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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 248 to 272 of 350. Go back in thread:
Posted by EscherDementian on November 10, 2003, at 3:21:27
In reply to Re: zoloft withdrawal symptoms, posted by tallguy on November 8, 2003, at 18:22:06
You're most welcome, fishin~~ glad i could help. I know how difficult the withdrawal effects and rollercoaster emotion swings were for me, too. Keep us posted on how you're doing and any observations? As they say: mileage may vary ;)
JenDi~ yes, those are the symptoms i experienced, and 'got past them' in the time frame i suggested in my previous post. I really feel for you. Withdrawal after 7 years? Wow. i only had to deal with stopping after 3-4 years, but i had been taking 200mg x daily. i tried stopping and also reducing dosage too quickly a couple times unsuccessfully with devastating results, before _a phamacist/friend_ finally took me aside and taught me what she knew about coming off an SSRI. i am still grateful to her for that day.
Basically, 1) Expect to wean down gradually for a time that is equal to AT LEAST 1/4 of the entire time you were on an SSRI. And that's going from 100->0 on the Autobahn when it's icy!
2) When you get the 'zaps' or electric 'zings', or unreasonable emotional bursts, backup a step in your weaning, you are going too fast.
i would take a pill that eve of my last mg amount before the most recent reduction, and begin that reduction step again.
3) Use a calendar to plan, and daily notations to keep track.It may have taken me longer, but the elimination of the crazyness was worth it. And it was SAFE this way.
Tallguy~ i wish i'd known about the 5-HTP for the days not taking a dose. Using the slow weaning that i did, and the occasional backtrack days worked out finally to be the gentle landing (tailored to my own body) that i was looking for, but i do wonder how it might've gone if someone had suggested some support like that.
I did, however, find much welcomed relief in using the natureopathic Bach's Rescue Remedy.Best wishes to JenDi and Fishin,
Escher
Posted by danjya on November 11, 2003, at 1:40:05
In reply to Re: zoloft withdrawal symptoms » fishin, posted by EscherDementian on November 7, 2003, at 7:56:26
hello everybody. it seems that i need some kind of help with this zoloft thing. my wife was prescribed zoloft for chronic depression. she has been up to 200mg/day for the last 2 months. she is 5.8 tall and weights 97 pounds...after loosing more than 25 pounds in 4 months of zoloft. you all say here that you gained weight...i don't understand much anymore. more so, another doc just prescribed her 150mg wellbrutin on top of the zoloft. i am simply in panic that i am losing her to all of these drugs... any ideas, please? i want to take her off these things. slowly of course, but OFF. do you know of any alternatives...???
thank you.
Posted by danjya on November 11, 2003, at 1:49:38
In reply to Re: zoloft withdrawal symptoms » fishin, posted by EscherDementian on November 7, 2003, at 7:56:26
http://www.findserenitynow.com/az/index.html
has anybody taken this? or something similar that is not major B/S? thank you all very much.
Posted by Tallguy on November 11, 2003, at 1:56:43
In reply to zoloft, zaps, and all from 200mg/day, posted by danjya on November 11, 2003, at 1:40:05
Some people gain weight, some people lose weight, some aren't affected at all. It varies from person to person. I can guess at that level of dosage, it's possible that the Zoloft is acting like an appetite suppresant. When I first started taking Zoloft my appetite shrank as well. 200 mgs plus Welbutrin is a lot of meds though. I think it might be time to get a second opinion. However, it is common for a doctor to try out various SSRIs before finding one that works. If your wife is at that high a level of Zoloft, her doctor might be thinking it's time to try something else.
Posted by EscherDementian on November 11, 2003, at 11:10:27
In reply to zoloft, zaps, and all from 200mg/day, posted by danjya on November 11, 2003, at 1:40:05
Hello danjya
i hear your urgency and your love for your wife~ i'll try to help, but better than i can, are a few people here that will notice your request on the 'PsychoBabble Alternative' board. Try posting your request for help in the title & re: alternatives to Zoloft, Wellbutrin, on that board.
i hope you find what you are looking for & wish you the best for your wife,
Escher
Posted by danjya on November 11, 2003, at 18:27:39
In reply to Re: zoloft, zaps, and all from 200mg/day, posted by Tallguy on November 11, 2003, at 1:56:43
thank you for your good wishes. i am sick of doctors prescribing more and more drugs...
i have placed my questions on the "alternatives" section as well, and I hope to get some additional answers.
thank you again.
Posted by JenDi on November 12, 2003, at 20:30:46
In reply to Re: zoloft withdrawal symptoms, posted by tallguy on November 8, 2003, at 18:22:06
To All~ Thanks for the suggestions. Today was a complete emotional rollar coaster. Broke down and took a 50mg Zoloft. It took the edge off and at least now I was able to function thoughout the rest of my day but...Whoa! And I thought giving up cigarette's was a challenge!! I have the utmost respect for those of you who have conquered this challenge. Thanks again...I think I will take it much slower this time.
Posted by Keith1 on November 12, 2003, at 22:57:08
In reply to Re: zoloft withdrawal symptoms, posted by esto on October 23, 2003, at 15:16:55
Ernest,
I'm glad I found someone who was on the Zoloft as long as I--about 8 years. How are you coping with the withdrawal effects? I've been drug-free about nine months now. It might be nice to connect to bounce our experiences off each other. Please email me at [xxx] if you'd like.
-Keith
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 16, 2003, at 6:28:26
In reply to Re: zoloft, zaps, and all from 200mg/day, posted by danjya on November 11, 2003, at 18:27:39
> thank you for your good wishes. i am sick of doctors prescribing more and more drugs...
>
> i have placed my questions on the "alternatives" section as well, and I hope to get some additional answers.Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031104/msgs/278726.html
Bob
Posted by Rach05 on November 17, 2003, at 20:59:13
In reply to zoloft, zaps, and all from 200mg/day, posted by danjya on November 11, 2003, at 1:40:05
Glad to know that it's not just me. I'm a 17 year old girl from Iowa, I've been on Zoloft for 11 months now, and I'm definitely ready to go off. My reason was panic attacks and depression, and I tried weaning off in July but had some pretty bad attacks and went back on it. I hate the idea of being dependent on a chemical and since I work in a pharmacy, I see how drugs affect all kinds of people. I'd love to be off this. The past two days have been horrible. I quit taking it Saturday night, and Sunday and all day today I had this crippling dizziness. I had to leave school and call in sick to work today, it was so bad. I don't have any nausea, but it's like these horrible waves of fuzziness... like it was described before, almost as if there was a short circuit somewhere. I hate this feeling. I've been taking 25mg for at least 5 months and now I'm trying to quit cold turky. But I think tonight I'm going to break down and take one. :( We'll see about alternating days.
Posted by DrBear22 on November 22, 2003, at 6:46:43
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by Rach05 on November 17, 2003, at 20:59:13
Hi Gang,
While doing research for SSRI withdrawal I found this site. I am currently trying to get off of Celexa. I have been on 20mg daily for amost 3 years. It has been a God-send for me. My physician suggested that I try going off of it. In the past the withdrawal was so bad that I went back on it. What I have done so far is to reduce to 10mg daily for 2 weeks, and then three days ago stopped. Well, I was so dizzy and shakey that I was afraid to drive. I spilled hot coffee on myself. I didn't feel depressed which is a good sign. I ended up taking 10mg of Celexa and within a couple of hours felt fine. My plan is to start taking 10mg every other day for a couple of weeks and then stop again. I am not feeling very optimistic after reading what everyone has gone through. I am wondering if those who have been successful just decided to ride out the withdrawal symptoms. If so, any experience of how long they will last with Celexa?Thanks much!
Posted by pekostar on November 22, 2003, at 10:47:47
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by DrBear22 on November 22, 2003, at 6:46:43
When I went on/off zoloft. My physician told me to take xanax to couteract the feelings. It did work for me.
Posted by DrBear22 on November 22, 2003, at 13:58:15
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by pekostar on November 22, 2003, at 10:47:47
Pekostar,
Thanks much for the suggestion. Today I skipped Celexa, and as the day has gone on, dizzy spells have increased. I was glad to hear others talk about flushing, because I thought that I was going through male menopause <G>. People at work kept asking if I was ok, because my face was turning so read.
Posted by glenn on November 23, 2003, at 16:01:41
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by DrBear22 on November 22, 2003, at 13:58:15
Sad that nobody has given you any guidelines , so I will!!
Firstly get the liquid, much easier to wean off.
Secondly if you want to minimise any withdrawal, unless you have a real need to get off very quickly, think in months not weeks or days.
Thirdly reduce slowly in steps, ie from 20 mg ( 8 drops)to 17.5 mg ( 7 drops)and leave at least a week ( preferably more) between each drop.
Do not be afraid to back off and increase again if needed.
Go more slowly when you get to 10- 5 mg, ie one mg at a time.
Consider a very low dose of prozac right at the end ( ie no more than 5 mg, get the liquid again!)
You have been on for 3 years so I would say 3-6 months is a reasonable time to come off it, unless that is you want to go through hell?!Glenn
Posted by DrBear22 on November 23, 2003, at 17:26:04
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by glenn on November 23, 2003, at 16:01:41
Glen,
Wow! I had no idea this was so difficult to go off of. I also didn't know that there was a liquid form so I really appreciated your telling me about it. Now the next challenge is to convince my physician to prescribe the liquid forms of either meds. He just said "Oh it's easy to go off of. Just wean down over 2 weeks." It scares me that my doctor prescibed the Celexa, but doesn't seem to even understand the implications. Makes you wonder if he prescribes based on what drug reps tell him.
Thanks again Glen. I will slow down on my decrease and see if my doc will be reasonable and prescribe the liquid form.
Take care,
Jim
Posted by Booknook on November 24, 2003, at 8:42:48
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by pekostar on November 22, 2003, at 10:47:47
My 16 year old son has been on 3 different ssri's since last May: Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. He has had debilitating headaches ever since. Has had an MRI, EEG, numerous blood tests,(all tests were normal) sees a psychiatrist for meds, and a psychologist for therapy for depression. He is an overachieving high school honors student and these meds have really made a mess out of him. Has any one had any symptoms of migraine-like headaches similar to this? They are so bad that he can't function. When trying to withdraw from the ssri's he has head and body tremors and dizziness. He can't get out of bed in the mornings because of the headaches. We are at our wits end and don't know what to do for him anymore.
Posted by glenn on November 24, 2003, at 11:46:59
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by Booknook on November 24, 2003, at 8:42:48
Yes indeed!!
The only thing that has ever got rid of them for me was and still is 80mg of inderal, that is slow release propranolol.
For me it worked in 24 hours so it might be worth a try for a couple of days, everything else, natural, spiritual and pharmaceutical failed miserably unfortunately but it is worth the cost to be rid of the headaches.Glenn
Posted by Sebastian on November 24, 2003, at 12:25:17
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by glenn on November 23, 2003, at 16:01:41
How long to come off a 6 year of Zyprexa 10 mg?
Posted by booknook on November 24, 2003, at 13:23:59
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by glenn on November 24, 2003, at 11:46:59
Thank you Glenn - My son is taking 20 mg of Inderal right per day now which will be taking the place of the Zoloft when he is withdrawn from it. But so far no over the counter med or other prescription pain relievers have helped. Guess the doctor just has to get the dosage increased more. Thanks again.
Posted by DrBear22 on November 24, 2003, at 21:02:04
In reply to Re: i really want to be off this!, posted by Booknook on November 24, 2003, at 8:42:48
I am so sorry to hear about your son's problems. SSRI's are actually are not indicated for use with children and teens, but happen to be the most widely prescribed psychiatric medication for this population. No good research has supported their use with kids. Anyway, I have been trying to get off of Celexa for about 3 - 4 weeks and headaches, dizziness and the shakes have been problems. Unlike your son, I didn't have headache while I was on the medication. I am trying wean off slowly. I am on 10mg Celexa every other day. I have had withdrawal symptoms on the off days, but they have been milder than when I tried to go cold turkey. I'm not sure if I will successfully get off, but am hoping too. I certainly hope that things work out for your son. He's way too-young to have to be going through this type of medical crisis.
Take care
Posted by marie03 on December 10, 2003, at 12:20:21
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Alexl on April 14, 2001, at 20:06:02
Hi i have been on 75 mg of zoloft for a little over a year now.... and i have frequent epsodes of this weird feeling in my head.... that is so hard to explain. it almost feels liek someone is squeezing it and letting it go... repeatedly.... and kind of like a vibrating feeling its sooo weird... and it only happens when i laying in bed, with my eyes closed, going to bed-- u guys think this could be a side effect/??
Posted by LindsayMarie on December 21, 2003, at 16:12:09
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by marie03 on December 10, 2003, at 12:20:21
Please Help me! I have been on Zoloft for about 7 months now. I decided to take myself off of it.I was on a 100mg a day so I was taking 50 mg and started having these weird schock feelings through out my body.My brain feels like it is vibrating and it travels down through my arms. It's scarey and when it happens my vision sometimes blurs. Does anyone know how long this will last. It is really freaking me out. Also Zoloft has caused me to gain weight. But here lately I am so sick to my stomach that I can't eat or function at all. I am constantly tired but can't sleep. If anyone can offer any advice PLEASE DO!
Thanks
Posted by Pip on December 31, 2003, at 21:50:43
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by LindsayMarie on December 21, 2003, at 16:12:09
> Please Help me! I have been on Zoloft for about 7 months now. I decided to take myself off of it.I was on a 100mg a day so I was taking 50 mg and started having these weird schock feelings through out my body.My brain feels like it is vibrating and it travels down through my arms. It's scarey and when it happens my vision sometimes blurs. Does anyone know how long this will last. It is really freaking me out. Also Zoloft has caused me to gain weight. But here lately I am so sick to my stomach that I can't eat or function at all. I am constantly tired but can't sleep. If anyone can offer any advice PLEASE DO!
> ThanksHi,
I've been on Zoloft for almost 3 years.
I began tapering about 12 months ago on the advice of our local doc. I put on so much weight it was becoming a problem. Some doctor's don't know a thing about withdrawals! Mine took me down to 50mg from 100mg and wondered why I kept getting dizzy, and falling over, unable to get up!
I've managed to get myself down to 25mg.... very slowly but I still think it takes about 2 weeks to stablise at a new dose and about a month to 2 months to feel fine enough to go to the next step.
I'm still scared as hell but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.I agree with other postings here, go back a step if you are finding the effects too bad! It's worth every day longer for less side effects. Keep trying, I know it's hard but hang in there.
Pip
Posted by SDA on January 3, 2004, at 15:42:58
In reply to withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Shelly on May 4, 1999, at 17:37:51
Hi,
I was on 200mg/day of zoloft and 150mg/day of wellbutrin for a few years. I abruptly stoped both of them shortly after my senior year of high school, and have been off of them for well over a year now. I never experienced ANY changes of any kind when I took myself off of them. They were originally prescribed for OCD, but I noitced no difference in severity off the meds versus on them. Perhaps they never did anything for me at all....
Up until right now things have been OK, but the last 8 weeks have been hell. I posted about it a while ago.
They really dont make this simple for us do they...
Posted by snarah on January 29, 2004, at 20:26:06
In reply to withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by Shelly on May 4, 1999, at 17:37:51
I was on 50mg daily Zoloft for 18 months and recently weaned off. First by taking 25mg daily, and then eventually splitting those in half into tiny Zoloft crumbs. I've been off Zoloft for a week and the withdrawal symptoms are: dizziness, spacing out, weeping, fatigue, increased worrying, increased appetite, and I have these "brain hiccups" or the "weird shock feelings in the head" other people on this site have described. What a comfort to know I'm not the only one having these symptoms! How long do these symptoms last? Do they escalate with time, or do they dissipate?
I feel like I've gleaned some skills that I've learned while on Zoloft: skills to deal with stress, insecurity, sadness and despair that I can use without being on Zoloft. But I also feel a bit powerless, since the depression is not just an attitude~ or skill~ related thing, but a result of serotonin levels and other chemical inbalances in my body.
My favorite way to describe the brain hiccups: On the DVD disc menu for Mel Gibson's "Signs", the image on the background kind of blips, and that's kind of how the brain hiccups feel. I think that the little pill in the Zoloft advertisements looks like Strong Sad from Homestarrunner.
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