Dahlia50: Reducing Zoloft

[Dahlia50]

 @Jaffa You’re so kind.

You have yourself and kids to think about, just write when you have time. I don't have much else to do but write. Thought I would never suffer like this at 50 years old. 

 

Yes the worst is head and I’ve read similar about others but seems like I have more. Not being able to walk and move as you want to is scary and disabling. Most people seem to be able to go for a walk so that worries me. I can only walk a few meters. Really liked to exercise outdoors before. 

9 hours ago, Jaffa said:

Does he have a copy of The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines?

Is that about how to taper…or? Printed out some paper they could read but they dont understand how bad WD is. They think it may get better with some medication, doubtful in my case.

 

Yes family believes me, they know who I was. But parents are old unfortunately and gets frustrated that I’ve to have it this way. So it affects them. Sibling is busy with kids and I don't want to burden. But they misses me.

 

Just like I miss everyone, life and myself. Sending grateful greetings and healing to you too. 🩵🌸

[Jaffa]

1 hour ago, Dahlia50 said:

Not being able to walk and move as you want to is scary and disabling

Many are unable to move from their beds, shower themselves, move outside,  Angie Peacock for example . Check YouTube if you don’t know Angie. She is a survivor. You are going the join that list of survivors too. 
 

Yes The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines is a text book for doctors and psychiatrists. It’s just been released . Perhaps it’s too much for now. Please be very careful with trying another medication. It may help but it may not. It might make things worse. You could book a zoom consultation with Angie Peacock. She has seen many as unwell as you and worse and has been through it herself. She hardly got out of bed for the first two years. Your condition will not shock her. She might help you feel more focused and determined. 
 

Im ok Dahlia. My children are pretty independent. Please don’t feel like you need to respond to me all the time unless you want to. No pressure at all. My feelings won’t be hurt. I just want you to feel supported and less alone. 
Hugs

[Dahlia50]

Thanks @Jaffa ❣️

Heard that some are ”unable to move from their beds, shower themselves, move outside”. But have such a hard time understanding that it can be like this.

 

Checked M Horowitz but expensive consultation. Maybe check out Angie Peacock, know who she is.

 

Good you are Ok. Grateful for kind words and support. I feel no pressure to answer. But today I have a terrible day with less energy to write.
 

[Jaffa]

7 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Good you are Ok. Grateful for kind words and support. I feel no pressure to answer. But today I have a terrible day with less energy to write.

Breathe in and breathe out. That's all you have to do. Isn't it amazing that our bodies can suffer so much and not keel over and die. The human body is incredible. Sometimes when I was in my worst withdrawal states I would pull out my physiology and anatomy textbook and just read or look at the pictures of the human body. I would wonder what is going on in my brain/ body right now? 

 

One very small thing that I also did in the height of my suffering while the hot tears were rolling down my face, was rub an aromatherapy body lotion into my limbs after showering. It was a little act of self love to stroke my poor arms and legs and smell the clary sage and geranium and lemon. Nothing takes the pain away but tiny moments like this helped me get through the next 5 minutes. Sitting on the floor and even crawling and rocking helped a bit too. I'm thinking of you everyday. Im here for you. Hugs

Jaffa

[Dahlia50]

Hi,

I don't know if I can handle this anymore. Does anyone know if you can get akathisia after fast discontionuation/taper? It may have occurred after injury.

 

I’m thinking of trying to reinstate 0.5mg zoloft after 7 months off (in a few days). Not certain it will work and it’s late after 7 months but don't know what else to do. Does anyone know if reinstatement can help symptoms and akathisia?

[BaccatePlayer]

29 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

Hi,

I don't know if I can handle this anymore.

Hi Dahlia! It sounds like you're reaching your limit. I'm sorry you're feeling this way, and I want to encourage you to slow down. Bad feelings don't last forever, and they usually go away faster when your mind experiences as little panic and anticipatory anxiety as possible. Your way out now is to relax your mind. We're here with you, and you're safe, no matter what your mind tells you.

 

34 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

Does anyone know if you can get akathisia after fast discontionuation/taper? It may have occurred after injury.

 

Akathisia can be a symptom of withdrawal. Symptoms come and go, so don't worry about it.

 

35 minutes ago, Dahlia50 said:

I’m thinking of trying to reinstate 0.5mg zoloft after 7 months off (in a few days). Not certain it will work and it’s late after 7 months but don't know what else to do. Does anyone know if reinstatement can help symptoms and akathisia?

Symptoms aren't strictly separate; they all originate from a systemic instability. Once healing occurs, akathisia, like other symptoms, disappears. Regarding reinstatement, it’s most advised within the first few months. While properly timed reinstatement can alleviate symptoms, it’s uncertain how you might respond to it now. The decision is yours since you possess the information, but remember, your body and health are at stake. It’s crucial not to cling to reinstatement out of a desperate quest for symptom relief. Make sure you're fully aware of the potential consequences. 

 

Your journey towards recovery is ongoing, with your brain striving for stability. Stabilization may take 5, 6 months, or longer, yet you've already dedicated 7 months. Perhaps you’re closer to seeing improvement than you think. Rushing into a decision might negate the progress made, exposing you to a new set of uncertainties and repercussions, with Zoloft in the mix. Regardless of your choice, take good care of yourself.

[Jaffa]

20 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

 

Hi,

I don't know if I can handle this anymore. Does anyone know if you can get akathisia after fast discontionuation/taper? It may have occurred after injury.

 

I’m thinking of trying to reinstate 0.5mg zoloft after 7 months off (in a few days). Not certain it will work and it’s late after 7 months but don't know what else to do. Does anyone know if reinstatement can help symptoms and akathisia?

 

@Dahlia50

Have you read all the information about reinstatement? While there are no guarantees, a small 0.5 mg reinstatement could help a little. It’s certainly best to start low. Your system is destabilised and may react badly but with this tiny dose it shouldn’t. Angie Peacock does an interview with Mark Horowitz where reinstatement is discussed. Have a listen. This way you make an informed decision. 
❤️

[Dahlia50]

Dear @BaccatePlayer

Thanks for support and your thoughts. Reinstatement can be negative for the process after 7 months and I am afraid of deterioration and consequences.

But I'm having a really hard time. Can barely write here now, don’t know how I get through the days with severe WD and akathisia 24/7. No windows. Feel broken and traumatized by this. Feeling of torture and brain does not work.

 

I’ve persevered and struggled for 7 months but it has gotten worse. It's at an extreme level now so I don't know if I can survive this. Crying and in pain all day. Want to be positive for others but that's how it is now.

 

I don't want to reinstate. But scared of being bedridden for years. Almost impossible to make the decision as I’m scared of it too even if Im hoping for a slight alleviation of symptoms. Dr think I should try 1 mg and don't understand my hesitation. Feeling pressured to make a decision but dont know yet if I dare to try 0.5mg.

 

No one should have to go through this. Love and care about everyone on this forum 💛

[Dahlia50]

Thanks @Jaffa ❣️

I have read about reinstatement. But I'm not good at making decisions when I’ve become much worse and it may be too late.
Feels like a gamble, for some it works and for others it goes wrong. No guarantees as you say but no more than 0.5mg. Watching the Horowitz/Peacock interview now. Thanks for that…and that you are here.

[Jaffa]

@Dahlia50

Thinking of you ❤️🫂

Hoping with everything in me that you experience some relief soon. 
Two things to consider :- 

 

It seems that at the 7-9 month mark of being off sertraline that people experience the worst most acute phase of withdrawal. You are doing it ! This is truly tremendously difficult but you are moving through this acute phase. In three months things will look / feel different. It won’t be over but it will not be so acute. Keep the symptom diary so you can see this progress. 
 

0.5 mg is the best most careful reinstatement if you decide to go that way . Give it a week then if symptoms do not worsen or improve move up to 1 mg and wait again. If you notice any worsening then just stop the reinstatement. Perhaps a few weeks at 1 mg will be needed for clear resolution. I for one support you wholeheartedly in whatever decision you make. Tapering off a low dose more carefully can be done in the future. A small reinstatement should not set you backwards. This is a sensible action given the extremity of your symptoms. I also completely understand your fear around reinstatement - 100%. Alto is right when she says “ all bets are off” . We don’t know how you will go and the prospect of getting worse is terrifying. I’ve been there. That said , it might improve things a little. Probably not much help to say all this . If you do reinstate please be certain to maintain dose accuracy. I’ve only recently discovered how crucial this is . 
Sending warm thoughts your way 

[Bailey]

Thinking of you and praying @Dahlia50. 

[Jaffa]

Thinking of you ❤️

[FindRest]

I’m sorry you are going through such a difficult time. I think both @BaccatePlayer and @Jaffa have given you some wise advice.

 

Only you can make the decision whether or not to reinstate a tiny, tiny dose (like .5mg). At 7 months out, it is a gamble. I reinstated 6 months after my Effexor CT. In that 6 months time, my doctor destabilized me even more by putting me off and on several different ADs. I was a mess, as you can relate to. Eventually, I found SA and reinstated Effexor at a fraction of my dose. I knew the gamble but figured what else did I have to lose as I was close to deciding a much worse fate.
 

Reinstating was the best thing I did. It was not easy. The symptoms do not magically disappear over night. It took me another 6-9 months to stabilize, but each week was better than the week before with the exception of those first few weeks. This was over 4 years ago and I am still tapering down from the minuscule dose I reinstated to. It’s a very slow process for those of us who have been destabilized terribly and are extra sensitive. But, my reinstatement was so much better than the hell I was living in prior.

 

It’s a tough decision. My heart goes out to you.

Edited Tuesday at 10:27 AM by FindRest

[Jaffa]

Sending loving thoughts your way dahlia. 

[Kaylaq]

We are with you….🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰💪💪💪

[Dahlia50]

Thank you @FindRest 

 

Yes, @BaccatePlayer and @Jaffa are good people who gives advice and sweet support. It is complex and a difficult decision. A gamble att 7 months out when you already have crashed into severe WD. Maybe extra difficult as I also had a reaction to zoloft.
 

Interesting to hear about your journey. That you reinstated 6 months after CT. Dislike zoloft, but as you said I’ve also felt what do you have to lose when you also are heading towards a worse fate.

 

Very happy for you that it worked out even though a tough and long journey. Sounds like it helped a bit with the hellish WD you were in before. It is a slow process and no quick fix.

 

Thanks for writing to me and being here 💛

 

[Dahlia50]

Thanks @Kaylaq 

How are you? Have you ever thought about reinstatement? I think you're on the right way though. Hard to know with most of this process…

🙏🥰

[Kaylaq]

Yes, I do think of reinstating often but more afraid of disrupting my nervous system even more, … i couldn’t handle that!  Besides I’m on Saint John’s Wort, and while on that one is not supposed to add on AD, trying to slowly taper down the amount I take as I’m having burning skin issues from it…  also, want to be on a low dose if I do try to reinstate as my quality of life is not good, …. I exist that’s all. 
 

take care, sending you so much love, strength and courage in dealing with your WD nightmare. 🥰🥰💪💪🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Dahlia50]

@Kaylaq Understand. Same, afraid of disrupting nervous system even more after reading here about others. Difficult to build up a life in this situation. It's really frustrating when you have been fully functional and had a good life before.

Same for me, I exist that's all.

 

Sending you much love and strength too 💛🌿

[Alfred1977]

Hi Dahlia,

 

I wanted to say hello in your thread.

 

On 4/30/2024 at 6:21 PM, Dahlia50 said:

I’m thinking of trying to reinstate 0.5mg zoloft after 7 months off (in a few days). Not certain it will work and it’s late after 7 months but don't know what else to do. Does anyone know if reinstatement can help symptoms and akathisia?

 

I believe this might be worth a try. Imagine you tapered off gradually by 10% from 12.5mg (a month holding time). After 7 month you would be somewhere at 6mg. If I remember correctly you already went very fast before the 12.5mg. If you tapered by 10% from 50mg in Oct. 2022 you would be somewhere at 6.75mg.

 

The extent of adverse effects of a drug usually rises and falls with the dose. If I remember correctly, you said that Sertraline was giving you adverse effects. Part of those adverse effects might also have been withdrawal, since I believe you reported them after your first reduction. You could try to find a dose of sertraline that balances withdrawal and adverse effects best. Possibly at 0.5mg adverse effects are very little but withdrawal is significantly less.

 

I think it is important not to jump with your dose. I did this (you as well) and I think we both suffered. Reinstatement can also be difficult and come with it's own side effects like anxiety and insomnia. However when you start very little and only move gradually and slowly, it also might go smoothly. My withdrawal symptoms improved a lot when I reinstated after 4 weeks (unfortunately I jumped dose and therefore got a lot of anxiety and insomnia).

 

0.5-1mg sounds like a good starting point for me, if you want to try reinstating after 7 month. You could stay there for 2-4 weeks, take notes on your condition before and after and then decide how to proceed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dahlia50]

Thank you @Alfred1977 

Appreciate your thoughts and wise reasoning.

It might be worth a try. Unfortunately the damage is already done, but if it may alleviate symptoms and stabilize a bit.

 

Correct, it was a bad taper and went too fast even before 12.5mg. Dr told me to not go back. Scared and stuck it out even though it was too hard going from 50mg to 25mg in one go. 
Intended to go to 6mg and stay but everything went wrong when I switched to liquid. Then Dr took me off to zero. I should be around 6mg now as you said. 

Yes, I got adverse effects. Also true that half were also WD when I reduced the dose, but did not understand at the time.

 

Lucky and smart to reinstate after 4 weeks and that it helped you. Wish I had done it. Are you stabilized now on 25mg or do you have WD?
 

After all, afraid it has gone too far in my case after 7 months when collapsed with no turning back. Reinststement may be difficult with new problems.

But it might be worth a try with 0.5mg. Hopefully adverse effects are little but withdrawal is significantly less. As you say, important not to jump with doses, if I try have to give it some time…

 

Thanks again 🙏 wishing you continued healing…

[Alfred1977]

2 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

Lucky and smart to reinstate after 4 weeks and that it helped you. Wish I had done it. Are you stabilized now on 25mg or do you have WD?

More lucky than smart...at least I hope I was lucky to reinstate. I am not through yet and I expect more waves to come. But tonight I had the first good night in almost 5 weeks and so I think this is going into the right direction.

 

There seems to be a lot of people here that are several months off, suffer tremendously and are very hesitant to try a small reinstatement. I know that changing drugs is really scary once you experienced withdrawal. On the other hand it seems reasonable to me to expect that there is at least some chance of success and by moving only very gradually you could control the risks involved. However, I am fairly new to this whole withdrawal field and you might wanna tag some senior members of this community and ask them for their opinion. Maybe if they support and accompany you, you give it a shot and try how 0.5mg works. If it worsens your condition, you can probably quit immediately.

 

All the best 

[Dahlia50]

I have WD. But it feels like a crash.
A metaphor…like going with a cable car down a steep San Francisco hill without brakes. Anyone recognize this who did more or less c/t? 

 

Both crash and severe WD. Or is it the same thing? A nervous system that goes into a neurological phase. Why do I have difficulty stand up and walking when I could do it before. Can you get dysautonomia from this? Autonomic nervous system dysfunnction. Most people seem to be able to move around although some are bedridden.
This constant electrical chemical current and nervpain in the head neck and spine. Like the power has gone out. Don't feel this as the same WD symptoms I had when tapered. More like a new disabling WD syndrome. Anyone recognize this? Effects on the brain or neuro toxic damage. 

 

Feels like impossible to heal when it has gone this far and I will never be who I was again.

 

Love to everyone here 💛

[Kaylaq]

Feeling you, seeing you! 😳 💪💪🥰🥰 

[Dahlia50]

@Emonda @arbor

I have tried to reinstate 0.5mg zoloft.

First day: Ok, but felt a bit drugged with nausea and anxiety. Slept all night.

Second day: nausea, a little wired and more chemical electricity and heavy head. A bit activation. 

Third morning: felt like a reaction, reminded of adverse reaction but it’s a smaller dose. Electrical buzzing head, neck. Very tired evening.

During the 3 days since I reinstated I have felt less akathisia in a way, less crying spells. A bit numb but a little calmer in my body. On the other hand, feels like it worsened WD, concerned about symptoms in the head.
One of the reasons I tried was to see if it helped akathisia and severe WD.

 I should give it some time…to see if it can help 7 months off. But not sure I dare to continue.

May have ruined even more but I was really bad before this. If I have a reaction tomorrow, I'll stop then.

 

I have a question: 0.5mg for 3 days, can I just stop or should I taper off? 

[Catina7]

I'm glad that you tried this with such a tiny amount @Dahlia50.  That's a good question about tapering off should you decide to stop it.  I'm sure Emonda will have some guidance when he has a chance to respond; I know he works full time.  I don't feel qualified to give you specific advice.  

 

Thinking of you!

 

Catina ❤️

[Dahlia50]

@Catina7 Thanks! 
I didn't dare to try more than 0.5mg. Even if it doesn't go well hopefully a little less damage anyway. This is difficult, what is what when you are in acute WD, to balance and endure but if it is a reaction then you want to stop.

 

Thanks for replying and thinking of me ❤️

[Kaylaq]

Hi, not one with a lot of knowledge but you should probably stay with that amount for a few more days, SSR’s take awhile to be effective… hopefully a proper moderator will see your post. 
 

👍🏼💪💪🙏🙏💗💗

[Jaffa]

@Dahlia50 ❤️

 

you have been in my thoughts. I’ve had some busy life stuff happen in the last week. I think you should hold on the 0.5. Sometimes it can take a month or more for reinstatement to settle things down. It’s difficult because you have started to experience some different unpleasant symptoms that is to be expected. If you just stay on this low-dose it might Improve things,  even just a little moving forward. No doubt the mods will check in with you about this soon.
Some symptoms improving and then new symptoms getting worse seems to be a common pattern in withdrawal. the symptoms morph and change as the brain and body tries to heal. It’s so horrible Dahlia I’m really feeling for you. 🙏🏻❤️

[Jaffa]

You are so brave 

[Dahlia50]

Just want to say that I am so grateful for you who are here, it warms my heart ❤️

[Emonda]

12 hours ago, Dahlia50 said:

I have a question: 0.5mg for 3 days, can I just stop or should I taper off?

 

From what I have read, it takes 3-4 weeks to become dependent on ADs. So, after three days, you'd think you'd be ok to just stop.

 

As to if it's the right thing to do, I can't say. Some helpful comments were made above.

[Alfred1977]

Hi @Dahlia50,

 

I wish you good luck with your reinstatement. I hope you find a little relief in the end. If possible, give it some time and take notes on your symptoms.

 

🐖🍀 (symbols of luck in Germany) 🙂

[Jaffa]

@Dahlia50

 

I'm all snuffled up with a nasty cold which is hardly worth mentioning because its a walk in the park compared to what you are going through. Just wanted to pop in here quickly and say hello and that you are in my thoughts. Have you out for a drive lately for a change of scenery? I hope your symptoms are letting up a little at least. Keep talking to us Dahlia 

 

Hugs

Jaffa

[Dahlia50]

@Jaffa Appreciate you thought of me 🌻

A week ago went in the car and had an ice cream.

The last 2 days havent done much, too many symptoms unfortunately…

 

Hope the cold goes away soon.

 

[Dahlia50]

5th day of reinstatement.

Know it can take weeks/months. But today I felt so bad that I think I have to stop this.
 

Hard to know when you have severe WD but it felt worse/reaction. Weak in legs, anxiety, nausea, stomach ache, sneezing runny nose, burns in the head chemically, speeds up. Hard to explain, feel sick. Like gasoline on a fire. Or I simply dont tolerate the substance. Which seems a little different from others here.
Such a small dose, but maybe the system is too sensitive. Common with start up side effects such as more anxiety but this is reaction-like too.

 

I so hoped it would work as for some others. But I can't take it if it makes me worse, can I. Even though I'm in WD. First days a bit more focus, less brain fog, activating but also in a restless way, slept heavy. Somewhat more numb which is better than not feeling relaxed but still in an uncomfortable way.
 

Heard that it takes 4-5 days for substance to reach the brain. If it would help and work - of course it's worth it and I would not hesitate at all.
Don't want to give up, hesitates but my body says - you can't. Very sad about this, have no hope anything can help now. Heard that for a few it can be that if you go off completely, it doesn't work to go back on for some reason. Treatment resistant.

Wish I’d stayed on a small dose like some of you and not gone off. Have to rely on fate and the long road which feels scary. Is there any way out. Afraid this will worsen the WD and akathisia now. Hope the smaller dose doesn't cause to much mess.

 

/ Dahlia