☼ lotusflower: Tapering zoloft

[lotusflower]

Alto or anyone who has a suggestion,

 

I've been at 5 mg. zoloft since Oct. 20....31 days. I feel stable today but it's been a roller coaster this past month and I guess you could say it's been this way for the entire two years I've been tapering. I seldom hold at any one dose for longer than a month.

 

I am able to function and live a somewhat normal life. My question is this: How long shall I hold at this dose?

I know that it can get dicey the lower I go. Shall I carry on as before or hold here for awhile longer? The size of my current dose is smaller than a grain of rice. Makes me wonder if it is having any impact on my body. Part of me feels ok to stay here awhile longer....to hold and be sure that previous drops "catch up" because I do not want to suffer protracted withdrawal after I'm off. Also I've heard that I can "poop out" if I don't continue to taper down as before. Any thoughts?

 

My physical symptoms: tire out quickly, can not exercise very much, only gentle walking, sore muscles, sore neck, strong heartbeat all over body.

 

Emotional symptoms: frequent anxious dread, over worry, obsess over problems, guilt feelings, depression: these come and go but mostly come. When I did faster tapers in years past, the emotional symptoms were greatly magnified, so much so I could not function, at least now, I can manage.

[Skyler]

Alto or anyone who has a suggestion,

 

I've been at 5 mg. zoloft since Oct. 20....31 days. I feel stable today but it's been a roller coaster this past month and I guess you could say it's been this way for the entire two years I've been tapering. I seldom hold at any one dose for longer than a month.

 

I am able to function and live a somewhat normal life. My question is this: How long shall I hold at this dose?

 

Hi WakingUP... Hold for as long as you need. At least a couple of months, maybe more. Until all or most of your withdrawal symptoms resolve. You have been tapering for two years and symptomatic almost the entire time? You need to give your body a breather.

 

I know that it can get dicey the lower I go. Shall I carry on as before or hold here for awhile longer? The size of my current dose is smaller than a grain of rice. Makes me wonder if it is having any impact on my body. Part of me feels ok to stay here awhile longer....to hold and be sure that previous drops "catch up" because I do not want to suffer protracted withdrawal after I'm off. Also I've heard that I can "poop out" if I don't continue to taper down as before. Any thoughts? [/size]

Tapering does get dicer at the lower doses, but this will not result in more withdrawal symptoms if you go at a rate your body can tolerate. Keep to the 10% (or slower for some) off each previous dose, holding a month and you should be okay. And if you need to hold longer.. all well and good.

 

There is no downside to holding. No poopout that catches up. That is a misnomer that came about because lag time that caught up, but people do not get more symptomatic because simply by staying at one dose 'too long'.

[Altostrata]

Hi, Waking. How are you measuring your Zoloft?

 

Since your tapering has been so difficult, you may wish to hold longer and let your nervous system settle down before your next dosage change.

[lotusflower]

 

There is no downside to holding. No poopout that catches up. That is a misnomer that came about because lag time that caught up, but people do not get more symptomatic because simply by staying at one dose 'too long'.

 

Thanks for responding, Schuyler. This is very useful info....I'll likely hold here for awhile. You're right, I need a breather.

[lotusflower]

Hi, Waking. How are you measuring your Zoloft?

 

Since your tapering has been so difficult, you may wish to hold longer and let your nervous system settle down before your next dosage change.

 

Alto, I'm using a digital scale that measures to .001 mg. It seems to be pretty accurate. I can not take liquid due to alcohol content, unfortunately. I'm definitely planning to hold at 5 mg. for a good while. Thanks so much for your help.....much appreciated.

[lotusflower]

I've been at zoloft 5 mg. for almost 7 weeks now and I plan to hold here for awhile. My hope is that previous drops will "catch up" and it will just be easier on my body. And gosh, I feel soooooo much better.....the best in the two years since I started this taper. Once I start to taper again, each drop will have to be no less than .5 mg. because my scale can not weigh any less. I can not take liquid zoloft due to alcohol content. I do not know if liquid prozac contains alcohol and am trying to find out. If it does not, do you think it may be better to switch to prozac which would enable me to go slower? Or best to stick with zoloft. Maybe I can figure how to make my own liquid.....which seems difficult since I live in Italy where I don't know if I can get the type of droppers that I will need. sigh. thoughts?

[peggy]

i am so glad you are feeling better. Personally, I would not swap to Prozac.

You could possibly make your own liquid each couple of days - you most probably could keep it in the fridge for a few days.

[Altostrata]

Very good news, Wakingup!

 

Stick with Zoloft. Is it possible the amount of alcohol in the prepared liquid is small enough you can tolerate it?

 

If you can't get oral syringes from a people pharmacy, you might be able to get them from a veterinarian.

[peggy]

Waking up - if you were to get liquid prozac and measure the small amount and then dilute that in a tablespoon of water before drinking you would likely get almost zero alcohol....

[lotusflower]

Thanks Alto and Peggy for your support, so much appreciate it.

Peggy, I am a recovering alcoholic.....even the slightest bit is a trigger for me and makes me really ill the next day. I made a birthday cake for me husband which called for vanilla extract. I used the pure form which contains alcohol....the next day I had flu symptoms, was very irritable and depressed. It took me a couple days to fully recover.....never again if I can avoid it.

I'm still researching here and hope to come up with a solution.

[Altostrata]

Please consider making your own liquid Zoloft with water.

[lotusflower]

Please consider making your own liquid Zoloft with water.

 

 

Ok, Alto. I managed to get 3 different type syringes from my pharmacist. Each of the three respectively measures 1 ml (very tiny),

5 ml. and 10 ml. I am currently taking 5 mg. zoloft. Can you tell me how to use these syringes to measure my next drop which may be 4.8 mg? i did read the info here on tapering liquid but my just don't understand what to do at this dose. Can you, Alto, or someone else who knows instruct me what to do now? Thanks in advance,

xo

[Altostrata]

Did you see this topic? http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/

 

If you have specific questions, please add them to the Zoloft topic http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1441-tips-for-tapering-off-zoloft-sertraline/

[abir]

Hello wakingup,

how are you doing? how did your taper from 5mg go?

Abir

[lotusflower]

Hi abir

I need to update my signature.....thanks for reminding me. I jumped off Zoloft on February 9 at 4 mg. So far, so good, thankfully. Not a walk in the park, but soooooo much ,more manageable than the many fast tapers I tried before this slower one. We are in the process of selling our house so I have been very anxious about that......after the move, I'm sure iI'll be fine. I notice you are also tapering Zoloft.....how are you doing?

[abir]

oh you're done already with the tapering? congratulations! and so glad that you are doing well too!! yes, I am sure you will feel better once the stress of moving is gone...

 

did you symptoms get worse when you stopped but improved afterwards? or stopping at 4mg did not make a big difference with your symptoms? how is your fatigue now? and brain fog?

 

I am still struggling with my withdrawal, and have not started tapering down again from 5mg... I am waiting and hoping that I will feel well enough soon so I can start tapering again...

 

But it is good to know that tapering slowly this time made a big difference for you and you were finally able to stop completely... congratulations again...good luck with moving...

 

Abir

[lotusflower]

Abir

Right after Christmas my body stopped registering tapers.....I had the intuitive sense that the drug was not affecting me any longer and that I could jump,off.

I believe I was right. My Brian fog and energy level have both improved. The movers come tomorrow .....I'd write more if I had time.

Godd luck to you, my prayers are with you, you will make it off and be fine, just keep,it slow and be patient, Waking up

[abir]

Thank you Wakingup... and good luck to you too...

Abir

[lotusflower]

It has been awhile since my last post. I tried to update my signature but it would not allow me to do so. I stopped taking Zoloft on February 9, 2013 at 4 mg. just after that, we sold our house, moved, and then my only brother died in June....it was unexpected.

So lots of stress and distraction from myself......the past month has been very difficult. I am feeling very depressed. Don't know If this is delayed grief from the loss of my brother and the stress of life in general or if this may still be withdrawal from Zoloft.

I am far more depressed than ever before in my life and far more anxious and reactive to every little thing that goes wrong.

My question is: Can this still be my brain adjusting to no meds?

[Altostrata]

Yes, it can.

 

If you are sensitive to dosage changes, jumping off at 4mg might have been too big of a drop. After a year off, reinstatement of a little Zoloft may or may not work.

 

Please see our Symptoms and Self-care forum for suggestions about how to cope with symptoms.

[lotusflower]

Thanks, Altostrata, will do. Your comments are much appreciated.

[lotusflower]

It's been a long time since I posted here....I was a regular member at PP and used to post there regularly....seen some of my PP friends here....miss you all terribly...feel like Ive lost family members. When I joined here, my username was "wakingup"....I asked moderators to change it to lotusflower which was my PP name.

Since the last time I posted at PP, there has considerable change in my life. We moved from Italy back to the states and are living a long distance away from where my family and friends live. That is a very cold climate and we wanted to live somewhere warmer. We iived in Italy for almost 20 years and moved back to the states in June , last month.

My husband and I are seniors, we have no friends here but we are outgoing and so I anticipate we will develop relationships. We sold our house in Italy and are being sued by the people who bought the house It is a long complicated story. We broke no laws and will likely win the case....unless we have "bad luck" and have the wrong judge preside over our case....says our lawyer....on top of that, i just discovered i may have a hernia from lifting heavy boxes...also, Im very worried about my sister who is not doing well....i lost two sibings already....this sister is the closest person in the world to me and I'm terrified of losing her. That is part of the compete story.

I am not coping well i am on the verge of a panic attack for most of my waking hours. The only relief I get is when I am asleep. When I awake in the middle of the night that is the most terrifying time. The anxious dread and feelings of hopelessness is completely overwhelming.

Some of my PP friends may remember that last summer I had cataract surgery which was a disaster....the anxiety started then and has worsened.

I feel like I am close to my breaking point. i am having a hard time coping, writing this out is very hard for me.....hard to put my thoughts together.

I do the day to day stuff but barely. I cry uncontrollably and yell a lot at my husband. I am wondering if this can be in part protracted zoloft withdrawal. I stopped at 4.8 mg after a 27 month taper.....I had taken zoloft, 50 mg. for about 13 years. I swallowed my last zoloft 29 months ago. I am considering going back on medicine because I fear having a breakdown and ending up in a psych ward. I am barely functioning. I am 68 years old. Can this still be withdrawal? My husband says yes it is withdrawal....that it will take a lot more time for my brain to adjust but I can not believe that I can still be suffering like this so far out.

PS My husband has used chemical spray to get rid of ants and insects since we've been in our new house....very warm here.....I am very sensitive to chemicals and wonder if that is pushing me over the edge. Also change in water, air, food, etc. is also a factor. Never felt like this ever before in my life. i am a puddle. Thoughts and suggestions welcomed.

[lotusflower]

The one thing that makes me believe this is protracted withdrawal is that nothing that I do helps me to feel better .....for example, going to therapy may help for the hour I am there but as soon as I walk out the door, all the misery is back again. I'm a member of various 12 step recovery programs and may feel better at a meeting for a short time....but as soon as I walk out, I'm flooded with the same negative feeiings. It seems like nothing I do can lift the darkness.

[Petunia]

Hi lotusflower,

Thank you for updating, I changed the title of your thread to reflect your new user name.

 

I'm sorry to hear you are having some increased symptoms again. Its my guess that your recent move back to the states has been quite stressful and has triggered a bit of a wave. Its not unusual for the nervous system to remain more vulnerable to stress for a few years after tapering is complete, even if it was a slow taper.

 

My suggestion is to go back to the basics of taking care of yourself. Do what you can to decrease stress and minimize changes. Here are some links which may be helpful until you get over this temporary set back. I'm sure you will feel better again once you settle into your new home and environment.

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization 

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Many people find  fish oil and magnesium helpful, see King of Supplements: Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) and Magnesium, Nature's Calcium Channel Blocker

 

Petunia.

[brassmonkey]

Hi Lotusflower--- I've been thinking about you, and missing my dear friend.  Boy it sounds like you've really been through the ringer since we last talked, no wonder you're still feeling bad. Sorry to hear about your sister I hope things improve.

 

I will have to say that there is a good chance that protracted WD has something to do with the way you're feeling.  It was never talked about back at PP (Prior Place as I now call it) but working with the people here I've learned a lot about it, and it is pretty common.  Apparently the last several mgs are the most critical for taking it slowly as they have the biggest effect on the CNS and if one goes too fast it takes a lot more time to recover, but recovery does happen.

 

For some reason I'm really scattered tonight so I'll give you 

 

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))) 

 

and sign off.

[lotusflower]

 

Hi lotusflower,

Thank you for updating, I changed the title of your thread to reflect your new user name.

 

I'm sorry to hear you are having some increased symptoms again. Its my guess that your recent move back to the states has been quite stressful and has triggered a bit of a wave. Its not unusual for the nervous system to remain more vulnerable to stress for a few years after tapering is complete, even if it was a slow taper.

 

My suggestion is to go back to the basics of taking care of yourself. Do what you can to decrease stress and minimize changes. Here are some links which may be helpful until you get over this temporary set back. I'm sure you will feel better again once you settle into your new home and environment.

 

 

Petunia,

Thanks very much for responding. What you say about the nervous system remaining more vulnerable to stress for a few years after tapering is complete is very helpful and reassuring to read. I wasn't looking at it that way. All of my sensitivities are heightened right now. Chemical smells, noise, extreme temperatures, EVERyTHING. And our daily to do list is endless. I am so reactive to everything. My husband bought me a rosary for our wedding present many years ago. We have unpacked everything and I can not find it. I am utterly heartbroken. We went to church today and all I could think about was the rosary that I lost. Yes, being sad is understandable but devastated? This is ridiculous. And I've been like this over other things also. We are being sued by the people who bought our house. We did not break any law and yet I feel like a criminal. I am filled with shame and self hatred. i can't stop the awful obsessive thinking. And I am in a constant state of fear bordering on panic every time I think about it which is most of the time. I have no desire to do anything...I am managing to shop for groceries and cook a meal but that is all. I have no desire to do anything fun. A couple months before we returned to the states, I awoke with panic so bad that it felt as if my throat was closing. My husband almost called 911 but I managed to calm myself down....I am terrified that will happen again...that my throat will close and I'll die from suffocation. I don't believe I've read on here about that happening to anyone but would appreciate hearing if anyone can relate.....and if the throat is actually closing or if I just believe it is.

 

I will definitely read over the links you posted, thanks again so very much.

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization [/url

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Many people find  fish oil and magnesium helpful, see King of Supplements: Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) and Magnesium, Nature's Calcium Channel Blocker

 

Petunia.

 

[lotusflower]

Hi Lotusflower--- I've been thinking about you, and missing my dear friend. Boy it sounds like you've really been through the ringer since we last talked, no wonder you're still feeling bad. Sorry to hear about your sister I hope things improve.

 

I will have to say that there is a good chance that protracted WD has something to do with the way you're feeling. It was never talked about back at PP (Prior Place as I now call it) but working with the people here I've learned a lot about it, and it is pretty common. Apparently the last several mgs are the most critical for taking it slowly as they have the biggest effect on the CNS and if one goes too fast it takes a lot more time to recover, but recovery does happen.

 

For some reason I'm really scattered tonight so I'll give you

 

 

My dear Tom,

Boy do I miss you. And those hugs. I'm so happy for you....are you under 2 mg.? Congratulations! Prior Place? You make me laugh....first time in a long time. How is Monica? Please take care of yourself. Thank you for your encouraging words, it means a lot to hear from you.

I'm sending prayers and hugs back. xxjoanne

 

ps also want to thank you for putting Amy in touch with me.....we have been communicating thanks to you.

 

and sign off.

[lotusflower]

Dear Petunia and Tom,

It looks like when I quoted you above, my response got inserted into the quote....don't know why for sure.

 

I am thinking about reinstating to zoloft 10 mg. or 12. 5. I remember feeling very good at 10.....maybe I just need to go back on a small dose.

I am barely functional....is it worth the risk or better to ride it out?

[brassmonkey]

Reinstating is always a tricky business, especially when you've been off for a long time.  It is best to start low and see how it goes.  Often times just taking a small bit, like 1-2mg as needed (but no more than once a day) will help quell the symptoms.  I would try that first and see what happens.  Then maybe consider an RI at 2-3mg.  Going all the way back to  10mg could be a bad shock to your body and cause a adverse reaction and we really don't want that.  There is a thread around here on reinstating, I can't find the link and I'm about to run out the door.  More soon.

[Babs]

Hi Lotusflower,

 

I'm sorry to hear you are having a rough time.  You've had a lot of stress in your life so it's understandable.  My own opinion is that we can technically not be "in withdrawal" after a certain point but still more sensitive to life's stressors than before, which I think is where you're at.  I would hate to see you lose all the healing time you have accrued by going back on meds, which may not work or even make things worse.  I know "hang in there" isn't much in the way of advice but I urge you to try and use self care until things settle down for you.

[AmyK]

Joanne, I am so happy to see you here, and I was so pleased that I could get in touch with you before! I am so sorry you are feeling so stressed. But it's so understandable reading what you are going thru. I dont know about reinstatement, and I would somehow hate to see you do it after such a long taper. I am with Babs there.

But only you can decide what is tolerable for you. But I wish so much you could find a way to relax. Meditation, maybe. Chanting? (I know you have done that before). Or just acceptance, "this is the way I feel right now, but things will get better".

It might sound naive, but it helps me sometimes when I feel very stressed.

Many hugs!

[lotusflower]

Dear Babs and Amy!

You have no idea how great it feels to hear from you two....and Tom. Thanks so much for your support and suggestions. I am feeling better tonight....it is the first time in weeks that I have experienced an extended period of time with no anxiety bordering on panic or those horrid feelings of anxious dread. I did two things a little differently....one, I took a very long nap today...my body has been sleep deprived and worn out due to the extreme stress and worry I am feeling about that crazy lawsuit. Lack of sleep makes me feel mentally ill. Then, tonight I reached out to a couple of women I met here.....made plans with one of them to go to yoga this week. So for now, I am going to follow your suggestion to hang on and not reinstate.....and practice more self care. thank you!

 

PS Gee, Amy, you are almost done! I hope you will keep going slowly just like you have been doing. So happy for you.

I need to look for your journal.....have you posted lately?

Edited July 27, 2015 by lotusflower

[AmyK]

Wonderful, good for you, Joanne! <3

 

(I haven't written in my journal since May or June, but if you click on my symbol you will be able to find it)

[aberdeen]

Hey lotus! 

I"m sorry you feel like crap! I cant tell you if this is purely situational anxiety or if its wd. i have no doubt in my mind that wd is possible at two years, and I also think that if jumping off at 4mg was too much for you, you will still have waves. I suppose the reason doesnt even matter. But I think you can get through this either way, but i agree, i would be scared to Reinstate after all your work. What if it caused an adverse reaction on your sensitive system?

Lets just say this is mostly wd....things seem to improve for everyone after about 2-3 years. Let's say its situational...situations resolve and change and you feel better. Either way you look at it this wont be permanent and since you have felt good before, you will again! hang in there! You've had a lot going on, so be gentle on yourself.

[lotusflower]

Hey lotus! 

I"m sorry you feel like crap! I cant tell you if this is purely situational anxiety or if its wd. i have no doubt in my mind that wd is possible at two years, and I also think that if jumping off at 4mg was too much for you, you will still have waves. I suppose the reason doesnt even matter. But I think you can get through this either way, but i agree, i would be scared to Reinstate after all your work. What if it caused an adverse reaction on your sensitive system?

Lets just say this is mostly wd....things seem to improve for everyone after about 2-3 years. Let's say its situational...situations resolve and change and you feel better. Either way you look at it this wont be permanent and since you have felt good before, you will again! hang in there! You've had a lot going on, so be gentle on yourself.

Aberdeen, thanks so much for your comments and vote of confidence.   What you say makes perfect sense...but when I'm in a wave, I just can't see it....so thank you.     It means the world to me that you and the others have stopped by to help me out.    I have missed you all so much.   xxjoanne

[Babs]

Just checking in to see how you are doing, Joanne.  Have things settled down any?  I think you are similar to me in that we both react very strongly to stressful life events.  I flipped out over my cataract surgery too (and I know yours was way worse) because it took me weeks to get my vision back.  When I moved across the state I was very depressed for a while (I was four years off Paxil at that time).  Would I have bounced back better had I never been though withdrawal?  I'll never know.  What I do know is that things tend to calm down and stabilize as time goes by and I hope they are for you.  ((HUGS))