Posted by nicholas on September 30, 2003, at 15:54:52
In reply to Re: zoloft withdrawal symptoms » nicholas, posted by katia on September 28, 2003, at 13:36:45
> Hi Welcome to psychobabble!
> Do you still have a regular psychiatrist (pdoc)? I would definitely talk to her/him about the fact that you're going off first. Whether they provide support or not, it's an important first step.
> I was only on Zoloft three months and it did nothing for me except made me a zombie AND I still had to endure the w/drawal right after enduring a similar w/d on Effexor. It's hard but doable. Those zappy electrical feelings and the dizziness feeling of going down an elevator sideways does end. Give it two weeks - one for the worst of it. Try even taking 1/2 of 50mg and then 1/2 of that and then 1/2 of that..... until it feels like you can let go totally.
> the main thing is, it does go away with time and no one around you who hasn't gone thru' it won't have a clue what you're trying to describe and you'll feel even more frustrated due to lack of empathy. it's trully hellish, but it ends soon.
> good luck with your stopping it. It may not be so bad if you taper and taper little by little.
> Katia
Hey Katia,Thanks for your words of encouragement. I think I will actually follow the method you've outlined above. It seems to make sense to tread slowly and cautiously whilst trying to get off Zoloft. If I can minimise the intensity of the "zapping" then the rest I feel I can manage.
The first time round, after about 6 days into reducing my dosage, it was like I got scared thinking, "these zaps and dizzy spells aren't going to go away and they're damn intense!!" I ride a motorbike weekends for relaxation ( a cruiser,- great for stress relief) and so I'm thinking, "What would happen if I got a zap whilst riding?"
But, true to my form, (an extremist) I can see my method was too much. ie: 50mg one day, then zero the next then 50mg then zero, zero, etc. At the time it was more of a personal test to see what would happen rather than an out and out decision to go off Zoloft.
Re: Doctors. No I don't have a pdoc. Zoloft was prescribed to me by the local GP on duty that day. I probably should've consulted first, but as I mentioned, it was more of a curiousity test at the time. Nevertheless I will heed your advice and inform whoever's on when I visit about my intentions now that I've decided I don't want/like to keep taking Zoloft. It is better safe than sorry.
Again thanks. It really is encouraging to be able to share these issues with others in similiar circumstances.Nicholas
poster:nicholas
thread:5582
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030928/msgs/264530.html