Mars0333: adverse reaction to 1 dose of Zoloft 25mg

[Mars0333]

I am currently suffering from baby blues and opened up to my doctor about it.She prescribed me 25mg Zoloft. Thinking it would help I took a dose. After this one dose I started getting brain zaps and figured out I could not sleep. I also saw light when closing my eyes. So this made my anxiety flair up. After this I ended up in the ER at Methodist twice. Once for insomnia and a panic attack and the other for the same issue. The just band aided it with Ativan and another sleep aid (which has side effects too). I quit cold turkey after the first dose knowing this medicine was poison. I started experiencing insomnia, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, hypersensitivity to sounds, agitation and brain zaps. I’m on week 4 after quitting and the brain zap that was happening near my left temple has turned into head pressure that’s been lingering . I’ve been taking valerian root tea and cbd for sleep. And have been eating healthier.I’ve also tried NAD IV treatments because I would assume getting nutrients straight to the vein would be better. I’ve also cut caffeine and most sugars. I’m still trying to fix my sleep cycle. I wake up every 3 hours at night and I’m hoping to sleep a full night soon. Any suggestions or recovery stories would get my spirits up. I feel like there has been progress but I’m not out of the woods yet. Hoping to fully heal soon.

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  We call this an immediate adverse reaction (ADR) on this site.  It's a good thing you quit right away, as some doctors actually convince their patients to keep taking the drug.  What you need is lots and lots of time for your nervous system to heal and recover.  Unfortunately, this can take several months.  It sounds as though things have improved for you since you took the dose 4 weeks ago.  Are insomnia and head pressure the only symptoms you currently have? 

 

Can you please give us specific information in your signature about your drug history for all drugs and supplements 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 vertical list (no symptoms), only specific dates, include the day (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day), drug names, 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

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is,  Recover from an adverse reaction is similar, so I'll go ahead and give you these links. 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD and ADR 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 recovering.  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

 

This link explains about recovery from an adverse reaction: 

 

Immediate Adverse Reaction

 

My suggestion to you would be to practice a lot of natural self care.  My heart goes out to you, because it is hard enough taking care of a new baby, but then to have this on top of that just compounds things.  I hope you have someone to help you with the baby, so you can get some extra rest, and do some things to nurture yourself.  Please let us know how you are doing.

Edited October 31, 2022 by getofflex

[getofflex]

Here is a list of search results with links to some recovery stories to help to encourage you, and give you hope. 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/search/?&q=adverse &type=forums_topic&tags=adr&nodes=28&eitherTermsOrTags=or&search_and_or=and&search_in=titles