papersoulx: Too fast taper Sertraline 150

[papersoulx]

Hey there, I'm 31/F mom to a 9 month old son and we are doing a struggle. xD A brief history, I was diagnosed with hoarding OCD when I was 9 (2002) and started zoloft which I was on until around age 18.  Had some depression and anxiety symptoms (and now knowing ADHD stuff that went undiagnosed) so from about 2013-2020 I trialed various antidepressants before coming back to zoloft in 2020 settling at a dosage of 150mg. This kept rage issues and "breakdowns" at bay until it didn't anymore. 

 

Earlier this year, my psych nurse had me trial 200mg. No change, so we went back down to 150. It was at this time (April 2024) I was given a formal ADHD diagnosis which I had been suspecting for some time.  The "breakdowns" were not from depression, and the lack of motivation to do anything was not depression, it was ADHD (probably?). So I started methylphenidate which is a whole other beast and not really the topic of my concerns at this time haha.  I elected to come off zoloft. I followed instructions and went down from 150 to 100mg and stayed there for a month.  In July, I started lamotrigine after a suspected intermittent explosive disorder diagnosis. Started at 25mg and increased weekly, now at 75.  Zoloft went from 100 to 50mg and stayed for about 2 weeks. Then 50 down to 25mg where I was for another two weeks. I have been at 0 for about 5 days. 

 

As you can imagine symptoms are horrible.  Diarrhea and brain zaps which are only unbearable the first day or so after a dosage decrease. However, the emotional symptoms are really getting me.  Rage issues reoccurring from childhood usually triggered by just being overwhelmed or overstimulated. Extremely impatient. Crying at everything. I hate everyone most of the time. Ruminating thoughts and emotional spirals all over the place. I feel like I'm failing my son because I'm not happy and like I'm missing out on these months of him being little and I hate it.  I'm also exhausted of psych appointments and having to questions doctors decisions all the time regarding my care.

 

So to summarize:

Currently on 27mg methylphenidate xr, 75mg of Lamotrigine, zoloft free for ~5 days after a way too fast taper.

 

I feel like I need to consider reinstatement and would appreciate advice on that. Not sure if emotional stuff will even out and I should just push through at this point or if its worth it to try, say, 12.5mg for another while. My next appointment is August 2nd. Definitely wish I would have found this forum first.

[Erimus]

Hello, and welcome to Surviving Antidepressants. We are a peer support forum to assist in tapering off psychiatric drugs safely, or recovering from psychiatric drug withdrawal.

 

How long have you been on the lamotrigine? I would suggest stopping it and reinstating a small amount of zoloft. The "intermittent explosive disorder" has probably been diagnosed as a result of the symptoms caused by reducing your zoloft dose too quickly. Psychiatrists like to prescribe as many drugs as possible to treat any symptoms you tell them about.

 

I would suggest reducing the lamotrigine over a couple of weeks, waiting a week or so, and then reinstating around 5-10mg of zoloft.

 

 

 

Here are a few of the most useful links:

 

--------Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ--------

 

Micro tapering

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

 

Using a scale to weigh and measure doses

 

--------From the Symptoms and Self-Care Forums--------
 
What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms
 
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Hypersensitivity and Kindling

 

We only recommend two supplements. Omega 3 Fish Oil and Magnesium. Both should be introduced separately and increased slowly.

 

Regards

Erimus

[papersoulx]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I started lamotragen on July 2nd. I agree with your suggestion of probably needing to back that down and try a small Zoloft dose.

 

The IED type stuff I was dealing with are things that I have experienced before in childhood and around a decade ago so I am concerned that it's not just Zoloft withdrawal but it certainly did pop back up when I started dropping dosages. So definitely related.

 

I'm anxious for some reason to ask my NP about liquid Zoloft but I'm sure she can figure out how to get it for me. 😅

 

Again thanks for your suggestions.

[Erimus]

2 hours ago, papersoulx said:

Hi, thanks for your comment. I started lamotragen on July 2nd. I agree with your suggestion of probably needing to back that down and try a small Zoloft dose.

 

The IED type stuff I was dealing with are things that I have experienced before in childhood and around a decade ago so I am concerned that it's not just Zoloft withdrawal but it certainly did pop back up when I started dropping dosages. So definitely related.

 

I'm anxious for some reason to ask my NP about liquid Zoloft but I'm sure she can figure out how to get it for me. 😅

 

Again thanks for your suggestions.

Since you have only taken the lamotrigine for 21 days you can do a faster taper. I would suggest dropping down to 50mg to test the waters. If all goes well keep dropping 25mg each week until you are off. After that I would suggest waiting at least a week before the reintroduction of zoloft. Your brain is still dependent on it as you have taken it for 4 years.

 

If your psychiatrist does not prescribe the liquid you can prepare your own doses, or break a 25mg tablet in half. See:

 

Using a scale to weigh and measure doses

 

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

 

Tips for tapering off sertraline (Zoloft)