Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Donna on February 11, 2000, at 19:21:05
I have been on 50 mgs of Zoloft for approx. three years. I have slowly tapered off until I am completely off the Zoloft. I am now
experiencing some weird symptoms such as dizziness, strange sensations washing over me and I am very short tempered. Could this be a result of
going off the Zoloft? If so, how long will this last? I have been completely quit for a week.Thanks,
Donna
Posted by Cam W. on February 12, 2000, at 0:16:48
In reply to Side Effects of tapering off Zoloft , posted by Donna on February 11, 2000, at 19:21:05
> I have been on 50 mgs of Zoloft for approx. three years. I have slowly tapered off until I am completely off the Zoloft. I am now
> experiencing some weird symptoms such as dizziness, strange sensations washing over me and I am very short tempered. Could this be a result of
> going off the Zoloft? If so, how long will this last? I have been completely quit for a week.
>
> Thanks,
>
> DonnaDonna - You are probably experiencing Serotonin Withdrawl Syndrome (a mild version). It should last much longer. It is quite common with serotonergic antidepressants that have a short half-life (also Paxil, Effexor and Serzone). You are having a milder variety since you did taper. Sometimes tapering needs to be done over a month or two to minimize the side effects completely and sometimes that is not enough. If this lasts another week, see your doctor. He/she may put you on a low dose of Prozac (long half-life) for a week or two, but you will probably not need it unless the symptoms you are experiencing become debilitating. The symptoms of Serotonin Withdrawl are:
F - flu-like (fatigue, muscle pain, loose stools,
nausea & sinus congestion)
L - lightheadedness/dizzinessU - uneasiness/restlessness
S - sleep & sensory disturbances (feeling "weird",
ringing in ears)
H - headacheThese symptoms can also feel like the depression is returning, but usually it is not. It is just the body readjusting itself to life without the drug. The serotonin system is up and running again and your stress response system (HPA axis) is adjusting to normal levels of serotonin made by your body and not being artificially raised by the anti-depressant. This reaction is quite normal, Just bear with it and you should be fine in a week. Like I said, if this continues longer than a week or two more, see your doctor for his/her advice. Good luck - Cam W.
Posted by JohnL on February 12, 2000, at 3:52:24
In reply to Side Effects of tapering off Zoloft , posted by Donna on February 11, 2000, at 19:21:05
> I have been on 50 mgs of Zoloft for approx. three years. I have slowly tapered off until I am completely off the Zoloft. I am now
> experiencing some weird symptoms such as dizziness, strange sensations washing over me and I am very short tempered. Could this be a result of
> going off the Zoloft? If so, how long will this last? I have been completely quit for a week.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Donna
CAM mentioned a good strategy of taking Prozac. A 10mg dose a day for two or three days, followed up by another 10mg after skipping three days should do the trick. Prozac leaves your body very slowly and will allow the withdrawal process to be smoother.Another strategy that worked for me - once with Paxil, and once with Zoloft, once with Remeron - is to take the drug at a tiny dose every other day for a week or two. By tiny I mean 12.5mg to 25mg Zoloft. Withdrawals usually kick in about the third day, so you could even take a tiny dose of Zoloft once every three days for a week or two. This will keep a small amount in your system and continue your weening process at a smoother rate. If you have any Zoloft leftover, and if the symptoms are really bothering you, there's nothing wrong with putting a little bit of Zoloft back in your system to draw out the weening process a little longer.
If you can bear with it, withdrawal symptoms usually fade anywhere from one week to three weeks. I don't understand the rationale, but in Dr Bob's Tips one doctor used over the counter Benadryl for his own withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Laura on February 14, 2000, at 10:19:25
In reply to Side Effects of tapering off Zoloft , posted by Donna on February 11, 2000, at 19:21:05
I am so glad someone else is having the same effects I am. I have been on Zoloft since last June, starting with 50 mg, then 100, and then 150 last October. The weight gain was bothering me and my big fear- y2k- went smoothly so I talked to my psychiatrist about getting off Zoloft. He said do it slowly. So I went down to 100 mg in early January and then last week, after a month at 100, I went down to 50 mg, and the very next day I started feeling very dizzy and lightheaded. It's been 4 days now and I still feel gross. I am ok if I sit down or lie down but as soon as I stand up I feel sick. I am glad there is a valid reason for this. I suppose this will wear off and then when I stop taking Zoloft altogether I will go through this again.
Thanks.
Laura
Posted by KARAsweet on March 14, 2001, at 15:09:37
In reply to Re: Side Effects of tapering off Zoloft , posted by JohnL on February 12, 2000, at 3:52:24
I have slowly been tapering off zoloft from a dosage at 150 mg.. the first week I went to 100, the next to 50, and for 4 days I am to take 50 every other day, and stop for 2 days before I start celexa..
anyhow, I have experienced lightheadedness, hallucinations every so often, and short tempers. My mood fluctuates very easily, too. This is my first time tapering off an SSRI, so I'm not sure if it's from Zoloft or what the deal is.
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