SertalineHouston: need advice for persistent withdrawal

[SertalineHouston]

I need advice whether to reinstate sertraline or is it too late? What should I do? My doctor wants me to reinstate again at a very low dose but I’m worried about kindling effects after being off sertraline since July 5.

As background, I took 25 mg of sertraline for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome nearly 16 years, from 2006-June 2022. I started experiencing symptoms (first fatigue, then chills) July 28 nearly a month after stopping. Symptoms persisted through August and now through September.

On September 9, the doctor suggested I reinstate sertraline at 25 mg. I did and and four days later developed total insomnia, leg and/or arm jerks when trying to fall asleep, and a low clicking noise in my head along with dizziness and brain fog. All of these symptoms still persist. Due to the insomnia, I was prescribed Ambien at 10mg and I’m only sleeping about 4 hours. I feel like I’m polydrugged now and should have never reinstated the sertraline. 

 

The doctor now wants me to reinstate sertraline yet again at a very tiny dose to see if all my symptoms go away. This is September 28 and I stopped sertraline July 5! I’m worried that this will cause yet another kindling effect. Should I just do nothing and wait?

 

thanks.
 

June 2006- June 2022. Sertraline

Ambien September 2022.

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I'm very sorry to hear that you are having these psych med withdrawal symptoms from going off the sertraline cold turkey, and then the full reinstatement of sertraline.  

 

How many days did you stay on the 25 mg reinstatement of sertraline you started on Sept. 9 2022?  Yes, it does sound like you kindled from going back on the full dose of sertraline.  I'm sorry to hear that the doctor had you do this. So now you are only on the Ambient?  What is the dose, and do you take it every night?  Can you please add the details about your sertraline reinstatement , and your ambience dose and what day you started that in September, into your signature box, thank you.  

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly and carefully, and be very cautious about changing our doses: 

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

Here is some information about kindling: 

 

Hypersensitivity and Kindling

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

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

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

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

 

You basically have 2 options here.  

1) try a minute dose of sertraline as a test dose, and gradually work your way up from that, and see if it gives you some relief from the symptoms. We need to be extremely cautious with this, and take it slowly.  It will require patience.  

 

2) stay away from the sertraline altogether, and allow time to gradually heal your nervous system.  Learn and apply natural self care practices.  

 

Going back on a small dose of your drug, which we call reinstatement, is best done very carefully.  This is temporary, and after stabilizing you would then taper gradually off of this.  There is some risk involved, and we need more specifics about your drug history before we can suggest a good dose at which to reinstate.  Here is some information about reinstatement.  

 

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Please let us know which option you decide to try.  We can help walk you through the sertraline reinstatement, should you go that route. 

 

In the meantime, don't do any changes to the Ambien - keep taking it as you have.   

 

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. 

Edited October 2, 2022 by getofflex