Scarlet: 20 years of Zoloft

[Scarlet]

I have been taking Zoloft for 20 years for panic disorder. I started taking it when I was 18, and tried other medications as well. Nothing worked accept Zoloft. I still have breakthrough panic attacks and anxiety sometimes, but it’s manageable. I want to get off of Zoloft, but I’m terrified of the panic coming back. I’ve tried getting off of it 4 other times, and suffered greatly for years, becoming agoraphobic for months, and not driving by myself for 6 years the first time I tried to stop, and then severe depression, with suicidal ideation, extreme panic attacks I couldn’t calm down from, and constant debilitating anxiety the other times I tried to stop. One time I was off for a year, and they came back 1,000 times worse! I’m thinking of tapering slowly this time, but terrified that the panic attacks will come back full force again, and I will have to suffer going back on the meds until they kick in again. I have two young children, and I don’t want to suffer with withdrawal symptoms. I want to be able to get off of the meds easily, and with little side effects. I’m just so scared that the panic attacks and depression will come back if I stop the meds, and I won’t know if it’s withdrawal, if it’s legitimate panic attacks. They are so severe and terrifying that I almost want to stay on the meds forever and deal with the side effects than go through life the way I’ve always felt off of them. Any tips, advice, or thoughts? 

Edited March 7 by Emonda
Name to title

[Emonda]

Welcome @Scarlet

 

So the moderators can best help you, please complete your drug signature by following these instructions. Adding a signature ensures your drug history appears at the bottom of every post, making it more efficient for those trying to assist. 

 

13 hours ago, Scarlet said:

I want to be able to get off of the meds easily, and with little side effects.

 

Slowly is the way to get off these drugs, although even going slowly, I wouldn't call it "easy".

 

I'm two years in and suspect I have two more to go. When I've tried too fast previously / CT, I've experienced some of the things you mentioned. 

 

13 hours ago, Scarlet said:

I’m just so scared that the panic attacks and depression will come back if I stop the meds, and I won’t know if it’s withdrawal,

 

This checklist will help you work out if it's withdrawals: Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

Here are some of my favourite links, and I suspect they will benefit you:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

Never skip doses to taper

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering

 

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Non-drug coping strategies

 

To start this process, you need to be in a good place and feel stable. You certainly don't want to start if you feel fragile. You also need a good support network and a trusted friend or spouse to encourage you.

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but two that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. Add one at a time and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

Avoid alcohol. 

 

This is your own Introduction topic.  Each member has only ONE Introduction topic.  Your own Introduction topic is the best place to ask questions and the place to journal your progress.  This keeps your history in one place and means you do not have to repeat your story. 

 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

 

Emonda