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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:19:42
I'm experiencing quite uncomfortable withdrawal effects. I know it's my very own fault since I've quit cold turkey. There's really no need to pity me.. I did that because I thought I'd safe time this way so that I could start Parnate a few days sooner..
I was only on 50mg 6 weeks, but before was taking 10mg escitalopram for about 9 months (switched seamlessly).
Symptoms are a strange kind of dizziness (especially when moving my head OR eyes), a bit of nausea and insomnia (wake after sleeping for 3 hours and stay awake for about 3-4 hours before falling asleep again), increased anxiety and quite bad mood.
Now this is perfectly bearable, because I know it's transient, but I wonder how long it would take for those effects to attenuate?
I don't know.. when those symptoms persist longer than the official 14days washout period, I dunno if I should be starting the parnate..Thanks for any info you can give me especially about the longevity of the typical low-dose SSRI withdrawal.
Thank you!
Posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:26:08
In reply to Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:19:42
something quite important.... that it's been the 6th day now (and hasn't changed, not even improved a tiny bit)
Posted by Phillipa on September 14, 2009, at 10:50:51
In reply to forgot to add » Sunbath, posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:26:08
Sunbath when on l0mg of paxil to get off that's brain zaps you speak of the head motion thing. I'd bite a small piece off every few days and this eliminated that so I'd say it took from two weeks to a month to withdraw completely with benzo on board. Cold turkey now that's rough maybe two weeks? Phillipa
Posted by NewQuestions on September 14, 2009, at 11:24:32
In reply to forgot to add » Sunbath, posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:26:08
Go to paxilprogress.org for good information about weaning off of SSRI's. As far as how long it takes, everyone is different.
Posted by Maxime on September 14, 2009, at 14:35:13
In reply to Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:19:42
I think that you should open up one of the capsules and take a tiny bit on your finger and take that. It may mean starting Parnate later, but it will be worth it. I took 3 weeks to come off of Cymbalta and I had no ill effects when I stopped.
Good luck!
Posted by cactus on September 14, 2009, at 15:37:41
In reply to Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:19:42
it took me about 3 weeks for zoloft, 4 weeks for efexor. Everyone is different though, good luck. Peace C
Posted by SLS on September 14, 2009, at 16:14:54
In reply to forgot to add » Sunbath, posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:26:08
> something quite important.... that it's been the 6th day now (and hasn't changed, not even improved a tiny bit)
It usually takes me around two weeks to taper of high dosages of SRIs. I experience very little withdrawal effects if I remain flexible towards the end. I take only as much medication as is necessary to get rid of the symptoms, even if I need to take micro-doses 3-4 times a day. The key is to not allow a full-blown discontinuation syndrome from occurring in the first place. I believe that to do so kindles an exaggerated and protracted withdrawal syndrome. The best thing for you to do is to restart the Zoloft. I am guessing that 25mg should do the trick at this point.
Is there any way to split the pills into 5mg doses?
- Scott
Posted by bleauberry on September 14, 2009, at 20:51:42
In reply to Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:19:42
For me it would be about 2 weeks of the worst part of it, another 2 weeks of it but not as in-your-face, and another 2 weeks of almost gone but still catching me by surprise a few times each day.
Posted by Sunbath on September 15, 2009, at 6:07:56
In reply to Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:19:42
Thanks a lot Philippa, Maxime, Scott, Cactus, NewQuestions and Bleauberry for all your answers and that I got so many!
Now I get a bit of a picture..
I'm afraid to take another dose of Sertraline as it would push the Parnate start even further away into the future :(
to Scott: I think it wouldn't be easy to cut the 50mg pieces into 5mg, but maybe I could accomplish something like a 10mg piece..I think I can live with it a little longer (with benzos to let me sleep a bit better) (already the 7th day) as I'm very lucky that I don't have to function outside already (although it would be quite good to start learning for an exam...)
If it's "only" 14days that is.. if it takes longer (like for some of you) I don't know what to do (have to get outta my room at the end of the month)..
To Scott: What do you think?Wouldn't starting Parnate -if after 7 additional days the disc.symptoms were still there- work against them too?I'm just thinking loudly: aren't those symptoms mainly being caused by a too sudden drop of the 5ht level (when post synaptic 5ht receptors have regulated down a lot long ago).. so wouldn't starting parnate attenuate at least some of those symptoms too?
Just curious..
Thanks a lot for your help and again thanks to all of those who replied to me, it's really very much appreciated!
BTW: is it common or strange that 2mg of Noctamid/lormetazepam (which I heard is a high dose) + my usual trazodone dose + 15mg Oxazepam isn't enough to put me to sleep for 6-8 hours straight?I wake after about 2-4 hours and stay awake for about an hour, then sleep another 2hours and wake again, but eventually get to sleep another hour or so later..
I tried these high doses of Noctamid because it didn't work at all with only 1mg (and without the oxazepam). It's far better than wiothout the Noctamid though!!
Normally I don't take any Benzos, so there is no tolerance..
Is Noctamid just maybe the wrong hypnotic for me?
Thank you!!!
Posted by SLS on September 15, 2009, at 6:27:01
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 15, 2009, at 6:07:56
> I'm just thinking loudly: aren't those symptoms mainly being caused by a too sudden drop of the 5ht level (when post synaptic 5ht receptors have regulated down a lot long ago).. so wouldn't starting parnate attenuate at least some of those symptoms too?
That's a great thought. I'll be curious to know how that works out for you.
- Scott
Posted by Sunbath on September 15, 2009, at 7:41:39
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long) » Sunbath, posted by SLS on September 15, 2009, at 6:27:01
> ....I'll be curious to know how that works out for you.
>
>
> - Scott
>Thanks Scott, hopefully those effects will be gone by then, but if not, I'll post about any success.
Posted by dvskitten on September 15, 2009, at 10:02:57
In reply to Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:19:42
Wow, for a second I thought I had written this post and forgotten. I am going thru the exact same withdrawal symptoms, especially the strange dizziness when moving my eyes and the insomnia. Last night I thik I slept about 2.5 hours. I had taken Zoloft 50 mg for about 9 months and decided to wean off it about three weeks ago due to insomnia and just feeling more antsy on it. I did it gradual. 2/3 of a 50-mg tablet for two weeks, ½ of a tablet for another two weeks, and then 1/3 of a tablet for another week. I took my last one a week ago. I have been having the dizziness for a couple of weeks now, but now the insomnia and zapping head/twitching sensation as Im falling asleep has been at its worse this week. I am really hoping I stabilize soon b/c this is really difficult especially when you have to get up to work in the morning.
Posted by Sunbath on September 15, 2009, at 10:52:43
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by dvskitten on September 15, 2009, at 10:02:57
Hi dvskitten and welcome :)
Sorry that you are going through this too! You even have to work which I don't need at the moment which I'm very grateful about.
Yes, this dizziness is a really strange feeling.. there's nothing to compare it to.. but I felt MUCH MUCH worse when I tried to come off effexor or paxil.. there were real zaps (electrical sensations), but back then I don't remember it lasting for more than a week!
What's your reason to discontinue Zoloft BTW?(Would be very interested)You surely read what Philippa, Maxime and Scott answered me and suggested doing about the problems: Philippa: "I'd bite a small piece off every few days.." and Scott: "I take only as much medication as is necessary to get rid of the symptoms, even if I need to take micro-doses 3-4 times a day.. "
As I don't want to prolong the washout period (sooo eagerly awaiting the parnate trial..) that's not something I consider doing right now (but I would if it was more serious and/or I had to work)
What do you think of it?Taking a tiny bit of a tablet every or every 2nd day or so?Do you also experience nightmares? I had some strong ones the last days.. but maybe that's because of the noctamid I was taking.. I dunno..
Also it's very strange but I'd sware that I felt some kind of short lasting euphoria especially in the evenings the first few days when I quit cold.. (I first thought it was the rhodiola I tried out once, but now I think it was the rapid change of brain chemistry fallowing the cold turkey). Also my mood is swinging from bad to good more than a few times/day even now (something I hadn't had during my SSRI period at all).. When I'm feeling good it's a feeling of not being quite there.. it's a strange feeling, certainly not normal.. did/do you also experience something like that?I wish you all the best!! May those annoying symptoms disappear soon! Good luck!
Posted by dvskitten on September 15, 2009, at 11:13:42
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long) » dvskitten, posted by Sunbath on September 15, 2009, at 10:52:43
I have had bouts of panic attacks/GAD for about 15 years. I learned to control them after two years on Zoloft initially and exercise, eating better, meditation, etc. My dad passed away about a year or so ago, my uncle died of cancer the year before, and my mom was diagnosed with cancer around the same time (she is fine now after chemo/radiation). Needless to say, I came apart at the seams. I have been on a slew of medications since then including Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Cymbalta, all of which made my anxiety worse and caused insomnia. I thought I would give Zoloft a try again since I had success with it in the past. For some reason, I didnt do so well this time around. I have become very sensitive to these meds, especially in relation to my sleep pattern. I used to fall asleep within 5 minutes after my head hit the pillow and slept all night for 8 to 9 hours even if I had had an anxious day. Now, Im lucky if I get 4 or 5. I never had a problem sleeping before I started all these meds. I decided to get off the Zoloft because I figure my anxiety is more manageable using alternative means (exercise, diet, etc.) and Im, literally, tired of not sleeping. I have had some strange nightmares and almost auditory hallucinations as Im falling asleep for the past week. It almost feels like Im going crazy, but I know in the back of the mind its the withdrawal. My moods have been horrendous Its to the point that I want to tell my bf to stay clear of me for the next few weeks b/c I dont want to take it out on him. Ive been quite the **tch! I would say the most bothersome feeling is the insomina and that dizzying/veritgo type feeling that is so hard to describe. I did some research on this homeopathic remedy called Calms Forte and bought it last night. I think I will try it tonight and see how I do. Apparently, it helps calm you down naturally and helps with sleep.
Posted by Justherself54 on September 15, 2009, at 12:14:45
In reply to Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 14, 2009, at 10:19:42
Usually 2 to 3 weeks for me. I take extra clonazapam during a withdrawal to help with the brain zaps. I dread having to completely go off a med. Much easier to crossover..but can't do that with a MAOI.
Check with your doctor. Maybe you need something a little heavier at bed until your system adjusts. Hope you feel better soon. Withdrawing sucks..
Posted by dvskitten on September 16, 2009, at 7:00:26
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by dvskitten on September 15, 2009, at 11:13:42
I tried the Calms Forte and I slept about 6.5 to 7 hours, so it worked. I'm still feeling a bit dizzy with the eye movement and a bit shaky this morning, but if you want to try something natural to take the edge off and help you sleep, you might want to look into and do some research Calms Forte. They sell them at Walgreen's/CVS and natural food stores. Good luck!
Posted by Maxime on September 16, 2009, at 12:42:34
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long) » dvskitten, posted by Sunbath on September 15, 2009, at 10:52:43
I really hope you wait the full 14 days before starting Parnate. If you still have serotonin in you your system and you start the Parnte too early you will have to start the Parnate later anyway. Serotonin syndrome is not pleasant and it's dangerous.
Posted by Sunbath on September 16, 2009, at 17:24:57
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by dvskitten on September 15, 2009, at 11:13:42
Hi,
After reading your story I really wonder how I would have felt! You must be really strong! My deepest respect and I'm very sorry that you've gone through all of this!
Great that you decided to go "alternative" and ditch the synthetics.. I'm sure it's the somewhat cleaner and better way! And thanks for your recommendation, I'll try it out once if I can get a hold of it in Austria where I live, but right now being awake even I've taken a high dose of a hypnotic + anxiolytic benzodiazepine, I don't think a homeopathic remedy would help enough..
BTW: Once I've had great results with a fixed valerian/hops extract. I think the hops can really make the valerian work better (never felt anything even when I tried high doses of valerian).. there must be a synergy. I found some clinical trials about valerian alone: some showed a LITTLE efficacy and others didn't. But I also found abstracts about combinations of both hops and valerian, which showed marked effects even in the EEG!!I could even feel some acute effects, but unfortunately it was still too weak to solve all my sleep problems. But maybe it would help you and add to the Calms forte?
That those medications seem to be the cause of your insomnia sounds really scary.. but all of them u mentioned usually cause insomnia as side effects.. now that you got rid of them, hopefully it will pass completely once your brain has adapted to the changes and you'll fall asleep after 5 minutes again (I ENVY YOU SO MUCH!!! he he)I wish you all the best and good luck!! Hopefully those withdrawal effects will pass soon for both of us!
BTW: This night I slept a little bit better.. the strange dizziness still unchanged though..
Posted by Sunbath on September 16, 2009, at 17:29:21
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Justherself54 on September 15, 2009, at 12:14:45
yes it really sucks, but I'm also really glad I'll have the opportunity to try out parnate!
Have a nice evening :)
Posted by Sunbath on September 16, 2009, at 17:36:57
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long) » Sunbath, posted by Maxime on September 16, 2009, at 12:42:34
Thanks so much that you care Maxime!!!
Yes I'll wait, you win :DHow you doing?
Posted by Maxime on September 16, 2009, at 20:41:31
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 16, 2009, at 17:36:57
> Thanks so much that you care Maxime!!!
> Yes I'll wait, you win :D
>
> How you doing?I'm relieved that you will wait. :)
I'm doing poorly. I don't have any withdrawal symptoms but I am very depressed and very suicidal. It's not good.
So when will you be able to start the parnate?
Maxime
Posted by dvskitten on September 17, 2009, at 7:54:02
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long) » dvskitten, posted by Sunbath on September 16, 2009, at 17:24:57
Thank you. Good luck to you too!
> Hi,
>
> After reading your story I really wonder how I would have felt! You must be really strong! My deepest respect and I'm very sorry that you've gone through all of this!
> Great that you decided to go "alternative" and ditch the synthetics.. I'm sure it's the somewhat cleaner and better way! And thanks for your recommendation, I'll try it out once if I can get a hold of it in Austria where I live, but right now being awake even I've taken a high dose of a hypnotic + anxiolytic benzodiazepine, I don't think a homeopathic remedy would help enough..
> BTW: Once I've had great results with a fixed valerian/hops extract. I think the hops can really make the valerian work better (never felt anything even when I tried high doses of valerian).. there must be a synergy. I found some clinical trials about valerian alone: some showed a LITTLE efficacy and others didn't. But I also found abstracts about combinations of both hops and valerian, which showed marked effects even in the EEG!!I could even feel some acute effects, but unfortunately it was still too weak to solve all my sleep problems. But maybe it would help you and add to the Calms forte?
> That those medications seem to be the cause of your insomnia sounds really scary.. but all of them u mentioned usually cause insomnia as side effects.. now that you got rid of them, hopefully it will pass completely once your brain has adapted to the changes and you'll fall asleep after 5 minutes again (I ENVY YOU SO MUCH!!! he he)
>
> I wish you all the best and good luck!! Hopefully those withdrawal effects will pass soon for both of us!
>
> BTW: This night I slept a little bit better.. the strange dizziness still unchanged though..
Posted by Sunbath on September 19, 2009, at 10:59:14
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long) » Sunbath, posted by Maxime on September 16, 2009, at 20:41:31
Hi Maxime,
I really hope you'll be able to start Parnate soon too!
I'll start taking it between Monday and Thursday (depends on whether this afwul dizziness fades soon, but Thursday will be my max.)
Are you still weaning off the cymbalta or have you quit already?
BTW: Will you augment it or at least take something against the insomnia? Or isn't Parnate causing insomnia for you?
I will take it with 175-250mg Trazodone XR, which will HOPEFULLY take care of it completely..take care!!
Posted by dvskitten on October 27, 2009, at 8:32:39
In reply to Re: Zoloft withdrawal (how long), posted by Sunbath on September 15, 2009, at 6:07:56
Hey Sunbath, just wondering how the withdrawals are coming along?
This is the end of the thread.
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