Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

Oceanrat: tapering Zoloft


Oceanrat

Recommended Posts

Moderator's note: link to benzo forum thread - Oceanrat: Temazapam taper, lost

 

I very recently did a ativan detox/withdrawl. I was prescribed for sleep 3 years ago. I'm only on month 5 of benzo free. I have been taking zoloft for 10 years. At month 3 of my ativan detox I decided to start "slowly" tapering my zoloft. I went from 100mg to 75, stayed there for 3 weeks, then to 50mg for 3 weeks,I started struggling, but thought it would pass. now I'm at 37.5 mg, it's not passing and I'm in very very bad shape! Do I reinstate to my higher dose of zoloft? Or just stay the course? My brain has had a brutal time in ativan withdrawl. Maybe it was to soon to taper my zoloft??? I took this neuroscience test, prior to my Zoloft taper. It's a spit and urine test, given by my acupuncturist. It said my seretonin levels were super super high. So he suggested getting off the zoloft. But I'm really really messed up now, scared. Thx in advance

Edited by Shep
added link to benzo forum thread

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Replies 276
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Oceanrat

    137

  • LoveandLight

    16

  • apace41

    13

  • Altostrata

    12

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Administrator

Welcome, Oceanrat.

 

Please treat your nervous system gently, it's been stressed by the Ativan withdrawal. It sounds like you have indeed reduced Zoloft too fast.

 

Often updosing a bit can help. If I were you, I might try going up 5mg to 42.5mg Zoloft and staying there for quite a while to let your system settle down. For titration instructions, see Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline)

 

Zoloft also comes in a liquid to make this more convenient.

 

I'm moving this to the Introductions forum to start your own Intro thread, where you can track your progress and ask questions.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

Thank you so much for caring!!! I'm a father of 3, that really needs to be here for them

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Also going from 100mg to 50mg seemed like no big deal for the first 5 weeks, then all hell has broke loose... Why all the sudden???

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi  Oceanrat ,   welcome.    That happens alot with these meds. - you feel okay initially , then get hit with withdrawal symptoms.

I got hit badly 5 months after stopping.  It's a very individual thing.

Withdrawal symptoms are temporary and updosing will hopefully put a lid on them.

 

There are lots of tips in the Symptoms and Self Care section that you may find helpful.

 

Good to have you on board ,  Fresh

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

Link to comment

So when you are this bad. Up dosing does help? If you knew me, it's bad if I'm posting here. I thought I could tough it out, it's just getting worse

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Of course my doc said "you are tapering so slow you won't notice anything"...

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Oceanrat , I thought I could tough it out too.   See my intro. post 1.   Whatever it's like now , it may get worse.

Particularly because of your children , you need to be well as soon as possible.

 

Many people find that updosing helps , and then once you've been stable for a while you can safely start to taper slowly.

 

Your doctor only seems to know what the drug companies have told him , and all the people on this site bear testament

to the fact that even tiny doses can make a huge difference once your CNS is used to it.

 

You're not a drug rep. are you? )lol)

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

Link to comment

NOT A DRUG REP!!!!! But I'd love to get my hands on a few of them! Lol

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Plus my receptors have taken a beating from 3 years benzo use for sleep, then withdrawl, I'm just to damn fragile! Sad, I'm a 6'3 man reduced to an egg shell.

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Plenty of big, tall, tough men will updose a little bit to get through the rough spots of a taper.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

I would have no prob Updosing of that was the answer. For me it's the constant mystery of whats doing what, make sense? Is it the benzo withdrawl? Is it zoloft withdrawl? Did I get over aggressive with to much exercise? Ugh! I raced road bikes (peddle bikes), rode 300 miles a week and ran 70 miles a week, prior to the benzo detox, now zoloft. I'm trying to get back to exercise, but it seems like when I do anything over lolly gag pace, distants, efforts, I fallbackwards... Weird journey

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Plenty of big, tall, tough men will updose a little bit to get through the rough spots of a taper.

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

I started my taper from 100mg to 75, stayed there 3 weeks, then 50, stayed there, now at 37.5, if I updose should I go back to 50mg or something smaller?

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome, Oceanrat.

 

Please treat your nervous system gently, it's been stressed by the Ativan withdrawal. It sounds like you have indeed reduced Zoloft too fast.

 

Often updosing a bit can help. If I were you, I might try going up 5mg to 42.5mg Zoloft and staying there for quite a while to let your system settle down. For titration instructions, see Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline)

 

Zoloft also comes in a liquid to make this more convenient.

 

I'm moving this to the Introductions forum to start your own Intro thread, where you can track your progress and ask questions.

 

I'd try the suggestion above first. You've probably partially adapted to the 37.5 even though you're not stable there, so 50 might be too much at this point.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

Link to comment

I have 25 mg pills, I was thinking just going back to 50 mg, Cuz I don't know how to get to 42.5 and I don't have access to liquid zoloft

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Please read the links we give you.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

I'm doing my best to understand it all and deal with my doc

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Sorry to be a downer, I started my taper off zoloft 100mg quickly (bad dr) after a brutal 5 month ativan withdrawl. I got down to 37.2mg was really falling apart. Went back to 50mg, now 2nd day at 75mg to try and reinstate. I'm really losing my mind. Hospital time? Just to get drugged more!?!? Lost, scared need advice. Total derealazation, been up for 3 days no sleep, bad bad brain

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Oceanrat,

I moved the above post from the tapering section.  This is your introduction/update topic,  you can use it as your ongoing journal to track progress, write about symptoms, ask questions and communicate with the community, add to it whenever you want.

 

I'm sorry you're not feeling well at the moment.  It looks like you may have been making too many big changes too fast and your nervous system is struggling to keep up and continue to work properly.

 

I agree with what you suggested in your first post, it was probably too soon after your benzo withdrawal to start tapering zoloft.

 

 I took this neuroscience test, prior to my Zoloft taper. It's a spit and urine test, given by my acupuncturist. It said my seretonin levels were super super high. So he suggested getting off the zoloft.

 

These tests are meaningless, its impossible to measure serotonin levels in a living brain.  Serotonin is made and used in different parts of the body and what its doing in one part is no indication of what its doing somewhere else.

 

Alto suggested a small updose and holding for quite a while.  'Quite a while' means weeks and months, not days.

 

Often updosing a bit can help. If I were you, I might try going up 5mg to 42.5mg Zoloft and staying there for quite a while to let your system settle down.

 

Of course its your decision about what you do, but you are using a site with probably the best information about how to safely come off psychiatric drugs and the advice you get here comes backed by a lot of experience, so you might want to go back and read through what has been offered, plus the links.

 

Here is another link which may help:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to stop withdrawal symptoms

 

I'm not really sure what to suggest now.  If you are suddenly feeling much worse after increasing back up to 75mg, then I would think you are taking too much.  But with every change you make, you are causing further destabilization.  Please read through the links so you can learn what's happening in your body.

 

Here is another one with some good general information about how to safely taper:

 

The rule of 3KIS: Keep it simple. Keep it slow. Keep it stable.

 

If you need to go to the hospital for the safety of yourself and others, then you should do that, you need to make that decision for yourself because only you know how you are feeling.

 

Alternatively, if you are able to stay calm and manage this by yourself, perhaps you could drop back down to 50mg and hold there for a long time (months) and in the mean time, learn as much as you can about safe tapering and how to take care of yourself through the process using the resources here.  I doubt there's anything you can do now to make yourself feel better fast, its going to take a while before you stabilize, but it will happen if you take care of yourself and nervous system.

 

Look through our symptoms and self care section for more ideas.  You will find some ideas to help with sleep here:

 

Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems

 

Please would you put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature.  Putting a short version of your drug and tapering history in your signature helps people understand your context, it appears below each of your posts.  Here are instructions for how to do it:

 

http://survivinganti...your-signature/

 

Please stay in touch and let us know what you decide and how you are doing.  You will get through this.

 

Petunia.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

Link to comment

Thx petunia, Im just super scared, I know I went up WAY to fast, but I was super scared and thought it would help stabilize, clearly it HAS not. But I'm hear now, with all my BAD desicions and my tragic system. I was drasticly searching for relief is all. I am trying to hold on

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I understand Oceanrat and I know what its like to be desperately searching for relief, I was doing that for a while, before I found this site and was swallowing down various pills and supplements on a daily basis, trying to feel better, but all the time I was making things worse.

 

Good for you that you found this site and can now make some better choices.  Anything you can do to keep yourself calm will help your nervous system settle down and stabilize faster.  You're going to be ok.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

Link to comment

I understand Oceanrat and I know what its like to be desperately searching for relief, I was doing that for a while, before I found this site and was swallowing down various pills and supplements on a daily basis, trying to feel better, but all the time I was making things worse.

 

Good for you that you found this site and can now make some better choices. Anything you can do to keep yourself calm will help your nervous system settle down and stabilize faster. You're going to be ok.

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Day 4 of holding at 75mg zoloft, had a couple windows, but now really bad again. Really scared, worst symptoms, are panic stricken, anxiety rushes all day, derealazation, shaking, losing my marbles. Trying to hold on, can't much longer

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

I also couldn't figure out the signature thing, no arrow with settings?

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I think you need to pick a dose and stick with it for a good while.  If you've chosen 75mg, then stick with it, don't change dose from day to day, your brain can't sort things out if things keep changing.  Be aware that it can take a while to feel significant improvement after an updose, it could be a few weeks rather than a few days, so try to be patient in the meantime.  It's just the way these drugs work, they are not like benzos that work immediately, it can take several weeks after a dose change (up or down) for the full effects to appear.  Try to avoid anything stimulating (caffeine, alcohol, scary movies, etc.) and do some relaxation exercises as often as you can to help calm your nervous system.  It feels like you are losing your marbles, but really you aren't.  Hang in there, it will get better.

2001–2002 paroxetine

2003  citalopram

2004-2008  paroxetine (various failed tapers) 
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to

2016  Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct 15mg … slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg  18 Nov 3.8mg
2019  15 Mar 3.6mg  21 May 3.4mg  26 Dec 3.2mg 

2020  19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg

2021   29 Aug 2.4mg   15 Nov 2.3mg

Link to comment

I think you need to pick a dose and stick with it for a good while.  If you've chosen 75mg, then stick with it, don't change dose from day to day, your brain can't sort things out if things keep changing.  Be aware that it can take a while to feel significant improvement after an updose, it could be a few weeks rather than a few days, so try to be patient in the meantime.  It's just the way these drugs work, they are not like benzos that work immediately, it can take several weeks after a dose change (up or down) for the full effects to appear.  Try to avoid anything stimulating (caffeine, alcohol, scary movies, etc.) and do some relaxation exercises as often as you can to help calm your nervous system.  It feels like you are losing your marbles, but really you aren't.  Hang in there, it will get better.

THX SO MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT!!! It really means the world to hear and get advice like this!! I have chosen 75mg, been there 4 days now and just gonna stay put

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Rough times, can't sleep, flooded with massive (I guess) adrenal, panic surges. Maybe getting 2 hours of sleep, cold sweats, terror. How to stay positive? I don't see light at the end of any tunnel. Regrets regrets, how could I have been so stupid? Wish I would have found you guys prior to my desicion to taper this awful pill, my brain and life have been flipped on its head. Tea, magnesium and melatonin don't seem enough to take this edge off this nightmare. Haha. Any words of encouragement and hope are welcome! In a very dark place. Thx Fam

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Yes I know ocean rat..I really wish that I found this place also before I went all the way down to 12.5mg from 100mg! And I cannot go back up either. But at least we have found this now! I know..how do you stay positive when you literally can't have a positive thought..and then you worry you can't have a positive thought. The only thing I've come up with is - even if we cannot see the end, or feel think any positivity at all..we will still get through it..we will still go through it and get to the other end whether we go through it able to be positive or none at all..

 

Best wishes to you.

2000 - sertraline for job anxiety low confidence (17 years old) ..which turned the next 16 years into nightmare!

 

On/off sertraline severe withdrawals every time. 2014 - felt better as reduced dose of sertraline no more inner restlessness. Doctor rushed off again. Hit severe withdrawal. Lost the little I had in life. Couldn't get stable again on 12.5mg. Was switched to prozac. Had severe reaction to prozac..came off in November 2015 at 6mg as felt more confused and damaged on it..Even more withdrawal ..rage, depression, dyphoria, near constant suicidal ideation, self harm impulses, doom, concrete block in head, unable to do much of anything with this feeling in head..went back on 6mg of sertraline to see if would alleviate anything. It didn't..reduced from December to June 2016 came off at 2.5mg sertraline as was hospitalised for the severe rage, suicidal impulses, and put on 50mg lofepramine which in 2nd week reduced all symptoms but gave insomnia which still have..psych stopped lofepramine cold turkey..no increased withdrawal symptoms new symptoms from lofepramine except persistant insomnia which has as side effect.

 

Taking Ativan for 8 months for the severe rage self harm impulses 1-3 times a week (mostly 2 times a week) at .5mg. Two months (I'm unsure exactly when the interdose started to happen) ago interdose withdrawal seemed to happen..2 days I think after the Ativan.

 

 

Nightmare that could have been avoided!

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Here are some ideas, basically the things that helped me when I was in a similar situation.  You could try some relaxation exercises to calm your nervous system.  Try 3-5 breathing, gentle yoga stretches (forward bending postures are relaxing, avoid back bends which are stimulating), progressive muscle relaxation, guided visualisation, meditation to gentle music - try some things out to see what works for you.  Even if they do not seem to help initially, with regular practice the nervous system gradually calms down.  Epsom salts baths could be worth a try too.

 

Use positive self-talk as much as you can, even if it seems like you don't believe it, it can help to drown out the negative thoughts.  Write some positive affirmations and read them to yourself often.  Make a plan for each day with a few things to accomplish (not too much) and give yourself a big tick for everything you get done, even little things like hanging out a load of laundry.  Distract yourself with TV or books, especially anything positive or lightweight such as comedies or game shows, avoid anything scary or dramatic.  Try to stand back in your mind and observe the symptoms in a detached way.  Be gentle and kind to yourself at all times.  I hope you feel better very soon.

2001–2002 paroxetine

2003  citalopram

2004-2008  paroxetine (various failed tapers) 
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to

2016  Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct 15mg … slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg  18 Nov 3.8mg
2019  15 Mar 3.6mg  21 May 3.4mg  26 Dec 3.2mg 

2020  19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg

2021   29 Aug 2.4mg   15 Nov 2.3mg

Link to comment

Yes I know ocean rat..I really wish that I found this place also before I went all the way down to 12.5mg from 100mg! And I cannot go back up either. But at least we have found this now! I know..how do you stay positive when you literally can't have a positive thought..and then you worry you can't have a positive thought. The only thing I've come up with is - even if we cannot see the end, or feel think any positivity at all..we will still get through it..we will still go through it and get to the other end whether we go through it able to be positive or none at all..

 

Best wishes to you.

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

THX so much, so cruel this is, wish I could sleep. So fresh off the ativan withdrawl, my system is really messed up.

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Here are some ideas, basically the things that helped me when I was in a similar situation. You could try some relaxation exercises to calm your nervous system. Try 3-5 breathing, gentle yoga stretches (forward bending postures are relaxing, avoid back bends which are stimulating), progressive muscle relaxation, guided visualisation, meditation to gentle music - try some things out to see what works for you. Even if they do not seem to help initially, with regular practice the nervous system gradually calms down. Epsom salts baths could be worth a try too.

 

Use positive self-talk as much as you can, even if it seems like you don't believe it, it can help to drown out the negative thoughts. Write some positive affirmations and read them to yourself often. Make a plan for each day with a few things to accomplish (not too much) and give yourself a big tick for everything you get done, even little things like hanging out a load of laundry. Distract yourself with TV or books, especially anything positive or lightweight such as comedies or game shows, avoid anything scary or dramatic. Try to stand back in your mind and observe the symptoms in a detached way. Be gentle and kind to yourself at all times. I hope you feel better very soon.

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

THX for all the support!!! These are all very very great, positive things for me to put into action! I'm so worn out, so exhausted. Hard to believe we all continue on. I did get a brief window yesterday, took a very slow walk with my dog,it's not much coming from a guy who ran 75 miles a week, but it's a start..I even managed to eat for the first time in awhile. I'm so stuck on the fear, the negative, the shame, anger, resentment etc. I can't believe this is my life. Now it's really time to start the self healing, positive, embrace the struggle! The dark, negative, terror has consumed me and is not healthy, when trying to heal. Everything you say is so CORRECT! When in that terror, fight or flight, I need to slow down. Day 6 holding at 75 mg, hoping to keep stabilizing more. Love you guys!

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

I wish my sleep would improve, that would help, the nights are a SCAREY time for me.

17 years on Zoloft, 47 years old now

3 years on Ativan for sleep cold turkeyed in 2014

Reinstated after 1 week, cold turkey again 1 month later with phenobarbital. Dp/dr, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, depression, still able to work, exercise heavily, be a parent

After 4 months went to doc, wanted off of Zoloft, didn’t know risks, starting dose 100mg

Rapid taper, got down to 35mg in 6 weeks.  hit real real trouble, akathesia, terror, awake for 6 weeks, hospitalization, put me in 15 temazapam to put me asleep, transfered to some swanky ocean front place in Malibu Ca. Massive polydrugged, got sicker and sicker

10mg zyprexa for 5 months, then tapered

1000mg depakote for 8 months, 10 month taper

Still on 15mg temazapam

Start SSRI taper in jan.

current dose 40mg Zoloft 

15mg temazapam 

 

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy