Posted by dalukens on February 17, 2001, at 3:55:25
In reply to WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS of stopping SSRI medication, posted by Abbi on February 16, 2001, at 8:22:22
Dear Abbi (couldn't resist),
--Your description, "electric head," sounds exactly like what I went through coming off Zoloft/sertraline(except I didn't have such a good name for it!). In my case, I had to keep taking it for several months, gradually weaning, cutting pills, spacing doses farther apart, etc., like Lorraine said. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, however: although I still keep a few around just in case, I haven't had to take a Zoloft for months. This appears to be another case, like Effexor, where we just weren't warned about the withdrawl. I wonder how common this is; until now I'd thought I might be the only one.
--DaL
> My name is Abbi,
> I have been taking Sertraline 50mg which is an SSRI for approximately 2 years. I have not been depressed/anxious for a good 6 months now. Every time I try to come off my tablets (which incidently is the lowest dose available for sertraline) I get dizziness, insomnia but worst of all terrible headrushes. This can anly be described as "Electric Head" and is triggered by sudden head or eye movements. It feels like someone is putting smelling salts under my nose fifty times a day.
>
> The problem is that Doctors don't seem to understand or believe in withdrawal symptoms and just say, come off them slowly but how can I when I am on the lowest dose? I am again in cold turkey, since Tuesday, but the head rushes are getting worse by the minute! How long will they last? What can help alleviate these symptoms? Has anyone else experienced this in the group apart from DAVE who I have been messaging? I have no tablets left. If I am still suffering on Monday I will have no choice but to go back to the doctor for more tablets. I DON'T WANT THIS. WILL I BE ON THESE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE? !
>
> Help/Advice would be much appreciated.
> Abbi.
poster:dalukens
thread:54135
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010212/msgs/54221.html