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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 256 to 280 of 350. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by slip on February 11, 2004, at 10:49:08
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by JohnL on June 5, 2000, at 3:21:01
I have been taking Zoloft for a few years now. I stopped cold turkey last summer and experienced extreme irritability. So much so that I went back to drinking alcohol. Well this didn't help as I am an alcoholic. So I stopped alcohol but went back to Zoloft. I had no idea it was Zoloft causing these symptoms as my Doctor told me Zoloft wase not addictive. I also experience dizziness, sores breaking out on my skin (almost like a bug bite). Thought that was kind of wierd, as it is winter time , soft errections, involuntary muscle movements, and just a strange spatial feeling at times. Could these symptoms also be attributed to Zoloft???? Since doing some research, and finding this site, I want to get off this medication. I have read all kinds of bad side effects from using this drug. When am I going to get it into my head that there doesn't allways have to be a pill to cure my ills.
Posted by BostonBill on February 24, 2004, at 8:16:09
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by MaddieGrace on October 18, 2001, at 11:56:00
I am presently coming off Zoloft after being on it for 10 years. For the last year I have been on a low dose of 25mg a day. I have mainly dizziness, or what can be describe as a "surge" in my head. Sort of like the feeling you get when you hyperventilate or stand up too quickly from a crouched position. But it lingers all day. Cant wait till its over. Im glad to fin out its only a symptom of withdrawal and not something more sinister like a brain tumor...
Posted by cleareyes on February 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by BostonBill on February 24, 2004, at 8:16:09
Hey everyone,
I wanted to tell you what I found when I went off Zoloft. I have been off for about 3 weeks now and so far everything is fine. This may not be the case for you of course. . . (ymmv)
I already knew that withdrawal symptoms occur because your body has made some chemical adjustments to the presence of the drug.
How long you are on the drug is how long your body has been making the adjustments. Therefore if you have been on it a long time, go off of it VERRRRY slowly.
How big of a dose you are on is how big of an ajdustment your body has made. Therefore if you are on a largeish dose, say over 50mg, go off of it VERRRRY slowly.
Be nice to your body, give it a chance to make the reverse adjustments to the absense of the drug. Don't be impatient, don't be hasty, try to hang in there because transitions are important, they are where things are fragile.
Using the half-life information of the drug, and the info you have about how long and how much you have been taking, you can create a taper schedule for yourself. I found out that zoloft has a half-life of 24 hours. That means that 1/2 of the drug is still in your body 24 hours later. Then 1/4 remains after 48 hours and so it goes.
Here's how you do it: Let's take the example of someone who is taking 100 mg a day. What is actually in their body? About 200 mg. Why???? A small portion of the dose they took 8 days ago (!) is still in their system. 100 from today plus 50 from yesterday, plus 25 from the day before that etc. 100(today)+ 50(2days)+ 25(3)+ 12.5(4 days ago)+ 7.25(5 days ago)+ 3.125(6)+ 1.56(7)+ 0.75(8 days ago) Whew!!!! Sorry about that ;)
So take your dose and make a chart. What you are looking at is the total in your body on that day. If that person taking 100 mg drops 12.5 mg off their dose, the first day, the amount in their body only goes down by 12.5, but because of the half-life, on the second day of the taper (two days in a row with the decreased dose) the amount in their body will be down by 18.75 mg.
That is why the taper has to be *so* agonizingly slow, the effect is cumulative. So plese do yourself a favor and don't try to go off cold turkey or fast, even if you are only on 25 mg.
This chart takes a little patience the first time you try to make one, but just stick with it. If you make the chart, you will be able to see exactly what is going on for you. You will see in the bottom-line number what happens if you take 87.5 on the first day of the taper, back to 100 on the second, back to 87.5 on the third day etc. You won't get confused, you will know exactly how much is in you and how many days you have left on your plan. You want the amount in your body to go down so slowly and gradually that your body will hardly notice.
If you develop a really hairy withdrawal symptom, just bump your dose back up a smidge, adjust your chart and wait. Once your body gets used to the new level, you can shave a little bit off your dose every other day, and get yourself down eventually. The good news is that while the withdrawal symptoms are coming in, the side-effects are going away! :) Libido coming back, weight going down a bit etc. Yay!
You may decide to take a plateau when you get to convenient doses like 50 or 25, and coast in place for several weeks. I did this. It helped to minimize the bowel symptoms and headache problems etc and to let me check in with myself on the depression.
You also have to be completely nailing your self-care during this period, don't slack off on that. :) I can't stress it enough. To be responsible to yourself you need to be doing non-drug things that make a person feel better. H.A.L.T is a good place to start, don't ever let yourself get too Hungry Angry Lonely or Tired. Sunlight, mild exercise, no sugar, no coffee, don't argue with people, do things that make you happy or feel nurtured or entertained, laugh. Don't skip therapy, don't get frustrated, choose health. Choose choose choose.
Good luck!
Posted by jdgjdg on February 27, 2004, at 21:56:50
In reply to taper slowly to avoid symptoms coming off zoloft » BostonBill, posted by cleareyes on February 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
I can not agree more about tapering off of the Zoloft slowly. It is hard enough without trying to do it quickly. Crunch up the tablet if you have to take little bitty peices and slowly make them smaller until you are taking nothing. Also, don't let your doctor minimize the feelings you may have when coming off of Zoloft. They have probably never taken them before. Jenn
Posted by krowe on March 4, 2004, at 3:26:55
In reply to taper slowly to avoid symptoms coming off zoloft » BostonBill, posted by cleareyes on February 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
I am suffering from Zoloft withdrawal after having quit cold turkey from 50 milligrams five days ago. My doctor also has me on Wellbutrin. I am wondering if it also has the same type of withdrawal. I am looking for other people’s experiences with Wellbutrin and if anyone has been taking Zoloft and Wellbutrin together.
Thanks.
Posted by my_own_feet on March 29, 2004, at 21:25:56
In reply to taper slowly to avoid symptoms coming off zoloft » BostonBill, posted by cleareyes on February 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
Hi everyone... I was on 150 mg of Zoloft for 8 years and decided with my therapist it was time to try life without the drug. I went to my MD to discuss a dose reduction. He recommended to reduce the dose by 50 mg every week. This meant I would be totally off the drug in three weeks. I thought that would be too drastic so I decided to drop the dose every three weeks instead of one. The first dose drop, I experienced irritation mostly and some sleep disruptions with nightmares. The second dose drop I found the withdrawl less then the first drop. The last dose drop from 50 mg to nothing was a big kick in the head. I have wicked head spins or mind warps.. or whatever we call it.. we all know it by feel. I have been Zoloft free for one week and I am experiencing these spins all day finding the worst part of the day being in the afternoon. It's very weird but I am still able to function. I regret not doing an internet search first to hear what other people have to say about the withdrawls and instead putting all my faith in my MD. I'm sure it would have been even more severe if I would have followed his weekly reduction. Being on this drug for 8 years is a long time and I wish I had tapered those last 50mg wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more than just cold turkey. I have decided to fight through another week of withdrawl and see if it gets better instead of trying to take more zoloft. I never want to have to drug again. Good luck with everyone and thank-you for all your input about this drug and your own personal withdrawl experiences. Sounds like Clear eyes has a well thought out method of easing off the Zoloft with minimum withdrawl. Use this advice, I know I would have if I read it before I got off the drug.
Peace, Love and Happiness
Posted by slip on March 29, 2004, at 21:43:01
In reply to Re: taper slowly to avoid symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by my_own_feet on March 29, 2004, at 21:25:56
Well, I am back on Zoloft after going cold turkey for about a month. I began to get very angry and irritable quite often, so I got my script refilled. I am not sure this was caused by the withdrawal from the drug or if it was because of my depression, but I feel better now, albeit somewhat sedated.
Posted by BradG on April 1, 2004, at 19:22:58
In reply to Re: withdrawal symptoms coming off zoloft, posted by D on April 14, 2000, at 13:33:28
I initially had mild anxiety attacks and was prescribed this evil drug. Was taking 100mg for 8 months then made the mistake of quitting cold turkey in Nov 03. What a disaster. Wasn't warned of any side effects by doctor until too late. Had severe deppressive episodes and outrageous mood swings. Zoloft has slowly ruined my life, marriage etc. It just seems to compound & magnify everything gloomy. The insomnia is torture. Unfortunately I had to go back onto 100mg and have just started tapering from 100mg down to 50mg. I am going to go for two weeks at this level (it's been 1 week now and no side effects) whilst using the 'Immunocal' product to help with this process. It gives itself glowing testimonials, so we'll see how it goes. After this next week I'll go down to 25mg for two weeks then down to 12.5mg for a week. After that just 12.5mg every second day for a week. This should exhaust both my current prescription and my supply of 'Immunocal' also. I can't wait to get my life back and never put another pill in my system. Keep you posted.
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