20/2017 6:29 PM (GMT -5)
Hey Blu,

I've used Sertraline 50 mg for 3 years and I never had any problems with getting off.
I had a bit of problems with starting but never when off.

I think lowering the dosage and cutting it eventually and forgetting to take meds for a couple of days (which is the same as cutting cold turkey, imo) is not the same thing.
You will be gradually doing it so I don't think you will even feel anything.

Good luck!

<3
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