dave613: Quitting Zoloft 50mg after 15 weeks

[dave613]

Hi!

 

I've been taking Zoloft 50mg for the past 15 weeks. I was very reluctant to get on an AD mostly because of my extreme fear of withdrawals (and brain zaps).

 

Unfortunately the Zoloft seems to have done nothing for my mood (I think it's all ADHD related). Just side effects. So with my psychiatrist's permission I'm coming off.

 

To my shock (but not really) psych has recommended a five day taper. As in cut to 25mg for 5 days and then just top. I know that that's likely to be way too fast so I've been scrutinizing the posts here.

 

I plan on doing some version of a liquid taper. I can't get liquid Zoloft where I'm based but the taper instructions here are great (I'm just not sure which liquid to use).

 

 

[getofflex]

Hello Dave.  I apologize for the delay in the response.  Welcome to SA.  We are a peer owned and run forum of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  It's really great that you came here before you started your taper.  If you do it very slowly and carefully, you can probably avoid the severe withdrawal many of us go through.   

 

First of all, can you please give us specific information about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise list (no symptoms), only specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

Tapering is best done extremely slowly, and we taper by 10% of the current dose, so that the taper becomes exponentially smaller.

 

 Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage  

 

Tips for Tapering Zoloft

 

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. 

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I've given you quite a bit of information here.  Please read through it, and mull it over, and we will take it from there. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and take heart.  We in this forum have been through this, and we understand first hand the pain and discomfort you are going through.  Please know that the brain is amazing in it's healing abilities.  It takes time, but healing can and will happen.