Zoloft Withdrawals-Need support - Drug Interactions / Side Effects Message Board

snoopybe81 · 08-17-2003, 06:45 PM

Hello Everyone!

I have been on Zoloft (100mg) since 1997. It helped me get through some really rough times and overcome my fear of college. Last week I was instructed, by my neurologist, to get off cold turkey.

The reason for quitting...It seems, after much suffering, research, and trial and error, Zoloft has been causing my daily, severe, disabling migraines.

Now I am going through the withdrawals. I am glad the migraines are gone, but I am constantly dizzy, which many of you accurately describe as "zaps." I am constantly "sea-sick" and all the other horrific withdrawals. I guess it is a trade off: migraines or zaps.

The only medication that relieves my migraines is Hydrocodone (aka Vicodin), which is fine, but I have my last year of college begins this week and I cannot be on narcotics.

I really do not have a choice other than going cold turkey due to my recent reaction to Zoloft. If there is anyone who has gone cold turkey from 100mg, please let me know how long your withdrawals lasted. For everyone else your thoughts are welcome.

I know I should really wean, but I have no choice. For a little more background...in the past, I have weaned off Zoloft to try other medications. Depression is not really my problem...its anxiety, but I think I have reached a point in my life where I can handle it because I have learned how to put things in God's hands, so I probably will not be starting another medication.

cattys · 08-18-2003, 05:36 PM

I was weaned off of zoloft and the dizziness was the worst. I can't imagine just cold turkeing it. I wish you the best of luck. Withdraws from zoloft can be hell. If it gets to bad I would call my dr.

elflike · 08-19-2003, 11:21 AM

Hi, I just recently stumbeled on this web page while doing research on Zolofy. I have been on it for six mo. now. I just increased my dose to 50mg, (yeah i know that's not a lot) After reading the messages on this board about withdrawl, i am terrified to continue taking it or to get off it. I don't have depression, instead it's anxiety and panic attacks. I have tried other meds in the past, but the only meds for just anxiety are all addictive. Which means no long term use. If i keep taking Zolofy, my withdrawl is only going to be worse the longer i am on it, right? There is a good chance i will have to up my doseage the longer i'm taking it also. I don't know what to do. I haven't talked to my doctor yet, but he NEVER warned me about withdrawl. I even asked him if i would possibly become depressed after i stopped taking it, since the med messes with chemicals in my brain, and he said no. I would like anyone's advice who has been through withdrawl. Should i get off it now? Does everyone go through withdrawl, or only some people? I'm just scared and frustrated. I got on Zoloft to help control my anxiety, and now it's giving me anxiety because i am afraid of withdrawl. Any words of advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Courtney

cattys · 08-19-2003, 05:02 PM

Hi Courtney,

Zoloft really made a difference in my life when I really needed it. Then after 3 years I thought I could go off of it. I weaned my self off and the withdraws went away but my depression and panick attacks came back with a vengence. now I am on effexor, I just started it.

So I came to the conclussion that I personally need that extra med to keep myself from living in the life of panick and anxiety.

If you feel you mentally need it then I would take it. Down the road if you feel you don't need it anymore then you can slowly wean yourself off.

I wish you best of luck whatever you decide.
Cattys

snoopybe81 · 08-19-2003, 10:55 PM

I know I need the extra help from the medication but Zoloft and Paxil seem to give me migraines.

Have any of you developed migraines or headaches on antidepressants?

Thanks!