Posted by Shirley on November 19, 2000, at 18:46:38
In reply to withdrawal symptoms from Zoloft, posted by odells on November 19, 2000, at 15:57:35
Odells,
What about prozac? You might want to check under the tips section of this site and insert "SSRI withdrawal" under the search function. I'm not sure I have that exactly right but hopefully, you can figure it out.
Some psychiatrists when withdrawing patients from antidepressants will provide prozac to help them get through the period because of its long half life. In other words, it stays in the body alot longer than something like Zoloft and as a result, the withdrawal symptoms won't be as severe. Of course, your mileage may vary.
Another suggestion that John L. has made in withdrawing from medication is to go very slowly.
For example, if you were at 25mg Zoloft, one day you would take 12.5mg one day, 12.5 the next, and keep alternating the doses for the rest of the week. The next week you would take 12.5 every day and repeat the same process the following week.In summary, since you don't want to take Zanax, I would ask the doctor about being prescribed a small dose of prozac to get you through what sounds like some parting withdrawal symptoms. Follow John L.'s advice for tapering slowly. 2nd option would be to resume the 25mg zoloft and follow the same advice.
Since my experiences were like yours in using an anti anxiety medicine to withdraw from a medication, I will pass on suggesting that as an option. But maybe others who have had more experience with it can help you.
Finally, keep in mind that I'm not a medical professional but am just trying to pass along advice that I have picked up from this board. Good luck as we all know withdrawal symptoms are hell.
Shirley
poster:Shirley
thread:49078
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001115/msgs/49090.html