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Kelsears Hello 10 weeks off Zoloft with bad withdrawals


Kelsears

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Thanks for reading its a long story bear with me. I’m 2018 after horrible pregnancy and birth and surgery I was placed on 50mg of Zoloft for PPA. Looking back it’s wasn’t anxiety I was physically just exhausted. 

Get little fuzzy here because my memory sucks. But at some point in 2020 I started forget to take my meds so missing days here and there. To the point Id only remember to take them around my cycle when my PMDD started up. I was feeling great so I decided to stop taking them. I’m thinking that was around the beginning of 2021. In October of 2022 my PMDD symptoms come back (or could have been withdrawals idk). So I started back up on 50mg of Zoloft. After second pill I started feeling feelings (now I know it was anxiety) I had never felt before and chest pains. Went to urgent care for them and did EKG and everything was fine. So I went home and continued taking the Zoloft. The anxiety started working its way into mild panic attacks. I message my GP and she says just give the meds time. 
December comes and I have check up with my GP and she asked how the anxiety I tell her is the highest it’s ever been ( seeing how I never experienced intense anxiety or panic attacks before). Should also state my life is great no stressors. Great family and very supportive friends. My GP decided to up my dose to 100mg. This is where I go from barely functioning to not functioning. Day 2 of the 100mg I was in full panic nonstop all day all night. I couldn’t sleep couldn’t eat. Chest pain was so bad i was rushed to ED by ambulance. I was in cardiac distress. At the ED they did full cardiac work up for hours. Said I was stable go home follow up with cardiologist. Not even 24 hours later I beg my husband to take me back. This time I demanded them keep me. I hadn’t eaten or drank in days I couldn’t move my body. Finally after. Long ED visit they decided to admit me to the mental health department. This was a Friday. So Friday I didn’t not take any Zoloft. Saturday they get me settled in and with no psychiatrist on that weekend they has to call one in which didn’t come until Sunday. So at this point I hadn’t had Zoloft Friday or Saturday and slowly staring to feel better. So I talk with doc on Sunday and she puts me back of 50mg of Zoloft. I take it mid morning and by that evening I was in full panic again. So the doctor the next morning cut me CT off the Zoloft. She diagnosed me with SSRI induce panic disorder. She decided to place me on gabapentin to manage the PMDD symptoms. After 2 days I was feeling good and sent me home. 
3 days into gabapentin I started have tremors. I was told to wait it out take 4 weeks for it to start working. After 22 days of more hell. I finally told them I was weaning off. Researched new doctor and found one I love. Should also state started seeing a therapist just after release of hospital. 
I was in really rough shape on the verge of going back to the hospital every day. So my doctor prescribed Ativan .5 mg as needed to help calm my nervous system. I have PTSD from taking the Zoloft so starting meds are a real struggle. I final took the Ativan on a really bad day and that did help. I currently only take as needed because I’m afraid of becoming addicted and going through more withdrawals. 
For most part things have been manageable until my PMDD kicks in around my cycles. At these times I get severely depressed with intrusive thought. (Again nothing i experienced before the Zoloft). My new doctor is a holistic and a medication specialist. So last cycle we upped my b12 and folic acid to help with the cycles. It has help some with symptoms but still are so terrifying. So shes suggested  trying buspar as needed around my cycles.  This is the first med she ever suggested to me. She know I have PTSD from Zoloft. So that brings me up to today where I’m sitting 10 weeks off Zoloft  wondering if I should try the buspar or will that restart my withdrawal symptoms. I’m sooooooo scared. I have young kids and feel like I’m watching them through a tv and not present at all. I hate all this so much. I have hard time leaving the house and can’t be left alone. I feel so bad for my amazing husband and kids. 
 

Thank you for reading this far. 
kelsears 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Thank you for your patience.  I'm very sorry you are going through this, especially with young children to care for.  

 

It sounds like when you went back on the Zoloft in October of 2022, you had an adverse reaction to it.  This is not uncommon.  As we go on and off and then on psychiatric drugs, our nervous system tends to get sensitized, making an adverse reaction more likely.  When you doctor doubled your dose, the adverse reaction got worse.  And, since you were on the Zoloft for a couple of months, going off cold turkey probably has created withdrawal for you as well.  Then the gabapentin may have added another adverse reaction, and perhaps even withdrawal from that, depending on how long you were on it.  

 

Did you feel better or worse after you started the gabapentin?  

 

How did your symptom pattern change after you started the gabapentin?  

 

Did you feel better or worse after you stopped the gabapentin? 

 

Can you please give me more information about specific dates?  I need an approximate date for when you CT'ed the Zoloft in January, when you started the gabapentin in January, and when you started and completed the tapering off the gabapentin?  

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is.  Recovery from and adverse reaction is similar.  

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

Here is a link with checklists of common symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Stability is really important.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

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

 

If it were me, I would not go onto the Buspar.  It sounds like your nervous system is already pretty confused by the various drugs over the past 6 months, and is destabilized.  Adding another drug puts you at risk of further complicating your situation.  However, the good news is, there is a way out of this, but it will take lots of patience and time.  It is possible that a very small Zoloft reinstatement will help you.  

 

I will confer with the other staff, and we will get this sorted out.  

Edited by getofflex

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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Hello Kelsears. I just happened to see your post and thought I'd say hello and welcome you. I found this forum last summer after suffering for more than nearly 3 years with terrible anxiety, panic for no apparent reasons. I won't go into my whole story because it's posted here somewhere, but the bottom line is YES, your drugs and misinformed medical treatment brought you to the mess you are in (in my opinion.) I am slowly withdrawing from Effexor which I started for fibromyalgia 20+ years ago, not anxiety or depression. Those things (and lots of other horrible symptoms) only came about after my doctor switched my meds back and forth for a year without any titrating.

 

I did research, found SA, and started learning about what has obviously happened to me and what to do about it. I have a new doc now as of 2 years ago, and it has taken me 2 years to convince him that I am NOT a depressed/anxious person and that this medication has to be causing this. He FINALLY agrees (after multiple cardiac tests, stomach CT scan, blood work, etc that show nothing else wrong) I am following the advice here about coping, nutrition, and - most importantly- meds. You have come to the right place. The moderators offer correct and informed advice, and members provide encouragement and comfort on those bad days.

 

Read about windows and waves because that is sooooo true. Some days I think I'm have a heart attack and other days it's not so bad. Just know that this is an informed, supportive community of people who know exactly what you are going through and can help. My personal situation is still pretty bad, but at least I have found a place that understands and can help me. Feel free to message me any time. I'm new at this, but I can at least listen. xo Rebecca

Prozac 10mg 1990-1999    -1999-2018 Effexor XR 75 mg capsules

-2018 Dr direct switched me from Effexor 75XR to Cymbalta 20mg XR and 20 mg Metoprolol following irregular heartbeat incident  -Late 2019 began worsening anxiety/ depression symptoms     -2020 Dr direct switched  back to 75 mg Effex XR   Symptoms worsened   -2021 Changed Dr and began therapy for GAD and worsening physical symptoms   -2022 Found this forum and began slow taper by removing beads -    6/7 - 6/10 Effexor 73.2mg  6/11-6/14  Effexor 72.9mg   nightmares, tinnitus, anxiety;  6/15- Effexor XR 72.6mg  6/16 - 6/20 Effexor XR 72.8   nausea, heart palpitations, anxiety, tinnitus 6/22-7/4 hold Effexor XR 72.9-73.1     7/5-7/11  Effexor XR 72.62  7/12 - 7/15  Effexor 72.6  bad symptoms 

7/16-7/17 Effexor XR upped to 72.9  7/18 Effexor XR 72.9  most symptoms gone  hold at 72.9 - 73.0   8/26 - 9/6  Trying to keep dosage under 73. Holding around 72.9 sometime 72.86 due to bead count  Having symptoms most days.

9/6-9/23    Holding at about 72.9-73. Still very ill. No improvement.

9/23 - 11/23  Still keeping dose around 72.9-73

11-23-Jan 14   Held until one week ago. Dropped to 72.75-72.81  terrible WD

1/14- present   Worse WD symptoms. Back to 73.10. Cannot seem to stabilize. 

2/2 - present Holding at about 73 hoping to stabilize  

3/19 - present Dropped to aprox 92.9-92.88. (vary from day to day.) Holding 

Take only Clarinex 5mg for allergies and the Effexor 73 XR. I cannot take any supplements. No caffeine, sugar, soy, gluten, dairy.

 

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  • Mentor

Hi @Kelsears welcome to SA!  I  I'm so glad you found this site. You will get lots of support and wise advice here!  I am sorry to hear you have been through so much. And are still suffering. It is wonderful you have so much support there with  you.  You are not on this journey alone. HUGS 

  1. .025 Xanax 3 x daily  Start date 10-13-2013 through 8-13-2014.  Started tapering 6-2014 to 8-2014.  Some small discomfort. 25 mg Zoloft - Start date 5-1-2014.  50mg. 6-2014.  through 7-14-2014 .  Started tapering  7-14-2014, stopped tapering 10-2014.  I did 1/4 of the dose a month.  small discomfort.  These next 3 were prescribed when I made some seriously bad choices with my thyroid medication.  Was in ER twice for possible heart attack.  INTENSE anxiety, panic, fear.   Lost 30 pounds in 2 weeks.  Thyroid levels bounced to extremes for 8 months. Dr. prescribed Zoloft 50mg  9-2105.  After 2 doses had a bad reaction passed out in my bedroom. Also prescribed Xanax .025  at the same time. 3 times daily, 4 if needed.  Was only on it about 2 weeks.  Was not working.  Trip ER they gave me an Ativan IV and it worked and lasted.  switched to Ativan. 9-24-2016. 1.5 mg Ativan - .5 mg  three x daily -start date 9/24/16.  Attempted taper start 12-16-2016. Was shaving Pills and alternating tapering AM, PM and midday dose weekly.  Buspar .5mg  -2.5mg. am and 2. 5mg. pm start date 9-26-2016 .  Lexapro .10mg  start date  - 10-26-2016. Found SA and began 10/14/2017 tapering .001 by weight of pill  every 4 days Held longer if there were was WD.    Was very sensitive to Ativan. 3-15-2018 Off midday dose - 7-16-2018 Off PM dose - OFF ATIVAN! 11-17-2018 10 mg. Lexapro. PM - 5 mg start date 10/11/2016 increased to 10 mg 2/2/17. 1-1-2019 Began tapering Lexapro.  .001 gm every 4 days.  Held longer if there was WD.  Last doses some I held a month.  OFF LEXAPRO! 2-21 2021 5 mg. Buspar  divided into two, 2.5 mg doses AM and PM- Start date 9/26/2016 Cold turkey on Dr. direction, AM and Pm  doses.  Reinstated  9-22-16. Began Buspar taper 1-29-23, .001 mg by weight of pills.  N.P. Desiccated Thyroid.  1-2023 Labs okay but not where I feel best. 60 mg. daily now but adding 15 mg. more  twice weekly for a few months then check.  Bioidentical hormones. Bi-est/Prog cream, 1/4 tsp.  1 time daily

My intro: Moonpie:. Need help and supporting tapering off of Ativan

My benzo thread: Moonpie: Need help Ativan weight tapering

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@getofflex

thanks for replying. To answer your questions

Start of gabapentin I felt better until the tremors started it did help stabilize the moods a little. 

Symptoms after gabapentin were better no panic attacks. 
After stopping gabapentin I had a really hard week we’re I was on the verge of going to hospital almost everyday. 
was cut CT January 8th started gabapentin January 9th.  Started tapering gabapentin January 16th with final dose February 9th. 
 

my new medication/ holistic doctor placed me on supplements of B, folic acid, magnesium, omega 3, and D.  

I have major PTSD around meds now so I’m not sure I can even take anything. 
 

thank you for all the links. I’m going to read them tonight. Nights are hard so having something to read helps. 
 

thank you so so very much!!! 
 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

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@rmce72a

 

I’m so sorry you’re in this position also. I wish you healing. I’m glad I found this site. It better knowing I’m not alone. I’ve had so many Ct scans, mris, bloodwork, genetic testing. All come back normal. I just found a new GP because my other refused to think this was cause by the meds she increased. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

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@Moonpie

 

thank you so very much!!! 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
33 minutes ago, Kelsears said:

Symptoms after gabapentin were better no panic attacks. 
After stopping gabapentin I had a really hard week we’re I was on the verge of going to hospital almost everyday.

What do you mean by "symptoms after gabapentin"?  Does this mean after you started the gabapentin, or after you stopped it?  

 

Once the tremors started, did you feel worse on the gabapentin than you did before you started it?  What other symptoms did you have while you were on the gabapentin, that you didn't have prior to starting it?  

36 minutes ago, Kelsears said:

After stopping gabapentin I had a really hard week

Can you please elaborate on this?  What were your specific symptoms?  Have these symptoms resolved or improved? 

 

37 minutes ago, Kelsears said:

I have major PTSD around meds now so I’m not sure I can even take anything.

I certainly don't blame you!  And if you choose not to take anything, this is a good course of action.  You will eventually heal and recover, but it will take lots of time, and patience.  The important thing is natural self care, and do whatever calms down your nervous system.  I hope you have some help with the kiddos.  

 

It sounds to me as if you are experiencing a combination of withdrawal and adverse effects from the drug(s).  The good news is, our brains are very resilient, and you will eventually recover, assuming good self care, and not jumping on and off meds in the future.  In the meantime, learn some non drug coping techniques.  See the link in my first post.  Keep us posted, and take care.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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  • Mentor

@Kelsears  Welcome to SA.  You can reach out for support from members and there is a lot of information on here to help you learn about  coping skill to help you through it.  Personally I would avoid adding another big pharma drug if you can.  I would ask your holistic provider for a natural recommendation.   I use lavender essential oil on my wrist and magnesium glycinate  for anxiety..... Be careful of some b's I guess they can  be activating. I am looking for a holistic doctor, would you share the name of your doc with me?   My physiatrist is helping me wean off but I am not sure how much she understand about WD. She is letting  me do whatever or how ever I want to do it.

 

Hang in there, try to not make any rash decisions until you learn more about these drugs and how much they affect us....

You are not alone🌞 

 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/24894-greatful-is-this-withdrawal-or-to-many-med-changes-at-once/

1995? Prozac,  tried several Paxil, Serzone, St John's Wart back to Prozac and Trazodone ct:d Traz

 Lexapro. Tried to stop Crash in 2015  Kindled   Hospitalized, Vybrid, Seroquel, Effexor, Abilify  Pristiq, Wellbutrin-- 2016  ended back on   Prozac and Lamictal 200mg

5/2020  thru 12/2020 taper from 20mg  Prozac  down to 3mg.  Crashed  12/13/2020 Zoloft 50mg 1/29ct  1/29/2021 Seroquel 50mg ct  2/12/2021 Wellbutrin 75mg.  Became hypo manic 2/1  6ct Trazodone 50mg 4/25  25mg 2/5/ 2021 Lamictal 150mg.  2/24  100mg   4/9  75mg   4/21 37.5 

2/16/2021 Seroquel 50xr  3/3 100mg  3/17  150mg  side effects ct   4/3 2021 Lexapro 5mg  4/14  7.5mg  4/30 10mg  5/10  7.5mg 

2021/ 5/16  5mg Lexapro   37.5 Lamictal   25mg trazadone,   xanax  .0625mg  3x a day   

Lexapro  Taper> Sept/01/2021  4.90mg>  Sept/25  4.75mg>   Oct/19 4.69mg > Nov/14 4.2mg    Jan/30/2022-- Split dosing 2x a day All liquid  4.2mg  (2.20mg at 8am & 2mg at 4pm) 2/17 4mg>  2/24  3.8mg  slow taper to  Aug/12/2022 2.04mg  2023> 2mg,  1.90mg, 1.80mg, 1.70mg, 1.5mg, 1.4mg, 1.3mg 1.2mg, 1.1mg, 1mg, 0.9mg, 0.8mg, 0.7mg 0.65mg, 0.6mg, 0.55mg, 0.5mg, 0.45mg, 0.4mg, 0.35mg, 0.3mg, 0.25,mg, back to once a day dosing 0 .1mg, 0.07mg

Lamictal  taper  4/17/ 2022 25mg, 9/9/ 22 -20mg, 9/25/22- 15mg , 10/20/22-   0

 Trazodone..2023.>down to 14mg, 7mg, 6mg  July 2023   0

Xanax  0.0625 3 x a day,  2023>  0.042 3x a day

Supplements  Magnesium glycinate, Omega 3, D3, vitamin c , zinc, NAC 

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@getofflex

I was only in gabapentin for that 30 days only. Physically after starting the gabapentin was worse. Had tremors sweats, nausea, vomiting. Prior to starting it I was in full panic attack and hyperventilating. 
 

after stopping the gabapentin I had a week of intense depression and SI thoughts. These are now better. 
 

I’m currently in a window. Thank goodness. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

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@Greatful

Hello there! I’m in Minnesota and go to a clinic called Synergy. They do holistic and western medicine when needed. 
 

I’m also not making any rash decisions. It’s hard hang, in there hun!! 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Then it does sound like you had an adverse reaction to gabapentin. 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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  • Altostrata changed the title to Kelsears Hello 10 weeks off Zoloft with bad withdrawals
  • Administrator

Hello, @Kelsears

 

In 2018, when you first started sertraline, what effect did you feel from it?

 

Which of your current symptoms do you attribute to going off sertraline?

 

We cannot help you with PMMD symptoms, sorry.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I started in 2018 stopped in 2021. I did not have any withdrawals symptoms that I noticed. Maybe headache but nothing to noticeable. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment

@Altostrata

current symptoms are headaches, anxiety, sleep issues, intrusive thoughts, body aches, chest pains, 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator
28 minutes ago, Kelsears said:

@Altostrata

current symptoms are headaches, anxiety, sleep issues, intrusive thoughts, body aches, chest pains, 

 

Those do sound like withdrawal symptoms. Did any become worse after you went off gabapentin?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

@Altostrata

They become just slightly better. Gabapentin also cause horrible electric shocks through my body. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

In 2018, when you first started sertraline, what effect did you feel from it?

 

21 hours ago, Kelsears said:

Gabapentin also cause horrible electric shocks through my body. 

 

When did these start, and when did they stop? How did you go off gabapentin? What advice did you get from your doctor about tapering?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

@Altostrata

in 2018 I didn’t notice any thing from it. I kick myself in the butt for not reading more about it then. 
 

electric shocks started like 3 dose of gabapentin. They stopped after I stopped the medication.  
Tapering was  after week on gabapentin doctor cut me down by 1 pill so I was taking 100mg in morning and night. Next week cut another 100mg and then off. I was on it a total of 21 days. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Since you didn't have an immediate adverse reaction from your initial Zoloft, it could be that 50mg in October 2022 caused a kindling reaction. Suggest a reinstatement of 1mg Zoloft to start, which is unlikely to cause this. 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

@Altostrata

Are you suggesting to start take 1mg of Zoloft? 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator
5 minutes ago, Kelsears said:

@Altostrata

Are you suggesting to start take 1mg of Zoloft? 

 

Correct, a low-dose reinstatement for Zoloft withdrawal syndrome.

 

How often have you been taking Ativan?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

@Altostrata

ok thanks I’ll talk with my med doctor. 
 

I take Ativan several times a week. :( 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

You might ask your doctor for the liquid so you can titrate up. Your doctor probably will be delighted to hear you want an antidepressant.

 

Please log your Ativan use. How long have you been taking it "as needed"? This is important.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

@Altostrata

If i reinstate how do I know when to stop increasing the dose? I’m terrified because an increase from 50mg to 100mg cause all this. I’m terrified to go back to the hospital. I know reinstated might not help the symptoms but how do I know when it’s not going to work and to stop? 
 

sorry for all the question. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I'm not altostrata, but I'll tell you what we do at SA about reinstatements.  

 

You would start with 1 mg of Zoloft, the liquid would be the easiest way.  Give this a week, as it takes this long for it to fully get into your system.   If you felt significantly worse, you would stop the reinstatement right away.  If you can tolerate the 1 mg Zoloft, you could increase it, only very slightly after the first week.  Then see how you feel on that dose.  We do these things very slowly and carefully and gradually.  When you reinstated to 50 and 100, these were high doses, and probably too much for your system. This is the only way we know of to relieve withdrawal symptoms.  Your other option is to stay off the drugs altogether, and give it time.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

Link to comment

@getofflex

i want to stay off but I’m struggling hard. Like on verge of going back to the hospital where they messed me up. Im now at 11 weeks off and it seems to be getting worse.  The depression ( which o never had before). is killing me. I just want to curl up and let the world pass me by. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Then I would suggest you please try the 1 mg Zoloft reinstatement.  You are within the 3 months window where it is pretty likely to help.  I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Try taking a gentle 30 minute walk outside for the depression, if you are able.  I used to do this when I was in acute WD years ago, and even though I felt terrible before, it really helped me with the depression and anxiety.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

Link to comment

@getofflex

i try to walk daily or yoga if weather is terrible. During the day I can manage it fairly well but nights are horrible it’s like my body can’t handle it anymore and I have complete breakdown. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

It's good you are doing this.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
On 3/28/2023 at 7:13 AM, Kelsears said:

nights are horrible it’s like my body can’t handle it anymore and I have complete breakdown. 

Can you please explain this?  What do you mean by "complete breakdown"?  What are the specific symptoms?  We can work on non drug techniques to help and cope.  These can really help.  

 

Just FYI, if you do put yourself in the hospital, they are likely to put you on more drugs, and this would put you at risk of worsening your situation.  I've seen this happen to many others in here.  Going on a 1 mg reinstatement Zoloft would be preferable.  

 

Please be reassured that this will eventually and slowly get better, given that you take proper care of yourself, and stay off the psych drug merry go round.  

Edited by getofflex

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

Link to comment

@getofflex

It’s like a flood of all emotions at ones. I just cry and cry and cry for hours. Thought of not wanting to this any more, hollow feeling in chest, shakes, vomiting, my whole body hurts, and racing  mind. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

My heart goes out to you. I'm very sorry you are going through this.  You are in acute WD (withdrawal) now, but given proper self care, you will gradually start to feel better.  Know you will be in my thoughts and prayers today.  

 

This definitely sounds like withdrawal symptoms.  Here are some links that can help, please read them. 

 

Neuro Emotions

 

Withdrawal Causing Repetitive or Intrusive Thoughts, Ruminations, etc.

 

Nausea, Queasiness

 

Digestive Problems

 

Tremors, Shaking, Body Vibration

Edited by getofflex

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

@Kelsears  It sounds like you are in a world of hurt, fear and becoming overwhelmed.  Please try to look for any coping skills that are mentioned here on SA.

I can sooooo relate to the panic that starts to set in when we feel so awful.....I think that's one of the hardest things to deal with is the brain and it's horrible thoughts/fears.  I get bouts of horrible depression but if you can hold out and try and focus just getting through the day and let time pass you will slowly come out of the depression... 

 

I recommend the book Recovery and Renewal by Baylissa Frederick.... She recovered from benzo's but went through protracted withdrawal...She is also a therapist/counselor.  She has a great website https://mccare.org/ 

 

Here are some links that I find helpful.  Print them out so you can read them over and over

 http://Techniques for Managing an Adverse Drug Reaction or Cold Turkey Withdrawal

 

http://What is happening in your brain?  

 

Here is something's you can print out for encouragement

 

When withdrawal anxiety is high and I am in 'fight' or 'flight 'or 'freeze' mode, it is difficult for me to be grounded and to

maintain perspective. I lose sight of the fact that this experience is temporary and that it is leading me to my long-

awaited recovery. I am consumed with what is happening and it can make me seem self-absorbed and uninterested in my loved ones. This is understandable, as I spend all my time and energy managing the bizarre symptoms, breathing through the pain, and holding on for dear life. I miss important moments in  the lives of those around me and I also overlook just how courageous and persevering I have been and continue to be. So today, I acknowledge my strength and I accept that while I may spend much of my time consumed with coping, this does not mean that I am self-centered or selfish. I am just hypervigilant in the context of being constantly aware of my symptoms, and of my environment, always looking for perceived threats. I know that I will revert to normal when this is over. i am compassionate and gentle with myself, in the meantime, knowing that no matter how intense and overwhelming my symptoms are, I will cope well. I trust that eventually I will begin to notice improvements and when the timing is right for me, this challenge will end with my recovery.

 

Don't give up on your healing. I know it's difficult to remain hopeful because everyday you struggle with the torture of the intense and bizarre symptoms and it seems as if nothing is changing. So I am here to be the rational, "non-withdrawal" voice in your head and to remind you of the reality : that no matter how long it is taking, this challenge is temporary. One day you will wake up and something will be different. It will be more than a "window", it will be the long-awaited break, the last lap, the finishing line in view.

Then it will be over, and you will be able to navigate your way out from under the rubble, brush yourself off, pick up the pieces and get on with your life.

What awaits you on the other side is worth you holding on for. Nothing in life will ever again faze you. You will have a different perspective on life, and it won't take much to make you feel content. 

 

this might help on the depressed days

There are days when you may know mostly darkness—-- your mind, body and surrounded by fear.  It is difficult to believe on those days that you can heal. These are the days that you must dig down deep to find the strength that will help you to see the fears for what they are and still emerge with hope in your spirit.   There is no easy explanation for the process that you have to encounter.  But you must believe that even though you do not understand how everything is working, your healing is taking place.  As frustrating as this is for you, know that you will see the light of your healing over time.  Waiting for something is never easy, but sometimes, that’s all you can do.  Wait. Believe in your body’s ability to heal.  The darkness will not be there forever, so please hold one.

Remind yourself that it can be normal for you to experience the darkness and anxiety in withdrawal.  Try not to allow this to over shadow the strength you have inside.  Focus on being kind, gentle and loving towards yourself.

 

Learning how these drugs influence and change us will help you to understand a little bit of what is happening to you, it is from a  temporary chemical brain injury, it is not the you deep inside...It's the brain out of whack. 

You are stronger than you think kelsears.  You are doing the best you can with trying to be a mom, wife and a human while  trying to deal with withdrawal.

Wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze...A big Hug.

 

Greatful 🌞

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/24894-greatful-is-this-withdrawal-or-to-many-med-changes-at-once/

1995? Prozac,  tried several Paxil, Serzone, St John's Wart back to Prozac and Trazodone ct:d Traz

 Lexapro. Tried to stop Crash in 2015  Kindled   Hospitalized, Vybrid, Seroquel, Effexor, Abilify  Pristiq, Wellbutrin-- 2016  ended back on   Prozac and Lamictal 200mg

5/2020  thru 12/2020 taper from 20mg  Prozac  down to 3mg.  Crashed  12/13/2020 Zoloft 50mg 1/29ct  1/29/2021 Seroquel 50mg ct  2/12/2021 Wellbutrin 75mg.  Became hypo manic 2/1  6ct Trazodone 50mg 4/25  25mg 2/5/ 2021 Lamictal 150mg.  2/24  100mg   4/9  75mg   4/21 37.5 

2/16/2021 Seroquel 50xr  3/3 100mg  3/17  150mg  side effects ct   4/3 2021 Lexapro 5mg  4/14  7.5mg  4/30 10mg  5/10  7.5mg 

2021/ 5/16  5mg Lexapro   37.5 Lamictal   25mg trazadone,   xanax  .0625mg  3x a day   

Lexapro  Taper> Sept/01/2021  4.90mg>  Sept/25  4.75mg>   Oct/19 4.69mg > Nov/14 4.2mg    Jan/30/2022-- Split dosing 2x a day All liquid  4.2mg  (2.20mg at 8am & 2mg at 4pm) 2/17 4mg>  2/24  3.8mg  slow taper to  Aug/12/2022 2.04mg  2023> 2mg,  1.90mg, 1.80mg, 1.70mg, 1.5mg, 1.4mg, 1.3mg 1.2mg, 1.1mg, 1mg, 0.9mg, 0.8mg, 0.7mg 0.65mg, 0.6mg, 0.55mg, 0.5mg, 0.45mg, 0.4mg, 0.35mg, 0.3mg, 0.25,mg, back to once a day dosing 0 .1mg, 0.07mg

Lamictal  taper  4/17/ 2022 25mg, 9/9/ 22 -20mg, 9/25/22- 15mg , 10/20/22-   0

 Trazodone..2023.>down to 14mg, 7mg, 6mg  July 2023   0

Xanax  0.0625 3 x a day,  2023>  0.042 3x a day

Supplements  Magnesium glycinate, Omega 3, D3, vitamin c , zinc, NAC 

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

@getofflex

I took a genesight test recently and found out that Zoloft is on my red list. No wonder it did soooo much damage. My question is if I wanted to reinstate and do a proper taper what would I reinstate with, seeing how my body just can not handle Zoloft?  
 

thank you for all the kindness you show. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

Link to comment

@Greatful

 

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm defiantly in a world of hurt. I'm not even sure what to do anymore. On the verge of the hospital but I know they won't help and part of the reason i'm in this situation. I'm so desperate everything hurts and I'm loosing the will to fight. 

August 2018 50mg Zoloft for PPD

November 2021 stopped taking Zoloft

October 2022 back on 50mg Zoloft

December 29th 2022 upped to 100mg Zoloft (horrible adverse reaction) 

January 8th 2023 Ct off Zoloft (by hospital) 

1/9/23 100mg 3x daily gabapentin 2/9/2023 taper off gabapentin 

March 2023 -current .5mg Ativan daily 

May 2023 .5mg am and .5mg pm Ativan 

4/25/23-reinstated 1.5mg liquid Zoloft

7/8 10mg liquid Zoloft 

8/1 started Ativan taper 0.067mg daily 

 

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