ace75 Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 I have finally decided to begin my taper off xanax and zoloft. I have been on these meds due to panic attacks for 20 years. After educating myself and taking care of myself holistically in every other way, but this one, over the last few years, I have found that my symptoms have become worse. Then, in March, my now 7 year old started having panic attacks. I knew that I never wanted her to suffer as I have and have been getting her through them with meditation and dietary changes. Currently I take 1.5 mg of xanax nightly and anytime during the day when I need it. That can be anywhere from 0-2. I am on 100 mg of zoloft. I was on 50 up until my daughter experienced her attacks and her therapist suggested I up my dose to get through the stress. My (somewhat) functional doctor agreed and upped my dosage. So, here I am. Glad to have the support! Zoloft free since 5-11-16 after 20 years. 1.5 mg xanax off and on (mostly on) for 20 years Iodine protocol since June 2015 ADK10 since June 2015 (5000 iu A, 10000 iu D3, K2 500 mcg) Link to comment
tgirl Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Hello Ace, I just wanted to welcome you to the site. Someone else should be along shortly to help you. Welcome, Tgirl April 2014 remeron 45mg. June 2014 abilify 2.5 remeron wasn't working so abilify was then added September 2014 woke up with anxiety x 100!!!! Pdoc then took me from 45 to 7.5 within a month and took abilify from 2.5 to 0 Currently Remeron 7.5 Vitamin d 5,000 iu taking for about 3 years October 2014 added fish oil/omega 3 1000 mg per day Levothyroxitine 100 10 years or so Dec 2014 started tapering 10% every 10 days-no problems. August 2015 down to 0.1 mg Woke up with severe anxiety-sleep issues-racing thoughts-depression. 9/9/15 up dose 1 mg. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 7, 2015 Administrator Share Posted September 7, 2015 Welcome, ace. What are the symptoms you've been having while taking Xanax and Zoloft? After 20 years, please be prepared for a very slow taper. Most likely, you will want to taper Zoloft first. See Why taper by 10% of my dosage? Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first? Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline) benzo questions here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/29-members-only-benzo-tapering-discussion/ Are you taking any other drugs? Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and copy and paste the results in this topic. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
ace75 Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 More anxiety and panic attacks for the past 8 years. Unable to get weight off until recently. Serious brain fog and memory problems. Irritability, slight depression and no energy. Zoloft free since 5-11-16 after 20 years. 1.5 mg xanax off and on (mostly on) for 20 years Iodine protocol since June 2015 ADK10 since June 2015 (5000 iu A, 10000 iu D3, K2 500 mcg) Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 8, 2015 Administrator Share Posted September 8, 2015 Yes, those would be about right for 1) rebound anxiety and depression from Xanax and 2) demotivation and sluggishness from Zoloft. If I were you, I'd taper the Zoloft first. See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/29-members-only-benzo-tapering-discussion/for advice about benzo rebound. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
ace75 Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 I read that before I posted. Benzo buddies actually sent me there first! This is all so helpful! How does one cut off 10% of a pill? ???? Zoloft free since 5-11-16 after 20 years. 1.5 mg xanax off and on (mostly on) for 20 years Iodine protocol since June 2015 ADK10 since June 2015 (5000 iu A, 10000 iu D3, K2 500 mcg) Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 8, 2015 Administrator Share Posted September 8, 2015 Read Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline) This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
ace75 Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 Thank you so much! Zoloft free since 5-11-16 after 20 years. 1.5 mg xanax off and on (mostly on) for 20 years Iodine protocol since June 2015 ADK10 since June 2015 (5000 iu A, 10000 iu D3, K2 500 mcg) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted September 11, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 11, 2015 Hi ace , just wanted to welcome you to the site. You'll probably find , like so many of us , you feel better as you lower the zoloft dose. You're going to be fine , just be mindful of taking it slowly. Best wishes , Fresh 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
ace75 Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 Hi, everyone. I've been zoloft free for nealy 3 months now. I haven't started my xanax wean yet. I was doing fine and then have had a few pretty bad panic attacks in the last month and also high sensations of anxiety. Has anyone else had this? How long can I expect it to last? Thank you! Zoloft free since 5-11-16 after 20 years. 1.5 mg xanax off and on (mostly on) for 20 years Iodine protocol since June 2015 ADK10 since June 2015 (5000 iu A, 10000 iu D3, K2 500 mcg) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted August 1, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 1, 2016 Hi Ace, I've moved your question into your Intro/Update topic because it relates to your individual situation and will keep your history together for yourself and other members. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted August 2, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 2, 2016 ace -- panic and anxiety are unfortunately common symptoms after stopping or tapering antidepressants and other psych drugs. Some topics that have relevant information and may provide insights and helpful suggestions:What is withdrawal syndromeThe Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptomsFear, terror, panic and anxiety This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to 0.0 mg Aug. 12; details here scallywag's IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now