contentess
04-19-2003, 12:26 AM
Hello! I've been taking Zoloft (50 mg/day) on and off for almost nine (!) years now for panic disorder, and I have had nothing but good experiences with it. It was worked very well for me, and has allowed me to employ behavior and cognitive techniques that have led me to gain control over my anxiety for the first time in my life. I've been panic-free for a year now, and my husband and I have decided to start trying to conceive. I am not comfortable taking Zoloft throughout my pregnancy, and I am very uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding while on Zoloft. (I realize there are people who do this, and that's fine, but it is not something I want to do if possible.)
So, I'm trying to wean off. Or, starting to wean off. I've actually gone off of Zoloft twice before, but at both times I went off because of selfish reasons--I wanted to drink, I didn't want to be taking a pill every day. And, I did not have a firm grounding in CBT techniques for reducing anxiety. Now, however, I have both a good set of coping skills and a very unselfish reason for wanting to go off.
I would really like to be in contact with someone else weaning off of Zoloft, since it is a stressful process and it helps to talk to someone who understands what you're talking about (like the zaps!). If anyone would like to correspond, please e-mail me at contentess@hotmail.com.
Thanks,
Lori
So, I'm trying to wean off. Or, starting to wean off. I've actually gone off of Zoloft twice before, but at both times I went off because of selfish reasons--I wanted to drink, I didn't want to be taking a pill every day. And, I did not have a firm grounding in CBT techniques for reducing anxiety. Now, however, I have both a good set of coping skills and a very unselfish reason for wanting to go off.
I would really like to be in contact with someone else weaning off of Zoloft, since it is a stressful process and it helps to talk to someone who understands what you're talking about (like the zaps!). If anyone would like to correspond, please e-mail me at contentess@hotmail.com.
Thanks,
Lori
Sponsor
LPL
09-18-2003, 01:51 AM
I started the weaning process about a month ago. My doctor instructed me to start taking my normal dosage every other day for a week, then take it every three days for two weeks. I've been completely off of it for a week. So far, the only thing that is really starting to worry me is a funny feeling in my head. It's not really dizziness...just kind of a "whoosh" when I turn my head suddenly, but it only lasts for a second. I'm not sure if this is what everyone else describes as "zaps". I guess you could call it a zap...
I'm also a little on edge....jumpy...sensitive to loud noises. But I heard that may happen when coming off of Zoloft. And I also heard that it can take two weeks for the medicine to be completely out of your system, so I'm hoping all of these symptoms will pass.
If anyone else is experiencing these weird sensations, especially the funny feeling in the head, I'd surely like to hear from you. I'm starting to worry about brain tumor over here.
I'm also a little on edge....jumpy...sensitive to loud noises. But I heard that may happen when coming off of Zoloft. And I also heard that it can take two weeks for the medicine to be completely out of your system, so I'm hoping all of these symptoms will pass.
If anyone else is experiencing these weird sensations, especially the funny feeling in the head, I'd surely like to hear from you. I'm starting to worry about brain tumor over here.
sgt207
09-18-2003, 03:01 PM
I was on it for 5 years for severe ptsd and panic. LAst year I started coming down on the dosage from about a high of 25mg, then I would cut off about 2mg and take that amount for 3 or 4 weeks, then cut off another 2mg's, etc until this past July I was down to 2 or 3 mg's . Then I stopped.
I still had withdrawal for about 8 weeks. It started out with dizziness, nausea, insomnia, stomach pains and aches, and bad anxiety. It would come and go in waves with no two symptoms at the same time. Most of my doctors said it wasn't withdrawal, except for my general practitioner who is not too long out of med school who said that the withdrawal can last for up to three months for those who have been on it for a long time even if you taper. If you go cold turkey you can end up in with very bad withdrawals.
Just take it very slow, then go slower.
I still had withdrawal for about 8 weeks. It started out with dizziness, nausea, insomnia, stomach pains and aches, and bad anxiety. It would come and go in waves with no two symptoms at the same time. Most of my doctors said it wasn't withdrawal, except for my general practitioner who is not too long out of med school who said that the withdrawal can last for up to three months for those who have been on it for a long time even if you taper. If you go cold turkey you can end up in with very bad withdrawals.
Just take it very slow, then go slower.
Mackie
09-18-2003, 06:47 PM
I am so glad I found this message board - I thought I was going crazy. I took Zoloft for about 8 months to help with some anxiety. While I was on it, it was great. My doctor said that after about 6 months, I shouldn't need Zoloft anymore and I could get off of it and my brain/body would be "trained" not to be anxious anymore. So, I followed her instructions to wean off of it very slowly. Last week I was down to 12.5mg every other day.
I took my last Zoloft Saturday night - I was fine Sunday & Monday. Then, wham! I woke up Tuesday feeling dizzy, everytime I got up I had sensations of vertigo, and if I moved my head, the whole room would move back and forth. I have had wooshes and zapping feels in my head, I've felt seasick. I went to the doctor on Wednesday morning (drove myself there - NOT a good idea) and she told me that all this had nothing to do with the Zoloft, that there are no side effects with getting off Zoloft. She diagnosed me with an inner ear infection and gave me some anti-dizziness medication.
I took the anti-dizziness pills on Wednesday afternoon and evening, and I felt 100 times worse. I was actually lying on the floor most of the day. Today is Thursday. I found this web site today and decided not to take the anti-dizziness pills since it didn't help at all. Today, I can finally sit up without feeling like I'm going to fall out of my chair. But the dizziness, vertigo, and zaps continue.
I wish I knew how long this was going to last! This is awful. I've missed 3 days of work now and can't afford to miss much more. This is actually causing me a lot of anxiety, and I am totally afraid that my doctor was wrong and my mind is not "trained" to be normal like she said it would. I know one thing, I am not going back on the Zoloft - this is not right!
I took my last Zoloft Saturday night - I was fine Sunday & Monday. Then, wham! I woke up Tuesday feeling dizzy, everytime I got up I had sensations of vertigo, and if I moved my head, the whole room would move back and forth. I have had wooshes and zapping feels in my head, I've felt seasick. I went to the doctor on Wednesday morning (drove myself there - NOT a good idea) and she told me that all this had nothing to do with the Zoloft, that there are no side effects with getting off Zoloft. She diagnosed me with an inner ear infection and gave me some anti-dizziness medication.
I took the anti-dizziness pills on Wednesday afternoon and evening, and I felt 100 times worse. I was actually lying on the floor most of the day. Today is Thursday. I found this web site today and decided not to take the anti-dizziness pills since it didn't help at all. Today, I can finally sit up without feeling like I'm going to fall out of my chair. But the dizziness, vertigo, and zaps continue.
I wish I knew how long this was going to last! This is awful. I've missed 3 days of work now and can't afford to miss much more. This is actually causing me a lot of anxiety, and I am totally afraid that my doctor was wrong and my mind is not "trained" to be normal like she said it would. I know one thing, I am not going back on the Zoloft - this is not right!
sugabr
09-19-2003, 12:12 PM
hi everyone. I have been going through withdrawl symptoms for about a week and half. i haven't experienced the emotional roller coaster yet but I am having to deal with those "zaps", dizziness, and nasuousness. Does anyone know how long this part of the withdrawl lasts? I would really appreciate all advice. If anyone wants to chat you can email me at sugabr9@aol.com or im me. thanks, kari
Mackie
09-19-2003, 03:33 PM
It has been almost one week since I took my last Zoloft. Today hasn't been too bad - very little dizziness, no nausea. I had a lot of zaps this morning, but it seems to be getting better this afternoon. I saw on another chat where someone recommended taking Benedryl to help with the dizziness and zaps. I didn't have Benedryl, but I had Advil cold & sinus (which is Advil plus Seudophed), so I took one of those. So, maybe that is helping. Or maybe the withdrawal is ending - wouldn't that be great!
alden
09-19-2003, 04:49 PM
Hi all, This forum is exactly what I needed as I am experiencing what many of former zoloft users here are posting. I was on 200 mg zoloft for 5 years. To be honest, at first it was amazing to me how much energy it seemed to give me and how positive I was feeling. I have suffered from depression all my life as far back into my childhood as I can remember and the zoloft changed all that.... at least at first. After several years of taking the zoloft it seemed that I no longer was benefiting from it as before. Yes I was not in the dumps but then again I had no ups either. It was kinda like I was in a cloud and plain; like a zombie. I decided to get off of it to change the way the chemical was making me feel. Soon after, I started into the withdrawal feeling that many of you have noted but something else happened. Im a systems programmer and I make my living using my mental facilities. What I noticed was that now being removed from the zoloft, I was thinking and comprehending things that I hadn't before. A problem that had stumped me for weeks I now solved within a day.... This is my take on the whole zoloft issue. Zoloft may be a great tool to use for many of us who deal with depression and the like. But it is a drug that needs the oversite of a doctor who specializes in drug therepies. Not a GP who knows even less than those who have responded in this forum. Its absurd that a doc would say... "There is no withdrawal from zoloft.. you have an inner ear infection" What B.S.!!!! Who the heck are they trying to kid anyway?? The problem is the almighty $$$. Drug companies are making millions off of this stuff and they have marketed zoloft with the same care and concern that general mills pushes a new breakfast cereal. It angers me that we are the ones who suffer and are the guinee pigs... One day you'll read about a study on the real news of zoloft but it will be only after those of us have suffered and complained.... Thanks for those who have reported the length of the withdrawal... Its been 3 weeks for me and I'm still spinning and feeling like crap but reading how others have finally made it gives me hope :) I've got more here in the way of education and advice than from any doc that I paid 75-100$$.. again thank you
[This message has been edited by alden (edited 09-19-2003).]
[This message has been edited by alden (edited 09-19-2003).]
[This message has been edited by alden (edited 09-19-2003).]
[This message has been edited by alden (edited 09-19-2003).]
Mackie
09-20-2003, 06:40 PM
Today is my seventh day without Zoloft. I was sick to my stomach all morning, but now that has subsided. This evening I have the "zaps" really bad. I'm going to try taking a Benedryl. No one around me understands what this is like. It really sucks.
sugabr
09-20-2003, 08:14 PM
mackie. i know how you feel. today is my 7th day and the symptoms seem to be getting worse instead of better. everyone around me thinks im crazy. i try to explain how i feel they just dont understand. i have even called my doctor and he doesnt understand. he just tells me that i should just take the zoloft again. i hope you start feeling better soon.
migsy
09-21-2003, 05:12 AM
um, hi.
first, i must say that i am really glad to have found this message board. everyone seems to be very nice, and i am seeing similarities with what i am going through all over the place.
i am 25, and a musician in austin, and today will be my sixth day off of 'the drug.' i started taking zoloft a couple of years ago to deal with anxiety, and decided to stop when i realized my dependence on the drug was making me as paranoid as i ever was without it. i decided to try to find some kind of a support system tonight, when the 'zaps' started getting really awful while i was at a bar with some friends. i didn't know until now that these twitches were something that happened to everyone, and it makes me comfortable to know that i'm not going crazy. (at least not uniquely crazy...) um, nothing i'm saying here is particularly useful, so excuse me, but it feels really good to vent to people who understand. over the past few days, i've also experienced dizziness, extreme confusion and short-term memory loss, and temperature fluctuation. but the zaps are really getting to me the most. my 'go-to issue', anxiety-wise, has been a preoccupation, no, obsession, with my heart rate and/or its regularity, and having the zaps has put me in constant fear of this being pulse-related. and the silliness of this fear makes me sad, which makes me even more anxious, etc. etc. the few friends who i've told about this have been cool, and so have my parents, but try as they might, they don't get it, and it's starting to cause some feelings of isolation. and i know this is just the beginning, but i'm trying to maintain a positive outlook, and i hope that meeting some of y'all and reading your posts will help me get through this. for now, i'm just taking it day by day, and trying not to take too much xanax. hee hee. by the way, beer most definitely does not help with the nausea. but the things that have so far mostly involve preoccupying myself with 'normal activities,' i.e. watching a movie, or cooking something. sorry if this is going on for too long. ah. paranoia. my first big hump is this friday, when the band i'm in plays a show. we're relatively popular, and i am in front, so i am naturally a little worried about my performance. advice from musicians, performers, or speakers would be very helpful. anyway, i'll stop for now. i look forward to 'meeting' everyone, and if you're reading this, i hope you're doing really well, be it with medication or without. if i can be any kind of support to anyone, or if anyone wants to help me out, drop me a line. it would be great to hear from you. right-o.
cheers
miguel
migharvey@aol.com
[This message has been edited by migsy (edited 09-21-2003).]
first, i must say that i am really glad to have found this message board. everyone seems to be very nice, and i am seeing similarities with what i am going through all over the place.
i am 25, and a musician in austin, and today will be my sixth day off of 'the drug.' i started taking zoloft a couple of years ago to deal with anxiety, and decided to stop when i realized my dependence on the drug was making me as paranoid as i ever was without it. i decided to try to find some kind of a support system tonight, when the 'zaps' started getting really awful while i was at a bar with some friends. i didn't know until now that these twitches were something that happened to everyone, and it makes me comfortable to know that i'm not going crazy. (at least not uniquely crazy...) um, nothing i'm saying here is particularly useful, so excuse me, but it feels really good to vent to people who understand. over the past few days, i've also experienced dizziness, extreme confusion and short-term memory loss, and temperature fluctuation. but the zaps are really getting to me the most. my 'go-to issue', anxiety-wise, has been a preoccupation, no, obsession, with my heart rate and/or its regularity, and having the zaps has put me in constant fear of this being pulse-related. and the silliness of this fear makes me sad, which makes me even more anxious, etc. etc. the few friends who i've told about this have been cool, and so have my parents, but try as they might, they don't get it, and it's starting to cause some feelings of isolation. and i know this is just the beginning, but i'm trying to maintain a positive outlook, and i hope that meeting some of y'all and reading your posts will help me get through this. for now, i'm just taking it day by day, and trying not to take too much xanax. hee hee. by the way, beer most definitely does not help with the nausea. but the things that have so far mostly involve preoccupying myself with 'normal activities,' i.e. watching a movie, or cooking something. sorry if this is going on for too long. ah. paranoia. my first big hump is this friday, when the band i'm in plays a show. we're relatively popular, and i am in front, so i am naturally a little worried about my performance. advice from musicians, performers, or speakers would be very helpful. anyway, i'll stop for now. i look forward to 'meeting' everyone, and if you're reading this, i hope you're doing really well, be it with medication or without. if i can be any kind of support to anyone, or if anyone wants to help me out, drop me a line. it would be great to hear from you. right-o.
cheers
miguel
migharvey@aol.com
[This message has been edited by migsy (edited 09-21-2003).]
sgt207
09-21-2003, 02:05 PM
Has anyone suffered the withdrawal for more than 8 weeks? I'm at almost 9 and it's still here, albeit a little more tolerable.
Mackie
09-22-2003, 11:58 AM
Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences. I can't believe you are going on 9 weeks of this! Today is my 9th day and the thought of even another week of this withdrawal makes me queasy (well, more queasy than I already am). I am on my second box of Advil Cold & Sinus - for me, that is working better than Benedryl for the zaps and dizziness. I have no idea why this seems to work, but it does. Unfortunately, I haven't found anything that works for the nausea/stomach upset which seems to be coming and going - very unpredictable. This is ironic, since part of my original anxiety problem stems from an irrational fear of throwing up! The human mind is just an amazing thing. Today is my first full day back at work. I work at a University, and the Psychology department just sent out an email that they are looking for people to participate in a study of adult anxiety. I am thinking of trying to get in the study - if for no other reason than to try to talk to someone who may know more about Zoloft than my ridiculous doctor!
By the way, in response to the post from the singer - my job involves a lot of public speaking. I never really had much of a problem with speaking, although one of the great things about being on Zoloft was that every ounce of nervousness I might have had about speaking was just gone. I was as comfortable in front of any audience as sitting in my living room. I haven't had a speaking engagement since getting off Zoloft, so we'll have to see how that goes. Best of luck to you!
By the way, in response to the post from the singer - my job involves a lot of public speaking. I never really had much of a problem with speaking, although one of the great things about being on Zoloft was that every ounce of nervousness I might have had about speaking was just gone. I was as comfortable in front of any audience as sitting in my living room. I haven't had a speaking engagement since getting off Zoloft, so we'll have to see how that goes. Best of luck to you!
Cldwv
09-22-2003, 01:15 PM
sgt207,
My withdrawls lasted about 3 months. After the third month things got MUCH better. Hang in there if you can.
My withdrawls lasted about 3 months. After the third month things got MUCH better. Hang in there if you can.
sgt207
09-22-2003, 06:20 PM
Thanks - will do.
BTW, how long where you on the Zoloft. I was on it for 5 years. I wonder if the length of time on it matters for how long the withdrawal lasts.
[This message has been edited by sgt207 (edited 09-22-2003).]
BTW, how long where you on the Zoloft. I was on it for 5 years. I wonder if the length of time on it matters for how long the withdrawal lasts.
[This message has been edited by sgt207 (edited 09-22-2003).]
migsy
09-23-2003, 08:00 PM
it's been over a week now, and if the physical symptoms aren't getting any better, at least now i am starting to get used to them. advil cold and sinus, eh? a most interesting proposition...
the one bad development is that the mood swings have started. although i wasn't on the drug for depression, i think that the absence of it is making things seem like this. three more days until my first performance test. again, any advice from singer, musicians, actors, speakers, etc. would be greatly appreciated. i'll keep everyone updated. wow, there's a really large grasshopper on my window. i think i'll now pay attention to that for a while. i hope everyone is feeling well.
miguel
the one bad development is that the mood swings have started. although i wasn't on the drug for depression, i think that the absence of it is making things seem like this. three more days until my first performance test. again, any advice from singer, musicians, actors, speakers, etc. would be greatly appreciated. i'll keep everyone updated. wow, there's a really large grasshopper on my window. i think i'll now pay attention to that for a while. i hope everyone is feeling well.
miguel
twistedkriss
07-30-2008, 09:25 PM
I've been on Zoloft for about 16 yrs now for anxiety, I'm having a hard time getting off of it, when i try to, i get the attacks again.
Can everyone who weaned off of it tell me how they did it, more specifically, what was the mgs of your last dose?
Thanks.
Can everyone who weaned off of it tell me how they did it, more specifically, what was the mgs of your last dose?
Thanks.
flintrock
08-02-2008, 12:27 PM
I've been on Zoloft since December and I have skipped 2 days of taking it and I don't have any symptoms. I just forgot to take it. I take it at night (50MG daily). I plan on tappering myself, just because I know I should. I'll let you know how it goes.