Karen2: Withdrawal from short term Zoloft

[Karen2]

I was on a low dose of Zoloft for three months. I am very sensitive to all drugs and had very bad side effects so my doctor had me wean off.  I was on 25mg for 2months then 50mg for less than a month back to 25 mg. Weaned off from 25 mg. I’m completely off now and have very bad side effects. Dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, blurred vision, anger, memory problems and many more. Since I was only on the meds for 3 months, could this be all withdrawal symptoms or is it me?

 

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I'm sorry that you are in this predicament.  

 

Q: What were the "very bad side effects" you had when you were on the Zoloft?  

 

Q: What other symptoms are you having now, besides the ones you already mentioned?  How is your sleep, eating, and daily functioning? 

 

Can you please give us specific information about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise vertical list (no symptoms), only drug names, specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Use this format:

 

Drug name: date, dose, date, dose, date, dose…

Drug name: date, dose, date, dose, date, dose…

Etcetera

 

Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.   This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications.

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

You also had an adverse reaction to the drug, which is talked about here:

 

Adverse Reaction

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

What is Happening in Your Brain

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. 

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I just want to reassure you that eventually you will get better from this, but it will take a lot of time and patience.  Hang in there, and let us know how you are doing!