OneStepAtaTime: Too Late to Reinstate?

[OneStepAtaTime]

Firstly, I want to note my appreciation for this site and all those who have opened up sharing their stories coming off AD’s. I have spent a few weeks reading many posts and have learned a great deal.

 

I’m looking for feedback/guidance on whether I should reinstate at a very small dosage, or stay the course after CT quitting.

 

I was on 25mg of Sertraline for about six years. I was prescribed this from my general physician after having a panic attack, and was not given much consultation or warning. Nonetheless, after I adjusted it worked well for this span. I decided November 2023 that I felt good and did not need the medication anymore. Naively, I thought 25mg was a low dose so I stopped CT at this point. Thankfully, my body was quite forgiving and withdrawal symptoms were mild for a few weeks. Four months later, however, I went through some stressors and began to get bad headaches, so decided I should get back on the Sertraline. My GP agreed to reinstate at 25mg (I know now from reading this site that this is a very bad idea) The medication never worked the same. I experienced kindling and hypersensitivity, with side effects coming onto the medicine (fatigue and nausea). After about 3 months back on it, it began to have the reverse effect. I got debilitating fatigue and very depressed. Since I stopped CT the first time and it wasn’t too bad, I figured I could do it again and I just wanted the medicine out of my system. This time, however, withdrawal was way worse.

My last dose was in July 2024, so I have been off CT for 4 months. I have had some emotional waves during this time, but at this point, my emotions seem to be more stable. I try to avoid sugar and alcohol to not trigger a wave. That said, I am still experiencing some other physical symptoms including some dizziness, zaps (also while sleeping), slight balance and coordination issues when overstimulated, cognitive fog at times, and some tinnitus. Admittedly, some of this may be attributed to stress in general, since the symptoms seem to improve when I’m under less stress, but they do seem unique to after stopping the sertraline the second time.

 

I am wondering if I should stay the course with the CT and trust these symptoms will improve over time, even if months to years. Or, if I should reinstate at a very, very low dosage and try to taper once stable on that?

 

Even though I am still battling these symptoms, I can at least function and have made progress over the last 4 months. I am very leery of reinstating 4 months out after what I’ve gone through, and not sure if it is absolutely necessary since I can at least function as I am now.

 

Thanks for any thoughts and reading this post!

 

-D

Edited November 28 by Emonda
Name to title

[Emonda]

Welcome @OneStepAtaTime

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

I’m looking for feedback/guidance on whether I should reinstate at a very small dosage, or stay the course after CT quitting.

 

A good place to start would be to read these two links:

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

Kindling

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

and was not given much consultation or warning.

 

Sounds like most of us...."Here, take this". Certainly no 'informed consent'.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

Naively, I thought 25mg was a low dose so I stopped CT at this point.

 

I've made this mistake, too. Plenty of doctors would encourage you to stop CT at this point as well, so don't be hard on yourself.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

Four months later, however,

 

It's not uncommon for people to manage for 4-6 months before things go 'pear-shaped', and back on the pills.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

experienced kindling and hypersensitivity, with side effects coming onto the medicine (fatigue and nausea).

 

This is a very real risk. That's why this site says the best opportunity to reinstate is within the 1st 3 months. The further out from a CT you are, the lower the reinstatement dose.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

This time, however, withdrawal was way worse.

 

I've read others report this, too. The more times you go on and off, the more your body protests.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

My last dose was in July 2024, so I have been off CT for 4 months.

 

What date in July? You're certainly outside the 3 month window, and, you experienced kindling last time, so I'd be hesitant.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

at this point, my emotions seem to be more stable

 

I'd be encouraged by this.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

Admittedly, some of this may be attributed to stress in general, since the symptoms seem to improve when I’m under less stress,

 

In my experience, stress does exacerbate WD.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

I can at least function and have made progress over the last 4 months.

 

Another positive.

 

21 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

I am very leery of reinstating 4 months out after what I’ve gone through, and not sure if it is absolutely necessary since I can at least function as I am now.

 

Maybe this is your answer...probably don't reinstate.

 

The following general links are worth reading:

Emotional Spirals

Non-drug coping strategies

Melatonin for sleep

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.

Once again, welcome to S.A.

Emonda

[OneStepAtaTime]

Emonda, just want to say thank you so very much for your engagement here. It is greatly appreciated. Your thoughts and the resources you linked are so helpful and I will spend time looking through them. I am going to believe that over time, the WD symptoms will greatly improve, even if gradually

[Emonda]

2 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

I am going to believe that over time, the WD symptoms will greatly improve, even if gradually

 

Time + patience will do wonders for your recovery 👍

[OneStepAtaTime]

Emonda or anyone:

 

Does anyone notice that if they catch a cold, or get sick, it triggers a wave? I came down with bugs at least twice over the last few weeks and both times it seemed to provoke WD symptoms, particularly profound sadness. This does seem to lift on its own eventually

[Jane318]

14 hours ago, OneStepAtaTime said:

Does anyone notice that if they catch a cold, or get sick, it triggers a wave? I came down with bugs at least twice over the last few weeks and both times it seemed to provoke WD symptoms, particularly profound sadness. This does seem to lift on its own eventually

Yes, many people report this unfortunately.  Taking anti-biotics or even OTC drugs can cause additional problems.  While we all get sick from time to time, unfortunately, I am a big believer in strategies that bolster our amazing immune systems - good food / nutrition; adequate rest; fresh air & sunshine; and managing stress.  As you note, although difficult, it is temporary.