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Zoloft Shortage


luv2knit

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Hi Wombat, I've been trying Setrona, but taking one every other day, due to feeling nauseous, and having headaches at first, this is the 2nd generic one I've tried since Zoloft, the chemist has given me an extra packet, due to shortage of that brand, it seems ok to me now.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I've been on Zoloft for 10 years and in the last 3-4 months since being on the generic brand have had episodes of feeling suicidal. It's scary and my doctor and the two or three pharmacists I've spoken to all say that the generic brand is exactly the same as the Zoloft brand. But I know I feel totally different and I'm struggling.

Worries me that some people are saying that all generic brands will soon be out if stock also.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Justme2015,

 

Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants.  Can I ask you to make a post in the introductions forum so we can get to know you and provide support.

Dalsaan

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist.

Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014.

Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September.

Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015.

Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15).

Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past.

 

DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017

 

>My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan

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Max28564, please do not skip doses of a psychiatric drug, it can trigger terrible withdrawal symptoms.

 

Please make a post in the introductions forum so we can get to know you and provide support.

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.

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Hi Kazz,

I really struggled for a few weeks but I've now been on the Terry White generic brand for a bit over a month.  My doctor suggested I alter my dosage so I went from 100mg to 150mg.  I am much better now, but it was a massive shock to my system for something that is supposed to be "exactly the same".

Zoloft will apparently be available in January (that was the last I heard anyway).  Unsure whether I will go back to taking Zoloft though, I don't really want to put my body through all that again.  

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  • 2 weeks later...

Why is there only a shortage for Australia? If you search online, no other countries are affected? doesn't make sense.

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Hi. I am new to the site and wanted to say hello.

 

I am in Melbourne and have been on Zoloft 200mg daily for over five years. I rationed out the remaining Zoloft I had, combining with the generic Sandoz.

 

I ran out of Zoloft five weeks ago and I too now feel like I am taking nothing at all. I have no appetite, poor sleep, enduring low mood, can't do basic things (like answer the phone - which is my job in my own business!) and a sense of helplessness.

 

I saw my GP (today) who has put me on Valium to help with sleep, but only short term. She is also looking for a psychiatrist to look at my situation overall. 

 

She did not recommend me 'washing out' until I have seen the psychiatrist.

 

I am glad I found this site as I wondered if I was going mad. The most frustrating thing is my life is actually ace but I feel so bad.

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So, as I am down to 40 tablets of Zoloft for the next 40 days; I have decided to buy online and have some shipped in from overseas. Now as an Australian, you are legally able to import up to 3 months’ worth of a prescription medicine/drug with just a valid script from your Doctor. If you want to buy up to 12 months’ worth you will need to fill out an application form from the Therapeutic Goods Australian Government website. The catch is, buying online from overseas is much more expensive then at your local pharmacy, but it’s worth it to me, as generics are just not the same. Anyway the following site gives you a list of legit online Pharmacies that are repeatable (not dodgy ones that sell counterfeit drugs);  https://www.pharmacychecker.com/online-pharmacy-ratings.asp

Also in the UK and (I think Canada), Zoloft is marketed as Pfizer Lustral, and in the USA its Zoloft.

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Thanks for posting this info Brisvegas, good to know.

[*]At 15 years was put on 50mg of Zoloft for generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

[*]2006 Tried to withdrawal from 50mg . Doctor told me I would have no trouble. I tampered over about a month (50mg-0) which left me with severe and debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Doctors put my dose up to 75mg mistaking my withdrawal symptoms as a relapse. Stayed on Zoloft 75mg since 2006.

March 2015- adverse reaction between Zoloft (75mg) an antibiotic and anti nausea drug resulting in debilitating symptoms/recovery identical to withdrawal. Have not altered or changed dose since 2006.

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Hi. I am new to the site and wanted to say hello.

 

I am in Melbourne and have been on Zoloft 200mg daily for over five years. I rationed out the remaining Zoloft I had, combining with the generic Sandoz.

 

I ran out of Zoloft five weeks ago and I too now feel like I am taking nothing at all. I have no appetite, poor sleep, enduring low mood, can't do basic things (like answer the phone - which is my job in my own business!) and a sense of helplessness.

 

I saw my GP (today) who has put me on Valium to help with sleep, but only short term. She is also looking for a psychiatrist to look at my situation overall. 

 

She did not recommend me 'washing out' until I have seen the psychiatrist.

 

I am glad I found this site as I wondered if I was going mad. The most frustrating thing is my life is actually ace but I feel so bad.

 

Try a different generic, there are dozens of different brands, each chemist uses a different generic; I used Sandoz from Chemist warehouse for 5 days and would never touch it again. Or buy Pfizer brand online from overseas.

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  • 3 weeks later...

I wish there was a shortage of this poison back in 2013!

Pfizer destroys people's lives.

DRUG HISTORY:

 

November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction).

January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey).

January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering.

October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg.

September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed.

September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised.

February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. :(

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  • 2 weeks later...

I just received 90 x Lustral 100mg tablets (exactly the same as Zoloft, just marketed as Lustral in the UK) from the UK from an online pharmacy. So there is no global shortage, rather Australia seems to be the only country which has no supply (I could be wrong, but I'm unaware of a shortage elsewhere). It cost me 9 times the amount I would usually pay at my local chemist, but better then changing to generics.

 

What has me baffled is why there is no Zoloft available in Australia, when it is obviously available from overseas??? Australia has a low population too, so it is bizarre...

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  • Moderator Emeritus

When I phoned Pfizer Australiia they claimed it was due to a shortage of the active ingredient and that this was a world-wide problem. Clearly that's a lie. I have no idea why this is happening

 

Dalsaan

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist.

Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014.

Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September.

Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015.

Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15).

Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past.

 

DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017

 

>My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan

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  • 2 months later...

Just FYI - I recently tried to get some Zoloft in Thailand, and all the pharmacies (including Boots and Watson's, plus smaller Thai family run pharmacies) in two major cities did not have Brand or Generic.  I was first prescribed Z in Thailand, and never had any trouble getting it there. So, it looks like it's more than just Australia. Perhaps they are supplied thru Australia. 

 

I am a little concerned, as I am in need of a new prescription... within the next 2 weeks. 

8/2007 to 8/2008 Zoloft 50mg (quit cold turkey)

8/2009 to 4/2013 Zoloft 50mg

Began tapering 4/2013 10% every 2 weeks

7/14/13 - reduced the tapering to 10% every 4 weeks due to withdrawal problems. (was at 25mg, but went back to 35, as recommended by forum and doctor).

11/24/15 - currently at 20mg Zoloft.

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  • 3 weeks later...

It must be global, I'm trying to get Zoloft for my mother in Romania and is very difficult to find in in pharmacies. 

Med history: venlafaxine, trazodone, zolpidem (ambien), carbamazepin (tegratol) and zoloft (sertraline)

Current meds: Zoloft (sertraline) 43.28 mg (8:00 AM), Trittico (trazodone) 46 mg (9:00 PM), Prestarium (perindopril) 0.77 mg (11:00 AM)

Current status: holding

The plan is to taper Prestarium and holding on Zoloft and Trazodone

 

Symptoms: headache, muscle pain, stiffness of the limbs, tightness in the chest and abdominal area, difficulty with breathing, tinnitus, she feels having the skin on the back burning, loss of appetite. Also less frequent she has nosebleeds and bleeding gums.  

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  • 1 month later...

Hi everyone,

 

It appears the shortage of zoloft has been resolved in Australia as I checked on the TGA website and rang a couple of chemists. They said the Pfizer brand should be on the shelves next week.

 

http://apps.tga.gov.au/prod/MSI/search/

[*]At 15 years was put on 50mg of Zoloft for generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

[*]2006 Tried to withdrawal from 50mg . Doctor told me I would have no trouble. I tampered over about a month (50mg-0) which left me with severe and debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Doctors put my dose up to 75mg mistaking my withdrawal symptoms as a relapse. Stayed on Zoloft 75mg since 2006.

March 2015- adverse reaction between Zoloft (75mg) an antibiotic and anti nausea drug resulting in debilitating symptoms/recovery identical to withdrawal. Have not altered or changed dose since 2006.

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  • 2 years later...

Just an update on this... I’m in canada and for the last 3 months my pharmacist has said they have been having problems getting supplies of the generic Zoloft. It’s not a total shortage but one month they were told one generic brand did not Have 100 mg pills available so I was given another generic brand. Next month that second brand was apparently in short supply. Now 

 this month it is back to the original brand as there were short supplies of the second brand. 

 

A bit unerving. I’ve had some headaches  and not sure

 if it’s the change back and forth between brands. I’m ok otherwise but I thought I’d share here. 

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

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I think part of problem is one if companies discontinued 100 mg pills 

https://www.drugshortagescanada.ca/discontinuance/30397

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

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On 6/25/2015 at 1:12 PM, Altostrata said:

This is very, very strange.

 

Those who cannot get Pfizer Zoloft will either have to make do with a generic brand, if available, or switch to Prozac (fluoxetine).

 

This will cause a lot of problems.

This scares me! 

  • Ativan Mid April 1999-to end of May 1999 ( COLD TURKEY and flushed them down the toilet) I went through hell for 3 months-I had no idea what was happening to me there was no information on the internet about this drug)
  • Zoloft 200mg 1999 to 2017
  • Wellbutrin 2015 6 months Started having exterme anxiety-quit taking switched back to Zoloft ( I have quit about 6 jobs from this time0  Klonopin .5-1.0 of and on for two months (tapered off in Dec-Jan)
  • 15 mg Remeron 2012-presnt
  • **Started tapering down Zoloft 12/?/17 12/09/17 down to 50mg; 12/12/17-12/14-17 Zoloft 100mg; 12/16/201712/19 -Zoloft 150mg; 12/20/17-01/06/18 Zoloft 200mg; 01/07/18-01//18/18 Zoloft 180mg
  • 01/18/18-present Zoloft 200mg
  • February 2018-Copaxone 40mg (3 times a week shots) (for Multiple Sclerosis)2/17/18 begin transition to liquid 200mg
  • magnesium, fish oil

 

 
   

 

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It occurred in 2015.

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.

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21 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

It occurred in 2015.

Thank you Altostrata, What if it were to happen again?  

  • Ativan Mid April 1999-to end of May 1999 ( COLD TURKEY and flushed them down the toilet) I went through hell for 3 months-I had no idea what was happening to me there was no information on the internet about this drug)
  • Zoloft 200mg 1999 to 2017
  • Wellbutrin 2015 6 months Started having exterme anxiety-quit taking switched back to Zoloft ( I have quit about 6 jobs from this time0  Klonopin .5-1.0 of and on for two months (tapered off in Dec-Jan)
  • 15 mg Remeron 2012-presnt
  • **Started tapering down Zoloft 12/?/17 12/09/17 down to 50mg; 12/12/17-12/14-17 Zoloft 100mg; 12/16/201712/19 -Zoloft 150mg; 12/20/17-01/06/18 Zoloft 200mg; 01/07/18-01//18/18 Zoloft 180mg
  • 01/18/18-present Zoloft 200mg
  • February 2018-Copaxone 40mg (3 times a week shots) (for Multiple Sclerosis)2/17/18 begin transition to liquid 200mg
  • magnesium, fish oil

 

 
   

 

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  • Administrator

You'll have to read this topic from the start. And then read it again. And again. And again. Into infinity.

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.

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