Kelaw86: introduction - Zoloft

[Kelaw86]

My name is Kendra and I stumbled across this group by mistake actually. I have been researching what I am experiencing and came across the forum. I am hopeful to gain some knowledge and peace here.

 

I was given Zoloft by a GP 14 years ago following getting sober. I was 20 at the time and never did research on antidepressants or SSRI’s- I just did what she told me to do. After a few months I did feel better so I continued on the medication until well. It didn’t seem to be doing much. After the genesight assessment I was told I needed to switch drugs. I began tapering down 50mg every 2 weeks from 150mg. Halfway through I was starting to lose memory and with the field of work I am in that is not good. I continued to push through because again I trusted my doctor.

 

Here I am. Day 5 of no Zoloft and wanting to disappear. I am dizzy, lethargic with inability to move. I also have no appetite and feel buzzy everywhere. I disliked the feeling so much I took Zoloft this evening. I really have no idea how to survive this.

 

 

Edited September 21, 2022 by Frogie

[Kelaw86]

I am new here. 
 

I was on 150mg of Zoloft for the last year, and on the drug daily for the last 13 years. 
 

with help of my doctor I started tapering off 4 weeks ago. This past week was the first time I was off completely and lasted until this weekend. I am a single parent and I could not even function to take care of my child the way I am used to. I had to stop constantly because of vertigo- my memory has been awful as I can’t even tell you what I did yesterday. The vivid dreams are terrifying and when I wake I feel like I haven’t slept in days. I am also back to racing thoughts and literally feel out of control of my own mind. I am angry. Angry that this was not explained well enough for me to make a logical decision for myself and my child. Today, I caved. I took 50mg and already 3 hours later I feel like a lot of the withdrawal has slowed. I am not as weak or dizzy and feel like I can eat and possibly even go to sleep. I was hoping I could stop the drug successfully but am seeing that I can’t, or maybe that now without proper supports in place I shouldn’t. 

 

Edited September 19, 2022 by Frogie
No change made - post moved from another member's intro

[Kelaw86]

Hi.
 

I have been on Zoloft for 14 years, starting at the age of 20.

 

For the past year I have been in 150mg and after genesight doctor determined Zoloft was not right for me and to taper off, washout, start Pristiq. The saddest part of all of this is I had no idea I was withdrawing almost immediately. 
 

150mg to 100mg 2 weeks- then 50mg for 2 weeks done. I just spent 5 days in literal hell. Memory is gone. Confused. Vivid dreams and inability to get myself out of bed. I caved and took 50mg this evening. I don’t notice much yet but do notice the chest heaviness subsided. I am so pissed that doctors do not even mention the possibility of withdrawal and that I was too naive to not consider it myself. I’m just hoping someone can assure me I’ll feel better soon reintroducing the sertraline because I am terrified. 

 

Edited September 19, 2022 by ChessieCat
No change made - post moved from another member's intro

[Frogie]

@Kelaw86

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping people taper off psychiatric medications or have tapered off and are now healing.

 

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

 

 

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I'm very sorry you are going through your struggle, but most dr's don't understand wd and some don't believe in it. We don't suggest more than 10% a month and many go slower than that.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Tips for tapering off sertraline (Zoloft)

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

 

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications:

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

 

Since you have started back on 50 mg, I would not change that dose for quite a while so your body will stabilize. Then after a long hold, you could taper very slowly.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms
 
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

We don't suggest supplements on here as they can be activating to the nervous system, except 2. If you want to try on, try a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

 

After you have read the links provided please reach out with any questions you may have.