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Dahlia50: Reducing Zoloft


Dahlia50

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@modelarz71 Think they said there are no less than 5mg pills so they split the tablet.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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46 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

@modelarz71 Myślę, że powiedzieli, że nie ma mniej niż 5 mg tabletek, więc podzielili tabletkę.

Thank you for your message.
Norwegian doctors are probably cautious that they did not give you more even broke the pill. That means they know the power of these powders.
In my case the doctor said go right back to 5 mg and I got gastroparesis by lighting up.
Now I watch videos on You tube about terrible situations when people stopped taking SSRIs, now I understand that it was WD, I'm heartbroken because I don't feel a moment of well-being just such a pressure in my head and a feeling of sadness and hopelessness.
Here people say it is getting better. it gives a little hope.

 

2022 escitalopram od 25 lipca 2,5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg sierpień-grudzień- 7,5 mg, 5 mg, (1 miesiąc) 2,5 mg - C/T 
WD
2023 Krótkie przywrócenie z daty WD: 

escitalopram 25 maja – 12 czerwca 5 mg, 2,5 mg plus przerwa

Przywrócenie 24 07,23 0,5mg escitalopram, 18.08.23 0,22 escitalopram, 07.09. 0,28
Teraz 0,30 mg escitalopramu 

W zeszłym roku 6 miesięcy na escitalopramie byłem bardzo pobudzony, hipomaniakalny i nie potrzebowałem snu. 
Od lipca 2023 r. przywrócono i zmniejszono z 0,50 mg do 0,30 mg Lexapro – trudności w zasypianiu i brak snu, ból oczu i IBS. Anhedonia. 

Listopad 2023 - 0mg

Apr 2023 - worst reintroducing 0.25 mg-0.10mg escitalopram for 5 days and dropping it with terrible stomach effects if I had kept it probably wouldn't have happened 

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It was actually me who wanted a smaller dose, otherwise they would have taken 5mg. So they are not that careful but this doctor listened at least. Tried to say that I wanted to try 1mg as I had previously had a reaction but they thought that was too little.

Im also sad and heartbroken same as you in WD with extreme pressure in head feeling hopelessness. Missing myself.

Thanks for your massage 🙏 Let's hope it gets better. But I’ve been taking zoloft for so long, it’s hard.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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Thanks @DaBro Its so intense. Still don't know if I'll make it. Being in this for years. Don't even have any windows yet.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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We have very similar symptoms. Feel free to message me if you need someone to chat with. I feel so alone with this extreme pressure

 

2008: start Lexapro 10 mg which is quickly upped to 20 mg. 2008:2013 try at least four individual times to get off Lexapro, never get lower than 5mg, settle at 15 mg. 2015: again, attempt to get off Lexapro and get to 5 mg. After 6 months, feel i'm stabilizing but go back on a higher dose because of one stressful event. 2016: go to 20 mg from 15 mg due to work stresses, hit severe tolerance for the first time and become very suicidal. 2016-2017: try viibryd and cymbata in an attempt to feel better. Also add Lamictal 150 at some point. 2017: eventually land on paxil 37.5 and Lamictal 150. January 2018: cut paxil to 25. April-July 2018: reduce Lamictal in 50 mg increments till im off August. 2018: reduce paxil to 20 mg. december 2018: dropped Paxil to 18 mg, SEVERE CRASH. March updosed to 20 mg April 11: dropped to 19.4 mg due to akathsia (still experiencing akathsia symptoms from updose) April 20: 19 mg Paxil May 4: 18.7 Paxil July 5: 18.2 July 12: 17.8 Aug 19: 17.5 Aug 26: 17.3 Oct 20: 17.1 Nov 3: 16.9, 8/17/20: 16.6 after nine month hold, 8/24/20: 16.4, 8/31/20:16.2, 9/14/2020: 16.0, 9/21/20: 15.8, 9/28/20: 15.6, 10/19/20:15.4, 10/26/20: 15.2, 11/2/20: 15.1, 11/7/20: 14.8, 3/6/2-: 14.5, 3/20/20: 14.3, 4/3/20: 13.9, 4/10/2021: 13.7. 4/21/21: 13.5, 5/5/2021: 13.1, 12.2 8/12/2021 (slowly microtapered to this number. I just can’t remember the exact dates), 11.8 9/6/2021, 11.6 9/13/21, 11.2 9/27/21, 11.1 9/30/21.....11/5/21 switched to 10 mg tablet. I am holding to stabilize for the foreseeable future. 3/25/22: 9.4, 5/6/22: 9.0, 5/30/22: 8.25, 6/7/22: 8.1, 7/722: 7.65, 8/16/22: 7.39, 9/22/22: 6.91, 10/1/22: 6.78

Medication signature.docx

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On 12/19/2023 at 3:57 AM, Dahlia50 said:

Now I feel depression and anxiety but think still chemical. Sometimes feels like I'm going crazy, feelings of unreality and damaged forever. Trying to fight this.

 

Hi @Dahlia50,

I just came across your thread.

 

Dropping from 12.5mg of Sertraline to 0mg would leave you with very unpleasant WD symptoms (I did it myself many years ago).

 

Have you seen this list: Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF)? Can you relate to the things on the list? I take comfort in reflecting on the list when I don't feel flash and remind myself it's not permanent.

 

On 2/5/2024 at 1:23 AM, Dahlia50 said:

have no feelings, Pssd and anhedonia. Can this relly heal or you remain brain damaged??

 

You will improve with time and patience.

 

This link is a helpful description of the recovery process: Windows and waves pattern of stabilizationHave you noticed any improvement in any area at all since you dropped to 0mg in August?

 

Some of us find a little relief reflecting on these links: Emotional Spirals and Non-drug coping strategies

 

Are you drinking alcohol?

 

Do you use these supplements: Magnesium and Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)?

 

Some of us benefit from a little exercise, but everyone is different, and I don't know your personal situation. If you are able, can you get out and walk in the sun? Ah, I just read you are in Norway...much sun there at this time of year?

 

I read at one stage in your thread that you considered reinstating 6mg of Sertraline. That would be ~12 times more than I have seen recommended for others (0.5mg), but you seem to react badly to SSRIs from what I have read, so it doesn't sound like reinstating is a good idea. With reinstating, you need to be very mindful of Kindling.

 

I hope some of this provides some relief.

 

Emonda

Please don't send me PMs. I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

Start of taper: Jan ’22 Vortioxetine 15mg, 

End year 1: 4.5mg, 

End year 2: 2.38mg, 

Year 3: 8 Feb 2.19mg, 21 Mar 1.99mg, 2 May 1.83mg, 13 Jun 1.69mg, 25 Jul 1.50mg, 14 Aug 1.46mg, 3 Sep 1.43mg, 10 Sep 1.40mg, 17 Sep 1.37mg

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Hi  @Emonda Appreciates your reply a lot!

Thanks I’ve seen checklist. No alcohol, taking omega 3/magnesium. Unfortunately not a lot of sun in Norway.

Yes, dropping from 12mg to 0mg, its bad. A psychiatrist said it was so little and I could stop (wrong). Feel really sad ending up like this.

 

Worry about that I took zoloft for 13 years and it means it could be worse and take longer. I can't work and afraid of losing many WD years.
Also had an adverse reaction to zoloft and felt bad from the pill which made me taper off faster (but continued taking it for 8 months before I started to taper). The step from 25 to 12 was only two months. Can you say that going from 12 to 0 is a CT in my case? At least 50 to 25 is 10 months ago but know the hardest at the end).

 

After 2,5 months off I went into severe WD, even if intense before. Two weeks ago I went to hospital, they were afraid I would crash so they tried 2.5mg citalopram. Is 2.5mg citalopram as much as 6mg or 12mg zoloft? The second day I had a strong adverse reaction (or kindling?). Got worse. At least stopped after 2 days. Can it calm down?

 

I havent improved really. Maybe a little less brain fog. May be a little softer in the evening but mostly constant.

 

My worst symptoms are heavy pain in the brain, in different spots, neck and muscles. Buzzing noise pulsating and strong pressure in the head. Barely able to walk and stand for long periods of time - is that common for WD?

Don't know if nerves or neurotransmitters. Extremely tired, no energy week and cognitively affected, dizzy, nausea, functions poorly and lies in bed a lot. Can't exercise. Poor contact with my body. Numb feelings, no joy.

 

I feel depressed, hyper and sometimes panic but all physical things feeling non-functional for me the most depressing.

And intrusive thoughts that it will never get better or take years. Lives with parents now because even worse when alone. Trying using coping stratigies.

 

Thankful for this site, for understanding support and others in the same situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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  • Administrator
8 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

A psychiatrist said it was so little and I could stop (wrong)

 

Yeah, it's astounding, isn't it! I just can't believe how ill-informed some professionals are.

 

8 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Worry about that I took zoloft for 13 years and it means it could be worse and take longer.

 

Time and patience. I've been on this merry-go-round for close to 30 years, but the brain adjusts with time.

 

8 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Can you say that going from 12 to 0 is a CT in my case?

 

I'd call it a CT. I'd refer to 50mg to 25mg as a rapid taper.

 

9 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Two weeks ago I went to hospital, they were afraid I would crash so they tried 2.5mg citalopram.

 

9 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

The second day I had a strong adverse reaction (or kindling?). Got worse

 

I had a similar experience with Sertraline. I stopped after a day or two as well.

 

9 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Can it calm down?

 

Yes. how long? It's different for everyone. You seem to be hyper-sensitised. Time is your friend.

 

9 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Maybe a little less brain fog. May be a little softer in the evening but mostly constant.

 

You've got to celebrate even the slightest improvement. You've recognised something has improved, albeit slightly 🎉

 

9 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Buzzing noise

 

As in tinnitus? Mine was absolutely dreadful with my Sertraline experience, but it did calm down. Sometimes it flares up again, but it eventually calms down again. Seems to be quite common with ADs.

 

9 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Lives with parents now because even worse when alone.

 

What a blessing you can do this.

 

Keep fighting.

Please don't send me PMs. I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

Start of taper: Jan ’22 Vortioxetine 15mg, 

End year 1: 4.5mg, 

End year 2: 2.38mg, 

Year 3: 8 Feb 2.19mg, 21 Mar 1.99mg, 2 May 1.83mg, 13 Jun 1.69mg, 25 Jul 1.50mg, 14 Aug 1.46mg, 3 Sep 1.43mg, 10 Sep 1.40mg, 17 Sep 1.37mg

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@DaBro @Catina7 
Hi,

Does anyone know if there is a difference between WD and neuro toxic injury?

Had a bad adverse reaction to zoloft but continued to take it for 8 months before start tapering. I absolutely have post acute WD now 5 months off. But as I have extreme pain in brain, nerves, muscles (chemical torture), I am thinking about whether I have neuro toxic damage. Heard someone say it can take 5 years for toxic injury to heal - then I got scared.


Trapped. But understand that I can't do much and try to accept it and fight on with the support of amazing people on this site. Some days it works with strategies but other days it's hard. 
Wish that one day I can write here that Im better….

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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Hi @Sottana Thanks, I saw your message now. Would like to have someone to chat with. It’s lonely as you say with this daily extreme pressure.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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1 hour ago, Dahlia50 said:

@DaBro @Catina7 
Hi,

Does anyone know if there is a difference between WD and neuro toxic injury?

Had a bad adverse reaction to zoloft but continued to take it for 8 months before start tapering. I absolutely have post acute WD now 5 months off. But as I have extreme pain in brain, nerves, muscles (chemical torture), I am thinking about whether I have neuro toxic damage. Heard someone say it can take 5 years for toxic injury to heal - then I got scared.


Trapped. But understand that I can't do much and try to accept it and fight on with the support of amazing people on this site. Some days it works with strategies but other days it's hard. 
Wish that one day I can write here that Im better….

I'm sorry about scaring you with my mention of the five year period of adrenaline flooding which I, and some others experienced in response to SSRI medications. Not everyone has the same experience so nothing is certain and my case involved thunderclap headaches; sudden nightmarishly bad headaches. However if you want to read about a case of this occurring then the first that I heard of this was the case of Luke Montagu, Viscount Hichingbrooke. I wish that I could provide you with a link but every one I can see is to a commercial site. He was forced to take psychiatric medications for twenty years and, when he eventually broke away from the psychiatrists, it took him five years to recover just as it did myself. Just do a search using the words 'Luke Montagu drug' if you want to read about his case. In my case liver injury, prior to psychiatric treatment, meant that I responded extremely badly to the psychiatric medications in a short time. Understand that I, and everyone else who experienced this, felt like you currently do. You're not alone.

Prior medications;

sertraline 50mg April

sertraline 100mg May to July 2014 (ceased medication immediately upon occurrence of first thunderclap headache)

lorazepam April 2014 and November 2014 to January 2015 (each time suppressing symptoms of illness until two weeks after cessation of medication)

seroquel November 2014 to January 2015 50mg prior to being raised to 100mg for one day (medication ceased immediately upon occurrence of convulsive seizure)

warfarin 1990 to June 2023

Was instructed to 'cease doing anything healthy' by treating psychiatrist in June 2014 (the psychiatrist stating that belief in disease is the cause of disease and that dietary supplementation encourages people to think there's something wrong with us) so only commenced taking supplements again in June 2023 upon contrary instructions from GP.

 

Current medications;

eliquis since June 2023

Supplements; multivitamin/mineral, zinc, magnesium, calcium/magnesium, vitamin c, vitamin d, spirulina, resveratrol, iron.

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@Barry2954 No worries. I actually heard it from an American Doctor this time. 
I have extreme headaches and electricity but also know that each case is individual and can be different. Anyway its tough and brutal and no one should have to go through this. 🙏

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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1 hour ago, Dahlia50 said:

@Barry2954 No worries. I actually heard it from an American Doctor this time. 
I have extreme headaches and electricity but also know that each case is individual and can be different. Anyway its tough and brutal and no one should have to go through this. 🙏

Glad to hear that doctors are finally picking up on the reactions to medications. I experienced the feeling of electricity and it took me ages to work out that it was the constant flooding of the body with adrenaline. If you've ever experienced adrenaline rush then you will understand that experiencing adrenaline flow constantly for five years can be a nightmare. Adrenaline stimulates the fight or flight response but there's just nowhere to run to get away from the consequences of psychiatric medications.

Prior medications;

sertraline 50mg April

sertraline 100mg May to July 2014 (ceased medication immediately upon occurrence of first thunderclap headache)

lorazepam April 2014 and November 2014 to January 2015 (each time suppressing symptoms of illness until two weeks after cessation of medication)

seroquel November 2014 to January 2015 50mg prior to being raised to 100mg for one day (medication ceased immediately upon occurrence of convulsive seizure)

warfarin 1990 to June 2023

Was instructed to 'cease doing anything healthy' by treating psychiatrist in June 2014 (the psychiatrist stating that belief in disease is the cause of disease and that dietary supplementation encourages people to think there's something wrong with us) so only commenced taking supplements again in June 2023 upon contrary instructions from GP.

 

Current medications;

eliquis since June 2023

Supplements; multivitamin/mineral, zinc, magnesium, calcium/magnesium, vitamin c, vitamin d, spirulina, resveratrol, iron.

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  • Mentor


This article helped me understand what is happening @Dahlia50  

 

I do not know about neuro toxic injury. It is possible that the symptoms of WD are similar to other brain injuries but I would not assume that SSRIs cause neuro toxic injuries. 
 

On the 5 years comment, healing may take a long time, but you will not be like you are now for all of that time. We improve through WD. There are waves and windows, times we improve and times we have setbacks, but the overall trajectory is towards healing and feeling better. 
 

When I consider my own journey, I started bed bound, incapable of doing much. At a point in time I restarted working. Today I am doing pretty much everything I want. I still get some symptoms today but they are mild and more of an irritation than disabling. You will improve - it’s just hard to think it will ever happen when you are in your current situation. 
 

be strong, patient and kind to yourself. 

50 mg Sertraline Nov 2016 to Dec 2016

100 mg Sertraline Jan - March 2017

50 mg Sertraline April - June 2017

25 mg Sertraline July 2017 - Sept 2018

12.5 mg Sertraline Oct 2018

0 mg Nov 1 2018

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@DaBro Thanks for the article! It explains what is going on and how complex it actually is.
Thought about neuro toxic injury as zoloft hurted me last years and then had paradoxical reaction/maybe serotonin syndrome. Continued to take zoloft for 8 months despite reaction and then ”tapered” off, it may have damaged the brain more. Not easy to answer, I know.


Worst symptoms - extreme pain in the brain and pressing and strange sensations. Buzzing CNS sound intensity, chemically electricity. Cognitively smashed, Intelligence feels gone.
Trying to view it as what you said - when it presses hurts tenses and pulls, hopefully it's the brain working and trying to set things right. But still can't understand how it can hurt so much.

Frustrating when those around you do not understand "isn't it nice that you are off now". Well, yes in a way, but now I have WD non-function. I've been on it for 13 years. Never thought it could be like this. But there is no going back, it would be like pouring fuel on a fire.

 

The hardest part is feeling disabled. Im scared. One doctor told me going off zero could be worse than staying at 3mg forever. Another Dr took me off too fast though.

 

Well lets hope it's as you say, it's not the same all the months /years and that I eventually can participate a little in life again. Thanks for support! 🙏

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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@DaBro @Emonda 

Hi,

I have some questions.
Read here that it seems common for WD to get worse after 6 months. Is it true? Suffer badly now 5 months off. It runs like a chemical storm through body and head, feels like a crashed nervous system.

 

When do you say you have protracted WD? Is there a difference between acute and protracted?
 

Another issue - doctors sometimes suggest antipsychotic drugs such as mood stabilizers or antiepileptics. Have seen some people here take it in low dose. Can it really help WD? If you can't tolerate SSRIs why would you tolerate antipsychotics, don't they also contain serotonin?
 

Sorry if I ask a lot of questions but writing and communicating is a way for me to try focus on something and learn.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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  • Mentor

@Dahlia50  You are looking for answers and clarity on what is happening, how long it will take and what will happen if you do x, y or z. There is no standard path for what we experience in WD and what to do. We all experience different symptoms (from a now defined list) at different times and for different durations. 
 

I am not a doctor or expert, I can just share my experiences and opinions. You must walk your own path. 
 

My opinion is that you are in what people call protracted WD. I’m not sure there is a difference between acute and protracted actually - it’s just WD. It does seem common for the worst stages to be several months after stopping- for me it was 12 months but I’ve seen people in this forum report it after a few days. It sounds very likely to me that 5 months could be the worst time for you given how you describe your situation and symptoms. 
 

I personally would avoid trying any other prescribed medication as a quick fix to WD. There is no quick fix medication. You are not the first person to ask if there’s something they can take to magically relieve the WD symptoms. This site does have a section on supplements that seem to help over the longer term (like omega 3). I am not a doctor so this is not medical advice. 
 

I know it’s hard but I would try to look for small signs of improvement however small and do relaxing things like listening to music and podcasts. I once saw someone on here write ‘stop googling your symptoms’ and it is good advice. You’re looking for answers that aren’t there. The best experts on WD are on this site and their advice is on the Home Screen. The medical profession is only recently acknowledging that WD is a real thing, mainly because some doctors have experienced it themselves. It may be that this is not so well known in India. Big Pharma is saying nothing. The guides on this site are your best information and the people will support you. 
 

Things will improve. You have to be very patient and let your body heal. 

50 mg Sertraline Nov 2016 to Dec 2016

100 mg Sertraline Jan - March 2017

50 mg Sertraline April - June 2017

25 mg Sertraline July 2017 - Sept 2018

12.5 mg Sertraline Oct 2018

0 mg Nov 1 2018

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@DaBro  Thanks for the reply! Understand what you mean about not googling symptoms.
But I have had a terrible week constant inner terror wave 24/7.
It just gets worse and worse and it feels like the brain can't take it anymore. It pulsates chemically throughout the body with intense pressure and pain. Burning nerve pain, inner vibrations. Sleep has become much worse. Barely able to eat. Can't go for a walk. Tried the other day and then it got worse the next day. Does it mean that the system gets hyper sensitive. Bad stomach and chills afterwards and more head pressure.

 

I've been on this drug longer than many others and tapered off miserably too fast which went wrong. Think I have worse symptoms than others, those who managed to hold, reinstate or stay on a dose longer. Haven't had a window.
 

When the symptoms get this strong, I'm afraid I can't be saved. Recently had an MRI as I have extreme head symptoms. Have previous injury and is more sensitive Im afraid. Feels like Im injured. Sorry, feeling really bad today.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Link to comment

I don't know if this will help but I used to be focused on my own reaction to the sertraline, similar to your own experience, but I have actually now recognised that part of my situation involved withdrawal symptoms from the benzodiazepine medication, lorazepam. They recently renamed post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) as benzodiazepine induced neurological dysfunction (BIND). They did this because the new name helped people like us to find out about it. Don't rule out the possibility that your symptoms might have been complicated by more than one drug reaction. That doesn't have to have been benzodiazepine medications.

Prior medications;

sertraline 50mg April

sertraline 100mg May to July 2014 (ceased medication immediately upon occurrence of first thunderclap headache)

lorazepam April 2014 and November 2014 to January 2015 (each time suppressing symptoms of illness until two weeks after cessation of medication)

seroquel November 2014 to January 2015 50mg prior to being raised to 100mg for one day (medication ceased immediately upon occurrence of convulsive seizure)

warfarin 1990 to June 2023

Was instructed to 'cease doing anything healthy' by treating psychiatrist in June 2014 (the psychiatrist stating that belief in disease is the cause of disease and that dietary supplementation encourages people to think there's something wrong with us) so only commenced taking supplements again in June 2023 upon contrary instructions from GP.

 

Current medications;

eliquis since June 2023

Supplements; multivitamin/mineral, zinc, magnesium, calcium/magnesium, vitamin c, vitamin d, spirulina, resveratrol, iron.

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  • Mentor

There are people who have been on these drugs for 30 years and some who just did a few days and they all have the same horrendous symptoms. Your experience and journey is not different.
 

You have to find the inner strength and patience to win this fight. it’s hard. It’s horrible. You will improve. It will not be fast. You need to stop over analysing and trust that your brain is working on healing. 
 

the success stories in this forum are testimony that we suffer and that we heal. 

50 mg Sertraline Nov 2016 to Dec 2016

100 mg Sertraline Jan - March 2017

50 mg Sertraline April - June 2017

25 mg Sertraline July 2017 - Sept 2018

12.5 mg Sertraline Oct 2018

0 mg Nov 1 2018

Link to comment

@DaBro @Catina7 @Emonda @arbor


It gets worse and worse. Took zoloft for at least 13 years non stop. Felt bad on zoloft numbed last years and tapering off was a disaster. It can't be good for the brain to have this much pressure pain. I crashed hard. Right now I have extremely pressing painful depression bit the worst is my brain. So afraid that this will get worse and worse as time goes on.
 

Read about some that were worse and completely shut down after 2 years. There are those who suffer for 2 years after 3 months on sole loft, my odds are very bad, 50 years old. Heard that women can have it worse, maybe because of hormones. I feel dead, emotional anesthesia feels gone and cut off from life. I'm so sick. Will lose my work now and I'm alone.
 

A few days ago I went for a walk and after that I got such a headache and got sicker. Like head injury. Haven't heard that from others here? Most people can go for a little walk, I'm bedridden. Can stand up for a while, then the brain can't take it anymore. It feels like it's crashing. Is this really WD?
 

Terrible pains in the body. I was a good ambitious positive person, how is this possible. Horrible how the Dr took me off 12mg to 0mg. Struggled with horrible withdrawal symptoms until it my head and the system crashed. If I had just reinstated straight away I wouldn't be in this situation. Don't understand how I could be so unaware in all the stress (stupid Dr). Can't forgive myself.
 

I have no feelings and at this point I don't know if I will heal, the damage is so great. I am so afraid. I don't recognize myself. Longing back to myself.
 

I am 5.5 months off zoloft and I want to reinstate to survive these symptoms. I unfortunately think I've gone to far in WD now and doubt if it helps. I want to reinstate but don't really dare but my symptoms are severe and it breaks me. Or should I try 1mg?? I feel paralyzed by action. 
 

I want to believe that it can get better but now I think that in my case it is very difficult. Living without emotions and non-functional body for years. I didn't know it could be like this. Help. scared.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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  • Mentor

Dear @Dahlia50,

 

My heart is with you, and  I'm so sorry you are struggling so much.  It's still very early in your healing & recovery journey.  You have read a lot of things, but keep in mind that everyone is different.  I know it seems like you're damaged beyond repair but it simply isn't true.  You WILL heal, it just might take you longer than you would like.  Rest assured that our body KNOWS how to heal.  It is designed to find its way back to normal if something has disrupted its ability to function normally.  All the symptoms you are experiencing are signs that you ARE healing...right now, every second of every day.  Your body and brain are slowly getting used to not having the drug that they've had for 13 years.  

 

In the meantime, please know that excessive worry and fear will slow down your healing process.  You will heal faster if you try to accept your situation as it is right now and try to find ways to cope and manage.  What has happened is not your fault.  Many others have been where you are and healed and you can too, but you must believe it.

 

Sending you so much love and strength.  You're going to be okay.

 

Catina ❤️

Disclaimer:  This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only.

1994 - 2017:  Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien

2005-present:  Trazodone 50 mg 

2017:  Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 

2020 (March):  Began 10% monthly taper of Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg)

2021 (September):  Completely crashed.  Went back up to 37.5 mg but I kindled myself

2024 (Avg. bead count per capsule is 111):  1/1:  -6  |  2/1:  -11  |  3/1:  -16  |   4/1:  -18  |   5/1:  -21   |   6/1  -25 |   7/1  HOLD |   8/1  -29  |   9/7  -33

Reasons for starting psych meds:  PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Other medications:  Levothyroxine 75 mcg

Supplements:  Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion   

 

Never give up  Holding On with Patience & Endurance

Link to comment

@Catina7 Thank you for reply, it meant a lot to me! 🙏

 

I understand that worry and fear make things worse.

But I have to ask, right now I have a constant high intensity electrical/chemical pulsing throughout my body, head and neck. So scary. Do you recognize it as WD? I feel lost in my head like I'm disappearing and almost feel unconscious. Can WD really be that bad? 
 

It burns the brain, chemical torture. Feels like reality is disappearing. Like I'm losing it. Earlier today I had extreme depression, suicidal thoughts, panic. Body feels completely dysfunctional and I can barely move. Is it a neuro toxic damage/crashed nervous system. A dramatic wave of symptoms that makes the brain feel so lost. Or have I suddenly become mentally ill. Or is it actually damaged. I've dealt with severe withdrawal symptoms and fought and persevered but now it's a new level that I don't know if I can handle. Is there anything I could take in a mini low dose that would help? Read about someone who took 1.25mg lamotrogine for example or 1mg zoloft?

 

Afraid this will be even worse and I will live disabled for 6 years. Sorry for the questions but I'm scared my brain can't handle, the shock and the strain was too hard.


Thanks again for sending me love and strength 💛

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Link to comment
  • Mentor
3 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

Do you recognize it as WD? I feel lost in my head like I'm disappearing and almost feel unconscious. Can WD really be that bad? 

 

Yes, what you're going through is definitely related to withdrawal.  I'd like to encourage you to read through the Success Stories because I think that will give you some hope.

 

5 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

Or have I suddenly become mentally ill.

 

No, you haven't.  It's all withdrawal-related.  

 

6 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

Afraid this will be even worse and I will live disabled for 6 years

 

We don't know what tomorrow will bring so don't lose heart.  From what I've seen, many people that have gone through similar things have recovered.  I'm sure you can too.  I know it's hard to believe, but one day you will heal from this.  ❤️

 

 

Disclaimer:  This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only.

1994 - 2017:  Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien

2005-present:  Trazodone 50 mg 

2017:  Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 

2020 (March):  Began 10% monthly taper of Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg)

2021 (September):  Completely crashed.  Went back up to 37.5 mg but I kindled myself

2024 (Avg. bead count per capsule is 111):  1/1:  -6  |  2/1:  -11  |  3/1:  -16  |   4/1:  -18  |   5/1:  -21   |   6/1  -25 |   7/1  HOLD |   8/1  -29  |   9/7  -33

Reasons for starting psych meds:  PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Other medications:  Levothyroxine 75 mcg

Supplements:  Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion   

 

Never give up  Holding On with Patience & Endurance

Link to comment

@Catina7 Thanks for your reply and support!

 

Do you also recognize intense electrical/chemical pulsing throughout body, head and neck as WD?
 

Also extremely stressed as I’m not psychologically prepared to lose my job. I didn't know it could be like this.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

You're very welcome!  

 

I've heard others mention the electrical/chemical pulsing throughout their body, head, and neck.  It is definitely a sign that you're experiencing withdrawal effects.  

 

Are you the main breadwinner in your family?  Is there any way you could make things easier on yourself such as working from home or cutting back on your schedule?  Every little bit helps.

 

Do you have a family that is supportive emotionally?

Disclaimer:  This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only.

1994 - 2017:  Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien

2005-present:  Trazodone 50 mg 

2017:  Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 

2020 (March):  Began 10% monthly taper of Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg)

2021 (September):  Completely crashed.  Went back up to 37.5 mg but I kindled myself

2024 (Avg. bead count per capsule is 111):  1/1:  -6  |  2/1:  -11  |  3/1:  -16  |   4/1:  -18  |   5/1:  -21   |   6/1  -25 |   7/1  HOLD |   8/1  -29  |   9/7  -33

Reasons for starting psych meds:  PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Other medications:  Levothyroxine 75 mcg

Supplements:  Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion   

 

Never give up  Holding On with Patience & Endurance

Link to comment
  • Mentor
20 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

Do you also recognize intense electrical/chemical pulsing throughout body, head and neck as WD?


Yes, I had this. I understand it could be new neurons growing and working - a sign of healing. 

50 mg Sertraline Nov 2016 to Dec 2016

100 mg Sertraline Jan - March 2017

50 mg Sertraline April - June 2017

25 mg Sertraline July 2017 - Sept 2018

12.5 mg Sertraline Oct 2018

0 mg Nov 1 2018

Link to comment

@Dahlia50

I have just read through your thread and I'm so sorry that you are suffering withdrawal symptoms to this extreme. I have been on Zoloft for 20 years and hit withdrawal symptoms at 25mg that were excruciating but not as extreme as your symptoms. I am holding at this dose. I just want to say that I have listened to lots of podcasts and read a tonne of stories about withdrawal and what you are experiencing is spot on. I know how hard it is but you will get through this. It will test you like nothing else. It will take you to some really dark spaces but no matter how bad you feel or how hopeless, healing is happening. Healing is happening right now as you are reading this. Time feels endless. Fear feels enormous. You may feel completely hopeless. Despite all this - HEALING will happen and is happening. For many in this acute state of withdrawal the mantra is simply "stay alive" and thats ok. 

 

Focus on what is working:- your legs are walking, your heart is beating, your lungs are breathing. Even if you are only sleeping two hours they are two healing hours of repair. Please don't be persuaded to start another medication. I did that and it did not go well. Now I'm on two medications and experiencing a different array of horrible symptoms and with a far more complicated tapering journey ahead of me. 

Keep leaning in here for support. We are all here witnessing your journey and encouraging you to keep on keeping on.

 

One trick of the mind that happens in withdrawal is that its hard to believe that anyone could feel as bad as you. You feel so shocked by the level of suffering that these drugs inflict that its unfathomable that it could just be Zoloft withdrawal causing the symptoms. You feel convinced that no one else could feel as bad as you do and that to continue on feeling like you do is not possible. It is possible. Please take a moment to look up Angie Peacock on youtube and listen to her recent conversation with Amy. Please listen. It will give you hope but also explain that even without hope you will heal. 

 

I truly hope you feel some moments of relief real soon.

 

Jaffa 

2003 Paxil - I can't remember the dose but I think it was 10mg  experienced  horrendous akathisia when starting for 3 weeks then okay 

2004.  slow reduction to 0 , withdrawal symptoms, so reinstated to 10mg - again horrendous Akathisia which lasted 5 weeks.
2005 - attempted to slowly taper off and again  Terrible withdrawal so reinstated and endured akathisia until it settled. Psychiatrist changed me over to

            Zoloft so that I could have another baby. No adverse reaction with the switch except terrible diorreah

2006   tried once more to come off Zoloft carefully with terrible results. reinstated Zoloft and used 2.5 mg of zyprexa to help Akathisia- horrid episode                             lasted 3 months with some akathisia and severe depression which I’d never had before. Withdrawal from zyprexa ( depression) 

2008  50 mg of Zoloft then after 6 months I tapered to 25 mg and decided to stay there . 

2012 stress event and peri menopause acute anxiety which led to, updosing to 125 mg, tortuous symptoms(akathisia) then stabilized,  back to 50 mg-

2014 - same again  down to 25 with Akathisia on updosing and a hospital visit. 

2019 - 2023 Zoloft tapering by 2 mg linear taper every 3 months started at 50 mg, got to 25 mg around January 2023.  June 2023- health anxiety and what feels like withdrawal again.  Insomnia, anxiety, blunted good feelings.

2023 June- Zyprexa taken twice, ativan 1 mg taken once, temazepan infrequent but 15- 18th of June used for 4 nights

2023 August - introduced 7.5 mg of mirtazapine for 12 days then 15mg of mirtazapine. Sleep now ok but daily life depression, anhedonia, agitation and a weird feeling of being sedate and anxious at the same time. Currently holding.

My introduction thread: Jaffa: Possibly late onset withdrawal

Link to comment

@jaffa Thanks! 💛. That's how it feels as you describe. I don't know if I’ll survive this. I’m a sensitive person. Breaking down. Not in good shape physically after a year of reactions and WD taking a toll on my body already. I'm motion intolerant now and can't exercise. 
Thankful for your kind words.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Link to comment

My father wants me to go to the hospital. What can they do. Do you think 1mg zoloft is possible after 5.5 months off. Or is everything too late at this WD stage?

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Link to comment

@Dahlia50

It's so very difficult to stay committed to staying off the drugs when things get this bad. You feel like making it stop! I know all too well. 

There are some varying opinions on reinstatement but for me it never went well. I know Mark Horowitz would say that if you do anything at all then just go up by one mg. You could try that but the improvement you seek will not necessarily be immediate. 

26 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

I don't know if I’ll survive this. I’m a sensitive person.

I understand 100%. That is how I felt also. I just didn't feel like I was strong enough to do it or to sustain that amount of suffering. In my mind I wasn't prepared when it came for me. Now I'm better than I was at that critical time but I know now that this new normal is horrible and not the way I want to continue my life. I know that I have to get off these drugs so I have a chance at life again. For me its so awful because I have such a long way to go to be free . It feels insurmountable. 

 

When others who love you see your suffering they are pained and reflect that back to you. They will tell you things like " you can't go on like this" and that so strongly resonates when you are suffering so much. The truth is -you are ! You are continuing on.. moment by moment by moment. Day by day. It's a long road but you are not alone. 

2003 Paxil - I can't remember the dose but I think it was 10mg  experienced  horrendous akathisia when starting for 3 weeks then okay 

2004.  slow reduction to 0 , withdrawal symptoms, so reinstated to 10mg - again horrendous Akathisia which lasted 5 weeks.
2005 - attempted to slowly taper off and again  Terrible withdrawal so reinstated and endured akathisia until it settled. Psychiatrist changed me over to

            Zoloft so that I could have another baby. No adverse reaction with the switch except terrible diorreah

2006   tried once more to come off Zoloft carefully with terrible results. reinstated Zoloft and used 2.5 mg of zyprexa to help Akathisia- horrid episode                             lasted 3 months with some akathisia and severe depression which I’d never had before. Withdrawal from zyprexa ( depression) 

2008  50 mg of Zoloft then after 6 months I tapered to 25 mg and decided to stay there . 

2012 stress event and peri menopause acute anxiety which led to, updosing to 125 mg, tortuous symptoms(akathisia) then stabilized,  back to 50 mg-

2014 - same again  down to 25 with Akathisia on updosing and a hospital visit. 

2019 - 2023 Zoloft tapering by 2 mg linear taper every 3 months started at 50 mg, got to 25 mg around January 2023.  June 2023- health anxiety and what feels like withdrawal again.  Insomnia, anxiety, blunted good feelings.

2023 June- Zyprexa taken twice, ativan 1 mg taken once, temazepan infrequent but 15- 18th of June used for 4 nights

2023 August - introduced 7.5 mg of mirtazapine for 12 days then 15mg of mirtazapine. Sleep now ok but daily life depression, anhedonia, agitation and a weird feeling of being sedate and anxious at the same time. Currently holding.

My introduction thread: Jaffa: Possibly late onset withdrawal

Link to comment

@Catina7 No family of my own. So bad now that I can't work at all even from home. And how does one even explain this to an employer. Old parents but too much for them to see me suffer.

 

I’ll also lose my apartment. Hard to see me coming back after that. Wish I understood this earlier and Dr didn't take me off zoloft from 12mg. If I could reverse everything, I would.

 

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Link to comment

I can't believe this is happening to me.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Link to comment

I know Dahlia. The shock is really full on. I had it too. I also had to quit work and had very little support. I’m with you . It’s such a shock when it hits. Unbelievable 

2003 Paxil - I can't remember the dose but I think it was 10mg  experienced  horrendous akathisia when starting for 3 weeks then okay 

2004.  slow reduction to 0 , withdrawal symptoms, so reinstated to 10mg - again horrendous Akathisia which lasted 5 weeks.
2005 - attempted to slowly taper off and again  Terrible withdrawal so reinstated and endured akathisia until it settled. Psychiatrist changed me over to

            Zoloft so that I could have another baby. No adverse reaction with the switch except terrible diorreah

2006   tried once more to come off Zoloft carefully with terrible results. reinstated Zoloft and used 2.5 mg of zyprexa to help Akathisia- horrid episode                             lasted 3 months with some akathisia and severe depression which I’d never had before. Withdrawal from zyprexa ( depression) 

2008  50 mg of Zoloft then after 6 months I tapered to 25 mg and decided to stay there . 

2012 stress event and peri menopause acute anxiety which led to, updosing to 125 mg, tortuous symptoms(akathisia) then stabilized,  back to 50 mg-

2014 - same again  down to 25 with Akathisia on updosing and a hospital visit. 

2019 - 2023 Zoloft tapering by 2 mg linear taper every 3 months started at 50 mg, got to 25 mg around January 2023.  June 2023- health anxiety and what feels like withdrawal again.  Insomnia, anxiety, blunted good feelings.

2023 June- Zyprexa taken twice, ativan 1 mg taken once, temazepan infrequent but 15- 18th of June used for 4 nights

2023 August - introduced 7.5 mg of mirtazapine for 12 days then 15mg of mirtazapine. Sleep now ok but daily life depression, anhedonia, agitation and a weird feeling of being sedate and anxious at the same time. Currently holding.

My introduction thread: Jaffa: Possibly late onset withdrawal

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  • Mentor

@Dahlia50  There is a section in this forum on reinstatement. I didn’t do it (I decided to tough it out) but it seems that the advice from others is that once you have gone past a month or so that reinstating doesn’t help and taking other drugs doesn’t help and can make things worse. Be careful with doctors as they don’t understand WD - big pharma has deceived them. They may try but are acting on false information. 
 

A key part of recovery is acceptance. I found this very hard too and remember having ‘I can’t believe this is happening to me’ and ‘How can this be so bad’ thoughts. Unfortunately it is happening and that will bring worries about the future. The most important thing in life is your health and acceptance and allowing your body to heal is the best thing you can do.
 

You will heal. I’m 53 so age isn’t a barrier to healing and won’t be for you. It’s good to see you managed a walk even if you felt terrible at the end. Every little step is a step towards. 

50 mg Sertraline Nov 2016 to Dec 2016

100 mg Sertraline Jan - March 2017

50 mg Sertraline April - June 2017

25 mg Sertraline July 2017 - Sept 2018

12.5 mg Sertraline Oct 2018

0 mg Nov 1 2018

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Thank you for being here! 🙏
It feels like the brain has been in a car accident. Can you fall into a coma? Can barely stand up as my brain cant keep my body up for long. Fast taper, but sometimes wonder if it also has to do with the fact I had a toxic adverse reaction. So sad, I was actually a good sweet person. Now some rest.

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

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