Lani : Want to taper Zoloft after 8 1/2 Weeks

[Lani]

I have done hours of research on the side and want to start tapering my Zoloft. I see that some folks get down to hundredths of a milligram. How is this typically measured? I see that you can make a liquid solution and buy a 1 mg syringe, but how can you measure some thing like 0.00168 of a milligram successfully?

Edited July 7, 2021 by Erell

[Lani]

Hello. I was put on 59 mg Zoloft 8 1/2 weeks ago and 50 mg trazodone (now at 25 mg with no w/d yet) about 12 weeks ago for relief during a stressful time in my life. I did a lot of research on the success of Zoloft, but did none on withdrawal systems until it had been in my system around seven weeks… Sigh. i’m glad I found this site, because I already want to start the taper.   Like the others, I was not told by my doctor about the withdrawal symptoms. I’m hoping that due to my somewhat short time on it, I won’t have terrible difficulty, but realize that may not be the case as it has had Time to affect my brain and body. I’ve done a lot of research on this site and plan to take it slow. I was concerned that once I get down to possibly the hundredths of a milligram of dosage… How can you measure that successfully? I see that you can make a liquid dose, but since the syringes don’t seem to be sold in less than 1 ml syringes, how can that measured to the into degree?

[Lani]

Correction 50mg Zoloft

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a peer owned and run forum of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Congratulations for wanting to get off of the Zoloft.  I would suggest that you not make any changes to the trazodone as you are weaning off the Zoloft.  We suggest generally to taper one drug at a time.  It's great that you came to this forum before you started tapering.  If you do a very careful and gradual taper, you can minimize the withdrawal symptoms.  

 

When did you drop your trazodone from 50 mg to 25 mg?  Depending on when this was, and how you are feeling now, you may want to take some time to allow your system to get used to the lower dose of Trazodone before making any more changes to your drugs.   Even if you are not feeling it now, it may catch up with you later.  I've seen people not feel the effects of their drug changes for 2 or 3 months, and then they get hit with WD.  

 

Our nervous systems become dependent upon these drugs after only 1 month of use, so we suggest you follow the normal protocol below for tapering off of them.  

 

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 drug names, 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: 

 

 Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Here is info on withdrawal syndrome, but if you taper as we suggest, you chances are you won't have significant withdrawal syndrome.  

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

Tapering is best done very slowly, and we taper by 10% of the current dose no more than once every 4 weeks, 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. This is extremely important. 

 

Considerations About Stability Stop Jumping Around

 

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.  If you taper the way we suggest, you may not have any significant windows and waves.  

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms, should any arise:  

 

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.  Look it over, and feel free to ask any questions.

 

 

Edited July 8, 2021 by getofflex

[getofflex]

On 7/7/2021 at 2:05 PM, Lani said:

I see that some folks get down to hundredths of a milligram. How is this typically measured?

The 1 ml syringe has increments of 0.01 ml.  

[Lani]

Hello. Thanks so much for responding. I’ve updated my signature. I forgot I was on Lexapro for a few weeks in March before switching to the zoloft.   I’ve had no adverse side effects to any of the three drugs. I did start taking half of the Trazadone several weeks into taking the 50 mg probably around late

March or early May (sorry… That’s his exact as I can remember)..,Before I found this site… And didn’t notice any sort of withdrawal… Although I do sometimes have a mild headache. I will hold where I am as I have been taking 25 mg for a while. I have spent hours on this site and I am glad I have not gone cold turkey or done a fast Taper.  I am concerned that once I get down below 1 mg that it would be hard to measure.  I know the 1 ml syringe goes down to .1 increments, but how do most people get to… For instance… a .685 liquid dose with such a small syringe with tiny marks?  I know it will be a wihile before I get there, but want to be prepared as I’m  nervous once it gets down to that point about messing up my dose. I have ordered a GEN 20 scale and should receive it in the next day or so. I plan on starting with the 10% off my 50 mg Zoloft. I’m also on fish oil, mag, vit d, methafolate, and milk thistle.  I will add that to my sig as well.  Any advice is much appreciated.  So glad I found SA!

[getofflex]

Actually the 1 ml syringe goes down to 0.01 ml, which is 1/100 of a ml. Personally, I'm currently on 0.08 ml of liquid Lexapro.  This small syringe can measure very tiny increments of liquid.  I actually use a thin sharpie to mark where my current dose is very carefully, so I can see the mark better.  You could measure .68 ml, you probably wouldn't need to be as exact as .685.  I'm glad you didn't have any significant WD from reducing your trazodone from 50 mg to 25 mg.  However, I would still be cautious and wait about another 4 weeks just to be sure, if I were you, before starting the Zoloft taper, especially since you took the Lexapro for a few weeks in March and then stopped.  These drug changes have a way of sneaking up on us in a delayed fashion many times.  

Edited July 10, 2021 by getofflex

[Lani]

Thanks getofflex.  I read a lot of your story and see you had a rough time with both the tapering and personal stresses. Hope you’re getting to the end and feeling better.  I went immediately from the Lexapro to the Zoloft… Per my doctors recommendation…At the time, I didn’t feel the Lexapro was working… Plus, I had never been on an antidepressant before so I was really unsure of it all. Was told I should start to feel better in two weeks but I didn’t. Took about eight weeks before I felt any different and that’s when I found this site and decided to come off of it instead. I’m not taking any more recommendations on any of this from my doc any longer and doing this on my own as so many here are.  I do not see many short term users on this site… although, I do see short term users that had adverse symptoms to the drug… But that didn’t happen to me.  I know everyone’s different but does my somewhat short time I was on Zoloft give me any advantage at all?  As in do people on it a short time more often have an easier time?  Knowing there are exceptions of course.  I especially plan to go slow when I get below 25 mg.  Not looking forward to this, but want to get off this poison.

 

[Lani]

Also, on the 1 ml syringe...is your .08 dose the same as 0.8 on the syringe? The syringe I’m looking at online goes from 0.1 to 1 ml. Your syringe for the oral could look different I suppose. My math and ability to comprehend these measurements right now is confusing even though I’ve read all the info on SA.

[getofflex]

On 7/10/2021 at 6:02 PM, Lani said:

does my somewhat short time I was on Zoloft give me any advantage at all?

Yes, it does.  The longer one is on these drugs, the more dependent the brain is on them, and the harder it is to get off.  

 

23 hours ago, Lani said:

Also, on the 1 ml syringe...is your .08 dose the same as 0.8 on the syringe?

No, the 0.08 dose is not the same as 0.8 on the syringe.  The syringe is divided up into major increments of one tenth of a ml.   Within each of these, there are ten lines to show the small increments of one hundredth of a ml.  It would really help to show you a picture, but the computer is not letting me upload pictures today.  Here is a link to a similar picture on the internet so you can see:  https://www.vitalitymedical.com/bd-tuberculin-syringe-only.html?network=g&device=c&keyword=&campaign=896713595&adgroup=pla-341190879810&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0K-HBhDDARIsAFJ6UGim0kobZYtz1iVmz36nc4o-txRoWYqlTObttZjtFzLL4t2VCJ62IeoaAq6LEALw_wcB

 

So, my 0.08 dose would be 2 tiny lines under the 0.1 mark, on the far right in the picture above.  It would be pretty close to the tip of the syringe. 

Edited July 12, 2021 by getofflex

[Lani]

That would be great!  Thanks so much.  The syringe I’m looking at online is 1 ml, but has Lower doses marked at .9, .8, .7, etc. it also has 10 marks between numbers.  I’m thinking that .08 may be below the .1 mark as in .09, .08, etc. That’s what im 

confused About.  Thanks for being so helpful to me.  I hope I too can help others after this.  I find this site a refuge as I start my journey!

[getofflex]

4 minutes ago, Lani said:

The syringe I’m looking at online is 1 ml, but has Lower doses marked at .9, .8, .7, etc. it also has 10 marks between numbers.  I’m thinking that .08 may be below the .1 mark as in .09, .08, etc

Exactly.  I edited my previous post right after you replied, so please reread it, lol.  Did you see the picture in the link? 

[Lani]

Gotcha and this is what I kinda thought.  And this is actually the same syringe I was looking at. I don’t know how folks measure doses in between (ie, .065, etc).  I’ve even seen doses with 4 numbers after the decimal). Hope I don’t have to go that far.  Thanks soooo much!  I know you’re getting close and hope your able to come totally off soon and successfully! 🙏 God bless you!

[getofflex]

You're welcome.  I don't get more precise with my dose that to the hundredth of a ml.  It's worked for me so far.  Keep up the good work. 

[Lani]

@Altostrata@brassmonkeyHello.  I’m glad I found this site. @getofflexhas already answered some of my questions.  Thanks.  I have spent hours reading info and stories on this site.   I don’t see a lot of short term users here so I have a few additional questions.  I have never been on an AD til recently. I’m not an any other meds.  I took 10 mg Lexepro for 4 wks (March) then switched to 50 Mg Zoloft as I didn’t think Lexepro was working. I had no clue how these worked but didn’t feel any change in 4 wks.  I also started 50 mg Trazadone at same time as Lexepro (could kick my doc now..grrrr) but reduced to 25 mg before I found SA...probably around May, but haven’t appeared to have any WD.  Once U found SA, I immediately started to taper my Zoloft At around 7-8 wks on it (need to update my sig). It took about 8 wks before I noticed any relief with it. Thx to getoff, she encouraged me to hold the Trazadone and not wean at same time.  My question is since I have not been taking Zoloft for a long time, is it possible to speed up my taper just a bit?  I know I need to be in tune with my body and especially once I get to 25 mg and below as that seems to be a Wd dose area.  I know I need to err on the side of caution, but wondered if there is somewhat of a common thread (ie, works for most short term users with no history of previous AD use).  I’m looking at the calculators and thinking do I need to spend years tapering and continuing to put this poison in my system, even at smaller doses, since I’ve only been on it a short time?  Obviously I value your recommendations knowing that nothing is guaranteed.  Thanks so much!

[Altostrata]

Hello, @Lani, I moved your post here.

 

How much Zoloft are you taking now?

 

Unfortunately, you are at risk of withdrawal if you've been taking an antidepressant steadily for a month or more. However, tolerance for drug reduction varies, and you may be able to make reductions more frequently than once a month -- but you should try a few monthly reductions first and see what your reaction is. Also, when you get to a low dose, you might need to slow down to even smaller reductions made less frequently.

 

Zoloft comes in a prescription liquid, see Tips for tapering off sertraline (Zoloft)

 

Since you're taking 50mg, you may wish to take 25mg in tablet form and the rest in liquid, tapering from the liquid portion. Add the end of your taper, you can add water to the liquid if you need to measure very small amounts with your oral syringe. But you don't need to worry about that now.
 

[Lani]

Thanks Alto. I’m currently taking 45 mg of Zoloft.  Before I got my scale, I was shaving less than that off the pill as I wasn’t sure what 10% looked like until got the scale snd weighed them.

[Lani]

Also, my doc prescribed 90 days of 50 mg which I recently started so I may not be able to get 25 mg and liquid til next refill, but I already purchased syringes to make my own when the time comes.

[Lani]

If I do well with more than monthly cuts, at what dose would you recommend slowing up? 25 mg???

[getofflex]

@Lanifor me, it is important to listen to my body, and take things one step at a time.  Sometimes tapering is more of an art than an exact science.  Your body will tell you when you need to slow down your tapering.  Sometimes I wait 8 weeks between my tapers when I'm not feeling stable, or if I'm having a lot of stressors at that time.  

[Lani]

Hi @gettofflex. I haven’t been on here for a while because I thought it would be better to stay away so I haven’t updated my medication tracking. But, I may have been something stupid. About a month ago I went back up to 50 mg from around 35mg,no titration, to extreme agitation and stress that wasn’t sleeved.  Then, about a month later I started going back down again and I’m a ground 35 mg again. Maybe I was going to fast. But, the depression and suicidal ideation seems to be getting worse. I wondered if at this point I could titrate back up to the 50 meg for a while… Then start again going slower or since I’ve done this twice, Am I risking it not being effective at 50 again. I realize now that I kindled most likely. I never did stop the drug… Just went back up. I’m going through a lot of stress right now with Moving… Etc. family issues. This may not be a good time to be tapering for me unfortunately. I realize I should not go just directly to 50 if it’s possible… So how would I titrate up safely… If that’s even doable? I’m so frustrated that I started this drug.  I could’ve dealt with it thru therapy but tapering is too stressful right now. I’m mad at my doc like so many here.

[Lani]

I would rather go back up to 50 if possible so I don’t have to deal with cutting the pills at this point. It just adds so much more stress to me right now.

[Lani]

By the way. It’s the Zoloft I’m tapering

[Lani]

@getofflexForgot to tag you.  Please see 3 posts above.  Appreciate your response. 

[getofflex]

Please read this link carefully:

 

Considerations About Stability - Stop Jumping Around

 

This is probably happening because you have been tapering way too fast.  According to your drug signature, you tapered only a week after a previous taper (7/15/21).  You should have given yourself at least 4 to 6 weeks after the first taper to allow your nervous system time to adjust to the new dose, as explained in the links in my initial post (see why taper by 10% of dose link). Then, you did an additional taper to 35 mg. What day did you drop to 35 mg?  Jumping around on your drugs like this will only make your WD worse, and slow down your taper even further in the long run.  Jumping back and forth between 35 and 50 is not going to help you and is likely to just make your situation even worse.  

 

Please update your drug signature with each and every dose change you have made to the Zoloft since May when you started it in a simple list format with just the date and dosage amount.  I can give you the right advice if I have this information.  Thank you.

 

1 hour ago, Lani said:

I would rather go back up to 50 if possible so I don’t have to deal with cutting the pills at this point. It just adds so much more stress to me right now.

I have no idea, because I don't have enough information.  Did you just recently drop from 50 to 35?  Or were there interim dose drops in between?   

 

Once we figure out what your current dose should be, after I see an updated drug signature, please hold for a good long time at this dose.  Stay on it for at least several months, if not longer.  (2-4 months). Your system is probably still destabilized from the fast Trazodone taper in spring, not to mention going back and forth on your dose of Zoloft.   Your nervous system is crying out for stability.  This means staying on the same dose for a good, long time.  Take it each and every day, at the same time each day.  You need to give your system a chance to stabilize.   When it is time to taper again, you can also do a liquid, which frankly is easier and more precise than dry cutting.  Go back to my initial post, there is a link on how to taper Zoloft that will explain how to do the liquid.  You will want to do a cross taper.  That means 

week 1 do 3/4 pill 1/4 liquid   

week 2 do 1/2 pill 1/2 liquid 

week 3 do 1/4 pill 3/liquid 

week 4 do all liquid 

 

 

Edited September 15, 2021 by getofflex

[Lani]

@getofflexI added my information above in my signature. I know I’m going to get a well deserved tongue lashing for this as I did not keep good notes on the dates. It was irresponsible and stupid and I’m more than ashamed of myself for taking this process too lightly. I will be keeping notes moving forward regardless on what route I go for sure. I did speed the taper because I had been on the drugs for such a short time but it was more than I should have and I was feeling fine at the time. I did make four drops after the Updose before getting to 35… But, obviously in a short amount of time and the dates are just approximate but are fairly close as I look at my calendar and align it with other activities. I just feel really trapped right now because I don’t feel I have any options to either move back up to 50 or change drugs… Which I know you can’t recommend. But was hoping you could give me the reasons why either one might be a bad idea Or if it might be ok… Especially moving back up to 50 if possible. All this comes around a time when my life has now taken on several more very stressful personal situations and I would’ve never taken this on in the first place had I seen this coming. And, the suicidal ideation‘s are not helping at all. My husband is so worried about me as am I. This has destroyed our retirement plans basically and it’s all my fault and I lay some blame on my doctor. Of course, had my doctor told me about the side effects and discontinuation I would’ve never started in the first place. But, that’s everybody here for the most part… And I know I am responsible for that. I’m just looking for some recommendations from you… Or at the very least what your opinion is of doing either one of these options. I won’t divulge the details of my personal situation, but they are very serious. It’s hard to deal with all this tapering and that at the same time. I realize that many folks on this site have to multitask very stressful events in their life during their taper. I’m not feeling sorry for myself but just trying to manage my situation safely. I just feel really trapped right now. Thanks for the support of the SA team.

[Lani]

For some reason, my signature didn’t update with the current info… UGG. I will add it again.

[Lani]

@getofflexThe signature appeared to save this time. By the way, the reason I got on these drugs in the first place was because I was caretaking for my mom with stage four cancer. It was very stressful and still somewhat Ongoing. I called my doctor asking for help not knowing the consequences. Of course he didn’t tell me.But, once I started reading about the discontinuation syndrome I started my first reduction hoping that since I hadn’t been on them very long it would not be a long process. Obviously, that’s not worked out and ias so many others I regret what I’ve done. It’s literally the worst thing that’s ever happened to me and everyone else here too I’m sure. I feel like I’ve ruined our lives.

[getofflex]

3 hours ago, Lani said:

I know I’m going to get a well deserved tongue lashing for this as I did not keep good notes on the dates.

Not from me you won't.  Your WD is punishment enough.  I assume you did each reduction about a week apart.  

 

3 hours ago, Lani said:

I will be keeping notes moving forward regardless on what route I go for sure.

That's good.  Please do this.  In fact, please create a daily journal of the time you take your drugs, supplements, etc, your sleep, your symptoms, meals, activities, and any other pertinent information.  Here is an example.  

 

6 AM woke with anxiety

8 am took 2.5 mg lexapro

10 am stomach is upset

10:30 am ate breakfast

11:35 am got a headache, lasted one hour

12:35 ate lunch

4 pm feel a bit better

5 pm took 2.5 mg lexapro

6 pm ate dinner

9:20 pm headache 

10:00 pm took 50 mg Seroquel

10:30 pm feeling dizzy

10:30 pm fell asleep 

2:30 am woke, took 3 mg Ambien

2:45 am fell asleep

4:30 am woke, but got back to sleep

 

I will confer with the other mods, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.  

Edited September 17, 2021 by getofflex

[Altostrata]

Hello, @Lani

 

Please don't blame yourself.

 

How long have you been taking 35mg this time around? Please do not make any changes in your drugs until we sort this out.

[Lani]

Hello @Altostrata Thanks for responding. Ive been at 35 mg less than 2 weeks. 

[Lani]

@getofflex@altostrada

Thanks.  Will do.  Surprisingly after a very Trumatic day yesterday due to all this, I actually slept about seven hours which I haven’t done in weeks. I did wake up with anxiety and I assume cortisol rush, but no suicidal ideation‘s today. Those came yesterday morning and Two days before at the same time. They are the worst. They always seem to hit me in the morning somewhere between 4 and 5 AM. And goes on for a while. Thus far my physical symptoms are some internal shaking, high anxiety, teeth clenching occasional body jolts, and the side effects that I have that are ongoing in my signature. Of course, my stomach is usually in knots due to the anxiety. And I’m very depressed. IOccasionally I  dry heave or throw up. The crying spells are also pretty often. My husband is doing his best to take care of me.  I’m so lucky there.  But I know it’s taking a toll on him as well.  I’m trying to eat often, but no real appetite and I’ve lost 20 lbs which puts me close to 100 lbs so I’m concerned about losing more weight.  Can’t seem to gain any more.  I never thought that would ever be a concern in my lifetime. I’m a mess.

 

So, when you say I haven’t been on the drugs that long, are you saying that “might” result in a shorter taper time, and/or intensity of with drawls?  Or, are you only talking about less of an impact on damage to my brain?

[Lani]

@getofflex

oh, I also should’ve mention that I have bad agoraphobia as well. The way I am now is nothing like I used to be. Very outgoing and very very active both physically and socially. I now just want to stay home and not do much. I used to do all the cooking and cleaning… And now I do basically nothing because I have no motivation or drive. I Want me back.  My brother and sis are currently taking care of my mom. We did a lot of alternative care along with traditional to get her back to a functioning place with stage four cancer. She’s doing OK now and is an assisted living place. I think they are going to move her again to someplace more vibrant.  They are purposely keeping me out of the loop to reduce stress as they know I went into a spiral after seven months of having to care for her, and ending at where I am now. They are more concerned about me than they are and my mom at this point as she is functioning fine.  Of course, I still stress about it. I’m sure there are other things that have changed about me that I could mention, but I just have a hard time focusing at this point. Thanks for all you in Alto doing to try and help me. It’s great that I have good support and do not have to work outside of the home this point in my life. I can’t imagine trying to hold down a job as some of the others are having to do. There’s just no way.

[Altostrata]

It appears you are stabilizing from your recent reduction to 35mg. If I were you, I'd hold on reducing further for at least a month.

 

You've been going up and down in dosage. This can be wearing on your nervous system. 

 

No, you're probably not going to be able to taper faster. You've already gotten the warning signs of withdrawal from your prior changes.

 

Stay as calm as you can. We want to get to a point where dosage reductions are routine, with few withdrawal effects.

[getofflex]

@Lani, I completely concur with all that Altostrata said above.  Your nervous system needs a break from any more drug changes for a while, so it can stabilize and find homeostasis.  Patience and endurance are what is needed from you at this point.  Please, don't change your dose anymore for a while, as this is likely to just make you even worse.  Then, once you have stabilized, you can resume a very slow, cautious taper.  Please try some non drug coping techniques, they really do help.  Also, try the magnesium and the omega 3 supplements, also listed in my original post.  Let us know if you have any questions.  This is a very difficult and challenging process.  I'm glad your husband is supporting and helping you.  Mine has been so for me as well, thankfully.  Hang in there, it will very slowly get better, in fits and starts.  I'm glad you got 7 hours of sleep last night.  

[Lani]

@getofflex

hello again. I wanted to ask your opinion on a Prozac bridge. I’ve been reading the information on this site regarding it and it looks like many do you have luck… Although I know some don’t. Of course, this would be something I would do once my CNS is stabilized. A couple of things here… The Zoloft is giving me quite a few side effects which I don’t like, not just withdrawal symptoms.  I think I mentioned them above. Another thing, I am 61 years old. My husband and I retired five years ago and we’re getting ready to move to our cabin in a somewhat remote area. We are devastated by the news of me not having any other option to more quickly get off this drug, And I would be close to 70 before that would happen....if I even make it that far.  And not very close to quick medical help, Plus feeling miserable during the taper. Definitely not the way I pictured our retirement years. I’m not opposed to staying on the Prozac for a while. This is not necessarily about a therapeutic fix. I am so devastated, but I am not against being on another drug for a while just to be able to live life a little bit then what I am now or would be for 5 to 7 years getting off Zoloft. Based on your and altos responses, I can’t move up on the Zoloft or to another med, but perhaps the Prozac bridge would buy me some time.I think had I not been so desperate when I contacted my doctor therapy would’ve worked which I am going to now Instead of him prescribing this stupid drug.  I was hoping a LOW DOSE Prozac bridge might make that a little easier in the long run at least AND BUY ME SOME TIME. I do know I run the risk of suffering AD from the Zoloft.  I don’t know if this makes any difference, but my brother was on Prozac and did well on it… Though not very long. I’m so scared for my

life! Time is running out.  I know you can’t suggest another drug change, but was hoping to get your thoughts on this bridge.