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

divalee: 24 months off Zoloft


divalee

Recommended Posts

1 hour ago, divalee said:

 

 

 

One day we will:

 

Have the world on a string

Sitting on a rainbow

Have the string around our fingers

and we will say.....what a world.....what a life....I am FREE 

 

Lee (f)

xxx

it can't come soon enough!   xoxo

 

 

went on Prozac 1994-99,60mg.poopout ct  back on 2001-2002,prozac weekly 2002,not working,Effexor 75 mg.?2003-mar.2004 gaining weight 8wk. taper,wellbutrin 150 mg.mar. -may 2004 ctmedfree til july 2005 back to Prozac gaining weight again,back on wellbutrin jan.2006150-300 mg.bad constipation.also was taking aygestin(hormone)perimenopausal irregular bleeding.back on Prozac around sept,?2006,hysterectomy jan30.2007(adenomyosis)off&on Prozac til 2009,citalopram about 1 mo, April 2010 no effect,Effexor again may -mar, 2011.ct,Prozac aug,-dec, 2011 &sept-nov 2012,paroxetine oct,23 2013-may 4 2014 20 mgs.tapered 6 wks.-failed RI in Oct.2014-in protracted WD.started 10 mgs. Fluoxetine May 25 2021 .Stopped fluoxetine May 2022 at 5 mgs.

Link to comment
  • Replies 740
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • divalee

    360

  • apace41

    70

  • AliG

    32

  • direstraits

    24

Top Posters In This Topic

Hello AliG

How are you doing -  

Lee 

xx

 

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
1 hour ago, direstraits said:

 

I so wish that for you Direstraits and for all of us....so very much - no one should be allowed to suffer so much.....no one.....

Lee 

xxx

Music is the only thing that keeps me alive - it is my heart and soul - since birth - and even music is barely there but i try to keep it alive as much as I can.

 

How are you doing Dire xxx

Lee

xx

When the dog bites

When the bee Stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favourite things

and then I.......don't.....feel.....so......bad....xxx

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment

I love music ,too...all kinds....it's helped me to keep going ,too...many times.

 

take care....love,ds

 

xoxo

went on Prozac 1994-99,60mg.poopout ct  back on 2001-2002,prozac weekly 2002,not working,Effexor 75 mg.?2003-mar.2004 gaining weight 8wk. taper,wellbutrin 150 mg.mar. -may 2004 ctmedfree til july 2005 back to Prozac gaining weight again,back on wellbutrin jan.2006150-300 mg.bad constipation.also was taking aygestin(hormone)perimenopausal irregular bleeding.back on Prozac around sept,?2006,hysterectomy jan30.2007(adenomyosis)off&on Prozac til 2009,citalopram about 1 mo, April 2010 no effect,Effexor again may -mar, 2011.ct,Prozac aug,-dec, 2011 &sept-nov 2012,paroxetine oct,23 2013-may 4 2014 20 mgs.tapered 6 wks.-failed RI in Oct.2014-in protracted WD.started 10 mgs. Fluoxetine May 25 2021 .Stopped fluoxetine May 2022 at 5 mgs.

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

Im sorry but this new format wont let me get to my last page to post something

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
41 minutes ago, divalee said:

Im sorry but this new format wont let me get to my last page to post something

 

Apparently it does, Lee.  Your post showed up on the last page.  Try posting and see how it goes.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Hello Everyone

 

I thought it best to update once a month to let you know how I am doing.

 

It is now 4 years and 2 months since I have been off Zoloft - the only SSRI or any medication for that matter that I ever took.

 

Unfortunately, there is no change - still in a wave I have been in for months and months and months.  I get very very slight windows - they don't last long - When I go out I hide my fears and all those sensations and do what I have to do - even though when I get back into my car - I might cry.....and when I get home I cry - but at least I am doing it - I will not let these WDs stop me from doing anything -  the worst is the distorted vision - blurry vision, (I have excellent vision been to see Ophthalmologist)   anxiety and panic attacks, - the rest of my WD symptoms are bad too - very little relief -  seems a tad better at night...and thank goodness I can sleep...but wake up with night sweats but then I can go back to sleep.

 

I miss coming here - so I thought I will come once a month for an update. 

 

I am sorry, I wish I could give you all encouragement - but just know that I do think about all of you - and you are all in my prayers every night - 

 

Stay well and take good care of yourselves.

 

Til next month then  Ciao

 

Love

Lee (f)

xx

 

If happy little bluebirds fly

Beyond the rainbow

So can.......you......and........I........

 

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Hi lee: may I ask your age and if you are a woman?  I get night sweats very often too but really think in my case it is due to hormones.... not saying Zoloft didn't cause a lot of your symptoms but there could be something along w withdrawal

 

like you, I wake up and go back to sleep. I try not to think about it or worry. I take a natural supplement once in a while which might help or not but do not want to have any hormone therapy as worried I might feel even worse especially as I am still tapering

 

often I get sweats during day too...

200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021;  Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg
Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg

-------
Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. 
Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18;  May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg

Link to comment

Hello Madeleine -  No it is not menopause.  I am 46 years old and have been to my GP - there are no signs of menopause yet.  I have had all of my symptoms since I stopped talking Zoloft May 17, 2013 - they are all still there - they were mild at first but now just seem to be getting worse and worse.  I have been to my Ophthalmologist - my vision is perfect yet I have distorted vision and he said it is due to high anxiety -  I have had CT Scans and blood work done and everything perfect -  I am in excellent health - but feel not well all the time - My magnesium level is perfect and so is my b12...and calcium...

 

I don't take anything - I eat well and never buy junk food -  You know when you never feel well you try to eat the best that you can and even afraid to have anything that Im afraid might hamper my healing .  

 

It is so scary to feel this way.....Thank you Madeleine for answering me - and I am sorry if you are struggling - believe me I can walk in everyone>s shoes here.....as I said I think about everyone and pray for all.

 

Stay well and take good care of you.....

 

Lee Ifemale)

xx

 

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi DivaLee,

I don't know if this information is any help to you, but I started to get night sweats and day sweats as soon as I went into WD.  The night sweats were so bad I had to have three towels under me and remove one every few hours otherwise the bed got too wet to sleep in. After I reinstated the day and night sweats slowly diminished.  Now that I am tapering again I can tell if I am going too fast because the sweats return, very mildly, but it's enough of a sign to tell me to slow down.  I'll stop tapering and then they go away again.  For those of us that are sensitive to these types of drugs WD or tapering too fast can be pure h*ll.  Lee, I am impressed by the fact that you just get up and do what you need to do, even if you cry in the car. I do believe that there is healing out there for all of us. My thoughts are with you right now.

RS

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment

Rachel -  I have been off Zoloft/Sertraline for 4 years and 2 months - and yes the sweats started when I stopped completely which was two or three months after I stopped and all the rest of the symptoms I have. Yes the sweats at night actually soak the bed and you think I just got out of the shower -  Before I had about 5 sweats a night - now I can go through til around 4 am and then they start up..so a bit of improvement there.....My other symptoms were not too bad at first - but they got worse and worse and I don't know if I will ever get better - it just seems so impossible now - it has been so long....but I do have faith, and courage and hope - that is all we can do.  Yes no matter how I feel and trust me I actually make the sign of the cross every time I leave the house, take a deep breath and I go...I clean my house, I cook for myself and cry - but I do it......we have too...we must not give up. Sometimes I start to let myself believe I will never get better - this wave has been with me for months and months - but then I pick myself up again and find my courage once more.

 

Our Central nervous system is challenged very much when in WDs and if we have other life sorrows it just makes the WDs worse it seems...Yes take your time and go off very slowly - I took a year and a half to go off - not long enough but Zoloft here only comes in 25, 50 and 100 mgs capsules so I had no choice but to go off 25mgs at a time albeit I stayed on that amount for 4 months , then 50 for 4 months and so on....

 

There is healing out there Rachel - and my prayers are with you - and thank you so much for answering me.

 

Stay well and take good care of yourself

Lee (f)

xxx

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Lee, What a very thoughtful and beautiful answer. Thank you. Let's stay in touch.

RS

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment

Yes I will keep in touch....and thank you once more.

 

Lee (f)

xxxx

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...

Hello I received in my email a post from Recovering JJ - but I cannot find it here - so am writing on my page

 

I was waiting til August 17th to write my monthly post here on how I am doing - so I will do it now.

 

Recovering JJ:  My dizziness is from WDs and from migraines - Migraines are also from WDs....I do not have vertigo but just a constant light headedness - always a 'full head'  never clear -  This is mostly because of very high anxiety daily.  And yes it is 4 year and 3 months now -  I wish I could help you more - but the WDs and Migraines are causing my "feeling" of dizziness as I do not have vertigo - just the sensation of being dizzy - it is hard to explain.....Stay strong - have courage and speranza - it will pass - we may not think so because it is with us every day - but it will -  I have some mild, very mild windows especially when night time comes.

 

Now here is my monthly post:

 

My symptoms are - had have not let up for months and months and months

 

Light headedness

Pins and needles, head and face

Pressure across bridge of my nose

Feeling of blocked ears   (they are not blocked)

Distorted vision, and blurry vision that blurs and clears,

( I have just been to my Ophthalmologist yesterday and my eyes are perfectly normal with excellent vision yet I have so many visual problems)

High anxiety and subsides somewhat at night

Panic attacks

Wake up in morning very anxious and crying

Nightly sweats ( seems to be subsiding)

Depression (understandable with having to deal with all of this)

Silent Migraines with aura  (no pain)  I had then about twice a year - now since February I have them once a month

Migraine with pain - ...and I have a mild headache almost every day.

Sometimes I feel like I want to shake myself back to reality - a strange feeling ..

 

Thank goodness I am able to sleep - I wake up with the sweats but then go right back to sleep  (these sweats are WDs not menopause - not into that yet)

 

All these symptoms were always there except the worsening of migraines -  but they were not as severe as they are now -  they seem to be getting worse - not better -

 

Having said all this - THIS DOES NOT STOP ME FROM DOING WHAT I HAVE TO DO

 

In the past over a month now this is what I had to do

 

I have Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy -  I had corneal transplants and my vision now is excellent -  If you are going to have an eye disease this is the one to have - because it is 98% successful -  The cornea is the protective covering of your eye, just as the glass covering your watch is.....We are born with it and it is totally inherited.  It doesn't show up until in your 30s or for some rarely, in our 20s, mine started showing up in my 30s....starting with foggy vision in the morning then clear up but eventually the fogginess gets worse -

 

The cornea has 5 layers - and it is a very small tissue - the inner most layer is called the endothelia which is where the cells live.  When you have Fuchs those cells die slowly and soon if not treated one can go blind.  I had both mine done when I was 36 and my vision is 20/20 without glasses -

 

Anyway to continue.....because I had these transplants every three years I must get my vision tested - and also a medical...

 

This I have to do with all these symptoms - go to Ophthalmologist, sit there waiting my turn with complete control, no choice...then I had to go to my GP and wait again for my turn which took 2 hours of waiting - again in control -  Of course I had a perfect form they both filled out - because believe it or not - I am in perfect physical health - I do not take any medication whatsoever...

 

So that was passed....but then the don't stop there - I had to go on the 20 highway that took about 45 minutes to get there - for a road test - I had never been in that area before and was so worried I didn't know the streets and where they would take me...So I got there okay - Very nice Spanish lady was the one who would be testing my driving - she was so nice - and luckily I just drove in the residential sections of that place and I passed with flying colours -  again always hiding how I felt - but then I had to wait another half hour in the building to get the okay from whomever was giving the Okay - they had to text everything to them - that I had passed.....All this time I am waiting - to be honest I had to walk around a bit , I found it hard to just sit there - because by that time my anxiety and all those symptoms were hitting the roof....still I managed very well.  Finally the papers came that I passed and was given a receipt staying that I do not have to do this for another five years.

 

Got in my car for the 45 minute drive home - with tears in my eyes - but got home...and then of course just cried and cried.  But the main thing is - I did it.

 

Just trying to tell you - that what ever I have to do every single day - I do it - no matter how I feel -  Shopping, Banking, Pet Shop, going to big department stores which is my worst challenge to buy some pots and sheets - I do it all....Albeit every time I get in my car to go to another place - I cry....but do it anyway.

 

I have isolated myself though - I cant have lunch with anyone - and don't want to see people - but I do talk with them on the phone - and I learned there is no use talking about how I feel - because no one understands - I learned that lesson - I must add here - I am trying to  go to Mindfulness once a week to a doctor I use to work for at a hospital - at his home with his wife and one more purpose....He knows my story - from childhood too - but at mindfulness we never talk about the past nor the future but only what we are doing at the moment - it is very difficult because our mind strays constantly - but he said once we get the hang of it - this really works - So I am trying that - but my symptoms are so bad and it is hard to concentrated - but I am giving it a try.

 

I have had personal grief going through these WDs - my son died of leukemia a year and a half ago.....and when I started with these withdrawals  a person who I think still is in this group and in another one - pretend to me a highly qualified therapist and could help me - I was so desperate that I said okay - first she isolated me from everyone - everyone on FB -  even her group and was not allowed to talk to anyone - she said she was all that I needed - it turned out to be a horror story 63,000 dollars later - We looked up her credentials and she doesn't exist anywhere.....

 

But after all that I did not retaliate - there is Karma - and retaliation only digs two graves and an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.....I said this before on this form - .....so I had to deal with two huge emotional traumas while also going through WDs

 

But I am still here - Still - when they say.....fake it till you make it -  doesn't seem to be working for me - because I face my fears every single day - and nothing changes.......I guess the Rubik's Cube has to heal every part of your brain and that takes time for most of us - No Vitamins, or anything else we try to take to help us  seems to work - not for me anyway....I take nothing - I am too afraid that it will interfere with the healing process.

 

So there you have it - no change yet - a small window at night and am able to sleep and I thank God for that.....but next morning starts all over again.  How much longer?  How much longer -  How much longer will I able to continue to have the courage, strength, speranza - I just don't know.

 

But I will not give up - I must not give up.....and none of you should either - If I can do you....so can you.

 

If happy little blue birds fly

Beyond the rainbow

So can........you......and......I....

 

Much love

Lee

will report back next month.....xxxx

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Lee,

 

I wish I had something brilliant to say but I don't.

 

All I can say is that my heart goes out to you and you are an inspiration in how you continue to soldier on.  I continue to believe this will get better for you.  I wish I could provide some kind of time frame.  The lack of time frame and pattern for recovery is one of the hardest things.

 

Please keep coming back to update us.  We care.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

Link to comment

Thank you Andy - and I hope the same for you - always - and yes will continue to update - How are you doing

Love

Lee

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Divalee , I feel your pain I am only 5 months in to a c/ t of so many medications but I have been feeling this way for 4 years now ever since venalaxafine pooped out on me , I also have seen no improvement in this time if anything things have got worse , I haven't had any windows just endless days of suffering , the depressive mood swings and the horrible anxiety haunt me , I don't know if I will ever heal , I keep pushing myself and telling myself I will get better but I don't no now , I think it may be permenant , I keep telling myself not everyone that comes of these drugs will go back to being normally there has to be casualties and I think I am one , I hope you find some relief soon

2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg 

jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine 

feb 2015 quetiapine stopped 

feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added 

feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg 

july 2015 citalopram stopped 

sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin 

jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped

jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine

march 2017 all meds stopped 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
3 minutes ago, divalee said:

How are you doing

 

I've been struggling for a while, Lee. Don't know if you saw on my thread but my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly and that has been very difficult on a lot of levels -- withdrawal included.

 

Stay strong.  

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
2 minutes ago, Terry4949 said:

I don't know if I will ever heal , I keep pushing myself and telling myself I will get better but I don't no now , I think it may be permenant , I keep telling myself not everyone that comes of these drugs will go back to being normally there has to be casualties and I think I am one ,

 

Terry,

 

I would urge you to read the Success Stories if you have not.  Virtually EVERY ONE comes from someone who says something to the effect of "I was sure I was one of those people who would never heal -- that others simply weren't as bad off as I was."  You are not alone and you will heal.  Nobody can give you a time frame but it will happen.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

Link to comment

Oh Andy I should come here just to read - no I didn't know I am so sorry for your loss - now you stay strong - you must - we all must.....We will beat this thing - it wont stay forever - I think the group leader here had WDs for more than 4 years if I am not mistaken.....everyone is different - we must have faith and speranza .....

 

Stay well dear friend and take good care of yourself.

Love

Lee

xxxx

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Terry I agree with Andy - you will get better - we all will - we need to be reminded of this all the time because once we leave here and go back to what ever we are doing - thoughts creep back and we get so frightened -  We will get better - there is no time frame - some heal faster than others - don't despair -

 

Love

Lee

xxx

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Madeline - just saw your post

 

Mine are definitely WDs - I have had every test under the sun done and I am perfectly healthy...We all think it has to be something else wrong that is normal and health anxiety....but I know for a fact mine are WDs I have never had any of this before I took Zoloft.

 

Your sweats could be hormonal - depends how old you are - My GP said I have no sign of it yet - again everyone is different

 

I wish you well and try not to worry - things will change - this wont last for ever....xxx

 

Love

Lee

xxx

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
1 hour ago, apace41 said:

 

Terry,

 

I would urge you to read the Success Stories if you have not.  Virtually EVERY ONE comes from someone who says something to the effect of "I was sure I was one of those people who would never heal -- that others simply weren't as bad off as I was."  You are not alone and you will heal.  Nobody can give you a time frame but it will happen.

 

Best,

 

Andy

I appreciate your comment and I have read the recovery stories so many times , but that doesn't altar the fact that not everyone will recover no matter how long you wait , some people are permanently effected , I'm sorry to say this but I have suffered for four years and have seen no improvement what's so ever , the only thing that stops me from taking my own life is my family , I am not going to wake up tomorrow and be like I use to be that's a fact , healing is possible but 6 or 8 years is to long a ordeal even for the bravest of people , you can give people hope that things may get better but with withdrawel there is no timeline , sometimes people really do need help from professionals in order to stay alive and not just keep hoping for recovery that may not ever come , I have been hoping for so long and I have lost all faith , I see people on here who have tapered slow over many years and still suffer horrendously ,so it's not all about slow withdrawel , I wish you well in your recovery and anyone else in this situation , but I think that sometimes people do need extra help other than waiting it out 

2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg 

jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine 

feb 2015 quetiapine stopped 

feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added 

feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg 

july 2015 citalopram stopped 

sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin 

jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped

jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine

march 2017 all meds stopped 

Link to comment

Dear Terry - please try not to take that attitude - if you feel you will never get better - that is a horrible thought for you to live with.  You will get better.  I am also 4 years and 3 months off Zoloft and suffer too....but we can<t just throw in the towel.....

 

Please have courage, and faith - don't give up - I know how hard it is and I can walk solidly In your shoes.....I know what you are going through - but please don't put into your head that you will never get better -  I haven't known anyone yet that has not gotten better eventually. 

 

Many of us went on antidepressants for life problems - like a divorce, a loss of a loved one, no job, moving to another city or Country - all those things are life experiences that we must face and no amount of medication is going to cure that -  These trials and tribulations are normal for our growth....I can see if someone has schizophrenia or serious mental problems - there are medications for that - but for life<s adversities the doctors are all to ready to give you an SSRI - they do not fix the problem - and then when trying to get off the stuff we go through hell - when we shouldn't have been on it in the first place - So people go back to their doctor and instead of the doctor realising that you are in WDs when you stop taking it - the up the dosage and you are in the merry go round again....

 

I worked in a Psychiatric hospital and I have seen things that horrified me - people coming in for depression or even just low feels from life<s problems and they are given SSRIs - and then their troubles begin - some never get out of the hospital because doctors keep trying this or that on them -

 

I don't know why you took them - and I should have known better to take Zoloft too but my son was diagnosed with Leukemia and I was devastated - but I should have talked to myself knowing this happens all the time - people grieve - but they do eventually get on with their lives - you don't forget - but life has a way of helping you to go on.....

 

Just don't give up you will heal - as I said I can walk solidly in your shoes and know exactly what you are going through - I too go through that every single day - but I am not going to say to myself - I will never get better -  this will keep me in limbo with no hope, or faith - loss of courage, loss of my heart and soul - you cannot allow that to happen to you.

 

Love to you

Lee

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

Hello Everyone my monthly review

 

There is no change - in fact seems worse - just to let you know is all....nothing has changed -  maybe I will never feel myself again - but I am not giving up - I still do everything everyone else does - cook, clean, shopping, appointments, - but living in hell all the time.  I haven't for a very long time talked about how I feel to anyone anymore because they don't understand and really have their own problems - even my closes friends I no longer talk about it.  I don't see them - we message each other on FB and talk about anything and everything - sometimes  I am crying but they don't know -  Some have confided in me with their problems - we all have them - and I help them as much as I can because I know how it feels when no one understand.....I see no one - talk on the phone and facebook - When I do go out to the bank or to the Vet for my cats or to the pet shop and groceries - I have a smile on my face and no one has a clue. 

 

I did find it hard though last Wednesday when I had to go to the hospital because I had a stone in my kidney and waiting so long had terrible anxiety - but handled it - I passed the stone - came home and just cried - I have to go back on Friday for the results of the CT Scan...I have no more pain - the CT Scan is just routine in case may have an infection and if so will probably have to take antibiotics.

 

So there you have it my friends - walking in hell?  Please keep on walking just keep on walking - there is no other choice -

 

Well be back next month - it is 4 years and 4 months I have been off Zoloft - and I took absolutely no other medications - and I wont take even a headache pill when I have a migraine - it does go away on its own....no vitamins, nothing.  My blood tests are excellent.  Magnesium, B12, Calcium - all normal limits....I eat a very healthy diet and eat no junk food....but nothing helps....I must say I do get very mild (if you want to call it that) windows - especially at night time - but they are so insignificant - but at least I do get some relief at night and I do sleep so that is a positive.

 

Don't let fear stop you - fear loves that - if you have fear -  do it with the fear anyway....Please don't give up, no matter how difficult it is........Promise?

 

Stay well my friends and take good care of yourselves.....Be back next month

 

Love

Lee (f)

xxx

 

 

 

 

Edited by divalee
typos

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, divalee said:

Don't let fear stop you - fear loves that - if you have fear -  do it with the fear anyway....Please don't give up, no matter how difficult it is........Promise?

 

Stay well my friends and take good care of yourselves.....Be back next month

 

Thanks for continuing to come back and continuing the fight.

 

You remain an inspiration.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Lee,

Thank you for checking in with us.  I am sorry things are no better. I wish I had something brilliant and helpful to share, but alas, all I can say is thank you for being part of this community, you are helping me just by being here.

RS

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment

Hello Andy

 

You are also an inspiration - and my thoughts and prayers are with you and all who are suffering so much -  You have given me strength and encouragement every step of the way.

 

Love

Lee (f)

We walk on, walk on with hope in our hearts 

and we will never walk alone 

 

 

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Dear Rachel

 

Thank you for your kind words - If I can help in any small way -  I am super glad -  keep going - don't give up - I understand and can walk solidly in your shoes -  

Love

Lee

If happy little bluebirds fly

beyond the rainbow

So can.....you......and.......I

 

double-rainbow-reid_1399_600x450.jpg

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Hello everyone

 

I just received my blood test report -  I was just wondering if I just take Vitamin B12 even though not deficient because it is in the low normal range.  I am in Canada so it comes in pmol/l = I think in the UK and Australia as well.

 

my level is     197 pmol/l    ..............normal between 156...600

 

the Perritine     40                 .............normal between 20...255

 

Also my Vitamin D level has slowly gone up without me taking any supplements.

 

from 11 nmol/l  to  31 nmol/l  and now this report ..42.6 nmol.......normal range   5l.0  ....215.0

 

So it is going up on its own.....I cannot take Vitamin D3 supplements because they make me sick.  But they are going up on their own

 

I am just worried about the B12 - I know it is in the normal range - but wondering if maybe it will help my WDs some if I take it.  I am totally against any supplements - because I am afraid what it might do to my healing process - I am still in withdrawals 4.4 years now.....

 

Just don't know what to do.....are there any suggestions for me?

 

Thank you

Love

Lee

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi Lee,

 

I will answer your question about the B12 in a moment. But first I wanted to ask you about your symptoms. I was reviewing your list of symptoms in your August 10th post.  Do you still have the same symptoms?  Have any lessened or gone away?  I am so hoping that you have a little improvement.

 

My opinion about your B12 is only an opinion, I have no medical background.  I am sure there are others that know more than me, however you asked for opinions.  I would not mess with it without discussing with your doctor. He or she may say sure a supplement couldn't hurt, but until you get the go ahead I would hold off. You say you are low normal, but what is your baseline?  Perhaps that is YOUR normal.  If you have been in that range all  your life it is indeed normal for you. Without discussing your baseline with your doctor who knows what is good for you. I always believe the less I add to my body the better.  You say you eat healthy, so like I said, this number may be your healthy number. Anyway just my thoughts, and I am sure others will weigh in as well and may even had a completely opposite opinion.

 

Lee, I know you have suffered a lot and are still suffering. Please keep checking back and please keep us updated.  I so want you to feel better, even a tiny bit better is better than nothing. 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment

Dear Rachel

 

I am with you completely about what you said about B12 -  I never ever take anything at all - the less medications we take the better off we will be.  It is just that - last year it was 208 pmol/l - this year it is 197 -  GPs are worthless at least some are - they see that you are in normal range and they will not prescribe anything - If he has seen my blood tests and everything normal - he wont bother at all.

 

I hope as you said that this is normal range for me - will check it out again in 6 months.

 

Also I have to say here - as far as I can remember by Hemoglobin - and  Hematocrite have always been borderline low

 

e.g.      Hemoglobin   116 g/L       normal levels    117 -160

             Hematocrite   0.348          normal levels     0.350 - 0.470

 

Always borderline but no one concerned because GP says nothing to be concerned about at all.

 

All other blood tests are perfectly normal...I am a very healthy person -  but I never ever feel well ......ever.

 

As far as my symptoms of WDs are - nothing has changed.

 

Pins and needles face, head

Buzzing sensation in my head and ears

Feel like my ears are full all the time (have just been to my ENT doctor last week and everything perfect)

Pressure across bridge of nose

Migraines

Light headedness

night sweats (and no not menopause)

daily anxiety (some days worse than others

Panic attacks

Distorted vision (this bothers me a lot, but again went to Ophthalmologist and  my eyes are very healthy.)

Blurred vision and then clears ups

Depression ( understandable living like this)

Wake up in the morning with severe anxiety but eases up as the day goes by

 

I am beginning to think this is no longer WDs and I will be like this for the rest of m y life

It is 4 years and 4 months.....

I do get slight windows and that means anxiety levels go right down but doesn't last long .

I do feel better at night - and at least I can sleep.  Do not have insomnia

 

Thank you for answering me...I know no one can help me -  I know that no doctor can help me - they don't even understand that anyone can have WDs from Antidepressants - and if you do no more than a couple of weeks or so.....They listen to the pharmos - the are so convincing that doctors take their word for it.....These Pharmos are killing people.

 

I still do everything everyone else does every single day....I do not let any of the above stop me from doing what I have to do.  Even if I am crying doing it.....I do it.....We must......we don't have any other choice.....and we are alone in all of this too because family and friends don't understand - they mean well but just don't understand.  So I have learned to say nothing at all now -  If asked how I am - I say I am just fine....We here know how to hide it - fake it til you make it......but I am afraid I will never make now.....I have lost all hope.

 

Thank you again for answering me

 

Love

Lee

 

Stay strong everyone - try to keep the faith - and have speranza - but I am afraid of have none of that now

 

 

 

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Lee,

 

My heart breaks for you.  You are of course correct, our family and friends can't possibly understand even though they mean well.

 

I have some of the same symptoms that you have.  I have been taking Meclizine which can be gotten by a prescription or over the counter with no prescription. I take it primarily for nausea, which you don't mention having, however the Meclizine which is also an antihistamine takes care of the pressure in my ears and the pressure behind the nose, the bridge of my nose and behind my eyes, which is turns helps with the headaches. I don't know if this is an option for you but thought I would mention it as it has helped me a lot.  

 

RS

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment

No Rachel I do not have nausea nor upset stomach - I did when I first started WDs had more physical symptoms like leg pain, groin pain, gastro, the works but that has all gone - I just continue having what I indicated - never leaves me....do you have any problems with your vision.....Ophthalmologist says could be from my silent migraines and pain migraines and of course severe anxiety can affect your vision big time.

 

You have not mentioned your symptoms - what are your symptoms - xxx

 

I take nothing - I am to afraid to take anything at all......and I all ever took was Zoloft - nothing more -  maybe some day - maybe xxxxxx

 

Love

Lee

 

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Read Kelly brogens "a mind of your own" :)

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi Lee,

My current symptoms are:

Burning skin on legs and arms (has decreased a lot lately)

Sinus pressure, behind nose, sides of nose, around and above eyes, and bridge of nose. Also burning sinuses.

Feel like ears are stopped up

Headaches

Groggy or dizzy feeling

Day & night sweats

Nausea from motion sickness

Wake up in the morning shaking

Internal tremors

 

My past symptoms included: brain zaps, vertigo, blurred vision, muscle twitching, external tremors, ringing in ears, irritation with everything, and insomnia. 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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