Kelsears Hello 10 weeks off Zoloft with bad withdrawals

[Greatful]

@Kelsears  I can so relate to the world of hurt.  On those days all you can do is try and make it through the day....Remember this cannot hurt you anymore then it is right now....The mind is a powerful thing....We can fall into desperation and panic with what our mind is telling us or we can try to step back and try to focus on this is Withdrawal from these powerful drugs and it is not me.....You can and will make it to your bed tonight.  Anxiety will not hurt you, yes it can be very uncomfortable but if you can just let it be it will lose some power over you.....Don't get me wrong I validate how hard this is and how scary it can be...I know how much depression can suck the life out of you, but it will pass.  Learn to be gentle and do a lot of self care.  

 

Have you had a chance to look through some of the thread in the symptoms and self care forum?  Do you do any meditation?  Learning to get out of your mind and into your body is helpful....Take a look at the success stories....This can encourage you that others have  gone through this before and are now living life again. Your brain is working on healing every second of everyday....  I think one of the hardest things to do is to accept...Accept that this is happening, Accept that it will take time,  accepting that you will need to be patience, learning  self love and care.. Do what you can to help you through this...Whether it be learning about these drugs, the many different ways to cope with it, reaching out to others that have been through this or others that are trying to make their way through this....Remember you are not alone.  I may feel like you weak and just can't do this anymore but somehow dig down deep and hold to the idea that yes I can do this and I am going to be okay, I am okay...Do not let your panicked morphed thoughts rule over you.....Rest assured that I need to work on myself daily to make it to my pillow every night.....Look for ways to empower yourself...

 

Please keep reaching out and ask questions, vent or  what ever you need at the time....

 

Here are a few link to some success stories

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14913-pug-your-miracle-is-coming-hang-on/

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22055-coldturkmama-recovered-after-paxil-cold-turkey/

 

Greatful🌞

[Kelsears]

@Greatful

 

You are so kind and I enjoy reading your inspirational words. I have read through everything I can. I see you’re in Minnesota also, Do you know of any support groups here? And this weather isn’t helping. 

[Altostrata]

On 4/20/2023 at 9:30 PM, Kelsears said:

@getofflex

I took a genesight test recently and found out that Zoloft is on my red list. No wonder it did soooo much damage. My question is if I wanted to reinstate and do a proper taper what would I reinstate with, seeing how my body just can not handle Zoloft?  
 

thank you for all the kindness you show. 

 

Nonetheless, better to reinstate with the devil you know. You should be able to handle a trial reinstatement of 1mg Zoloft.  You'd been taking it 2018-2021 without "rejecting it". Your problems started when you took it irregularly, causing interdose withdrawal symptoms.

[Kelsears]

@Altostrata

my doctor doesn’t feel safe reinstating Zoloft she was thinking lexapro because it’s a very similar medication on my green list. Do you think that’s a bad idea to reinstate with lexapro? 
 

thank you I’m so desperate! 

[Altostrata]

Yes, I think it's a bad idea to reinstate with Lexapro, it's a much stronger SSRI than Zoloft.

 

Those genetic tests are not very useful. Obviously, Zoloft being on your "red list" is not that important -- you took 50mg for 3 years!! We're suggesting ONE MILLIGRAM initially.

 

Your adverse effects from Zoloft arise from COLD TURKEY and otherwise messing around with the dosing.

[Kelsears]

@@Altostrata

I just got the prescription in liquid so I can measure out small dose. Now to mustard up the courage to take it. If I was going to have reaction to it would I feel that with first dose? 
 

thanks! 

[Altostrata]

Mostly likely, you won't feel anything with the first dose. Please let us know how you're doing.

[Kelsears]

@Altostrata  

 

thanks will do! I pray these gives me a little relief. I need something to change. I’m not functioning. 

[Kelsears]

Hello! 
 

I reinstated 1.5mg (couldn’t find syringe small enough for just 1mg) of Zoloft yesterday. So far I haven’t noticed anything good or bad happening. But curious if like when you initially start SSRI you have a period where symptoms heighten slightly for short period if that happens with reinstating as well? I don’t want to do this reinstatement wrong. Already in a world of hurt and verge of hospitalization for SI thoughts. 
 

thank you! 
Kelly 

[Carmie]

Hi @Kelsears That’s good you haven’t had any bad symptoms from reinstating so far. Please check out the thread entitled: “About reinstating and stabilising to reduce withdrawal symptoms.” It will answer any of the questions you have about reinstating.

 

If you have an immediate severe bad reaction, you need to reduce or stop taking the drug, but you seem to be okay so far. It can sometimes work straight away, but it can also take weeks or even months to see an improvement. Sometimes it doesn’t work at all, everyone is so different. I hope you get relief, as a lot of people have gotten relief. 
 

Anytime we start, stop or taper meds we can get symptoms. Go to your browser, whether it’s Google or a different one, and put in “survivingantidepressants and reinstating,” and you’ll come across other people’s threads too who have reinstated. You can also put reinstating in the search bar above, but Googling works really well. 
 

Sending hugs🤗

Edited April 29, 2023 by Carmie

[Go2zero]

On 4/26/2023 at 6:20 PM, Kelsears said:

Hello! 
 

I reinstated 1.5mg (couldn’t find syringe small enough for just 1mg) of Zoloft yesterday. So far I haven’t noticed anything good or bad happening. But curious if like when you initially start SSRI you have a period where symptoms heighten slightly for short period if that happens with reinstating as well? I don’t want to do this reinstatement wrong. Already in a world of hurt and verge of hospitalization for SI thoughts. 
 

thank you! 
Kelly 

I merged this message with your introduction thread. Please post only in your this introduction thread and do not open new threads. In this way we have all your info together.

[Kelsears]

@Go2zero

 

thank you and sorry! 

[Kelsears]

@Carmie

thank you for replying! 
 

I have read the reinstating file several times. Question at what point do you know it’s not going to work? I don’t want to keep increasing if it’s not going to work. 
 

thank you! 
kelly 

[Altostrata]

Hello, @Kelsears How are you feeling now?

[Kelsears]

@Altostrata

no different still just deep dark depression. Like I’m never going to make it out of this hell. 

[Altostrata]

What times o'clock do you take your drugs, with their dosages? How do you feel before and after each dose?

 

How often are you taking Ativan? For what symptoms do you take it?

[Kelsears]

@Altostrata

I take 1.5mg of liquid Zoloft at 8pm. Feel the same before and after I think maybe a little calmer after because it’s bed time. 
 

Ativan i take .5 at 4pm that’s when panic and hyperventilation kicks in. 
 

thank you so so so much for all your help. I really appreciate you. 
 

kelly 

[Altostrata]

32 minutes ago, Kelsears said:

Ativan i take .5 at 4pm that’s when panic and hyperventilation kicks in. 

 

Do these symptoms occur before or after you take Ativan? @Shep can you consult?

[Kelsears]

@Altostrata

Before I take it. I don’t take it unless it at the point I feel I need the hospital. this depression wave has been hell. I’m so exhausted I can’t get out of bed. 

[Altostrata]

13 minutes ago, Kelsears said:

@Altostrata

Before I take it. I don’t take it unless it at the point I feel I need the hospital. this depression wave has been hell. I’m so exhausted I can’t get out of bed. 

 

How often have you taken Ativan in the last 2 weeks? Were there any stretches when you were taking it every day?

[Kelsears]

@Altostrata for last 2 week consistently everyday. The reason I felt I needed to reinstate the zoloft. Prior to that maybe once a week. This wave hit hard 13 days ago. 

[Shep]

On 3/24/2023 at 6:35 PM, Kelsears said:

I take Ativan several times a week.  

 

 

Just now, Kelsears said:

@Altostrata for last 2 week consistently everyday. The reason I felt I needed to reinstate the zoloft. Prior to that maybe once a week. This wave hit hard 13 days ago. 

 

 

@Kelsears Your Ativan use has escalated since you posted in March, and you may have developed a dependency by now. Please see the latest on benzos from the FDA:

 

FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class

 

1 hour ago, Kelsears said:

Ativan i take .5 at 4pm that’s when panic and hyperventilation kicks in. 

 

If you're having severe symptoms in the afternoon like this consistently, it may be interdose withdrawal. Ativan is a shorter half-life benzo and can cause you to go into withdrawal in between doses. 

 

What are your thoughts on taking Ativan every day and then tapering off it once you're off the antidepressant? Would you be able to get an ongoing Ativan prescription from your doctor? 

 

The other option would be to stop taking it and use non-drug methods of coping. Either way is fine, but I would pick one option and stick with it. Continuing to fluctuate your Ativan dosing can lead to hypersensitivity and kindling. Please see:

 

Hypersensitivity and Kindling

 

 

[Altostrata]

Do you have any odd symptoms other than this panic and hyperventilation prior to your Ativan dose at 4 p.m.? How's your sleep?

 

1 hour ago, Kelsears said:

Ativan i take .5 at 4pm that’s when panic and hyperventilation kicks in. 

 

@Shep IMO this symptom pattern indicates interdose withdrawal from lorazepam. 

 

@Kelsears suggest you divide the lorazepam dose in half. The goal is to take the doses 12 hours apart.

 

Suggest doing it like this: Take 1/2 (0.25mg) one hour earlier than your regular time, at 3 p.m. Move 1/2 (0.25mg) 1 hour later, to 5 p.m. Keep moving the doses by one hour each day until you're taking them 12 hours apart, e.g. 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

 

There may be a few bumps as you do this. Please let us know how you're doing.

[Kelsears]

@Shep I’ve been trying so hard not to be dependent on it. I feel like Im failing. Late March this terrible depression set in and the SI thought were just to much to handle. 
Throughout this whole CT evening have always been just terrible for me. I’m trying all the coping skills I have. I changed my diet, exercise when I have energy (which isn’t much), I talked to therapist twice a week, yoga, take supplements. If they’re something more please let me know. I’m desperate. I’m down 45lbs since January. I can barely eat most days. 
 

My doctor is amazing and lets me run the show she’ll do as I ask within reason. So yes she’ll prescribe Ativan for me. She’d probably be happy about that because I’ve been so against it. I will be more consistent with it. 

[Shep]

2 minutes ago, Kelsears said:

take supplements.

 

Please list your supplements in a post, along with the dates. It would also be good to add them to your signature.

 

Let's make sure there's nothing there that may be causing more harm than good. 

 

Glad you have a doctor that's allowing you to chart your own course. 

[Kelsears]

@Altostrata no odd symptoms just depression and panic. 
 

sleep has been good 7-8 hours a night. 
 

@Shep I will try that thank you. 
 

 

how much of and increase of the Zoloft should I do at my week end? 1mg? 

[Kelsears]

@Shep

I’ll add supplements. Thank you so very much. 

[Kelsears]

@Shep

magnesium magtein 2 capsules morning 2 capsules evening 

L-theanine 200mg morning 200mg evening 

vitamin D 4000iu morning 

Ashwagandha 250mg morning 250mg evening

omega 3 2000mg afternoon 

easy iron 25mg afternoon 

B12 500mcg morning 

 

[Altostrata]

7 hours ago, Kelsears said:

how much of and increase of the Zoloft should I do at my week end? 1mg? 

 

Your symptom pattern indicates that you are suffering from benzo adverse effects (interdose withdrawal). Your symptoms are not those of Zoloft withdrawal. It is unnecessary for you to take more Zoloft. Zoloft is not a substitute for lorazepam.

 

Dividing the lorazepam dose probably will eliminate the symptoms you've reported. After you stabilize, you'll be able to taper the benzo.

[Kelsears]

@Altostrata I was having all

these symptoms way before the last two weeks of .5 Ativan. I have a good week and then my cycle started and I spiral into terrible depression. 

[Altostrata]

Your current symptom pattern indicates interdose withdrawal from Ativan, not Zoloft withdrawal syndrome.

[Shep]

13 hours ago, Kelsears said:

@Shep

magnesium magtein 2 capsules morning 2 capsules evening 

L-theanine 200mg morning 200mg evening 

vitamin D 4000iu morning 

Ashwagandha 250mg morning 250mg evening

omega 3 2000mg afternoon 

easy iron 25mg afternoon 

B12 500mcg morning 

 

 

Are you also supplementing with K2? The reason I ask is your vitamin D3 is 4,000 IU, which may be high enough that you may want to add in a K2 supplement. Please research this so you get the right ratio (some vitamin D3 supplements already contain K2 in the right ratio). 

 

Some links about these supplements in case you haven't already seen them. 

 

Ferritin too low? Iron supplements? Anemia

 

Ashwagandha

 

L-Theanine for anxiety, insomnia

 

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

Vitamin B12: essential for mood, nervous system

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol or calcitriol)

 

You are taking several potentially sedating supplements in the evening - magnesium, l-theanine, and ashwagandha. Please note that using too many sedating drugs and / or supplements can cause paradoxical reactions, causing the nervous system to alert instead of calm down.

 

As noted, it's likely you're dealing with interdose benzo withdrawal, which can make paradoxical reactions more likely. 

 

18 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Suggest doing it like this: Take 1/2 (0.25mg) one hour earlier than your regular time, at 3 p.m. Move 1/2 (0.25mg) 1 hour later, to 5 p.m. Keep moving the doses by one hour each day until you're taking them 12 hours apart, e.g. 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

 

There may be a few bumps as you do this. Please let us know how you're doing.

 

What do you think about Alto's suggestion here? You may want to separate the benzo by at least two hours from your evening supplements. This will help prevent paradoxical reactions. 

 

 

 

[Kelsears]

@Shep

my vitamin d levels were supper low so my doctor put me on that high of vitamin D. I’ll look to see if it has k12 included. My iron is also low. I’ll have them rechecked in a few weeks. 
 

theres usually a gap between taking Ativan and the supplement. The ashwagandha I take with evening meal 5:30ish and the magnesium and theanine I take before bed 9:30ish 

 

should I cut the magnesium or theanine out in the evening? 
 

thanks for all your help ! 

[Shep]

21 hours ago, Kelsears said:

My iron is also low. I’ll have them rechecked in a few weeks. 

 

Are you a vegetarian? If not, are you eating red meat a few times a week? That can help up your iron without adding in supplements. This can be helpful if you're sensitive to supplements like iron and B12, as many of us are during withdrawal. 

 

21 hours ago, Kelsears said:

my vitamin d levels were supper low so my doctor put me on that high of vitamin D. I’ll look to see if it has k12 included.

 

You live in the U.S. and spring is here. Are you someone who likes to get outdoors during the spring and summer? Sunlight is a wonderful and natural source of vitamin D. Hopefully your levels will improve by getting outside. And getting outside in nature is especially restorative to those of us going through withdrawal. 

 

21 hours ago, Kelsears said:

theres usually a gap between taking Ativan and the supplement. The ashwagandha I take with evening meal 5:30ish and the magnesium and theanine I take before bed 9:30ish 

 

should I cut the magnesium or theanine out in the evening? 

 

I wouldn't make any changes to the supplements if you don't feel they're causing problems. If you do feel they're causing problems, than you could reduce by a small amount, one supplement at a time. Please see:

 

The rule of 3KIS: Keep it simple. Keep it slow. Keep it stable.

 

You may find that tracking your symptoms within the context of when you take your drugs and supplements to be helpful. This is a great way to do so:

 

Keep notes about your daily symptom pattern and drug dosing

 

You can post that on paper or a Word doc for your own use or you can post it here on your thread if you'd like moderator feedback. 

[Kelsears]

@Shep

Yes I’m a vegetarian. Been vegetarian for 25 years. 
 

yes im in the US. I get outside everyday. The weather been very dark and cold. Even when sunny I have to cover up because I’m allergic to the sun and have history of skin cancer. 
 

the supplements make me feel better maybe it’s just placebo. I do a daily journal with symptoms and meds, supplements, sleep, what I’ve eaten, and how I feel. 

[Kelsears]

@Shep

How would you suggest I taper off the  reinstated Zoloft? On 1.5mg for 7 days.