Peter23 Tardive dysphoria after going off sertraline

[Peter23]

I can relate to so much that has been written here about antidepressants. I developed tardive dysphoria after being on them for 25 years. I am now virtually off antidepressants but still suffer terribly because of the tardive dysphoria. I feel suicidally depressed, anxious,worried and restless every day. I struggle to get out of bed and to get washed and dressed. Everything seems like an impossible task. I have been like this for over 2 years and despair that I will feel better. It took me about 18 months to taper off Sertraline. Does anyone else have experience with tardive dysphoria? Will I ever recover? 

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Peter.

 

I moved your post here to start your Introductions topic, where you can report your progress and ask questions about your situation.

 

How long have you been off sertraline? Did you have withdrawal symptoms while you were tapering?

 

What does "tardive dysphoria" feel like to you?

[Peter23]

Thanks. I have been off Sertraline for about 3 months. I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms coming off it, as I tapered very slowly. The dysphoria feels like being in a constant state of low mood, severe anxiety, restlessness, worry and dissatisfaction. 

[Altostrata]

@Peter23 did you have any withdrawal symptoms as you came off? What method did you use to taper?

[Peter23]

No I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms as I came off Sertraline. I used the liquid form of the drug and reduced the dose by 10 per cent every four weeks. My problem is that I developed "tardive dysphoria " while I was on the drug. I have been on three antidepressants over the past 25 years. Venlafaxine (Effexor) 150mg : Sertraline 150mg : Mirtazapine 30mg. I was on both Sertraline & Mirtazapine for a few years so had to come off the Mirtazapine first and then the Sertraline. I am now off both of these drugs and feeling really awful. My psychiatrist tried me on Trazodone more recently and I felt even worse. So have now decided that I need to tough it out without any antidepressant with the desperate hope that my nervous system will eventually recover. I now accept that there is no pill to fix me. 

[Marmot]

Hi Peter, Welcome to the forum. Really sorry to hear what you have been put through. I also have the low mood and high anxiety since my taper. I don't have any answers for you, just letting you know that you're not alone. I guess my gardening helps me a bit with the struggle but that's about it right now, planted some wildflower seeds and hoping they sprout. Anyway, peace.

[Peter23]

Thank you Marmot for your kind words of support. It means a great deal to know that I'm not alone. Sounds like you too are going through a really tough time. I do hope that things improve for you given time.