ldv1989: Serdep withdrawal

[ldv1989]

Hi,

 

I was diagnosed with bipolar 12 years ago and it runs in the family. I have been on Lamictin for about 10 of the 12 years and it really works well for me, but over the years I have been prescribed anti-depressants on and off and usually responded great mentally but not physically, even having severe panic attacks when I was on Lily Floxotine.

 

The past year I started using Serdep 100 mg as I was working full time and doing my Honors and was struggling to cope. I had severe side-effects physically, which included severe night sweats, insomnia, headaches and nausea, but as it was working mentally by helping me stay awake and concentrate, I decided to stick it out until after my exams. I finished my exams 1 month ago and started weening myself off the Serdep, still taking my Lamictin every day.

 

I weened myself off by taking a half tablet (50mg) for two weeks and then a quarter tablet (25mg) for about two weeks and have been totally off Serdep for 5 days. Since being totally off I have been doing fine mentally and most of the side-effect have gone, but the last four days I have been experiencing pins and needles in my mouth and face area, slight nausea and headaches, loss of appetite and a weird almost dizzy-like feeling. Are these withdrawal symptoms? Has anybody else experienced this? Should I be worried and will it go away?

Edited December 9, 2017 by baroquep

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Idv.

 

You are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from sertraline. They may go away but if they increase in intensity, you may wish to reinstate a small amount, perhaps 5mg, of sertraline, stabilize for some months, and then taper off by tiny amounts.

 

This topic explains how to take a small amount of sertraline Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline)

 

At what times of day do you take lamotrigine?

[ldv1989]

Hi Altostrata,

 

Thanx for the feedback! 

 

I am going to try and push through but will try the 5mg if it doesn't go away.

 

I drink my Lamictin in the evenings right before bed to prevent feeling drowsy.

 

Kind regards,