zscool: Zoloft for 3.5 months, tapered for 2 months, I just want to feel better

[zscool]

I have panic disorder and GAD and was put on Zoloft. Initially, it made me feel so sick but i read that it happens so I stuck with it and eventually the symptoms calmed down and I slowly went up from 12.5 mg to 100 mg over the course of three months and I felt better but not enough to make the side-effects worth it. I never really got OK with the idea of being on a mind altering drug everyday either. So I tapered for two months but my psychiatrist basically ghosted me when I felt sick or would tell me to switch to a different antidepressant instead of going off completely. It's been over a month since my last dose and my stomach feels horrible everyday and brain zaps and anxiety are almost constant. For those who survived zoloft, how long did it take for you to feel better again? I cant believe I still feel so awful even though I was only on the drug for such a short time. 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, zscool.  I'm sorry you're feeling so bad.

 

You are suffering from withdrawal from your very fast taper off Zoloft.  Even though you were on the drug for just 3.5 months, withdrawal symptoms can occur after only a month on psychiatric drugs.  The symptoms you describe are typical of withdrawal.  Doctors don't believe in the existence of withdrawal, but it is very real and all too common.  You will heal, but there is no way to predict how long it will take.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

When we take psychiatric medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Reinstatement of a very small dose of the original drug is the only known way to help alleviate withdrawal syndrome.  The only other alternative is to try and wait out the symptoms and manage as best you can until your central nervous system returns to homeostasis.  Unfortunately, as I said, no one can give you an exact timeline as to when you will start feeling better and while some do recover relatively easily, for others it can take many months or longer.  

 

Reinstatement isn't a guarantee of diminished symptoms for everyone but it's the best tactic available.  You're still in the time period where reinstatement predictably works, up to 3 months after last dose.  It is best to reinstate as soon as possible after withdrawal symptoms occur. We usually suggest a much smaller reinstatement dose than your last dose.  These drugs are strong, your system has become sensitized and If you take too much it may be too much for your brain and can cause you become unstable.  Then, once you've stabilized on the reinstated dosage, which can take several months,  you can begin a 10% per month taper down to zero.   Please read:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms. -- at least the first page of the topic

 

If you decide to reinstate, let us know and we'll suggest a reinstatement dosage.  Please do not reinstate without letting us suggest a dosage.

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[zscool]

Thanks so much. 

 

Is there any resource based on how long you were on a drug based on how long withdrawal will last? 

 

I'm contemplating going back on and possibly using the liquid form instead but I need to talk with a doctor since I have none. I've already gone through a month of symptoms and a lot of symptoms have subsided but GI problems and general anxiety seem to stick around, but it feels like I've made progress so tapering again would be devastating starting the process all over again. 

[zscool]

Also, if I were to re-instate, what dosage would I start with? I was taking 100 mg Zoloft for a month but weaned down 12.5 when i stopped after my two and a half month taper 

[Gridley]

2 hours ago, zscool said:

 

Is there any resource based on how long you were on a drug based on how long withdrawal will last? 

There is no specific calculation, but it is to your advantage that you were on the drug for  a short time.

 

1 hour ago, zscool said:

Also, if I were to re-instate, what dosage would I start with?

 

I would recommend 1mg Zoloft--no more.  

 

We need to see how 1mg affects you. It will take about a week for it to get to steady-state in your bloodstream; the effect should get stronger during that time.  If 1mg is enough, it still may take some weeks or months for your nervous system to settle down. You probably will continue to have ups and downs but symptoms won't be as intense.  

 

If it seems you need a higher dose, it will be easy to very carefully increase it by using the liquid.  

 

If you don't use the liquid, there are other methods to get the 1mg dose explained in this link.

 

Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline)

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

 

[zscool]

thank you so much, when I lost faith in my psychiatrist, I really lost hope. 

[zscool]

I just called my psychiatrist asking for liquid zoloft to taper again. If I were to try 1 mg and it re-stabilized me what would I do then?