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LastMile: Reinstate Zoloft or push through nightmares?


LastMile

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Hi, Mid-50 year old male here.  Been on 200 mg of Zoloft since 2013 for general anxiety and doctor agreed that I could try tapering off.  Over the past five months I tapered off from: 200mg > 150mg > 100 mg > 50mg > 25mg > 12.5 mg > 0mg. I had no noticeable side effects until I was completely off the medication about one month ago.  Symptoms amounted to feeling light-headed/tired during the day for about 3 weeks.  About a week ago, those symptoms went away but suddenly I'm having nightmares.  A few times this week, I've woken up in the middle of the night with racing thoughts, feeling like I'm another person,  can't snap out of it, keep waking up and not able to get back to sleep.  The good news is the intensity of these awakenings has reduced somewhat each time.  I'm also feeling somewhat irritable/anxious during the day. I can push through the daytime anxiety but the awakenings in the middle of the night are dreadful. I don't think I'll be able to handle these nightmares and sleep deprivation if it lasts any more than another week.

 

I'm guessing my mistake was that I tapered off too quickly in the last month when I went from 25mg > 12.5 > 0mg. Would love to hear your thoughts on whether I should remain off Zoloft and hope things get better quickly or reinstate it and then try the 10% taper process?  Any other advice?

 

Looking forward to your replies.

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome to SA, LastMile.

 

As you've guessed, you tapered the Zoloft too fast and as a result are suffering from withdrawal symptoms.  We recommend tapering by no more than 10% of current dose every four weeks.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.

 

Insomnia is one if the most common withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Reinstatement of a very small dose of the original drug is the only known way to help alleviate withdrawal syndrome.  The only other alternative is to try and wait out the symptoms and manage as best you can until your central nervous system returns to homeostasis.  Unfortunately no one can give you an exact timeline as to when you will start feeling better and while some do recover relatively easily, for others it can take many months or longer.  

 

Reinstatement isn't a guarantee of diminished symptoms for everyone but it's the best tactic available.  You're still in the time period where reinstatement predictably works, up to 3 months after last dose.  It is best to reinstate as soon as possible after withdrawal symptoms occur. We usually suggest a much smaller reinstatement dose than your last dose.  Your system has become sensitized and If you take too much it may be too much for your brain and can cause you become more unstable.  If you decide you want to reinstate, you would stabilize on the reinstated  dosage, which can take several months then begin a 10% per month taper down to zero.   Please read:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms. -- at least the first page of the topic

 

If you reinstate, I would recommend a dosage of 1mg -- no more.  It takes about 4 days for a dose change to get to get to full state in the blood and a bit longer for it to register in the brain.  

 

This link explains how to get the small dose of Zoloft you'll need for a reinstatement.

 

Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline)

 

Please let us know what you decide to do.  If you do reinstate, it's a good idea to keep daily notes on how you're doing to keep track of how the reinstatement is going.  Please also keep us updated on how you're doing.  

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

 

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Gridley, Thank you for your very informative response!  I read through the links you provided and have a few questions:

 

1. I was surprised that you recommended reintstating to only 1mg since my last dose was 12.5mg.  Just wanted to confirm that 1mg is indeed the recommendation?

2. In order to make a 1 mg dosage, I would mix a 50mg tablet in 500ml of water to obtain a mixture of 1mg/10ml. I would then use a syringe and take 10ml of liquid.  Is that correct?

3. What would the shelf life be of such a solution? I saw a few comments ranging from 3 days to 1 week but no one really seemed to know for sure.  Is there any additional information on how long such a mixture would be effective? 

 

Thanks again for your help.

 

 

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
19 minutes ago, LastMile said:

have a few questions:

 

1.  Yes, 1mg would be my recommendation.  During the time you've been off the drug, your system has made accommodations to tnot having the drug.  Too much can overwhelm your system.  It's important to start low.  You can alway go higher if necessary.

 

2 & 3  I've never done liquid, so I'm bringing your questions 2 & 3 to the attention of the administrators and other moderators.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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  • Moderator

This will not work. Zoloft is not soluble in water.

 

A 50mgai tablet must be dissolved in  100mL of vodka for several hours and then the volume rounded up to 500mL by adding water. He can then take a dose of 10mL to get the 1mgai.

 

The solution will last about a week in the refrigerator and then should be discarded.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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  • Moderator Emeritus

@LastMile I just wanted to make sure you saw Brassmonkey's post above answering your questions 2 & 3.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Yes, thank you. I'm going to be traveling extensively so the Vodka may pose a problem. I guess the other alternative is to see if my doc will give me a prescription for the 20mg/ml liquid concentrate.  Some more questions:

 

1. Would this be the correct procedure for using the concentrate:  Combine 1 ml of concentrate with 19 ml of water.  That would give me a solution of 1mg/20ml.  Then take 1 ml of the diluted concentrated?

2. Will 1 ml of the concentrate dissolve properly with 19 ml of water or would I need to mix it with something other than water?

3. How long will it last?

4. Does it need to be refrigerated?

 

Thanks again!

 

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
53 minutes ago, LastMile said:

Some more questions:

I've alerted Brassmonkey and asked him to address your questions

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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  • Administrator

In the US, Zoloft comes in a prescription liquid. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may wish to get that. You take it with an oral syringe and you can dilute it with water if necessary.

 

As it is a prescription liquid, it is permitted by the TSA.

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.

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  • Moderator

That method would work fine, or you could get a smaller oral syringe that is divided into 1/10th mL increments and take half of one increment of the undiluted liquid.

 

If you dilute it then you can keep it for 4-7 days in a refrigerator. For the undiluted liquid the instructions are on the bottle.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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Perfect! It didn't occur to me that I could get that small of a syringe.  Will request prescription for the concentrate and report back.

 

Thank you again.

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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I didn't hear back from doc today so I decided to make my own concentrate in the meantime. I'd prefer to avoid using vodka to dissolve the pill so I tried it with just tap water.  I found that the 50mg pill dissolved in water with no problem.  Is there any reason not to use just tap water if the pill appears to be completely dissolved?

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

Link to comment

Started my reinstatement at 1mg a few days ago. I understand it takes about 4 days to get fully in the blood stream and a bit longer to register in the brain.  Does that mean I should feel changes within a week if it's working?  And if I don't notice improvement, how long should I wait until I increase the dosage and what would the next dosage be?

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
1 hour ago, LastMile said:

Started my reinstatement at 1mg a few days ago. I understand it takes about 4 days to get fully in the blood stream and a bit longer to register in the brain.  Does that mean I should feel changes within a week if it's working?  And if I don't notice improvement, how long should I wait until I increase the dosage and what would the next dosage be?

 

it might take 8 or 9 days.  The effect should get stronger during that time.  If 1mg is enough, it still may take some weeks or months for your nervous system to settle down. You probably will continue to have waves and windows, but symptoms won't be as intense.  

 

If after 9 days there's no improvement, you could increase to 2mg.

 

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment

The good news is that it's been about 8 days since I reinstated 1mg and the horrible withdrawal symptoms are gradually subsiding.  I realize there's no way to tell if this is due to the reinstatement or not. However, I'm now anxious and on-edge just as I was before I began taking the medication. The medication did work for me so I'm wondering if I do need it to control my anxiety.

 

At this point, would you recommend that I stay at 1mg and hope the anxiety subsides or should I gradually increase the dosage until I feel the effect of the medication?

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
1 hour ago, LastMile said:

would you recommend that I stay at 1mg and hope the anxiety subsides

Definitely stay at the 1mg.  You've had a great result.  As I said earlier--

 

On 2/15/2020 at 11:46 AM, Gridley said:

it still may take some weeks or months for your nervous system to settle down. You probably will continue to have waves and windows, but symptoms won't be as intense.  

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment

When I first went off my antidepressant, I went cold turkey, fully reinstated and was okay. 
 

This time, I’m 5.5 months out, and struggling to reinstate and it is the scariest thing I’ve ever gone through. I’m having wild symptoms and my nervous system is hypersensitive to almost everything. 
 

Please continue reinstating until you are stable then slowly taper from there. It is likely you will be able to tolerate a much higher dose than 1MG, and it’s really up to you, but I would increase until you feel decent and functioning again. Stabilize there for a few months up to a year then consider a very slow taper. 

2012-2019 Nardil/phenelzine (maoi) - 45MG

2019 Xanax - 1.5MG

(I went cold turkey off both in August 2019)

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  • Moderator Emeritus
16 minutes ago, Dave1 said:

It is likely you will be able to tolerate a much higher dose than 1MG, and it’s really up to you, but I would increase until you feel decent and functioning again.

 

 

18 minutes ago, Dave1 said:

lease continue reinstating until you are stable

  

This is not good advice, Lastmile, and runs completely counter to everything we have learned here working with thousand of members  Your system needs stability, and the worst thing you can do is keep reinstating higher and higher after some elusive goal of perfect stability. Stability will come in time.  Your central nervous system is not the same CNS as it was when you were previously on your full dose, due to being destabilized by your cold turkey from 12.5mg, and your reaction to full dose will not be the same.  In reinstatement more is not better.  

 

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment

Obviously id defer to @Gridley here and I apologize for any misinformation. Overall, I would just say it’s great you were able to reinstate and do everything you can to keep things calm, stable, and sane. 

2012-2019 Nardil/phenelzine (maoi) - 45MG

2019 Xanax - 1.5MG

(I went cold turkey off both in August 2019)

Link to comment

I have a question - Brassmonkey said that Zoloft is not soluble in water - however, I have been mixing mine with water since last year March - should I not have been doing this? 

 

Started on SA website May 2015: Efexor at age 16 for a few years. I am now 35. Took a 'street' drug at 18 and suffered massive panic attacks. Epilim for approximately one year. At age 22 put on to Sertraline 100mg - took that for approx. 8 years. Dropped to 50mg around age 30. No problems. Tried to taper off 50 mg at age 32 (3 months taper). Was fine for a few months and then had massive panic, anxiety, depersonalisation, health anxiety etc. Went to 100mg for a few months. Dropped back to 50mg. Been on 50mg for past three years. Tried to taper again; went to 37.5 mg, then 25mg and started feeling weird so went back to 50mg. Tried 37.5mg again, found this site and read it's best to taper in 10% increments so put myself up to 45mg on Monday. <p>40mg since April 2015. Dropped to 36mg 06 Sept 2015. Dropped to 34mg 18 October (5% drop). Going to stay on for six weeks. Dropped to 32mg 29 November (5% drop). Dropped to 30mg 10 January 2016 (5% drop). Dropped to 28mg 31 January (5% drop). Dropped to 26mg 20 March (5% drop). Dropped to 25mg 08 April. Dropping to 24mg 17 April. Drop to 23mg 08 May. Drop to 22mg 21 May. Drop to 21mg 02 June 2016. Dropped to 20mg 17 June. Dropped to 19mg 09 July. Dropped to 18mg 20th July. Dropped to 17mg 18th August. Dropped to 16mg 25th September 2016. Back up to 17mg 10 October 2016. Back up to 19mg 20th October 2016. Back up to 20mg 27 October 2016. Held for a while. Dropped to 19mg 24 March 2017. Dropped to 18mg 05 May 2017. Dropped to 17mg 04 June 2017. 16mg 03 July 2017. 15mg 14 August 2017. 14mg 03 September 2017. 13mg 03 Oct 2017. 12mg 04 Nov 2017. 11mg 04 December 2017. 10mg 13 January 2018. 9mg 19 February 2018. 8mg 24 March 2018. 7mg 20 April 2018. Dad dies in May. 6mg 27 June 2018. 5mg Aug 2018. IBS symptoms start. 4.5mg approx. 03 October 2018. 4mg 20 October 2018. 3.5mg approx. 12 December 2018. 3mg January 2019. Approx. 2.5mg Feb 2019. Shoulder pain starts.  2mg 03 March 2019 (liquid suspension starts). 1.8mg 30 April 2019. 1.6mg 21 August 2019. IBS symptoms gone. Weird shoulder/neck symptoms/dystonia still around. 1.4mg 30 Sept. 2019. 1.2mg 5 Nov 2019. 1mg 8 Dec 2019. Facial spasms start. Dystonia still around. Developed Raynaud's Phenomenon. Updose to 1.2mg 21 Feb. 2020. Back to 1mg 02 March 2020. 0.9mg 08 March. 0.8mg 12 March. 0.7mg 16 March. 0.6mg 24 March. 0.5mg 27 March. 0.4mg 31 March. 0.3mg 11 April 2020. Dystonia still around. 0.2mg 27 April 2020. 0.1mg 02 May 2020. 0.0mg 07 May 2020. 

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5 minutes ago, Gridley said:

 

 

  

This is not good advice, Lastmile, and runs completely counter to everything we have learned here working with thousand of members  Your system needs stability, and the worst thing you can do is keep reinstating higher and higher after some elusive goal of perfect stability. Stability will come in time.  Your central nervous system is not the same CNS as it was when you were previously on your full dose, due to being destabilized by your cold turkey from 12.5mg, and your reaction to full dose will not be the same.  In reinstatement more is not better.  

 

 

If someone is reacting good for higher dose of reinstatement than is good. Not everyone even have same WD symptoms and reacting to reinstatement. There are guidelines and so on but only if you try yourself you will know how reinstatement is working for you. I did reinstatement few times and last time almost 5 mg in total other person did 1 mg and he is feeling bad. So everyone is different.

AD: Seroxat since 2005 20 mg and tapering from March 2018 10% every 4 weeks.

15-11-2019 down to 5.5 mg 

28-12-2019 crashed really bad on 5.5mg 

01-01-2020 updose to 7mg

16-01-2020 Updose to 9 mg

 

Benzos: Bromazepam 1.5 mg daily since 2015

Quit CT Bromazepam 16-01-2020 No withdrawals 

Occasionally 1.5 mg extra

Last extra 1.5 mg 12-01-2020

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
33 minutes ago, pinciukas said:

If someone is reacting good for higher dose of reinstatement than is good. Not everyone even have same WD symptoms and reacting to reinstatement. There are guidelines and so on but only if you try yourself you will know how reinstatement is working for you. I did reinstatement few times and last time almost 5 mg in total other person did 1 mg and he is feeling bad. So everyone is different.

 

Lastmile,

 

Our advice is to reinstate at the lowest possible dose and give it some time.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and other strategies have worked on a case-by-case basis, but our experience over many years with many members is what drives our advice. 

 

As I said, you're having a very good response to 1mg and I would give it time.

Edited by Gridley

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment

 

I would like to stay on the 1mg but if the anxiety does not subside in future, I assume I may need to go back on the medication at some point?  I'd like to have a plan for how long I should wait.  Does the likelihood that the medication may not be effective anymore increase the longer I wait (similar to waiting too long to reinstate)?

 

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
2 minutes ago, LastMile said:

 

I would like to stay on the 1mg but if the anxiety does not subside in future, I assume I may need to go back on the medication at some point?  I'd like to have a plan for how long I should wait.  Does the likelihood that the medication may not be effective anymore increase the longer I wait (similar to waiting too long to reinstate)?

 

 

It can take several weeks or even months for your system to stabilize.

 

Whether you go back on the medication is something we can't advise you on.  We can advise you about tapering and we can advise you about reinstatement to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.  Advising you on using drugs to treat non-withdrawal symptoms is outside our purview.

 

I don't know the answer to your question about whether the likelihood the medication will not work increases the longer you wait.  That is a possibility.  It's also a possibility the full dose medication won't work as of right now.  You don't have the same central nervous system that you had before your fast taper/cold turkey.  

 

Instead of drugs, we recommend non-drug techniques to deal with anxiety, whether due to withdrawal or pre-existing anxiety.  These techniques have helped many people.

 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

VIDEO:  Peace from Nervous Suffering - Claire Weekes (1 hour) (http://sendvid.com/vgquc1dg)
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help …

 

10 minute Restorative Yoga for Relaxation | Up the wall

 

I've found the last link (legs up the wall yoga pose) to be very helpful.

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment

Once you’re CNS is unstable, all bets are off as the mods are mentioning.

 

I was able to fully reinstate years ago, a few month after going CT, but now facing a much more precarious and scary situation.

I would check out Kelly brogan md’s book “a mind of your own” which has helped. Nutrition, breath work and detox for anxiety reduction. 

2012-2019 Nardil/phenelzine (maoi) - 45MG

2019 Xanax - 1.5MG

(I went cold turkey off both in August 2019)

Link to comment
  • 6 months later...

I was doing well with my tapering but at the end of May my anxiety symptoms came back and have intensified since then.  I'm now on 0.9mg of Zoloft and have been exercising extensively, doing yoga, and reduced coffee. I've read and am reading Claire Weekes books with great interest as they describe my issues of the past 50 years exactly -- sensitized nerves. My "fatigued nerves" are now back with me all the time and every so often my emotions/reactions are dreadful.  I've been practicing Dr. Weekes strategies (e.g. floating) but no luck so far.  Trying to determine how much longer I should stay the course or if I should increase my Zoloft to 2mg?  Any other suggestions?

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Bumping up my previous post and rephrasing the question:  My anxiety has been back for over 3 months, 24/7 -- does this sound like a side-effect of withdrawal that should eventually subside?  If so, how much longer might this last?

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • Mentor

Hi @LastMile

Sorry to hear about your anxiety. I know it’s the worst, speaking from my own experience.

19 minutes ago, LastMile said:

My anxiety has been back for over 3 months, 24/7 -- does this sound like a side-effect of withdrawal that should eventually subside? 

Yes it’s a classic wd symptom. How ever I believe it will subside over time, but unfortunately there is no time line, which can be so frustrating.  
Have you tried meditation and practicing mindful breathing? For me it helps a lot. If I can not focus on that, I use music to snap myself out of the thoughts that lead to my anxiety. Also guided meditation can help you, you can find a lot of videos on YouTube channel. 
I also find a lot of comfort in listening to spiritual teachers like for example Eckhart Tolle. 
I also want to congratulate you on your accomplishment with the tapering, 0.9 Zoloft that’s amazing, well done!
All the best to you.

 

Edited by Hanna72

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Dear LastMile--It's so awful-beyond-words that you're having to experience this.  I wish I could offer you more than just sympathy as I go through w/d from Zoloft/(and then Prozac) myself.  I'm still choosing to believe that my symptoms will eventually improve.  Some I'm better at living with, and others may have lost a small bit of their intensity.  I wish this was more than just a crumb of hope at 22 months.  Let me know if there is more I can share with you.

All my best, Arbor

Zoloft: 1995 - 2015

Prozac: 2015 - 2018 (tapered from 40mg x day on July 31 to 30mg on August 31 to 20mg on September 31 to 10mg October 31 to 0mg on  December 15, 2018

Gabapentin: 2016 to 2019  (tapered from 300mg x day to 150mg on August 31, 2019 to 75mg on September 15 to 50mg on September 31 to 25ishmg on October 15 to 0mg on December 1, 2019

Enalapril: 2010 - 2019

Lipitor: 2017 -2017

Metformin: 2000 - 2020

Liothyronine: 2007 - 2019

Levothyroxine: 2000 - 2022

Link to comment

Hanna72 and arbor,  thank you for your responses.  I do need to try meditation and mindful breathing.  

 

I guess I'm just surprised how suddenly the anxiety came back and hit me so hard especially since I was down to 0.7 mg and doing well.

 

I guess I will try to stay at my current dosage and hopefully feel some improvement soon.  

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to LastMile: Reinstate Zoloft or push through nightmares?
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello Lastmile

 

I'm sorry to read that you're struggling with anxiety.

 

If I understand well, you reinstated in February then began your taper in March, right ?

 

You may have started tapering too soon after reinstatement. We usually advise to wait some months before starting a taper again. 

 

- How did your symptoms evolve in the last three months ? 

 

- Have you drank alcohol in the last months ?

 

- Do you take other drugs ?

 

 

Hang in there : you are close to your goal.

 

Take care  ☀️

 

 

Edited by Erell

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

Link to comment

Hi Erell, 

Yes, I reinstated to 1 mg in February and then began tapering in March.  During the tapering I was doing well did not have any side effects.  Then, suddenly anxiety started at the end of May when I was down to 0.7 mg.  I gradually increased to 0.9 mg which is where I'm at now.

 

-- Over the past 3 months,  the anxiety has been with me constantly, and seems to have gotten progressively more intense.

 

-- I've had maybe 3-4 drinks total over the past 3 months but haven't had one in the past few weeks.

 

-- I don't take any other drugs or supplements.

 

Thank you for any advice. 🙂

 

 

 

 

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello Lastmile,

 

I know it might hard to believe, but alcohol can have a huge impact on our CNS.

I would avoid alcohol.

 

It seems that during this WD journey we need to treat our CNS like a baby ☺

 

On 9/17/2020 at 6:57 PM, LastMile said:

of May when I was down to 0.7 mg.  I gradually increased to 0.9 mg 

Since when are you holding at 0.9mg ?

(Can you please include the date in your signature ?)

 

Your body went through a lot in one year, and you start a taper quickly after reinstatement. 

Your CNS might need time to do his repair work/adjustments and stabilise.

 

How do you feel about a long hold ( several months ) ?

 

Have you tried Magnesium ?

 

If you try it, start with a low dose to see how it affects you.

 

Take care ☀️

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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Erell, 

I've been holding at 0.9 mg for 3-months.  You suggested a long hold (several months). If my symptoms stay the same, do I increase to 1 mg and how much longer should I wait?  One of the most frustrating parts of all this is not knowing whether the anxiety is truly a withdrawal symptom or if I'm just back to my old anxious self.  I'm trying to believe it's withdrawal so I can stay the course but it gets tougher each day.

 

I'm not planning on ANY alcohol going forward.  Additionally, I'm in process of gradually switching over to decaf coffee.

 

I was taking magnesium but my regular doc discouraged it so I stopped.  I may try it again and see if I notice any improvement.

 

Again, thanks for your help.

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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  • 9 months later...

Any thoughts on Lemon Balm tea?  

I've been off Zoloft for about 6 months but over the past couple of months, the waves have been getting worse.  Looking back I believe I tapered too fast. My doc encouraged a faster taper and I really wanted off the med asap.  As I completed my taper, he recommended 5HTP.  It worked wonders for 6 weeks then the effect suddenly stopped.  Now, the waves are back bigger than ever.  I made the mistake of not researching 5HTP and suspect WD from it is compounding these new waves.  The most notable new symptom is morning cortisol spike which I never had before.

 

Another doctor is now recommending Lemon Balm tea. I had a cup and the result was almost like Xanax -- calmed me down significantly and helped with sleep.  But now I'm now hesitant about trying anything that hasn't been vetted here!   I searched the site but not much info.  Any thoughts or info on Lemon Balm tea? 

2013-2019: Zoloft 200mg (300mg early-on) for GENERAL ANXIETY

  • 2019 Began Taper: Sept: 150mg > Oct: 100mg > Nov: 50mg > Dec: 25mg > Dec/Jan 2020: 12.5mg > early-Jan 2020: 0mg. 
  • 2020 Reinstated: Feb 12:  1mg > March 0.9mg  > Apr 0.8mg > May 0.7mg
    • Increase:  June 1: 0.8 mg  > June 15 0.9 mg
    • Decrease: Oct 7: 0.8 mg > Oct 21: 0.7 mg > Nov 7: 0.6 mg > Nov 21: 0.5 mg > (Dec 7 - Jan 24): 0.4mg > 3mg > 2mg > 1 mg > 0mg
    • supplements (on/off):  fish oil, magnesium, vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex,
  • 2021:  Jan 24 - Completely Off Zoloft
    • supplements: vitamin D-3, vitamin B-complex
    • 5HTP:  Jan 18: 100mg > Jan 25: 200mg > Feb 2: 300 mg > (mid-March lost effect) > April 15 > 200 mg, April 21: 100mg, May 1: 0 mg
    • Theanine:  June/July: on/off up to 200 mg x 3 times/day
    • July: daily fish oil (2,000mg DHA/EPA, magnesium (400 - 600 mg/day)
    • Lemon Balm Tea?

 

 

 

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