Need some feedback...

gemma · Post by **gemma** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 3:53 am

I decided last week to dump my Zoloft as the prescription had run out and my General Practitioner will not renew until I see him again. What kind of side effects might I have by stopping this med. cold turkey? I have been on it for about 6 years now and it seemed to help at first but hasn't really been that beneficial in the last few years. I have ordered the program and really do want to get off all meds.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:19 am

Gemma, I understand that you want to get off all meds through the program and that's a good goal. However, you really need to consult your doctor about weaning off the Zoloft. It is never safe to stop this medication cold turkey. Please see your doctor and ask him to wean you off the zoloft, so you won't get sick from any side effects.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:47 am

Gemma:
You can expect some pretty heavy withdrawal symptoms.
You need to do as Change suggested and get help in weaning off.
You need to taper off very slowly from these types of medication.
Otherwise , you can really suffer.
Good luck.
Wishing you well.
MaryJane

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 1:56 pm

Hey gemma...I have to agree with the other two post.
I had to stop taking my anti-depressant "cold turkey" but it was because I was pregnant and back in 1997 they didn't know a whole lot about pregnant women and depression.
for me the side effects were dizziness and nausea real bad.
I can understand your desire to come off the meds. that is one of my goals...but I'm trying to take my time learning the program first. I know for myself I felt like it was a weakness to be on meds. but it is not! there..there for a reason. I hope things work out for you....keep in touch with us all

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:52 pm

Gemma,

Please don't stop like that. My doctor last year dropped me from my Klonopin because I wanted to try and get pregnant, and I went thru withdrawal so bad that I experienced depersonalization, panic, anxiety, and depression to their fullest!!! I even ended up in the emergency room. I am not trying to scare you, I just don't want you to go thru all that. Klonopin and Zoloft are not the same drug, but they both have a huge impact on your body and chemical changes. I didn't have as much of a hard time coming off Zoloft, but our bodies are all different and we need to be careful. Speak with your doctor, it's best for you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:32 pm

I agree with everyone else, Gemma. Interestingly, About two years ago I had a similar situation- meds had run out, BUT I was too busy (LAZY) to go pick up a new one. Long story short, i was back on it within about 5 months- even though I never really felt it was "doing" much for me. My pharmacist said the dosage was prob. just enough to better "level" my anxiety.

Within the past three months I've managed to successfully eliminate ambien, reduce klono, and am currently tapering zoloft (tomorrow I start 25 mgs!). The main reasons I feel I've had success is because of the skills learned from this program, vitamin/herbal supplements, exercise, but most importantly I've done it SLOWLY!

Your physician sounds like a real winner in knowing you've been on this drug for 6 years and not refilling your script! You might consider calling to make an appt. and then asking for enough meds to get you through to that time. That's reasonable AND it ensures that you go back in to see him/her. Meanwhile, I'd be looking for another dr.- though sometimes that's easier said than done.

Please take care of yourself.
fischee

Hey, if you are interested in reduction schedules, check out <A HREF="http://www.theroadback.org" TARGET=_blank>www.theroadback.org</A>

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:44 pm

Thanks to all of you for the caring and wise advice. I do have an appointment with a doctor(new) tomorrow and she will do a complete physical (I may have some female issues) and I will tell her about the Zoloft, etc. I originally took it for premenstrual sydrome symptoms and right now I feel like I want to climb the walls!! Hope she can help me. I am so glad to be able to post to this community. God bless you all for responding.

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 7:43 am

gemma,
I agree with the other posters but I want to add a couple of other thoughts since you are going cold turkey;
You might want to start a very strenus exercise program. At least two hours a day. You are going to have a huge amount of pent up anxiety looking for an outlet. Please EXERCISE. It will do the same thing for your body as the antidepressent.
Also, drop all caffeine and sugar from your diet. These items only serve to fuel anxiety. Like gasoline on a fire.
Good luck to you.
God Bless and peace be with you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:25 am

Thanks, Don. I do need to keep to a regular exercise routine but I don't know if I can do 2 hrs. per day!! Can I break it up and get the same results? I have a power walking video that I really enjoy that lasts 30 min. Maybe if I do this 4 times a day it could help. Thanks for the advice on exercise. It does help if I'd just get up and do it

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:32 pm

I came cold turkey off all meds once when i had a virus that seemed to last forever. I couldn't keep any meds down at all. I experienced a weird feeling where you move but feel like your body is a split second behind. It didn't last long. My doc said it was the w/d of the anti=depressant doing that.
I experienced the same thing a year ago when I came home from inpatient and some of my meds were missing. My Lexapro was gone but I didn't notice it for some reason. I started having that weird sensation again and checked what I had brought back. I had already found my sleep med missing which was awful and the klonopin was similar to the experience in one of the other responses you received.
I don't doubt you can make it without your meds, I just think I understand the docs to say it's better and easier on you to wean.