Granny: Tapering since january

[Granny]

🤐

Edited May 20, 2021 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Granny.  We are a site for helping members taper off psychiatric drugs to deal with withdrawal.

 

Please start a topic about yourself in this forum.  This is your Introduction thread, and you should post your Introduction topic here.  Please don't start another thread (only one Introduction topic per member).  Please follow the guidelines in this link:

  Please start a topic about yourself in this forum 

Edited May 20, 2021 by Gridley

[Granny]

Ive been tapering since january 2021. Started at 100mg zoloft, cut it down to 50mg, for 3 mo. Then cut down to 25mg zoloft for 7 wks now. Not sure whats next as far as smaller doseage

[Gridley]

15 hours ago, Granny said:

Ive been tapering since january 2021. Started at 100mg zoloft, cut it down to 50mg, for 3 mo. Then cut down to 25mg zoloft for 7 wks now. Not sure whats next as far as smaller doseage

You are tapering much faster than we recommend, which is no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks.  

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

You aren't limited to reducing by the standard doses Zoloft comes in.  There are several methods to get the smaller non-standard doses you'll need for a safe 10% taper, including a prescription liquid, making your own liquid and using a digital scale, such the Gemini-20 scale (available on Amazon) to measure tablets.  Information about these methods is included in the following link, which is specifically about tapering Zoloft:

 

Tips for tapering off sertraline (Zoloft)

 

How are you feeling since you started tapering?  Are you noticing any withdrawal symptoms?

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  This would basically be the information in your post about your dosages and dates of your taper.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Granny]

So im still at 25mg forabout 6wks now. My dr told me i can stop taking  it now.  But from what ive read here, i should taper down 10% more.

[getofflex]

7 hours ago, Granny said:

My dr told me i can stop taking  it now. 

Unfortunately most doctors tell people to taper off psych meds way too fast, and many end up in a world of hurt.  We at SA suggest a very slow and cautious taper of no more than 10% of your current dose no faster than every 4 weeks. As Gridley stated, you have been tapering a lot faster than this.  Even if you feel OK now, these fast tapers have a way of catching up with people later.   If it were me, I would hold at your current dose for several months at least, to allow your nervous system time to adjust to the lower dose.  Are you having any symptoms? If so, what are they?  

 

Also, please follow the instructions at the end of Gridley's post and create a drug signature.  this will appear in each of your posts, and allow us to help you better.  thank you.   

Edited May 26, 2021 by getofflex

[Granny]

I am going to stay the course, 1/4 zoloft a day, i trust this site much more than the advice i just got from dr office. Been having sadness, tears and head jolts, but try to positive self talk, and i will  and can do this!

[getofflex]

You still need to give us a drug signature.  I don't know how many mg is in 1/4 a Zoloft.  Please see previous post.

 

17 hours ago, Granny said:

i will  and can do this!

I agree, you can and you will if you want to!  🙂

[Granny]

I am taking 25mg zoloft every day,  

[getofflex]

OK, thanks.  Please click on your name in the upper left corner, click on account settings, then click on signature.  Please type all drugs, dates, and their dosages in mg that you've been on in the past couple years in the box.    

[Granny]

I was also on trazadone for many years for sleep issues, 50mg. I got off trazadone 5 yrs ago.

[Granny]

Ive also been on lexepro 100mg, and ambian 50 mg forawhile, got tired of sleep walking!!

[getofflex]

How long ago did you stop taking the Lexapro and Ambien?

 

How are you feeling these days? 

[Granny]

I stopped lexepro ar least 15 yrs ago, i stopped ambian about 2005, both along time ago. Im feeling ok now on 25mg zoloft, just quite alot of depression, head jolts,  but i will finally get off this med , staying positive for sure

[getofflex]

On 5/31/2021 at 2:25 PM, Granny said:

staying positive for sure

Having a positive attitude is a huge asset, especially in drug WD.  Congratulations on stopping the Lexapro and Ambient!  Those are big accomplishments. As you stay on your current dose for a while, you should start to stabilize and slowly feel better.  The key is time and patience. 

[Granny]

These bouts of depression are so bad. I feel ok then all of a sudden im so low, tears coming down. , feel like sleeping all day.

[Greatful]

@GrannyHi Granny, I saw your post on symptoms and self care.  How are you doing?  I can relate about you feel like you are losing your mind.  What all is going on?  How can I help you?  

Greatful

[Granny]

 Vitamin B12,   v Such depression and head jolts, insomnia. I kinda felt like i was passibg away yesterday. , so today i have felt much better , got some sleep last night. I read about supplements i can get to maybe help the withdrawel symptoms like omega 3, and vitamin B12, plus benedryl for head jolts. Think i might try them

[Greatful]

@GrannyI can relate to the brain jolts.  My brain has been buzzing, tingling, burning, zapping, pressure and feels like it is in a vice grip.  This has been a constant ( it has let up when I sleep) for the last 4 to 6 months.  My depression comes and goes.  It is really scary when you feel so low and hopeless.  I have been on drugs for a little over 20 years......  I think it is time us long timers see what it is like to have a clear brain and live a better life........

 

There is so much information here on SA.  Have you had a chance to look at any of the information here?  I found it very helpful to learn about what is happening to our brain when we are on these drugs.  I also found comfort on the symptoms and self care form.  I was assured that other people were experiencing things like intense fear, intrusive thoughts, obsessing, brain zaps, guilt, and so much more.  It was reassuring these are normal withdrawal symptoms.  I thought I was going  crazy.  They also shared coping skills that I found to be helpful.    Try and educate yourself,  it will feel like you are taking control of your life.

 

Be patient and learn acceptance.   We will get through this.

 

I found Magnesium glycinate has helped with my anxiety.  Remember to start out at a low does to see if you have adverse reaction to it.

 

[Granny]

Thank you so much for the information!  It seems like each day is different,   i try to just stay busy,active.its gonna take awhile , lots of withdrawel symptoms and not even off zoloft yet, but one day i will be!!  Thank you again

[Greatful]

Hi Granny.  I love your name...I am a grandmother to 10 grandchildren.   

How are you doing. 

I have been struggling with depression and other symptoms the last few days.  I know you have talked about it at times.  I think the depression WD are really tough.  How do you deal with them.  I hate feeling sad and hopeless.  

Have you had some good days?

 

You and me have been on meds for many years, we need to stick together and get us both off............

 

 

[Granny]

Yes i am a grandma to 5 grand children, and granny was my dogs name, she was a little schnauzer, best little dog ever, ,i had her for 19yrs, anyway, with the depression, i just try to stay up and active, dont go lay down, dont give in to it., it passes. Yes i have had some good days.but i have a long way to go, im still taking  25 mg zoloft. Just really dont know when to totally stop. So until i figure that out, here i sit. You can do it, stay strong stay positive!

[Granny]

This depression and anger is just killing me

[Granny]

I feel like i have lost myself, im not here anymore, and i dont feel like i can come back . How do i get through this depression?

[Moonpie]

Hi Granny, I can relate to what you are saying. One of the moderators can better help in the tapering.  But you are tapering way to fast which will make withdrawals very hard.  I remember reading on the site, I do not remember who or where said this.   When we are in withdrawal we  Feel like we have always been there and it will never end. I had not forgotten it because I have felt that way and I look back and it only been several days or a week. Please stop tapering until you no longer have symptoms.    The goal is taper slowly enough no matter how slow that may be , so you  the least amount of suffering  and can function.  I am sorry you are going through this and killing so bad. Everyone here can empathize.  Please know with time it does get better. Hang in there.  Time is on our side. Take care. Hope you feel better soon.

[Granny]

Thank you so much moonpie. Yes im miserable here now.  I really dont know what to do, but would appreciate any advise on how to get thru this. Like i dont know what dosage to do,  

[Greatful]

@Granny  How are you doing? Don't feel bad about still being on Zoloft.  You almost home free.  

[Greatful]

@Granny  I saw your post about depression in the symptoms and self-care form.  Please tag me if you need to talk or let off steam.  I know that the depression can be overwhelming.  Do you have any support at your house?  Are you getting any sleep, are you eating?  Are you having any other symptoms?  I wish this didn't have to be so hard, but you will make it.  When was the last time you had a window in your depression?

Hang in there.  I am sending you hugs☺️

[Granny]

I am doing better now because i am taking 25mg zoloft every day now instead of every other day, untill i get a geminii scale to measure better. Ive been told to get scale, empty capsules, morter and pestal, that way i can measure the zoloft much better, into smaller and smaller doses, without the withdrawels.  Thank you for your care and concern, i will hang in there and get it done

[getofflex]

I'm glad to hear you are doing better, @Granny.  It's good you are no longer skipping doses, as this is a way to cause problems with our nervous systems due to getting inconsistent amounts of the drug from day to day.  

[Greatful]

@Granny Stopping by to say hi and see how things are going.

You are one strong woman.  I bought a scale, I need to get a mortal and pestle.  I am not crushing yet, but I do cut pill.  I use to just brake them in half and now I know that was not smart.  I was inconsistent with the doses everyday.  Now I weight and have a daily pill container. I do a weeks worth at a time.  

Did you do anything for the 4th?

Take care

Talk soon

  

[Granny]

Hi greatful, im waiting for my scale etc to arrive from amazon so im staying with the 25 mg of zoloft till scale arrives any day now, then i will crush  put on 10mg doses and keep it like that for awhile. Didnt do much for 4th of july, our county banned any and all fireworks this year because of the heatwave  that we had.  Hopeing next year will be much better, vancouver wa use to be a wild time for the 4th of july, unfortunately not any more

[Greatful]

@Granny Stopping to see how you are doing?   Did you get your scale?

[Granny]

Im doing ok, this depression is awful tho. I just dont feel like myself. I got the scale, just havent figured out how to work it yet. Still taking 25 mg zoloft a day.  How are you doing?

[Greatful]

@GrannyI am sorry to here that.  Do you have support at home?  Are you able to distract yourself?  I know the heavy feeling of depression can make it hard to move or feel motivated to do anything.  I try to walk most mornings.  

  I went through a awful depressions and high anxiety for a 8-9 days.  Then a small window, now I am back to low mood but not as bad.  Feeling blah.  How long have you been at 25mg?  Do you have 25mg tablets?  

I am glad my husband is helping with getting the weights right when I do my pills

 

This might bring a smile to you face picture this

Every Saturday evening I collect my drugs(Lexapro, Trazodone, Xanax, Lamictal,  Omega 3, L Theanine, Vit. C, Melatonin, ) 

get my scale, red envelope( to cut over and catch the crumbs) pill cuter, razor blade and  2big pill box with days and times on it.  Cut and weight and fill up the pill boxes.  Sometimes it almost makes me cry.  How did it every come to this!  I am hoping once I stabilize, I can start to cut the Lexapro out 1st.  Lucky I am on a low dose on all the meds.

 

We are strong Grandmas and we will do this😊  One day at a time!

Take Care, Talk soon

 

[Granny]

ive been on 25 mg zoloft since april, its now july, the depression is so bad.  im gonna have my husband help me figure out how to use the scales etc, too. i cant believe all the meds ive be on either.