Zoloft withdrawl update

[9041missy]

It's been awhile since I updated everyone regarding my Zoloft withdrawls. I had stopped *completely* for a month. The first and second weeks were tolerable. The third week was "iffy" and this past week was horrible. Like someone who recently replied to my last posting, I too had never been physically addicted to anything in my life. My boyfriend kept telling me to just go back on it but realizing that by doing so I would be letting a drug take control over me, I was very hesitant. Well, considering that while off Zoloft I didnt have a life, I decided to go back on a very small dosage. Just enough to keep the withdrawls at bay. I thought for sure I could stick it through. Each day got worse and worse...to the point that I couldnt get out of bed. My eyes *literally* refused to open. I could open my eyes but my eyes would still be rolled up in my head. I knew of my fathers birthday but didnt care...(which is very out of character) I became severely depressed again. I too have been excersizing every day but sunday. I bike 20 miles per day. That is the only time I felt "okay". The dizziness was 24/7. The "wooshes" in my eyes when I moved them had gotten worse. I felt I had no choice but to go back on them. I do have a doctors appointment in a couple weeks and will hopefully be able to get off Zoloft and on to something that may have less side affects...then after a few months try to ween myself off that one...Good luck to everyone.

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Missy

[bkcorr86]

Missy,
I did absolutely nothing for 2-3 weeks while I was "withdrawing" (meaning NO zoloft at all at the end of my taper). I am disabled and don't work. But I feel bad for those of you who have to because it would have been impossible for me.
I knew if I went back on the zoloft, I would never get off it. First it was the physical stuff, the zaps, the dizziness, etc, then it was the RAGE/anger/moodiness that was entirely out of my control (scarey when you have kids!) and the depression/suicidal thoughts, the vivid disturbing dreams. Now after 3 months, I still have some moodiness and vivd dreams, but it is about 50% better. I don't feel like the raging bit*# all the time any more.
My doctor, like most I have heard of, acted like he had never heard of zoloft withdrawal before. So I wouldn't count on your doctor to make things better. I think the key lies in a) tapering down very slowly b) being committed to riding out the storm when you finally are OFF it c) being aware that these symptoms are all TYPICAL withdrawal d) taking benadryl to counteract the zaps and dizziness d) realize this will take MONTHS It would be great if your doc could give you something to ease the withdrawal, but I haven't heard of anything yet. Please let us know how it goes.

[sugabr]

i am newly coming off of the zoloft. I have been going through the zaps and dizziness for almost 2 weeks. is there anyone out there that can tell me how long this feeling lasts. thank you so much

[sgt207]

I was on it for 5 years and stopped by tapering down to 2 or 4 mg. I had withdrawal for 6-8 weeks, varying in intensity. I still have some rough times but it seems to gradually get better.

[motherhenof5]

Hi, I posted on another thread already, but had to add my 2 cents here too.
Here's the short of it: Went on Z 50mg a Oct 2003 for postpartum depression (my 5th), it worked wonders - thank you God! By Oct 2004 the side effects were causing me to be depressed, I had the zaps in my right leg at night and could not sleep, I was unable to enjoy sex at all where as before it has always been awesome with my hubbie of 13 years, then when I realized the weight I had gained... uggghhh! So I tried to wean off, but it was like a sugar high when you crash later. I would crash around 4/5pm and be a blubbering mess. I decided to go cold turkey and do it all at once. The side effects went away in a few days (except the 20lbs...). Within a week I had the zaps in my head, dizzy, fatigued as if I had the flu, at night I felt intoxicated and awfully irratable. Well now it has been 2 weeks and I am feeling much better. The zaps have stopped, the dizziness and intoxicated feelings are gone. Zoloft did wonders for me and got me through a normally very rough time. If I had (or have) to do it again, I would (will) take z again. Blessings and encouragement to you all out there. MHO5