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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by hcwz on April 12, 2004, at 19:21:54
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 12, 2004, at 13:34:25
Wow...thanks to everyone for all their info. on zoloft withdrawal symptoms. I was on it for 2 years and finally felt like my underlying depression lifted. (I have been doing a lot of work on myself while on the zoloft.) I went from 75 to 50 mg. for a month, then to 25 mg. for 2 weeks, then to nothing. Everything seems fine except these crazy "zaps"! How relieved I was to read of all these other folks with the same symptom. The zaps are wacky, but not unbearable. I did notice some hilarious (okay, NOW they're hilarious but not at the time) mood swings in the last few days.
Hope the zaps stop soon, and meanwhile I am monitoring myself for returning depression.
Best to all of you...and thanks again for the info!
Posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:24:10
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » rapunzel48, posted by hcwz on April 12, 2004, at 19:21:54
Last here on 1st April. Update: Have been on 33mg for a week now without too many adverse symptoms. (only tightness in chest - which is bearable) Have just received my box of Immunocal which I have taken the first of satchels (1/2 packet /twice daily) Will stay on this zoloft dose for another week before tapering again to 20mg. (Going slightly different taper to previous post) After that I will taper to 10mg for a week then hopefully be free of this. After reading many of the posts here, and the sadness that some of these drugs can bring, I am more determined to acheive this goal. I hope that my successful outcome may inspire others to be free also.
Posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:31:10
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » hcwz, posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:24:10
Here is a good reference for tapering off many SSRI's. Zolft is jsut one of the many that has tapering advice. Hope this may be useful.
http://www.prozactruth.com/tapertest.htm#zoloft
Posted by BradG on April 20, 2004, at 17:58:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » hcwz, posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:24:10
Last here on 13th April. Update: Have just gone to 20mg Zoloft yesterday after 1 week of taking ½ satchets of Immunocal morning / afternoon with no side effects. I have even decided to cut right back on coffee (1 cup in the morning only) and apart from dreaming about that cup in the morning I’m surprised that this has been a relatively hassle free process.
I am just starting to string together some decent 6 hour periods of deep sleep during the night (which helps during the day) I am sure that tapering slowly this way has been a major factor in this being successful to date. As stated in a previous post I tried to quit cold turkey – BIG BIG mistake. It may seem that a month or so is a long time but I believe that it has been well worth the effort so far. Any help or more details that I can offer, please feel free to ask. I’d like to think that I may be able to help somebody.
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 21, 2004, at 4:31:55
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by BradG on April 20, 2004, at 17:58:06
I am still on zoloft--50 mg. (see my previous posts), though I so want to get off. I don't know whether, when I begin to taper, and I get chest pains and fears and sleeplessness, whether it's withdrawal, or whether I'm still depressed. I have followed the taper down instructions, about Vit E and fish oil to lose this bloat/weight, but it doesn't seem to have much effect.
Posted by BradG on April 21, 2004, at 18:09:24
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 21, 2004, at 4:31:55
Re: Rapunzel148: I found that the chest pains, insomnia & fears are all a major part of the withdrawal (well I only had insomnia whilst on 100mg and had all of your symptoms when I started to taper) This eased within a few weeks. Just taper slowly, keep up the positive self talk, and when you feel any of these symptoms just remind yourself that it's not so much in your head, but part of the withdrawal process. I found this way of thinking very helpful.
Good Luck
Posted by Meecer on April 28, 2004, at 20:15:47
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 12, 2004, at 13:34:25
I was put on a low dose of Zoloft after I had my baby for post partum depression. I am tyring to get off of it and am having all the same symptoms that I'm reading here. What worries me is that they said that it was safe to use while nursing...which I still am. Now I'm scared of what this might be doing to my baby. She is four and a half months old. should I immediately stop breastfeeding? Or will she go through withdrawal too? Or, should I continue to nurse while tapering....I've copied a couple of the weaning off methods and will start trying to do this. I'm really worried about my baby...
Posted by BradG on April 28, 2004, at 20:47:22
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Meecer on April 28, 2004, at 20:15:47
Re: Meecer
Visit this site for more info for the questions you are asking. http://www.prozactruth.com/tapertest.htm#zoloft
I'm no doctor, but if you've got it in your system, I'd find it hard to imagine that your child wouldn't have also if you're breastfeeding. I would be very careful and get expert advice on this though. You are a mother and any 'instinct' that concerns you is probably right. If you think it could pose a threat to your child's health and you want to stop, just do it slowly and with expert advice.
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 29, 2004, at 5:26:00
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Meecer on April 28, 2004, at 20:15:47
I am no doctor, so I don't know about the breastfeeding concerns. However, I am a mother. Of course it's not wise; it's in your bloodstream. That's why so many little kids these days are hyper: moms who were starving themselves while the fetus was growing; moms on meds while the baby's brain cells are developing, etc.
It's difficult to wean yourself, because you become more afraid, and unable to be strong, while you're relying on the meds. One of my friends reminded me that my mother was a Holocaust survivor. If she got through that without meds, I should be able to get through my life crises. I WISH. However, I have turned to trying to toughen myself up. I find that as I am weaning off the stuff, my mind is clearer. I got past the weeping stage.
The post partum depression is bad, but passes as the baby grows and delights you to no end. You won't appreciate the growing-up part if your life revolves around "should I, shouldn't I"?
Posted by BradG on April 29, 2004, at 6:10:44
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by BradG on April 20, 2004, at 17:58:06
Update: Have been on 20mg & 12 satchets of Immunocal for 8 days now and have had no side effects at all. Still love that morning coffe though. Have decided to start on 12.5mg (how I'm gonna break up the little buggers I'll never know) and stick with that for a week. The temptation is there to just quit now, but after coming this far I'll keep going and continue the taper slowly. Sleep has been really good and I seem to have a lot more energy during the day. If I think I'm going to stumble I will just 'bite the bullet' and pay to see a therapist to help with any anxiety / depression issues that may still exist.
Posted by rapunzel48 on April 29, 2004, at 6:40:19
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BradG on April 29, 2004, at 6:10:44
sleep: while tapering off, every other night or so, I take that herbal stuff called melatonin--works exceptionally well. No side effects.
cutting up the little buggers: I bought that little plastic contraption to cut them in half, or I just bite it off.
Posted by BradG on April 29, 2004, at 8:01:33
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 29, 2004, at 6:40:19
Rapunzel148:
Good sound advice. I'm going OK in the sleep dept (finally) but if I have a problem it's handy to know that there is something natural to take. I've heard that Melatonin is very popular for long distance flight travel also to help you sleep on the journey and minimise the effects of jet-lag.
Posted by Meecer on April 29, 2004, at 20:20:13
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by rapunzel48 on April 29, 2004, at 5:26:00
Brad and Rapuzel, thanks for your replies. R...I actually thought about the Holocaust survivor, and anyone else for that matter that has had it or has it much worse than I. I am going to start the weaning of Zoloft NOW. I will feel so guilty if any of this has adversly affected my little girl. I am going to continue to nurse, just because I don't want her to go through withdrawal too....Wish me luck! Thanks for the help! Meecer.
Posted by jpage1969 on May 6, 2004, at 23:25:42
In reply to withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Shelly on May 4, 1999, at 17:37:51
I recently tried to come off Zoloft and got awful withdrawal symptoms. I've had them for over a week. So after reading and researching I decided to go back on and try and wing myself off slower. Anyway I went back on 3 days ago and I'm still experiencing very extreme dizziness. Does anyone know how long it takes to get back to normal?
jason
Posted by BradG on May 7, 2004, at 1:33:35
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by jpage1969 on May 6, 2004, at 23:25:42
It will take about a week or so to get you back to the same levels.
Posted by mother of 3 on May 9, 2004, at 6:02:38
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by BradG on April 20, 2004, at 17:58:06
who would have thought that getting off zoloft would be this difficult?
Posted by ladydee54 on May 11, 2004, at 16:06:31
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by mother of 3 on May 9, 2004, at 6:02:38
was taking 100mgs Zoloft for 4 yrs, just now coming off, I weaned down to terrible dizziness and head zaps, it's been almost 2 weeks with no meds and still zapping like crazy with this constant white noise in the background of my mind..I don't want to return to the MD as she will just want to put me on something else. I have had it.
How long will this last, each day I hope it will gradually get better, but it doesn't AM I permanently damaged to my central nervous system?
Posted by BradG on May 11, 2004, at 20:31:51
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on May 11, 2004, at 16:06:31
Tomorrow is the day. I will take the last of my 12.5mg portions of Zoloft. I can honestly say that I have had no adverse effects tapering down slowly and with the aid of the Immunocal. I've had no 'zapping' or any of the other major side effects mentioned here for the last fortnight. I will continue to take my Immunical (I've got 12 1/2 doses left - 6 satchets) Keep you all posted. If you want off the merry-go-round, I hope this has provided some of you with the courage to give it a go.
Posted by my_own_feet on May 12, 2004, at 18:25:53
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on May 11, 2004, at 16:06:31
Looks like you went cold turkey coming off Zoloft. Tapering off would have been way easier with the side effects your experiencing. Don't worry they will eventually go away. I have gone through them as well. Head zaps, mood swings, crying spells for no reason, restless sleeps, even had leg tremours before i went to bed. They all went away but it takes time. Measure your success in weeks and months instead of days. They will go away. Coming off is very hard on your brain. It needs to readjust now. Some things that helped me were..light exercise(walked the dog daily 20-30 mins), lots of water, fruits like kiwi and bananas and Chamomile tea sweetened with honey. All these things have a calming effect on your CNS and sets up a good environment while it adjusts to its natural state. Good Luck and hang in there.. relief will come.
Posted by my_own_feet on May 12, 2004, at 18:27:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by my_own_feet on May 12, 2004, at 18:25:53
sorry my last message was for ladydee54
Posted by ladydee54 on May 13, 2004, at 20:12:35
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by my_own_feet on May 12, 2004, at 18:27:02
Bless you, My Own Feet, I was feeling better yesterday, less buzzing and zapping. Then I had a huge argument with my husband and got very upset over the evening news, began to cry (war is hell), and then had a bad night's sleep. So today I walked around dizzy as hell, zapping like crazy. I also figured out I have to stay away from caffeine, which I love.
I guess it will take time, like you say. It's two weeks now, and I have to take care not to let myself get upset. trying to learn some meditation too.
Thanks again!
Posted by BradG on May 17, 2004, at 17:36:43
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft » BradG, posted by BradG on April 13, 2004, at 17:31:10
Hi fellow taperers. Day 7 now with no Zoloft. Depleted Immunocal supply yesterday and have had no side effects at all. I'm pretty sure that I have come to the end of this road, and am now starting to climb out of the valley. I'll be in touch next week to let you know how I'm travelling.
If you want it, you can do it. You may stumble, but never give up.
Posted by ladydee54 on May 18, 2004, at 1:20:32
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BradG on May 17, 2004, at 17:36:43
good news BradG! I'm in my third week post-zoloft, and have more time without symptoms in between symptoms...I see my MD tomorrow for a long chat about this;I find that when I get emotional the symptoms (head zaps, white noise in head) increase, so I try to stay on an even keel, but it's like that Airplane! movie...there's always something and it looks like I picked the wrong (month, administration, year) to give up antidepressants.
Gotta keep my sense of humor or I would go insane!
Thanks!
Posted by BradG on May 18, 2004, at 1:38:33
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by ladydee54 on May 18, 2004, at 1:20:32
Shelly,
Don't give up girl. Three weeks without is better than 3 weeks wanting to get off, I'll tell you that. You are showing that you are a tower of strength just to get to this point. Keep going and if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. My msn chat / hotmail address is BradGreen429@hotmail.com
Posted by ladydee54 on May 20, 2004, at 6:36:55
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BradG on May 18, 2004, at 1:38:33
three weeks today post-Zoloft. Saw my MD yesterday, not the same one who put me on it. She said that given my withdrawal experience, I am not a good candidate for this class of drugs (DUH). They are lessening, though I still have some light swooshing in my head, which she says is probably the result of brain chemicals adjusting (?)The zapping is definitely not as bad, although still present and if I let myself get too emotional in any direction (it's called LIFE)it intensifies.
So far, however, I feel OK in the sense that I'm not depressed. Most days I'm perfectly OK, not manic or down, so perhaps it did serve a purpose. Pre-Zoloft I was always very depressed. Was is worth the post-experience? Can't answer that yet, too new yet.
Many thanks to all who helped me here with words of encouragement!
ladydee54
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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