VitaminC81 Posted February 12, 2023 Share Posted February 12, 2023 Hi guys, I was told to taper off zoloft for the course of a month by my doc from 50 mg. I couldn't deal with the withdrawals after 10 days of fully off. I reinstated 12.5 for 3 days and moved up to 25 for the past two. Having really bad side effects (insomnia, no appetite, anxiety) but starting to feel better. Is this normal for me to feel better this fast because I was only off for 10 days. Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted February 13, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 13, 2023 Welcome to SA, VitaminC81. 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. A list format is best. Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature. Did you have the insomnia, no appetite and anxiety before you tapered off the 50mg or only after the fast taper? If only after the taper, they aren't side effects (which are caused by being on the drug)--they're withdrawal symptoms caused by going off the drug too quickly. What is withdrawal syndrome Brain Remodelling Video: Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery Yes, it's normal to feel better this fast after a reinstatement. It can happen almost immediately or after a few days to a week. Reinstatement is the only known way to reduce withdrawal. About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms. -- at least the first page of the topic While you reinststated much more than we normally recommend, the fact that you're starting to feel better indicates that the reinstatement is working. Are you feeling better for the last two days at 25mg or for the previous 3 days at 12.5mg? I wouldn't reinstate any higher--you don't want to overwhelm your system, which has been sensitized by the rapid taper. Depending on your answer to my question, I'd suggest you hold steady on the reinstated dose for several weeks, possibly longer, to let your system recover from your rapid taper. At that point you can begin a taper to zero. We recommend tapering no faster than 10% of your current dose every four weeks. Why taper by 10% of my dosage? The following link is specifically about tapering Zoloft, including how to get the nonstandard doses you'll need for a 10% taper. Tips for tapering off sertraline (Zoloft) 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 (glyinate is a good form) 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. This is your introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community. I hope you’ll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation. I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but I am glad that you found us. 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 April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, 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
VitaminC81 Posted February 13, 2023 Author Share Posted February 13, 2023 All physical issues seem to have gone and I finally slept good last night. Just now feel like thoughts are on loop in my head it's so weird hopefully goes away in a couple of days. Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted February 13, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 13, 2023 6 minutes ago, VitaminC81 said: All physical issues seem to have gone and I finally slept good last night. Just now feel like thoughts are on loop in my head it's so weird hopefully goes away in a couple of days. So you're feeling better at 25mg than at 12.5mg? 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 April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, 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
VitaminC81 Posted February 13, 2023 Author Share Posted February 13, 2023 5 minutes ago, Gridley said: So you're feeling better at 25mg than at 12.5mg? Yeah physically I am but mentally my thoughts are just racing from time to time. This just started last night Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
VitaminC81 Posted February 13, 2023 Author Share Posted February 13, 2023 Hi guys I reinstated my medicine after 10 days off. I did 12.5 for 3 days and then 25 for the last 3. All my physical symptoms have went away but I feel like I just have intrusive thoughts on Loop in my head. Will this ever go away? It started last night. Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
VitaminC81 Posted February 13, 2023 Author Share Posted February 13, 2023 3 hours ago, Gridley said: So you're feeling better at 25mg than at 12.5mg? Yes sorry I read this wrong I feel leveled out now at 25 for 3 days physically just a lot of anxiety which I'm guessing will go away as time goes on. I actually slept 8 hours last night and have been back to eating even though I don't really have the urge to Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted February 13, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 13, 2023 1 minute ago, VitaminC81 said: I feel leveled out now at 25 for 3 days physically just a lot of anxiety Here are some links for dealing with anxiety. Try and remain as calm as possible and not to panic. It's important to learn and use Non-drug techniques to cope Audio: First Aid for Panic (4 minutes) 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 This last one has worked well for me. 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 April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, 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
VitaminC81 Posted February 14, 2023 Author Share Posted February 14, 2023 16 hours ago, Gridley said: Here are some links for dealing with anxiety. Try and remain as calm as possible and not to panic. It's important to learn and use Non-drug techniques to cope Audio: First Aid for Panic (4 minutes) 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 This last one has worked well for me. One last thing sorry, I talked to my doctor and she prescribed me effexor. She told me to stop taking zoloft and just move to that. Should I do that what do you think? Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted February 14, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 14, 2023 50 minutes ago, VitaminC81 said: One last thing sorry, I talked to my doctor and she prescribed me effexor. She told me to stop taking zoloft and just move to that. Should I do that what do you think? I would not recommend that. There is no telling how you will react to the Effexor or to the switch from one drug to another, and there are many member stories here on failed antidepressant crossovers and great difficulties following the switch. Effexor is one of the most difficult antidepressants to get off. It's much better to taper the drug you're already on. 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 April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, 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
VitaminC81 Posted February 15, 2023 Author Share Posted February 15, 2023 Still feel good physically it's just my anxiety that's killing me... Intrusive thoughts all day and hightened anxiety. Been on 25 for 5 days now. Hopefully it will be better soon. Ginger is really helping with nausea so I can at least eat a bit. Weird side note every time I brush my teeth I gag now Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
Mentor littlebird Posted February 15, 2023 Mentor Share Posted February 15, 2023 4 minutes ago, VitaminC81 said: Weird side note every time I brush my teeth I gag now More sensitive gag reflex? I get this too at times, hadn't thought it was med related, but literally anything could be. 5 minutes ago, VitaminC81 said: Ginger is really helping with nausea so I can at least eat a bit. That's good! I'm glad you're able to get some food in, it helps so much with anxiety I've found. The days I don't eat much anxiety is through the roof! Welcome, VitaminC! Glad you're here and getting better. Pronouns: they/them/theirs Started on Prozac in early 2000s to treat cPTSD, been on various cocktails ever since. 2002-2004, 2017-2022: Buspar, tapered down to 0 2016-present: 100mg Seroquel for sleep -> May 2023: 90mg -> June 2023: 81mg -> September 2023: 72mg -> switched to brand name, much too strong, down to 60mg -> October 2023: 54mg -> November 2023: 50mg -> January 2024: 45mg -> April 2024: 40.5mg 2016-Present: 100mg Wellbutrin SR -> January 2023: 75mg IR (37.5mg 2x a day) -> February 2023 (33.75mg 2x a day) -> July 2023 (30.37mg 2x a day) -> August 2023: 27.33mg 2x a day 2018-present: 25mg Pristiq 2015-present: 600mg Gabapentin (200mg 3x a day) -> December 2022: 300mg Gabapentin (100mg 3x a day) per GP's recommendation after side effects -> March 2023: 90mg 3x a day (switched to liquid suspension) -> April 2023: 81mg 3x a day -> September 2023: bad generic, switched back to homemade liquid; too strong after bad generic, down to 70mg 3x a day, still bad. Adjusted slowly till at 60mg 3x a day, much better. Long hold till -> December 2023: 54mg, still feels too high after November Seroquel switch from brand name to generic, doc recommended 50mg which feels better -> January 2024: When Wellbutrin went down, Gabapentin started putting me to sleep, went down to 45mg, then 41mg to stay awake, so far so good -> February 2024: 36mg, still too high, 34mg -> March 2024: 31mg, STILL too high, 30mg Supplements: Multivitamin w/magnesium, probiotics, digestive enzymes, anti-viral nitric oxide nose spray as needed Link to comment
Moderator Erimus Posted February 15, 2023 Moderator Share Posted February 15, 2023 Post these questions in your own thread as opposed to the symptoms and self care section. 1 Active Monday-Friday UK time MEDICATION: 1) Sertraline: 50mg - Oct 2020, 100mg - Dec 2020, 50mg - April 2021, 75mg - May 2021, 50mg - Sep 2021; Failed taper attempt (50 -> 49) - Jan 2024; Second attempt to start taper - 17 Feb 2024 Current dose: 48.9mg (Feb 2024) 2) Mirtazapine: 15mg - Nov 2020 SUPPLEMENTS: Cod liver oil Link to comment
VitaminC81 Posted February 17, 2023 Author Share Posted February 17, 2023 Is it normal for anxiety to be worse 1 week into reinstating? Some days feel good but some are bad on and off Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
Moderator FireflyFyte Posted February 17, 2023 Moderator Share Posted February 17, 2023 12 minutes ago, VitaminC81 said: Is it normal for anxiety to be worse 1 week into reinstating? Some days feel good but some are bad on and off Hello fellow Massachusetts resident 👋 It sounds like you are describing the windows and waves of stabilization where sometimes you feel better and other times you feel worse. It might take more time to stabilize on your current dose and the anxiety to come down further. Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, Citalopram, Sertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2023 = 0.7mg Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022. Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg Link to comment
VitaminC81 Posted February 17, 2023 Author Share Posted February 17, 2023 7 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said: Hello fellow Massachusetts resident 👋 It sounds like you are describing the windows and waves of stabilization where sometimes you feel better and other times you feel worse. It might take more time to stabilize on your current dose and the anxiety to come down further. Okay happy to hear. Thank you my fellow mass hole lol jk. Appreciate you! 1 Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
VitaminC81 Posted February 20, 2023 Author Share Posted February 20, 2023 Still dealing with intrusive thoughts here and there it's been a struggle some days are definitely better than others. Have started Cbt but it just sucks never had these until I stopped taking the med for that short time. Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
Moderator FireflyFyte Posted February 20, 2023 Moderator Share Posted February 20, 2023 5 hours ago, VitaminC81 said: Still dealing with intrusive thoughts here and there it's been a struggle some days are definitely better than others. Have started Cbt but it just sucks never had these until I stopped taking the med for that short time. I hope that you start having more good, than bad, days soon. Proud of you for seeking out non-drug coping skills to address the intrusive thinking. Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, Citalopram, Sertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2023 = 0.7mg Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022. Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg Link to comment
VitaminC81 Posted February 22, 2023 Author Share Posted February 22, 2023 My Doctor wants me to go back up to 50 mg now for anxiety after being back on 25 MG for officially 2 weeks. What do you guys advise doing. Just to level out and then start a correct taper in the future if I want to come off the med. Zoloft 50 mg - 10/20 - 1/22 Zoloft 25 mg - 7/22 - 1/23 Zolft 25 mg - 2/23 - present Link to comment
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