Vigo77: Need Help and Advice

[Vigo77]

I had really bad nervous breakdown in 2018. Prior to that i have had on and off anxiety for years. So in 2018 i was put on sertraline 50 mg. i was on this dose for 3 years and after feeling good i decided to come off. I tapered in 2 months starting in June 2021 and coming off fully end of July 2021 by advise of GP by taking half dose on one day and missing the next. Initially i had brain zaps for 2-3 days and they settled. Then i was feeling very tearful and had anger issues. These two have settled. Then i had episodes of feeling moody and at times depressed ( i never had depression before) and it seems this settled too. Now at almost 6 months out i have been having anxiety episodes over some trivial things like bodily sensations or any other stupid thing. I have also started to have sleeping issues like having a broken sleep. Some days i only manage few hours and in morning i feel anxious. I have been taking the following supplements -

- vit D

- multivitamins

- 5 htp 

- magnesium 

Please can you advise if this is withdrawal? Did i taper to fast? What to do if things dont get better with my sleep and anxiety? Pls help 

[Frogie]

Hi @Vigo77

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer run site with members like you that have gone through what you are or are going through it at the moment.

 

This is your introduction page where you will receive information, ask questions, and meet member such as yourself. We ask that each member only have one page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

First, can you please create a signature.

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

Based on the information you provided, you did a very fast taper, only 2 months? Here on SA, we recommend a 10% a month taper or slower.

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

I'm going to give you some links to read about tapering so quickly.

 

Before you begin tapering what you need to know

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

One Theory of Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome

 

Brain Remodelling

 

Fear, terror, panic, and anxiety

 

While we don't suggest supplements here, especially Multivitamins because they contain b vitamins that can be very stimulating, we suggest 2 that can be calming to the nervous system. If you wish you could try one at a time, in a small amount and see how you do. Then introduce the other one in a small amount in a few days.

 

Magnesium

Omega-3 Fish Oil

 

I'm going to give you some information on 5-htp:

 

After you read these links, if you feel like you would like to try reinstatement, we could help you decide what dosage would be best for you. Please reach out with any questions you may have. I'm glad we are here to help you.

 

[Vigo77]

Hi Frogie thank you very much for responding, really appreciate it. Yes i came off by tapering in two months as per advice of my doctors. 

what are my options if I dont do reinstatement? 
 

thanks a lot

[Frogie]

@Vigo77

 

If you think reinstatement would be something you would like to try I think you could start at 1-2 mg. We like to start out low as you can always go up if needed.

[Vigo77]

And if i dont do reinstatement and wait out?