Discussions that mention zoloft

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Hi Sandella :wave: Hi everyone :wave:

I have been on ADs for 10 years. After 10 months of tapering, I am finally off everything. 17 days AD-free now.

The first few years I was on Prozac and had no complaints. Unfortunately it stopped working for me. From there on out, I went from AD to AD. When I complained of the side effects, the doctor(s) would add on another prescription to deal with side effects. When I reached 6 drugs at one time, and even my counselors and friends were getting concerned, I went to my doctor and told him my fears, my side effects, etc... to which he wanted to add on another drug. When I confronted him about not listening to me, and continuing to want to give me medication against my wishes... he then suggested I might want to try hospitalization and shock therapy. So that's when I fired him, and started tapering.

The last 7 years on ADs, I have gained a total of 80 pounds. Never in my life -- until ADs -- did I have a problem with my weight. Not even remotely.

I'm hoping this thread might be a place where those of us who are going to give life a try without ADs, can come together for support.

I'd like to get this weight off, live my life thin again, and then decide if I can live the rest of my life, with or without depression, without ADs. But between the side effects and the weight gain, it has only added to my depression. So I don't think I will be able to fully decide what's best for me, until I can get this weight off, then I'll be in a better place to re-evaluate.

I already gave up sodas 18 months ago in the hopes that I would lose weight.... now that I am completely off all ADs, my plan (starting noon today) is to give up the rest of refined sugar, white flour, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

I am nervous that my "depression" will come back. Even though I believe my depression has always been situational.... it's hard to fight doctors who say I will always have to be on ADs. I think it's a normal fear for me to have at this point.

I would sure appreciate the company of others going through something similar.





:wave:

I too gained weight from AD's, about 20 or 30lbs. After I went off them I drastically lost weight, almost to the point where it scared me. I drank heavily on the AD's though too, which im sure added to the weight gain, and I stopped after I quit them.

I dont want to make you think itll happen to you or that im saying it will in anyway, im just telling you about me, my depression did come back. About six months or so and it started creeping back up on me, so I went back to taking Lexapro this time (I was on Zoloft for 5 years before). Hope everything works out for you :)

Quote from wee96:

I dont want to make you think itll happen to you or that im saying it will in anyway, im just telling you about me, my depression did come back. About six months or so and it started creeping back up on me, so I went back to taking Lexapro this time (I was on Zoloft for 5 years before). Hope everything works out for you :)

Thanks, I'll take all the encouragement I can get! :)

I'll add a few words to your new thread! After being on just about every SSRI except effexxor ( wouldn't EVEN touch that one) I am happy to report I am off of them for the first time since 1988 or so. Its been a month plus a few days now. I still carry a Xanax just in case I get anxiety from dealing with an event or person.
None of the SSRI's ( ie Zoloft, Luvox, Paxil , Prozac, Lexapro , Celexa) seemed to have made any difference except for making me feel fuzzy, detached, sleepy , unmotivated and basically ill. I will wonder if MY depression has always been situational. I took meds to relieve the symptoms . But ended up with a pattern I didn't like.

I think I will always have depression but I am doing my best to think and act my way out of the episodes. It requires great effort though and I am willing to do it to avoid meds and the side effects that go along. I do not want to live in a fuzzy detached state day after day. No one can get me out of this but me . It requires me to take that step to do it. A pill will not work with me. Been there, done that. Me me me. Look how many times I mentioned that word. I had to get away from these thoughts.

Gained about 8 pounds whilst on 20mgsLexapro . I noticed it was the appetite that increased and for a solid month, I ate and ate all the time. Nothing would fill me up and I'd just eat . Then ,I would get sleepy and go to bed. After living like this day after day , I got fed up with the way I was headed so I returned to Celexa . I was still somewhat detached although the appetite problem decreased. Decided I would try life without meds.

So far, so good really. I am better off mentally than I was using the meds. It remains to be seen how I am 6 months from now. If the depression gets to be more than I can handle, I will go back to meds. I must give that effort though to remain med free.
I am very conscious of what I eat ( am also going through menopause) and I do get quite a bit of exercise stocking the retail store. I consider that job a challenge despite not really having to do it for income. . Most people wouldn't want to be this physical . Lousy pay really but the point is to get out of the house, to exercise, to interact with people , and mostly , to force myself into a schedule. Yeah, its tough and I lift alot of heavy things but I am determined I can do this .
I think this job has made a big difference and it keeps the depresssion at bay. I enjoy bantering with customers. It makes me have to think about something else. I intend to keep it until my body says enough of this.

I also know I have a talent for painting which is there whenever I decide I want to do it. Right now, I am fed up trying to compete with cheap imports so I don't feel motivated to produce alot of things. I will though start painting for the holiday season. Look at it more like relaxation rather than income -producing .
So , my thing is trying to work away from the house to stay depression -free and I want to do this without meds. Then use the painting as a relaxation thing when I AM in the house. Just my thoughts written down really. Sorry the post is so long. But I am glad I got to write the thoughts down here on the board. I can go back through the archives and re read if I reach "that point" again.

As far as that weight thing- make it your big goal ( I know you are) but give it the best effort and do not give up . Join a group if you need to . Even a gym to keep you on that schedule. Or if you need a stocking job, I know where you can apply! You won't believe how strong I have become !! And how fast I can move . But it works for me .... an effort rewarded so far.

[QUOTE=Donna 2854]I'll add a few words to your new thread! After being on just about every SSRI except effexxor ( wouldn't EVEN touch that one) I am happy to report I am off of them for the first time since 1988 or so. Its been a month plus a few days now. I still carry a Xanax just in case I get anxiety from dealing with an event or person.
None of the SSRI's ( ie Zoloft, Luvox, Paxil , Prozac, Lexapro , Celexa) seemed to have made any difference except for making me feel fuzzy, detached, sleepy , unmotivated and basically ill. I will wonder if MY depression has always been situational. I took meds to relieve the symptoms . But ended up with a pattern I didn't like.

Hi Donna :wave: Boy, I'm impressed, you've been on ADs longer than I was (I was 10 years). I completely agree with everything you have said. I'm at 18 days free! Woo Hoo!

I got tired of being fuzzy, detached, sleepy, ill... everything you said. I took the meds because I trusted my doctor(s) :jester: :jester: when they said I was "chemically imbalanced" and wouldn't get better without them. What a crock!

[QUOTE=Donna 2854] I think I will always have depression but I am doing my best to think and act my way out of the episodes. It requires great effort though and I am willing to do it to avoid meds and the side effects that go along. I do not want to live in a fuzzy detached state day after day. No one can get me out of this but me . It requires me to take that step to do it. A pill will not work with me. Been there, done that. Me me me. Look how many times I mentioned that word. I had to get away from these thoughts.


I am somewhat fearful that I will always have depression.
Fearful that I will again find myself in a really dark place. Yet at the same time, I wasn't getting any better on the ADs, in fact, I think I was getting worse. So I am determined to give this a shot, give me a shot, at a better quality of life.

[QUOTE=Donna 2854]
I am very conscious of what I eat ( am also going through menopause) and I do get quite a bit of exercise stocking the retail store. I consider that job a challenge despite not really having to do it for income. . Most people wouldn't want to be this physical . Lousy pay really but the point is to get out of the house, to exercise, to interact with people , and mostly , to force myself into a schedule. Yeah, its tough and I lift alot of heavy things but I am determined I can do this .
I think this job has made a big difference and it keeps the depresssion at bay. I enjoy bantering with customers. It makes me have to think about something else. I intend to keep it until my body says enough of this.

I also know I have a talent for painting which is there whenever I decide I want to do it. Right now, I am fed up trying to compete with cheap imports so I don't feel motivated to produce alot of things. I will though start painting for the holiday season. Look at it more like relaxation rather than income -producing .
So , my thing is trying to work away from the house to stay depression -free and I want to do this without meds. Then use the painting as a relaxation thing when I AM in the house. Just my thoughts written down really. Sorry the post is so long. But I am glad I got to write the thoughts down here on the board. I can go back through the archives and re read if I reach "that point" again.



I read about your job on another post. I'm impressed, and a little envious. Unfortunately, it's just me so I have to work where I can (somewhat :rolleyes: ) support myself.

Definately give your painting a go. It's gotta feel good to create beautiful things... and who knows? You could get discovered! I used to sing, but my last bout with depression took the desire away. I'm starting to think about singing again.... so we'll see....

Thanks so much for your support! :bouncing: Every little bit helps enormously!

Wow - reading these posts really does make me feel like I'm not alone (but on the other hand I'm sorry you all are in this same boat!)

I also have some AD weight to lose - I gained 40 pounds in just a year and a half while on Zoloft and Buspar.

I had good success with the no sugar, no refined flour thing a few years ago - it's a healthy way to lose weight! I was also walking a lot in addition to working out at a gym - at the time I had a job that was a 25-minute brisk walk from the nearest bus stop. Now the darn thing stops right outside my office building.

I can relate to the feelings of detachment, sleepiness, and lack of motivation from the ADs - and I've always loved to exercise, but my desire to exercise decreased dramatically while on Zoloft. I've been off now for 6 days, and I can already feel my desire to work out coming back. No weight loss yet, though.

Here's to success for all of us!

Mary

Quote from WaryMary:

Wow - reading these posts really does make me feel like I'm not alone (but on the other hand I'm sorry you all are in this same boat!)

I also have some AD weight to lose - I gained 40 pounds in just a year and a half while on Zoloft and Buspar.

I had good success with the no sugar, no refined flour thing a few years ago - it's a healthy way to lose weight! I was also walking a lot in addition to working out at a gym - at the time I had a job that was a 25-minute brisk walk from the nearest bus stop. Now the darn thing stops right outside my office building.

I can relate to the feelings of detachment, sleepiness, and lack of motivation from the ADs - and I've always loved to exercise, but my desire to exercise decreased dramatically while on Zoloft. I've been off now for 6 days, and I can already feel my desire to work out coming back. No weight loss yet, though.

Here's to success for all of us!

Mary

Hi Mary :wave:

Was it easy for you to give up the refined sugar and flour? Have you been able to do it again and lose weight?

SickofEffexor,

At first it isn't easy, but it gets easier. Splenda and Stevia are wonderful things, and both helped me. I mix just a pinch of Stevia or a couple of packets of Splenda with oatmeal (not the instant kind - the regular kind) and put in a spoonful of peanut butter. That helps with the sugar cravings!

I've just gotten started on it again, and it's much harder now, but I'm going to stick with it knowing it will get easier. When I was doing it before I found I had to be 100% strict with the sugar, but could occasionally have some white bread, white rice, or pasta (in small quantities).

I tried it last year (while still on the Zoloft) and it didn't work. I continued to slowly gain weight. I'm hoping now that I'm off the stuff it will work.

I just discovered Tokyo Joe's - a great fast food place that has brown rice! I wish Chipotle's would also offer brown rice.

I was on zoloft and Buspar for 5 years and gained ~65 pounds. Weaned off of the zoloft last year and dropped 40 pounds in two months. It came off so fast that it scared me. Also, the withdrawal was brutal, so bad that I had to go back on zoloft [about 8 mg's per day] ... and all the weight came back on.

Quote from sgt207:

I was on zoloft and Buspar for 5 years and gained ~65 pounds. Weaned off of the zoloft last year and dropped 40 pounds in two months. It came off so fast that it scared me. Also, the withdrawal was brutal, so bad that I had to go back on zoloft [about 8 mg's per day] ... and all the weight came back on.

I'm sorry to hear that... are you still on the Zoloft? That withdrawal is a nightmare, isn't it?

Quote from sgt207:

I was on zoloft and Buspar for 5 years and gained ~65 pounds. Weaned off of the zoloft last year and dropped 40 pounds in two months. It came off so fast that it scared me. Also, the withdrawal was brutal, so bad that I had to go back on zoloft [about 8 mg's per day] ... and all the weight came back on.

I can only pray I lose my Effexor weight gain so fast like you. I've gained 15 pounds while taking Effexor for 9 months. The weight gain makes me very depressed. I'm not sure why. I hate to consider myself so vain that my appearance would affect my happiness so much.

The added weight is significant for me because I am only 5ft 3in and have always been petite. That means extra wear and tear on my joints. Never in my life have my hips ached so much. I need this weight to come off just to make the physical pain in my hips go away.

Quote from laurie_lu:

I can only pray I lose my Effexor weight gain so fast like you. I've gained 15 pounds while taking Effexor for 9 months. The weight gain makes me very depressed. I'm not sure why. I hate to consider myself so vain that my appearance would affect my happiness so much.

Don't beat yourself up about it. 15 pounds is significant and the extra weight probably does add a bit to your appearance depression.

I gained 10 pounds on Zoloft. I've been off Zoloft for exactly one year and have only lost 2-3 pounds. I work out (weights and cardio) and try to eat right whenever I can. I've never had a problem losing weight when I put my mind to it (lost 30 pounds several years ago without a problem and kept it off until the zoloft), but this time I can't seem to lose the weight. I don't know what's going on. It feels like my metabolism is different. I'd like to figure out how to rev it back up again, but I'm doing all I can as it is, exercise-wise.

I've read or heard that we have more serotonin receptors in our digestive system than our brain. So it makes me wonder what happens when you muck with the receptors there by taking these medications. Don't carbs provide a serotonin high? If you're increasing the receptors, it would make sense that you're craving more carbs then. Anyway, I wonder how much my seratonin receptors were altered by these meds -- increased, whatever, and if that plays a role in my metabolism and digestion.

Just some random, uneducated thoughts. I wish an expert would weigh in here... pardon the pun. :)

--CarrieLynn

:)

Quote from sickofeffexor:

I'm sorry to hear that... are you still on the Zoloft? That withdrawal is a nightmare, isn't it?

To say the withdrawal was a nightmare was an understatement:

I tapered down to about 2 mg's of zoloft over a one year period from 12 mg's per day using a razor blade to cut the tablets. I stopped in the end of July '03. As soon as I stopped I started to get dizzy and nausea - no appetite. Anxiety increased and about a week later my stomach began to tingle [like nerves were being messed up]. Another week later my stomch stopped working while eating diner. My whole digestive system slowed to a near standstill. That lasted, along with all of the other symptoms, until the beginning of September. It seemed to level out some and I was trying like hell to ride it out. By the 3rd week of September '03, my body was acting like I was a diabetic [intense thirst, constant urinating, severe tiredness, etc.] but my blood sugar levels were normal. The anxiety continued to go through the roof, at night I would feel surges of adrenaline and throbing throughout my body, my ears would ring, brain zaps, etc.. Along about this time my body would not absorb water even though I was drinking a lot. I ended up in the ER twice and needed IV fluids but the Dr's just told me to drink more water. I was sent home. I followed up with a gastroenterologist who ran endoscopic tests on my digestive tract and told me all looked fine and that I had IBS, which I never had before. I went home and continued to feel as if I was going to die. The tingling in my stomach was worrying me. I knew that I would suffer some withdrawal but this was now going on two months and was continually getting worse. By this time I had lost 40 pounds and thought something was wrong..... The tingling in my stomach continued and worsened --- I ended up in the ER again, dehydrated even though I was drinking lots of water and gatorade. They scanned my pancreas and liver and all was fine. Gave me IV fluids again and sent me home. The next day my entire body from the waist down was tingling like nerves jumping around [I know this sounds crazy]. Also during this time I was constantly weepy and nervous.

I called my psych and he told me that my PTSD had returned and that my body and nerves were craving seretonin. As per his orders, I re-started Zoloft at about 4mg's and the withdrawal went away, the tingling went away and my stomach and intestines returned to their "normal" functions.

However, it seemed that the two months of withdrawal wrecked havoc with my system. For the next two months I had NO energy, no muscle strength, and suffered from all of the symptoms of Myesthynia Gravis(sp.) which is related to acytachline (sp.) deficiency. Now I am seeing in articles that when someone stops taking an SSRI there is the risk of this happening. Needless to say, by around February of this year, the weight was back on and I am still on zoloft [about 4mg's] and Buspar [down to 3 mg's] and feeling that zombie feeling again.

Let me say this, I am not crazy - I used to be a cop who was run over by a drunk driver giving me PTSD and some Dr put me on zoloft 6 years ago. I used to be 6' 200lbs, now I am still 6' :) and 268lbs which I attribute to the zoloft. I have made it through law school and passed the state bar exam on the first try - it's just this dam medicine is ruining me, and I can't get off. Most Dr's I talk to either say there is no withdrawal or, if they say there is, say it only lasts for a few weeks. They don't have a clue. I think Zoloft is stored in the body in fat cells and slowly leeches out into the body when the person stops taking it, though the Dr''s don't agree. To me, that would account for the slow, but worsening, withdrawal symptom profile.

I still want to get off of these meds but I don't know if it's an option.

Has anyone here gone through such horrible withdrawal and/or was able to get off of the Zoloft.

Thanks

Quote from sgt207:

:)

To say the withdrawal was a nightmare was an understatement...

Let me say this, I am not crazy - I used to be a cop who was run over by a drunk driver giving me PTSD and some Dr put me on zoloft 6 years ago. I used to be 6' 200lbs, now I am still 6' :) and 268lbs which I attribute to the zoloft. I have made it through law school and passed the state bar exam on the first try - it's just this dam medicine is ruining me, and I can't get off. Most Dr's I talk to either say there is no withdrawal or, if they say there is, say it only lasts for a few weeks. They don't have a clue. I think Zoloft is stored in the body in fat cells and slowly leeches out into the body when the person stops taking it, though the Dr''s don't agree. To me, that would account for the slow, but worsening, withdrawal symptom profile.

I still want to get off of these meds but I don't know if it's an option.

Has anyone here gone through such horrible withdrawal and/or was able to get off of the Zoloft.

Thanks

Hi Sgt (Sergeant?) Clever name, if I'm guessing its meaning correctly.

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. Your withdrawals are worse than mine were. I wish I could help.

I can tell you that you are not crazy. You are not imaging these things. It is not all in your head. And it damn sure is related to the SSRI.

There are herbal remedies that may help. I'll need to go home and get the name off my bottles.... my pharmacy has an herbal section with a staffed herbalist who has been very helpful to me. I'll post a list tonight of the supplements I'm taking. I'm starting to wonder if they are what helped me through the really rough spots. The vertigo was my worst nightmare -- and the weight gain (I too have gained approx 70 pounds from these drugs -- very frustrating.) :rolleyes:

I wish I could give you more support. I know there are some pretty knowledgable people hanging out on these threads...

I'll come back tonight with my list of vitamins, etc.

On a side note, I'm a paralegal, and I took a two-day exam (much like the bar exam) to become certified... and I passed the first time. So at least we know the SSRI's don't kill all of our brain cells, they just make us feel like crap (pardon me). What an understatement, huh?

Catch ya later :wave:

Hang in there!

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Hi Sgt (Sergeant?) Clever name, if I'm guessing its meaning correctly.

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. Your withdrawals are worse than mine were. I wish I could help.

I can tell you that you are not crazy. You are not imaging these things. It is not all in your head. And it damn sure is related to the SSRI.

There are herbal remedies that may help. I'll need to go home and get the name off my bottles.... my pharmacy has an herbal section with a staffed herbalist who has been very helpful to me. I'll post a list tonight of the supplements I'm taking. I'm starting to wonder if they are what helped me through the really rough spots. The vertigo was my worst nightmare -- and the weight gain (I too have gained approx 70 pounds from these drugs -- very frustrating.) :rolleyes:

I wish I could give you more support. I know there are some pretty knowledgable people hanging out on these threads...

I'll come back tonight with my list of vitamins, etc.

On a side note, I'm a paralegal, and I took a two-day exam (much like the bar exam) to become certified... and I passed the first time. So at least we know the SSRI's don't kill all of our brain cells, they just make us feel like crap (pardon me). What an understatement, huh?

Catch ya later :wave:

Hang in there!

Yeah, I used to be a Police Sergeant. Thanks for your help - I am thinking of trying to taper down again on the zoloft and try to get off again, but I am going to come off the Buspar first. I read yesterday that someone taking Buspar while going through SSRI withdrawal while have worse withdrawals than someone not taking it. Go figure. I've read where magnesium and choline tablets could help but it would take away some of the mystery if the medical community would at least ack. this problem.

Quote from sgt207:

Yeah, I used to be a Police Sergeant. Thanks for your help - I am thinking of trying to taper down again on the zoloft and try to get off again, but I am going to come off the Buspar first. I read yesterday that someone taking Buspar while going through SSRI withdrawal while have worse withdrawals than someone not taking it. Go figure. I've read where magnesium and choline tablets could help but it would take away some of the mystery if the medical community would at least ack. this problem.

Hi,

That sounds like a good plan. It took me 10 months to taper off of all the garbage I was taking (I went really sloooow), and I saved the Effexor for last (somehow knowing it was going to be the most difficult).

Sandalla, on this board, highly recommends tapering off with the liquid form... you might inquire whether there is a liquid Zoloft...

I'll post the supplement info tonight.

:wave:

Quote from sgt207:

:)

To say the withdrawal was a nightmare was an understatement:

I tapered down to about 2 mg's of zoloft over a one year period from 12 mg's per day using a razor blade to cut the tablets. I stopped in the end of July '03. As soon as I stopped I started to get dizzy and nausea - no appetite. Anxiety increased and about a week later my stomach began to tingle [like nerves were being messed up]. Another week later my stomch stopped working while eating diner. My whole digestive system slowed to a near standstill. That lasted, along with all of the other symptoms, until the beginning of September. It seemed to level out some and I was trying like hell to ride it out. By the 3rd week of September '03, my body was acting like I was a diabetic [intense thirst, constant urinating, severe tiredness, etc.] but my blood sugar levels were normal. The anxiety continued to go through the roof, at night I would feel surges of adrenaline and throbing throughout my body, my ears would ring, brain zaps, etc.. Along about this time my body would not absorb water even though I was drinking a lot. I ended up in the ER twice and needed IV fluids but the Dr's just told me to drink more water. I was sent home. I followed up with a gastroenterologist who ran endoscopic tests on my digestive tract and told me all looked fine and that I had IBS, which I never had before. I went home and continued to feel as if I was going to die. The tingling in my stomach was worrying me. I knew that I would suffer some withdrawal but this was now going on two months and was continually getting worse. By this time I had lost 40 pounds and thought something was wrong..... The tingling in my stomach continued and worsened --- I ended up in the ER again, dehydrated even though I was drinking lots of water and gatorade. They scanned my pancreas and liver and all was fine. Gave me IV fluids again and sent me home. The next day my entire body from the waist down was tingling like nerves jumping around [I know this sounds crazy]. Also during this time I was constantly weepy and nervous.

I called my psych and he told me that my PTSD had returned and that my body and nerves were craving seretonin. As per his orders, I re-started Zoloft at about 4mg's and the withdrawal went away, the tingling went away and my stomach and intestines returned to their "normal" functions.

However, it seemed that the two months of withdrawal wrecked havoc with my system. For the next two months I had NO energy, no muscle strength, and suffered from all of the symptoms of Myesthynia Gravis(sp.) which is related to acytachline (sp.) deficiency. Now I am seeing in articles that when someone stops taking an SSRI there is the risk of this happening. Needless to say, by around February of this year, the weight was back on and I am still on zoloft [about 4mg's] and Buspar [down to 3 mg's] and feeling that zombie feeling again.

Let me say this, I am not crazy - I used to be a cop who was run over by a drunk driver giving me PTSD and some Dr put me on zoloft 6 years ago. I used to be 6' 200lbs, now I am still 6' :) and 268lbs which I attribute to the zoloft. I have made it through law school and passed the state bar exam on the first try - it's just this dam medicine is ruining me, and I can't get off. Most Dr's I talk to either say there is no withdrawal or, if they say there is, say it only lasts for a few weeks. They don't have a clue. I think Zoloft is stored in the body in fat cells and slowly leeches out into the body when the person stops taking it, though the Dr''s don't agree. To me, that would account for the slow, but worsening, withdrawal symptom profile.

I still want to get off of these meds but I don't know if it's an option.

Has anyone here gone through such horrible withdrawal and/or was able to get off of the Zoloft.

Thanks

Well, you don't get serotonin from Zoloft; it just bangs around what you already have in your brain, making it stay in longer. Boost your natural serotonin by eating tryptophan foods like milk, turkey and walnuts. Complex carbs(or starch) helps release it from the blood.

Protein is what creates amino acids, and amino acids create serotonin and all the other neurotransmitters we need in the brain. Complex carbs are protein-sparing, so they are necessary for the process.

Some major study revealed fish oil helps depression. Maybe as you taper next time, you can take some of this to help.

It does take some time no matter what for the brain to regain itself after withdrawing from a psychoactive drug, so don't feel like a failure if things don't right themselves promptly after your next stab at withdrawing. It takes time.

The post-withdrawal syndrome is the most denied and ignored part of withdrawal. Doctors think once the drug is completely out of your system(aka definition of withdrawal) that you should be fine and dandy, as if a brain temporarily messed up, or damaged if you will by chemicals can just snap back in perfect form!!! Well, no way, it takes a broken arm 6 weeks to heal and that is in no way even close to being as complex as the brain's systems... it would be like comparing a straight highway to a maze!

Also, calcium foods/supplements really help calm the body and brain. Good luck, don't worry, you may not have won this battle but you will win the war eventually!

Quote from Jennita:

Well, you don't get serotonin from Zoloft; it just bangs around what you already have in your brain, making it stay in longer. Boost your natural serotonin by eating tryptophan foods like milk, turkey and walnuts. Complex carbs(or starch) helps release it from the blood.

Protein is what creates amino acids, and amino acids create serotonin and all the other neurotransmitters we need in the brain. Complex carbs are protein-sparing, so they are necessary for the process.

Some major study revealed fish oil helps depression. Maybe as you taper next time, you can take some of this to help.

It does take some time no matter what for the brain to regain itself after withdrawing from a psychoactive drug, so don't feel like a failure if things don't right themselves promptly after your next stab at withdrawing. It takes time.

The post-withdrawal syndrome is the most denied and ignored part of withdrawal. Doctors think once the drug is completely out of your system(aka definition of withdrawal) that you should be fine and dandy, as if a brain temporarily messed up, or damaged if you will by chemicals can just snap back in perfect form!!! Well, no way, it takes a broken arm 6 weeks to heal and that is in no way even close to being as complex as the brain's systems... it would be like comparing a straight highway to a maze!

Also, calcium foods/supplements really help calm the body and brain. Good luck, don't worry, you may not have won this battle but you will win the war eventually!

Thank you.

Quote from laurie_lu:

I know these drugs must be stored in the body. It's been one month of being Effexor free and I cannot get this extra 10 pounds to budge! I am doing some serious dieting and having no success(Weight Watchers). It makes me wonder if I wasn't doing this dieting right now if I would still be gaining weight even being off the Effexor?

I also gained 10 pounds during the 6 months I was on Zoloft.

A couple of months after withdrawing from Zoloft, I saw a D.O. for homeopathic and herbal remedies to "detox". I also have been taking milk thistle for my liver. I am not an expert here, but I believe the liver is involved with metabolism and if it's been altered by the medications then you need to take care of it. There may be information about this at the Prozac Truth site.

I also wonder if my digestion has been altered -- especially because the digestive tract has more serotonin receptors than anywhere else.

You've only been off for one month. Unfortunately you're dealing with biology and it takes awhile for things to normalize.

Still, I never had to work so hard in my life all summer long to lose just 5 pounds, only to immediately gain it right back when I wasn't able to work out for a couple of weeks this month. So I think my metabolism is still altered, one year later. I'm not sure I can completely blame this on the Zoloft, but the entire ordeal of my "breakdown" did a number on my body. Mind you, I lost 30 pounds several years ago (pre-breakdown, pre-zoloft). Took me a year, but I was able to do it (and this was when I had undiagnosed hypothyroidism). So I know how to lose weight. Things are not the same now.

I continue to remain optimistic and will keep everyone updated.

--CarrieLynn

Quote from kimba28:

:D
So THIS is where everyone went! (lol)! I have just finished reading through pretty much this whole thread. VERY SCARY!!! I feel like I could have written any of a number of these posts! By the way, i have been off the lexapro for over a month, the wellbutrin, only a couple of weeks. And I TOO hate the weight thing! Almost makes me want to go back to the first withdrawal experience when I lost 14 pounds without trying. (just kidding! UH-UH!!!!!). :bouncing:

I still can't believe how fast the weight came off of me last year. In the two months I was off of zoloft then I lost 40 pounds...couldn't eat at all. Now, even though I'm only taking 4 to 6 mg's per day I cannot lose weight at all and all the weight came back. When I really try to cut back on the carbs I start to feel the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Quote from sgt207:

I still can't believe how fast the weight came off of me last year. In the two months I was off of zoloft then I lost 40 pounds...couldn't eat at all. Now, even though I'm only taking 4 to 6 mg's per day I cannot lose weight at all and all the weight came back. When I really try to cut back on the carbs I start to feel the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

What are those symptoms?

I can't seem to get past 2 days of giving up the sugar and flour -- at about a day and a half I start getting the WORST headache....

You know Sandalla, I'm with you - I was going to mount a heroic effort to lose this zoloft weight, but now I'm thinking it's a heroic effort enough just to get off the drugs. I'm two weeks zoloft-free now (also buspar-free), and I'm still having some withdrawal issues (diarrhea, stomach pain, lightheadedness, feeling "high", crying jags), but I can feel myself coming up out of the zoloft haze. I'm enjoying music more, enjoying people more, enjoying sex more, and also enjoying food more - not the voracious appetite I had with zoloft, but a true enjoyment of what I'm eating. Maybe this isn't the time to diet.

I'm going to focus on a healthy diet (for me that means limiting refined carbs and eating lots of fruits and veggies) but not beat myself up when I enjoy something that's not quite as healthy (urp) (that was my Newman's Own ginger cookies talking).

Two weeks off Zoloft and Buspar - no weight loss yet, but no weight gain. I'm trying not to hate the fat, but it's hard. I did order some clothes that actually fit - maybe when they arrive that will help.

Hang in there everyone!
Mary

Quote from WaryMary:

You know Sandalla, I'm with you - I was going to mount a heroic effort to lose this zoloft weight, but now I'm thinking it's a heroic effort enough just to get off the drugs. I'm two weeks zoloft-free now (also buspar-free), and I'm still having some withdrawal issues (diarrhea, stomach pain, lightheadedness, feeling "high", crying jags), but I can feel myself coming up out of the zoloft haze. I'm enjoying music more, enjoying people more, enjoying sex more, and also enjoying food more - not the voracious appetite I had with zoloft, but a true enjoyment of what I'm eating. Maybe this isn't the time to diet.

I'm going to focus on a healthy diet (for me that means limiting refined carbs and eating lots of fruits and veggies) but not beat myself up when I enjoy something that's not quite as healthy (urp) (that was my Newman's Own ginger cookies talking).

Two weeks off Zoloft and Buspar - no weight loss yet, but no weight gain. I'm trying not to hate the fat, but it's hard. I did order some clothes that actually fit - maybe when they arrive that will help.

Hang in there everyone!
Mary

Mary,

Could you describe your stomach pain ? Is it cramping, sharp, tingling? When I stoped zoloft for the two months last year I had this very weird stomach pain/ache which was really not pain. It was a dull, tingling nerve sensation in the stomach. It wasn't a sharp pain at all.

Quote from kimba28:

And now? :confused:
Most of my symptoms are gone now, although I find that my system seems to be oversensitive to EVERYTHING right now. How about you?

My symptoms were so bad while I was off of zoloft but when I went back on the small dosage, the symptoms went away slowly. MY doctor told me that since I was on the SSRI for 5+ years, the thousands of seretonin receptors that are in the stomach became "crazy" [hyperactive] trying to re-adjust to not having the reuptake inhibitor. He also said that the strange tingling and digestive problems could have also been from the vagus nerve being affected by the seretonergic(sp) changes.

Oh well, maybe I'll try to come off again in a few months.

Quote from kimba28:

Hey sarge,
If you don't mind me asking, what kind of protocol did you use to come off the first time? I had to go back on my med and "rewean" too. (was on for 2 years). What are you on now(dose)? My effects cut out when I went back on too...that's how I stumbled upon the withdrawal notion (lucky me--since my doctor doesn't have a clue...it doesn't exist...did you know that?) :jester:
Anyway, I have been off the lexapro for over a month. The wellbutrin, only 2 weeks. After working months on getting off, the physical effects are down to a dull roar. The emotional effects from this whole withdrawal/ssri fiasco? Who knows????? :eek:

\
The first and only time I came off, I used a razor and sliced very small increments off of the zoloft. Over the course of a year, I went from 12mg's to 8 to 6 to 4 to 2 then stopped. I was taking the 2mg's for about three months before stopping and felt no withdrawal while coming down. What gets me is how the withdrawal started several days after I totally stopped and continued to worsen for ten weeks when I was forced to go back on. That led me to believe that these ssri's are stored in the body [either in fat or muscle cells], especially when I lost the forty pounds in the ten weeks. It was literally melting off since I could not eat. I feel that that SSRI meds are stored and when I came off the 2mg's, my body started to "pull" the med out of the cells [I know this sounds far fetched but I am not crazy and seems like the only plausable(sp.) explaination. If only ONE doctor could have told me that it was withdrawal and that it would get better I would have toughed it out longer but I really felt that I was going to die from these symptoms.

Anyhow, now I am on about 4mg's of zoloft and 2.5 mg's of buspar per day. I know these dosage amounts are clinically insignificant but they worked to stop the withdrawal.

I would love to hear from one doctor or medical official that this was normal and just how far these withdrawal symptoms can go. Twice, I was dehydrated because my body was not absorbing water that I drank. This does not seem to be a big withdrawal symptom to most people and that is what made me so nervous. I would even go into a detox center if it was necessary to come off this stuff.


I think the next time I try, I will go from 4mg's to 2mg's everyday [someone said I could get zoloft in liquid form] then 1 mg every day to every other day for several months, to every third day for several months, to every 5th day, to once a week, once every two weeks, etc. I just don't understand how some people could go from taking 150mg's to 100 to 50 then stop in a week and then be ok.

Quote from Bryce2k4:

Thanks Kimba. Your comments on a liquid form of SSRI's is invaluable I think. Will make it much easier for people to taper doses. I'm not on an SSRI and never have been for an extended period of time. The ones I tried simply didn't work very long, or at all. Dr. Burns's book "Feeling Good the New Mood Therapy" is an excellent book on CBT. The depression test in chapter 2 is an excellent way to discover how depressed one is. I took it for a third time in about January 2004 and scored a 5 which is no depression. I've regressed a little, but that hasn't stopped my meds from continuing to come down. It's hard to believe that people actually recovered significantly or totally from mild to severe depression simply by reading his book, bibliotherapy?, but the trial was documented. You are right. Thinking does cause our moods, not the other way around. Burns chapter on anger helped me work with mine. It gave me a new way or new perspective on how I could respond to hurtful words and comments. This was a tough one for me, and still is at times, but I have changed a lot, much due to this one chapter. I underwent a home tape and study course on CBT for over 3 years and that helped me the most. Subsequently I bought Burns's book.

If anyone is on tablets, not capsules, pharmacies carry "pill splitters" which enable you to cut a pill into a half or a quarter. After beginning to come down on my anti-depressants I had to request from my doctor smaller miligram sizes of tablets. One of my meds is amitriptyline and I was taking 50 miligram pills. To cut to 45mg I had to half and quarter one pill. That gave me 25mg + 12.5. I couldn't cut the 50mg pill down any further, so I requested 10mg tablets from my doctor, also, so I could take 2 10mg tabs and half of a 50 to equal 45mg. Subsequently I cut to 40mg by taking half of a 50 and 1.5 of the 10mg tabs. Then I cut to 35mg which is where I am at now by taking half of a 50mg tab and 1 10mg tab. I certainly everyone trying to come off of meds can do so, self included. Just be patient and try without expectations, if that is what you want to do. Just because you have a failure doesn't necessarily mean you will be on meds for the rest of your life. Rest up, get your strength back and try again. Acceptance of ourselves whether on or off meds, overweight or perfect weight, good parent or not so good but trying, is so important. Challenge yourself, but don't overwhelm yourself is something I learned from another very wise person going through all of this. It's okay to make mistakes. Nobody's perfect.

I got to cut these posts of mine down, too long. Exercise for myself has been very important, I think. Start with what you can do, even if it's just 1/8 of a mile walking or walking down to the end of the block. Consistency develops routine and over time it will build self esteem which is what all of us need more of, me especially. Then try and expand the exercise until you are doing a 1/2 mile or mile at a time. Your body will begin to burn more calories daily as a result, but it could take 2 or 3 months for your body to "get the message". If you can extend that to 2 miles or more then you will burn more calories.

Went to my Dr. today and spoke about my problems that I had last year when I tapered off of zoloft. I asked him how I was going to come down without the bad withdrawal, even from a small dose. He recommended that I go down to 2 mg's per day, then go to the same dose every other day for a monthor two, then for every third day, 4th, weekly, bi-weekly, etc. That should give time for any zoloft stored in the body to slowly work its way out.

Quote from sgt207:

Went to my Dr. today and spoke about my problems that I had last year when I tapered off of zoloft. I asked him how I was going to come down without the bad withdrawal, even from a small dose. He recommended that I go down to 2 mg's per day, then go to the same dose every other day for a monthor two, then for every third day, 4th, weekly, bi-weekly, etc. That should give time for any zoloft stored in the body to slowly work its way out.

Did he say how long it would take for the medication to work its way all the way out of your system?

Quote from sickofeffexor:

I know these drugs are completely to blame... If you find a way to lose the weight -- let me know! Maybe we can encourage eachother through this.

I'm convinced the drugs are doing this. I am also on Buspar, which I am coming off of now. Once I'm off of that, I'll try to come of Zoloft again. I fouund research that people who are on buspar while withdrawing from an SSRI suffer worse withdrawal than those who are not. Anyone here on buspar who went through this as well?

Quote from sgt207:

I'm convinced the drugs are doing this. I am also on Buspar, which I am coming off of now. Once I'm off of that, I'll try to come of Zoloft again. I fouund research that people who are on buspar while withdrawing from an SSRI suffer worse withdrawal than those who are not. Anyone here on buspar who went through this as well?

Not me... I don't know what buspar is -- I'll have to look it up.

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Sandalla -- she's back!!!!


Sandalla, Sgt 207, Kimba, Flowercrazy, LaurieLu, Jennita, everyone...... how about checking in and letting us know how you are all doing?

I'm going to make a commitment from Nov 1st to Thanksgiving to focus on my dieting -- anyone care to join me?

:wave:

I'm hanging in there - weaning off of Buspar before I try coming off of Zoloft again. I went from ~5mg's to ~ 2.5 mg's during the last two weeks. About a week after changing the dose there was a lot of dizziness and a spike in anxiety which has tempered down now. Thinking of going from 2.5 down to around 1.5 this week. Still on about 4 mg's of Zoloft - once I am off of the Buspar for about a month I plan on going to 2mg's of Zoloft, then every other day, every 3rd day, every 4th, etc. Hope everyone else is doing well.

Quote from sgt207:

I'm hanging in there - weaning off of Buspar before I try coming off of Zoloft again. I went from ~5mg's to ~ 2.5 mg's during the last two weeks. About a week after changing the dose there was a lot of dizziness and a spike in anxiety which has tempered down now. Thinking of going from 2.5 down to around 1.5 this week. Still on about 4 mg's of Zoloft - once I am off of the Buspar for about a month I plan on going to 2mg's of Zoloft, then every other day, every 3rd day, every 4th, etc. Hope everyone else is doing well.

Glad to hear you're doing ok. I think you're doing a great job on the tapering!

[QUOTE=~Kris~]I was on effexor and buspar. I had been on effexor for 4 years at the time and I kept having all kinds of heart attack symptoms, panic attacks, and numbness and tingling in my left side (face, arm, leg, chest). I didn't know what the $*## was going on. Over the next several months I had tests run and numerous trips to the doctor. Well, doc gave me buspar b/c she thought my problems were anxiety related. A couple of weeks after taking buspar, my blood pressure went crazy and I started having all kinds of problems. The doc told me to stop taking buspar. I can't remeber if the dehydration started after I stopped taking the buspar, or if it started while I was on it. I know I had all kinds of problems for several weeks after stopping it. Finally, the dehydration problem stopped but I still had all of the other problems. FINALLY, the doc told me to start weaning off of effexor(I think his weaning plan was within 2 weeks...it actually took A LOT longer than that). Not long after I started weaning off of effexor, I realized my chest pain and all of the other problems were from the effexor. I had never considered effexor b/c for the first few years I had no problems from it and my doctor (my gyno....my family doc is the one who told me to stop taking it) was not the least bit informative. I was realived to know the cause of all of the problems(it was HELL), but then the withdrawal from effexor was a whole other story. Of course, the doctor said it was my previous anxiety coming back(NOT!!). It did come back after a few months, but I could tell the difference between that and withdrawal. It was a BAD year. Another thing, my potassium bottomed out. I don't know what caused that!! I didn't have diarrhea or vomiting at the time. I had to just force myself to go to my children's events and spend time with them. I feel so stupid for going on so long with all of those problems and not having a clue it was the effexor. I thought if it stopped working, it did that, just stopped working. I didn't know about all of the other mess it could cause!

It's funny you say you were on Buspar too when this happened. I suffered this nightmare after coming off of the Zoloft but STILL being on the Buspar. I subsequently found an online medical article indicating that people on Buspar suffer from worse withdrawal from the SSRI's than those not on it. Maybe it's all in the Buspar and the SSRI interaction.

Thanks for the input

Still tapering down on the Buspar in preparation for tapering the zoloft. Actually, I'm feeling ok except for the fact that I feel like a bloated tick from the zoloft weight gain!!!! [even though the Dr's say SSRI's don't cause that].

How are you?

Quote from sgt207:

Actually, I'm feeling ok except for the fact that I feel like a bloated tick from the zoloft weight gain!!!! [even though the Dr's say SSRI's don't cause that].

You are so funny!!! I feel exactly the same way. Well, maybe not exactly. I feel a little more like a beached whale. :bouncing:

It's strange because I knew I was gaining weight, but the "zombieness" I was feeling kept it from being too real. (If that makes any sense at all.) The clearer my head gets from being off the drugs, the fatter I feel. It's as though I had taken a mental vacation from taking care of my body.

Then the not being able to breath this past week is discouraging because I had started exercising... If it's not one thing, it's another with this withdrawal stuff.

I'm glad to hear you are doing ok. You'll be off before you know it. And then we'll both be thin!!!! (I say this with great hope and belief.)

Quote from sickofeffexor:

I'm still having a difficult time breathing -- it's starting to scare me (a lot). I spent the day at the hospital getting a bunch of tests done on my lungs and my heart. Won't have the results for several days they say. My pulmonologist can't decide if it's my asthma or not -- so he's checking my heart. It's very scary to not be able to breathe. I've had asthma all my life, and the scariest thing in the world to me is when I can't breathe. Plus I am worried that these drugs may have damaged my heart. (Sheesh -- could I use the word "scary" any more?)

It's been 7 weeks now that I've been off all my ADs. If this is another side effect -- it sucks.

Could be another withdrawal symptom---last year when I was off zoloft for the two months there were many times that I felt like I could not take a full, complete [satisfying] breath. Is that the same as you have?

Quote from sgt207:

Could be another withdrawal symptom---last year when I was off zoloft for the two months there were many times that I felt like I could not take a full, complete [satisfying] breath. Is that the same as you have?

Yes, plus if I move at all -- like walk across the room -- then I get completely out of breath -- as though I just exercised.

Did you get out of breath by just walking?

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Yes, plus if I move at all -- like walk across the room -- then I get completely out of breath -- as though I just exercised.

Did you get out of breath by just walking?

Actually, Yes. When I had stopped zoloft, i was out of breath like i described. But when I restarted the zoloft again, it was still difficult to get a full breath. I would also get chest pain/discomfort in the center of my chest. Umpteen tests later, the heart was fine, the lungs fine, and everything else fine --- diagnosis was anxiety. I felt, and still do, differently. MY research to this date has shown that these SSRI's are vasoconstrictors and as such, cause the arteries to constrict leaving the body kind of yearning for oxygen. I would think that in your case, since you stopped the ssri that now your body is re-adjusting to not having the vasoconsrictor there and the arteries are "more open than before", maybe this is affecting you?????

Another thing the doctor told me was that my weight was messing me up. Like I stated earlier, I went from being a very fit 200lbs b4 zoloft to around 269 pounds, mainly in my abdomen. The dr said that this "storage of previously eaten food" [read as fat] puts pressure on my abdominal diaphram which in turn leaves less room for the lungs to fully expand. It kinda made sense to me. I don't know if the ssri put any serious weight on you but that could also be contributing to the problem. Anyhow, I hope it all clears up for you .

I am still out of breath alot. Any kind of activity puts me out of breath very quickly [even simple short walks]. I was also afraid that my heart was messed up but all ekg's and heart enzyme tests were normal. Who knows.

Good luck.

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Sgt -- thanks for responding. At least I know I'm not alone. Yes, I put on serious weight (70 pounds), most of it in my abdomen -- I'm sure that doesn't help. Except the breathing problems just started about two weeks ago.....

One of the tests today was taking blood from an artery (boy is that ever painful!) -- the technician said that the oxygen level in my blood was low....

Last week when I did not respond well to my normal asthma medicine, my Dr. said anxiety might be a cause (but he still ordered the hospital tests). I don't believe (or I'm not aware) that I've been anxious. Anxiety has never been a problem for me -- it was always depression.

Do you take something for the anxiety? Can it come on overnight like that?

I'm stressed about my weight, but relieved to be off the drugs. Of course, I've been anxious for the last two weeks because, as you know, not being able to breathe can make you anxious. But it seems strange to me that all of a sudden I have an anxiety problem -- when I never did before. And I've been through A LOT in my life. Actually, I weaned off the drugs, and thought I was finally in a semi-smooth phase where I could recoup and get my health back (and lose weight). Now this. :(

When many people go on an SSRI there is an intense spike in anxiety. I was put on zoloft for an anxiety related disorder [ptsd] after I was almost killed at work one night. When I started the zoloft my anxiety went through the roof. Here was a medicine causing the very malady I was being treated for, BUT the Dr. said to hang in there and it would moderate....it did after about 6 or 7 weeks. My anxiety would periodically flare up, worse than normal, under stressful conditions. According to the medical world, seretonin regulates anxiety too and while you're on an SSRI the steady, baseline, anxiety level remains constant. When you stop the SSRI, the seretonin system goes into a type of flip flop and anxiety can increase, that is what happened to me. My anxiety went through the roof until I went back on the zoloft. Maybe, your levels of seretonin are affected at this point that your baseline anxiety level is lowered and your experiencing breakthrough anxiety????? That could account for anxiety when you've never had that problem in your life and certainly could give you shortness of breath. Another point: when people have anxiety type issues breaking through they tend to breath very very shallow which then makes them suddenly gasp out for air and/or feel like they can't breath. I was told that this can occur almost subconsciously(sp.) Ask about this phenomenon.

Quote from sgt207:

When many people go on an SSRI there is an intense spike in anxiety. I was put on zoloft for an anxiety related disorder [ptsd] after I was almost killed at work one night. When I started the zoloft my anxiety went through the roof. Here was a medicine causing the very malady I was being treated for, BUT the Dr. said to hang in there and it would moderate....it did after about 6 or 7 weeks. My anxiety would periodically flare up, worse than normal, under stressful conditions. According to the medical world, seretonin regulates anxiety too and while you're on an SSRI the steady, baseline, anxiety level remains constant. When you stop the SSRI, the seretonin system goes into a type of flip flop and anxiety can increase, that is what happened to me. My anxiety went through the roof until I went back on the zoloft. Maybe, your levels of seretonin are affected at this point that your baseline anxiety level is lowered and your experiencing breakthrough anxiety????? That could account for anxiety when you've never had that problem in your life and certainly could give you shortness of breath. Another point: when people have anxiety type issues breaking through they tend to breath very very shallow which then makes them suddenly gasp out for air and/or feel like they can't breath. I was told that this can occur almost subconsciously(sp.) Ask about this phenomenon.

Thanks Sgt. I think I understand... without the SSRI, my natural seratonin levels could be out of wack... so any anxiety I do have is free to rear its ugly head? Do you think the withdrawal from SSRIs would also screw up your seratonin levels and give you anxiety -- where before there was none?

hello everyone, i am sorry to post here so long into the conversation. i don't get to look often, back aways in this thread i was reading about going off Zoloft and i have been there. First i commend you all for trying to get off meds, as i have been on many different AD's plus meds for other conditions. i think alot of times too many meds make things worse. about 2 months ago i stopped taking zoloft because i got sick one day with a severe headache and stomach problem. so i was in the hospital they gave me drugs for me head through IV since my stomach was so upset. i don't know why i got so sick that day, had an MRI which was normal...sent me home after i felt better. only thing i can think of is i started a new adhd med. that day called straterra. well i never took the strattera again (just incase) and couldn't take any of meds for a few weeks, maybe it was a psychological thing- but i just wasn't going to risk feeling that horrible again. i thought i was going to die that day. well after being off the zoloft for 2 weeks i felt pretty good, no headaches (like i usually have) and was eating better, no nausea (which i also had a freaquent problem with) but halfway into that week it became very clear to me why i was on the Zoloft in the first place, mentally i was miserable. the irritability was the WORST, after finding myself screaming at my kids and husband every minute for every little thing, i knew this wasn't going to work. well now i am 2 weeks on welbutrin, seems i still have an anger problem, but the dr. said give it two more weeks. I wish more than anything i could be med. free, but i don't want to turn into that monster again (i felt so guilty for being so mean to my children) i am hoping this welbutrin is going to work for me...
and again i am sorry to butt-in so late into a thread, i had read through everything and really wanted to join in because i do relate. everyone thanks for listening and good luck to yall :wave:

Quote from PAmermaids:

hello everyone, i am sorry to post here so long into the conversation. i don't get to look often, back aways in this thread i was reading about going off Zoloft and i have been there. First i commend you all for trying to get off meds, as i have been on many different AD's plus meds for other conditions. i think alot of times too many meds make things worse. about 2 months ago i stopped taking zoloft because i got sick one day with a severe headache and stomach problem. so i was in the hospital they gave me drugs for me head through IV since my stomach was so upset. i don't know why i got so sick that day, had an MRI which was normal...sent me home after i felt better. only thing i can think of is i started a new adhd med. that day called straterra. well i never took the strattera again (just incase) and couldn't take any of meds for a few weeks, maybe it was a psychological thing- but i just wasn't going to risk feeling that horrible again. i thought i was going to die that day. well after being off the zoloft for 2 weeks i felt pretty good, no headaches (like i usually have) and was eating better, no nausea (which i also had a freaquent problem with) but halfway into that week it became very clear to me why i was on the Zoloft in the first place, mentally i was miserable. the irritability was the WORST, after finding myself screaming at my kids and husband every minute for every little thing, i knew this wasn't going to work. well now i am 2 weeks on welbutrin, seems i still have an anger problem, but the dr. said give it two more weeks. I wish more than anything i could be med. free, but i don't want to turn into that monster again (i felt so guilty for being so mean to my children) i am hoping this welbutrin is going to work for me...
and again i am sorry to butt-in so late into a thread, i had read through everything and really wanted to join in because i do relate. everyone thanks for listening and good luck to yall :wave:

Mermaids,
I'm in the same boat as you with the anger. I feel SO awful for getting so angry at my kids. I love them more than anything in this world and sometimes I'm such a witch!! I have been off Prozac for almost 3 weeks now and, like you, the irritability is the worst. I also have problems sleeping. I'm trying to change my diet and exercise more and I think that is helping a little.

Just wanted to say "hi" and good luck!

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Hey Sgt -- how are you doing these days? :wave:

Hanging in there! Almost off the Buspar then I'll tackle coming off the zoloft AGAIN, maybe after the holidays. Can't stand this weight gain - used to be very fit, now just a short walk in the woods yesterday gave me chest pains and trouble breathing, tough when you're only 39.

Quote from sgt207:

Hanging in there! Almost off the Buspar then I'll tackle coming off the zoloft AGAIN, maybe after the holidays. Can't stand this wieght gain - used to be very fit, now just a short walk in the woods yesterday gave me chest pains and trouble breathing, tough when you're only 39.

I totally relate! I think the weight is starting to come off, but I'm not going to get on the scale until I'm sure (because I don't want to be disappointed).

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Quote from wee96:

I too gained weight from AD's, about 20 or 30lbs. After I went off them I drastically lost weight, almost to the point where it scared me. I drank heavily on the AD's though too, which im sure added to the weight gain, and I stopped after I quit them.

I dont want to make you think itll happen to you or that im saying it will in anyway, im just telling you about me, my depression did come back. About six months or so and it started creeping back up on me, so I went back to taking Lexapro this time (I was on Zoloft for 5 years before). Hope everything works out for you :)

That sounds exactly like me. I was drinking during the past year, which I thought was the only reason I gained weight. I didn't realize that Lexapro might have something to do with this before reading these posts.

Hi everyone,
I stumbled upon this site last week and have read alot of the messages on this thread. I can realte to all of you!

I got on Zoloft about a year and a half ago, and probably never should have been on it in the first place. I had just had my heart broken for the first time and my life was generally just not going well. Well, none of my friends wanted to deal with me so they encouraged me to go on it. At first, it was great! I actually lost weight and felt great! After awhile though, I began to not care at all about the things I used to - managing money, especially. I ran my credit card debt up to 10,000. I also gained about 20-25 lbs, and I was exercising the entire time! And I still gained - especially in my stomach area and I had always had an extremely thin waist, so I knew it was the meds. So, about a month and a half ago, I started tapering off and about two weeks ago, I went completely off. I noticed a nominal weight loss immediately...My stomach area slimmed a bit, but I still have a lot of work to do. It is just nice to see all of you (unfortunately) dealing with the same things as me. It makes me feel like I can get through it, and I am doing fine, mentally.

Another thing I wanted to share with everyone is a workout program called Chicometrics. It is supposed to be awesome. I saw it on the news the other night and it seems like it does alot with toning, (small isolated moves) so it may help out a bit. The success stories are awesome and since I saw it on the news, I think it may actually work. You can do a google search and it should pull up the web page. I am going to order the DVD, but not until I get paid this week. No more credit cards!

Quote from MariePOMO:

Hi everyone,
I stumbled upon this site last week and have read alot of the messages on this thread. I can realte to all of you!

I got on Zoloft about a year and a half ago, and probably never should have been on it in the first place. I had just had my heart broken for the first time and my life was generally just not going well. Well, none of my friends wanted to deal with me so they encouraged me to go on it. At first, it was great! I actually lost weight and felt great! After awhile though, I began to not care at all about the things I used to - managing money, especially. I ran my credit card debt up to 10,000. I also gained about 20-25 lbs, and I was exercising the entire time! And I still gained - especially in my stomach area and I had always had an extremely thin waist, so I knew it was the meds. So, about a month and a half ago, I started tapering off and about two weeks ago, I went completely off. I noticed a nominal weight loss immediately...My stomach area slimmed a bit, but I still have a lot of work to do. It is just nice to see all of you (unfortunately) dealing with the same things as me. It makes me feel like I can get through it, and I am doing fine, mentally.

Another thing I wanted to share with everyone is a workout program called Chicometrics. It is supposed to be awesome. I saw it on the news the other night and it seems like it does alot with toning, (small isolated moves) so it may help out a bit. The success stories are awesome and since I saw it on the news, I think it may actually work. You can do a google search and it should pull up the web page. I am going to order the DVD, but not until I get paid this week. No more credit cards!

Hi Marie, let us know what you think of the Chicometrics when you try it. :wave:

Well, I think that each person is special and unique when it comes to depression. Depression can be from a variety of factors, including genetic. Four years ago I took Zoloft for a while, it worked wonderfully but I gained so much weight! Probably a good 15 pounds. Then I got off of the ad's and did well for about a year. I just decided to go without ad's regardless. Then in 2003 I had a severe illness that I later became extremely depressed about and also had anxiety severely. I started taking Lexapro. That worked excellent. Then I decided after about 7 months that I was all better...that I didnt need ad's anymore. I felt like I was really well and on top of things again. About a month later...boom very emotional, very teary, outbursts, arguements, and feelings of worthlessness. So I was prescribed Celexa. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks now. Although I dont feel much at this point I am just trying to be as realistic as possible with myself. I dont want to gain weight, but I also realize that I have a history of depression. Being honest with myself...this is the conclusion I came up with for myself. I am going to stay on ad's, but also have made the choice to not over eat, and remain active as best as possible. I wish you luck on your journey. I think each person knows whats right for them...deep down. The doctor that you had, why did you not see another doctor? I have met some crummy docs and some really great docs...along with docs that respected my choices. Good docs do respect your decisions and choices when it comes to your body. By the way, I am a Medical Assistant...I have been around all kinds of docs in various specialties in a clinical setting. Dont keep a doc that you dont like...move on to one that makes you feel good about your choices. Best wishes, and good luck to you!

Quote from sickofeffexor:

:wave: Hi Jennita -- what's new with you?

:wave: Hi Sgt -- how are you? Where are you these days on your tapering? I'm curious to know what symptoms you are dealing with.

Yesterday I picked up an herbal supplement with L-Theanine in it -- it is supposed to help reduce stress and promote relaxation! Woo Hoo!!! :D I hope it works. I have been exceptionally grumpy the last couple of weeks. I'm sure it's just part of these ADs being flushed out of my system and my brain adjusting. I've been off everything since 9/16.

I went through some serious crankiness in the first several weeks and then it seemed to mellow out. Now it's back again with a vengence.

Fortunately I don't take it out on people very often (with the exception of my commute hours -- and even then, they don't hear the names I'm calling them....) But being so cranky is really exhausting. Talk about draining the energy right out of you.... And getting off ADs is draining enough!

Haven't lost any more weight yet -- that weight loss seemed to come all at once, then nothing.... hopefully things will start moving again soon.

I used to get email notifications from the board if there was a new reply to a post that I contributed to, don't know what happened. I came off the Buspar last Wednesday and it hasn't been too bad. Some spikes in anxiety, trembling hands, dizziness, etc., but nothing like when I tried to come off zoloft. Spoke to my Dr last week and he agreed that zoloft does cause a weight gain and said that I am not the first patient of his which has said that the ssri has caused chest pain/pressure and shortness of breath. He is going to work with me to come off the zoloft --- we'll see. Hope you are feeling better. How long are you off now - I remember I used to get waves of symptoms. Are you past 2 months off now? Keep in touch

Quote from sgt207:

I used to get email notifications from the board if there was a new reply to a post that I contributed to, don't know what happened. I came off the Buspar last Wednesday and it hasn't been too bad. Some spikes in anxiety, trembling hands, dizziness, etc., but nothing like when I tried to come off zoloft. Spoke to my Dr last week and he agreed that zoloft does cause a weight gain and said that I am not the first patient of his which has said that the ssri has caused chest pain/pressure and shortness of breath. He is going to work with me to come off the zoloft --- we'll see. Hope you are feeling better. How long are you off now - I remember I used to get waves of symptoms. Are you past 2 months off now? Keep in touch

I've been off since 9/16 :bouncing:

How cool that you have a doctor that will help you get off the Zoloft! I sure would be interested in why he thinks the SSRI causes shortness of breath...

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Hi Jennita :wave:

Hi Sgt :wave:

How are you guys?

Just to follow up.... the L-Theanine has definately helped with the crankiness... it's not gone, but I do feel as though it's taken the edge off.

Here's to a healthy New Year!

Happy New Year to you too.

I'm hanging in there, completely off Buspar now for almost 3 weeks. Had some withdrawal [though they say there is none] but it quickly went away. Down to about 4 mg's of zoloft per day - planning on coming down on that with the use of the liquid.

How are you doing? How long have you been off now?

Quote from sgt207:

Happy New Year to you too.

I'm hanging in there, completely off Buspar now for almost 3 weeks. Had some withdrawal [though they say there is none] but it quickly went away. Down to about 4 mg's of zoloft per day - planning on coming down on that with the use of the liquid.

How are you doing? How long have you been off now?

Congratulations on getting off the Buspar! You're almost there now!! I hope the Zoloft withdrawal goes easy on you -- good for you for getting the liquid -- I've heard that makes it a little easier (not that this is an easy process).

I've been off for 14 weeks now. Every couple of weeks I go through some new withdrawal issue -- I'm guessing because as this stuff clears out of your whole body, it triggers different reactions. None of these withdrawal issues have been anywhere near as tortuous or horrendous as how I felt while I was tapering off. Still, it all feels worth it to lose the "zombie" effect -- and to have a clear head. Oh boy does it feel good to have a clear head!!!

Happy New Year! I hope that we both lose all of this nasty weight this year -- and continue to live healthy successful lives -- hopefully without the use of ADs!

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Congratulations on getting off the Buspar! You're almost there now!! I hope the Zoloft withdrawal goes easy on you -- good for you for getting the liquid -- I've heard that makes it a little easier (not that this is an easy process).

I've been off for 14 weeks now. Every couple of weeks I go through some new withdrawal issue -- I'm guessing because as this stuff clears out of your whole body, it triggers different reactions. None of these withdrawal issues have been anywhere near as tortuous or horrendous as how I felt while I was tapering off. Still, it all feels worth it to lose the "zombie" effect -- and to have a clear head. Oh boy does it feel good to have a clear head!!!

Happy New Year! I hope that we both lose all of this nasty weight this year -- and continue to live healthy successful lives -- hopefully without the use of ADs!

I'm glad to see you're doing well. Keep it up. I am going to start using the zoloft liquid in about a month and start downward. Hopefully, it will be easier this time using the liquid. It just amazes me that such a small dose is so powerful.

Keep in touch.

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Checking in... the crankiness has been exceptionally minor this past week. Perhaps that particular side effect is finally going away.

Very Good
I'm now 3 1/2 weeks off the buspar and doing well with the exception of trembling hands sometimes. Also down to about 2 mg's on the zoloft.

Quote from sgt207:

Very Good
I'm now 3 1/2 weeks off the buspar and doing well with the exception of trembling hands sometimes. Also down to about 2 mg's on the zoloft.

That's great! I know you're going to make it through this!!

[QUOTE=Donna 2854]I'll add a few words to your new thread! After being on just about every SSRI except effexxor ( wouldn't EVEN touch that one) I am happy to report I am off of them for the first time since 1988 or so. Its been a month plus a few days now. I still carry a Xanax just in case I get anxiety from dealing with an event or person.
None of the SSRI's ( ie Zoloft, Luvox, Paxil , Prozac, Lexapro , Celexa) seemed to have made any difference except for making me feel fuzzy, detached, sleepy , unmotivated and basically ill. I will wonder if MY depression has always been situational. I took meds to relieve the symptoms . But ended up with a pattern I didn't like.

I think I will always have depression but I am doing my best to think and act my way out of the episodes. It requires great effort though and I am willing to do it to avoid meds and the side effects that go along. I do not want to live in a fuzzy detached state day after day. No one can get me out of this but me . It requires me to take that step to do it. A pill will not work with me. Been there, done that. Me me me. Look how many times I mentioned that word. I had to get away from these thoughts.

Gained about 8 pounds whilst on 20mgsLexapro . I noticed it was the appetite that increased and for a solid month, I ate and ate all the time. Nothing would fill me up and I'd just eat . Then ,I would get sleepy and go to bed. After living like this day after day , I got fed up with the way I was headed so I returned to Celexa . I was still somewhat detached although the appetite problem decreased. Decided I would try life without meds.

So far, so good really. I am better off mentally than I was using the meds. It remains to be seen how I am 6 months from now. If the depression gets to be more than I can handle, I will go back to meds. I must give that effort though to remain med free.
I am very conscious of what I eat ( am also going through menopause) and I do get quite a bit of exercise stocking the retail store. I consider that job a challenge despite not really having to do it for income. . Most people wouldn't want to be this physical . Lousy pay really but the point is to get out of the house, to exercise, to interact with people , and mostly , to force myself into a schedule. Yeah, its tough and I lift alot of heavy things but I am determined I can do this .
I think this job has made a big difference and it keeps the depresssion at bay. I enjoy bantering with customers. It makes me have to think about something else. I intend to keep it until my body says enough of this.

I also know I have a talent for painting which is there whenever I decide I want to do it. Right now, I am fed up trying to compete with cheap imports so I don't feel motivated to produce alot of things. I will though start painting for the holiday season. Look at it more like relaxation rather than income -producing .
So , my thing is trying to work away from the house to stay depression -free and I want to do this without meds. Then use the painting as a relaxation thing when I AM in the house. Just my thoughts written down really. Sorry the post is so long. But I am glad I got to write the thoughts down here on the board. I can go back through the archives and re read if I reach "that point" again.

As far as that weight thing- make it your big goal ( I know you are) but give it the best effort and do not give up . Join a group if you need to . Even a gym to keep you on that schedule. Or if you need a stocking job, I know where you can apply! You won't believe how strong I have become !! And how fast I can move . But it works for me .... an effort rewarded so far.
Hi Donna,
Thank You for the words I have read I am fighting depression at this time and I am trying to do it without meds. I hope I am doing the right thing. This I would have to say is the worst and the hardest thing I have ever gone though. It is nice to here that there are people out here just like me. I know that statement doesnt sound good but I hope yuou know what I mean by it. I found this board today and I it has lifted me up so much. I had back surgery about 6 months ago and along with that has come all of the limatations and then the depression due to the pain and the lack of being able to do things and what I want to do. I may lose my job due to all of this and that was always mt outlet when the world and life would get crazy. This is all very hard. Thank You Kristina

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Sgt -- if you're out there -- have you done any more thinking about your theory on the medication hanging around in our fat cells? I'd like to hear more about your theory.

:wave:

A good friend of mine suffered from lung damage on 9-11 while working down at Ground Zero. He was told by doctors that among other things, he "ingested" numerous toxins into his body while there. He ended up going to a detox program in NYC to get rid of the toxins and was told that the body's natural defense mechanism against toxins is to remove them from the bloodstream and "push" them into fat/muscle cells. I think the mechanism could be the same --- maybe I am completely off base though. I am trying to get more information on the subject but at least my doctor didn't look at me like I was crazy when I posited this theory to him. Since the dosage of Zoloft I was/am on is so low as to be clinically insignificant, it would stand to reason that there is a reserve stored in the body somewhere which would cause the ongoing and delayed withdrawal that I suffered from last year.

Hopefully I'll get some answers fast - I'll then let you guys know.

Take care.

Quote from sgt207:

A good friend of mine suffered from lung damage on 9-11 while working down at Ground Zero. He was told by doctors that among other things, he "ingested" numerous toxins into his body while there. He ended up going to a detox program in NYC to get rid of the toxins and was told that the body's natural defense mechanism against toxins is to remove them from the bloodstream and "push" them into fat/muscle cells. I think the mechanism could be the same --- maybe I am completely off base though. I am trying to get more information on the subject but at least my doctor didn't look at me like I was crazy when I posited this theory to him. Since the dosage of Zoloft I was/am on is so low as to be clinically insignificant, it would stand to reason that there is a reserve stored in the body somewhere which would cause the ongoing and delayed withdrawal that I suffered from last year.

Hopefully I'll get some answers fast - I'll then let you guys know.

Take care.

Thanks! It makes so much sense to me... I wonder if it is also related to the weight gain attributed to ADs....

Looking forward to hearing your results...

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Hi CarrieLynn :wave:

Great info! Thanks for sharing it!!!!

That all makes a lot of sense as to the weight gain and severe, delayed onset withdrawal, even after tapering to a small dose before stopping. As I stated in previous posts, when I stopped zoloft last year the withdrawal wasn't that bad until about 3 weeks after stopping, then the weight loss started. I lost about 40 pounds in two months and it seemed as though I was also losing muscle as well. This makes a lot of sense. It also seems that to withdraw, it must be done even slower than I thought, giving time for the stored zoloft to be pulled slowly out of the cells --- I guess. I will run this past my doctor. What puzzles me still is that there are some people who don't gain weight while on the drug and some who don't lose it fast when off of it. Wouldn't it be toxic to all people or is there an enzyme or lack thereof which makes it toxic to only certain people. We'll have to see.

Quote from sgt207:

HRT, glad to see you did well.
Since alcohol works on seretonin, as well as the SSRI's, I wonder if there is a common demoninator as to the weight gain.

I don't drink... so alcohol didn't contribute to my weight gain... but whose to say it's not the serotonin that's guilty.

It may also depend on your liver function, since the liver works to detoxify the body. But the stuff stored in your fat cells, doesn't seem to have any timeline for how long they hold onto something -- and when they release it.

It sounds like it your case Sgt, the first time you went off the Zoloft you're body released everything all at once.

Quote from campbellita:

GOOD FOR YOU!!! I am two weeks off Zoloft, I had been on it for 10 years. kate

Good for you Kate! And welcome to the Boards!

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Good for you Kate! And welcome to the Boards!

Thank you, it's great to feel welcome here. I just posted this reply on the wrong thread, so here it is again! And yes, I too gained over 20lbs on Zoloft. Since new year I cut out bread, potatoes and pasta and stopped drinking sugary drinks. I try to do something active each day, even if it's just a walk around the neighborhood. It's working, the weight is slowly coming off. I think it will take a while for my body to readjust to its new AD free status! Anyway, here's my post again...

I read all the messages in this thread with great interest, thanks to you all for posting. I came off Zoloft completely 2 weeks ago. I was on 150mg and weaned myself off it over a 4 month period. VERY hard going! I have taken Zoloft for ten years. TEN YEARS. I still cannot believe it. I have had some tremendous ups and downs these last 2 weeks, but I am so glad to be free of meds. That's just where I'm at, it might not be right for anyone else.

There is a book called "Blaming the Brain : The Truth About Drugs and Mental Health" which is very interesting reading. It's basically about the fact that no scientific data exists to prove a "chemical imbalance" exists.

Also, "The Antidepressant Solution" is a good read. I quote this description from a certain large online bookseller's site...

"The Antidepressant Solution is the first book to call attention to the drugs' catch-22: Although many people are ready to go off these drugs, they continue to take them because either the patient or the doctor mistakes antidepressant withdrawal for depressive relapse. Unfortunately, approximately 70 percent of prescriptions for these drugs are written by family doctors who may not be familiar with the safest procedures to wean patients off them."

This explains to me why I have felt as I have in the last two weeks. Depressed! But living in hope. My sleep is all messed up. For 2 or 3 days I am comatose on the couch or sleeping. Then I'm fine for a few days, feeling better and more "present" than I have in years. I keep crying, at the oddest things. But the tears feel good, they have been squashed for so long by medication.

The best benefit of coming off Zoloft, is that my hairtrigger temper has gone. I used to fly off the handle at the smallest thing. Because it happened for 10 years it became part of me and I thought that's who I was. But I find myself able to pause before reacting, something I now strongly believe was fuelled by the medication.

That's all I got. I don't regret taking it, because it's in the past and looking to the future, and being in the present, is what I am trying to learn to do.

Kate

Quote from sickofeffexor:

I too think I have been depressed forever. I wish I could take a pill for it, but I can't deal with all the side effects any more -- I want my health back.

I would recommend some kind of therapy, but it can take a lot of energy to find the right counselor/therapist and the right method of counseling -- but it is truly worth it when you do find the right combination.

Thank you very much for your support! It helps to know that I am not alone.

SoE,

Have you ever considered or looked into neurofeedback therapy? I mention it quite a bit on these boards, but no-one ever asks me about it... which makes me wonder if people think this is a "woo-woo" type of therapy (it isn't) or no-one knows what it is and they don't follow up to ask.

It has really helped -- and continues to help -- me quite a bit. It helped a friend of mine who was on Zoloft for 10 years successfully get off that medication and he's had no depression episodes. He needs "booster" sessions every now and then, but his wife told he's just fine. I have several other friends (who haven't been on ADs for years) who are seeing neurofeedback therapists with similar results.

--CarrieLynn

Quote from carrielynn:

SoE,

Have you ever considered or looked into neurofeedback therapy? I mention it quite a bit on these boards, but no-one ever asks me about it... which makes me wonder if people think this is a "woo-woo" type of therapy (it isn't) or no-one knows what it is and they don't follow up to ask.

It has really helped -- and continues to help -- me quite a bit. It helped a friend of mine who was on Zoloft for 10 years successfully get off that medication and he's had no depression episodes. He needs "booster" sessions every now and then, but his wife told he's just fine. I have several other friends (who haven't been on ADs for years) who are seeing neurofeedback therapists with similar results.

--CarrieLynn

:wave:

Can you tell me more about it? How do you find someone in your area?

Quote from sgt207:

:)
I still want to get off of these meds but I don't know if it's an option.

Has anyone here gone through such horrible withdrawal and/or was able to get off of the Zoloft.

Thanks

Yes my withdrawal was the same. Each of the ten or more times I tried to come off Zoloft over TEN DAMN YEARS!!! Everytime I got to the end, it was hell, I called myself the premenstrual crack hoe in detox :) (sorry) ...and I never saw it through. I would always be back on it within a week or so. All I can say is...see it through, it is possible. Yes the first two weeks are absolute hell, I'm lucky that I work from home and have a supportive husband - both allowed me to keep a low profile and get through the worst of it...

Quote from laurie_lu:

I know these drugs must be stored in the body. It's been one month of being Effexor free and I cannot get this extra 10 pounds to budge! ]

I have online, that the body does not readjust well with regard to previous metabolism, even after coming off meds. Something to do with Omega 3... here is the page, I'm not sure if it's just to sell Omega 3, but it sure is interesting reading about SSRIs and weight gain!

I've been off the s**t three weeks, and I'm slowly dropping weight. That's all I got, but I have loved reading this thread and feed obliged to end with some jesters and boundy things, yay. :jester: :bouncing: :jester:

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Nothing profound. General weakness, as though I've been sick in bed with the flu and have just started to move around again.... definate lack of energy.... and exhaustion is turning into feeling just tired all the time.

As far as specific withdrawal symptoms, I seem to go through them almost one at a time and they last for several weeks and then turns into a different withdrawal symptom. The most recent one is the anxiety.

I like your theory of the drugs being in fat cells, because this would explain why I get different withdrawal symptoms at different times. I don't think that just because you stop taking the meds, that every remnant leaves your body all at once. I definately think the drugs leave your system sporadically -- over time. I guess they call it protracted withdrawal.

My appetite also seems to go through phases. Mostly I don't have much of an appetite, but on and off I'll get overwhelming sugar cravings. I haven't gained any weight since I finished tapering, but the weight isn't exactly falling off (dang it).

How are you doing?

I'm hanging in there - trying to get the nerve up to try to come off zoloft, AGAIN!. I'm just trying to find medical research, if any, which would show the best way to do it. Slow tapering then stopping; or go to the every other day, every third day, 4th, 5th, etc. to taper even slower. There has to be someone doing research as to how to best do this.

Quote from sgt207:

I'm hanging in there - trying to get the nerve up to try to come off zoloft, AGAIN!. I'm just trying to find medical research, if any, which would show the best way to do it. Slow tapering then stopping; or go to the every other day, every third day, 4th, 5th, etc. to taper even slower. There has to be someone doing research as to how to best do this.

Everything that I have read recommends against the every other day thing because it stresses your body by putting it into constant mini withdrawals on top of the regular tapering. I would recommend the liquid and going down by the most minuscule amount possible. Slowly but surely...

I took zoloft for about a year, and decided I didn't want to take it, as I hate taking medication everyday. I've been 6-10 months without medication and it gets REALLY rough. But I have a really great support of friends so :)

Quote from menmyboys:

I took zoloft for about a year, and decided I didn't want to take it, as I hate taking medication everyday. I've been 6-10 months without medication and it gets REALLY rough. But I have a really great support of friends so :)

What do you think has been the toughest part for you?

Quote from sickofeffexor:

Good for you -- only you can really know what's best for your body. I don't think this is an easy path, but I do believe it will be worth it.

Great to hear from you SOE, so that I can thank you personally for starting this thread.

I've been telling my friends about this site and this thread, specifically, and what important information I've gained from reading about others' experiences and, unfortunately, their suffering. It's the suffering that gets to me. There has to be a better way, darnit!!

I've started my research tonight, and have read some realy amazing information on medication for depression. I found some books, too, that I'm ordering from my library, and if they're really good (which customer book reviews say they are) then I may buy them eventually.

Here's a quote on SSRI's that kinda blew my mind:

Nothing selective

"The name 'selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor' may also be misleading. These drugs 'select' for serotonin; that is, they don't affect other neurotrans-mitters. But, for that to be a benefit in depression, the implication is that serotonin is localised in a depression centre in the brain. Glenmullen goes to great pains to show that that is not the case. In humans, he explains, only five per cent of serotonin is found in the brain, while the rest is distributed throughout the body. Serotonin plays a significant part in the regulation of the gastro-intestinal tract and the cardiovascular and reproductive systems, as well being involved in controlling a variety of hormones. "While pharmaceutical companies have marketed Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Luvox as 'selective' for serotonin, serotonin is anything but selective in its widespread effects," says Dr Glenmullen. "There is, in fact, no known depression centre in the brain. Rather, the drugs have global effects owing to serotonin's vast influence." It also appears, from current research which he cites, that, far from topping up low serotonin levels, SSRIs create abnormally high levels of serotonin for which the brain may try to compensate by causing a drop in dopamine levels. This, experts believe, may account for some of the severe side effects being noticed."

Now, isn't that interesting information, and I'm just starting my research!!!

Also, the books I'm referring to as having had really great reviews are two in number and are entitled:

1. Breaking the Patterns of Depression by Michael D.Yapko. Very highly recommended.

and;

2. Undoing Depression : What therapy doesn't teach you and medication can't give you by Richard O'Connor. Given a 5 out of 5, also.

I so appreciate all that everyone has shared at this site, and I hope, in some small way, I can give back.

I know I'm on a long journey, but now I know that I do not journey alone, and this brings me much comfort.

:angel: May your suffering end and your burden lighten, this I ask for each and every one of you from the God of my understanding.

/Maddy