novalax: Tapered off Zoloft (Sertraline) at the end of last year (2016)

[novalax]

Hi everyone.  I found this site when doing some Googling looking for answers.  Here is my story.

 

I was diagnosed with anxiety (GAD) and minor depression in 2011 at the age of 26.  My treatment at the beginning was just psychotherapy.  I had been suffering probably since middle school but never wanted to admit it or seek help because of shame.  My therapy went well, but I felt like I wasn't really making enough progress.  My therapist suggested I try medication.  I went to my doctor and he put me on Lexapro (Escitalopram).  It was a miracle drug for me.  That combined with therapy improved my life significantly.  However, after a year or so, people started making comments about my weight.  I've always been in very good shape and work out a lot, but I did end up gaining about 30 lbs.  I talked to my therapist and doctor about coming off the meds and I tapered off.  The withdrawal was bad but not terrible and only lasted a couple months.

 

I was off of the Lexapro for almost a year while still continuing with therapy.  I felt like my life was going downhill and decided to try medication again. This time I was put on Zoloft.  Again, it was a miracle drug for me.  I was doing great for about a year on and with very minor side effects.  I was maintaining my weight as well.  However, after a year I started getting bowel issues.  I would get bouts of minor diarrhea and loose bowels coupled with weird but mild headaches and weakness.  It gradually got worse.  I went to my GP and he couldn't figure out what it was.  He said it's probably IBS.  I went to a GI doctor and he couldn't figure it out either and said it's probably IBS and to give up milk.  I asked both of them if the Zoloft could be the cause and they said definitely not.  I did some research and lo and behold, Zoloft can cause GI issues specifically lymphocytic colitis.  Long story short, I decided to taper off of Zoloft in August of last year.  I've been completely off it since end of November of last year.

 

The initial withdrawal was not bad and didn't last long.  I thought I was in the clear, but then the secondary symptoms started to kick in.  I feel weak and get weird headaches.  I still have the bowel issues, but it seems to be different now.  I do have the "windows" where I feel great for a few days, but then the symptoms come back.  It's been so frustrating because the symptoms seem to not be going away after 4 months and I'm starting to lose hope that I will have them forever.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Nova.
 
What was your last dosage of Zoloft, before you stopped taking it?

 

Four months is not a very long time for recovery from withdrawal syndrome, which can be slow and frustrating, see The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 
You may wish to go on a very mild diet for a while, to give your digestive system a rest. See Elimination Diet - Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine

 

Be sure to avoid artificial flavorings, cured or canned meat or fish, alcohol; minimize caffeine and sugar as much as possible, and make sure you have lots of fresh vegetables (may be cooked) and fruits.

 

Many people here have found these supplements to aid in their recovery from withdrawal syndrome:
 
King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

How is your sleep?

[nz11]

Any update?