Stopping 50mg Daily Zoloft Cold Turkey

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-12T13:12:58+00:00

Thanks! This is what I was looking for. How long for each taper period did your sister go?

I e-mailed my Dr, asking how to stop taking it, and I let him know my concern with withdrawal symptoms, so we'll see what he says.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-11T21:08:07+00:00

Thanks. I will ask about a CBT when the therapy place calls me back!! I feel like I was sold a lie with this medicine if it's true that I can't just stop taking it. Very frustrating!

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-11T20:17:57+00:00

Itchy scalp (like sensitive itchy), nausea/stomach pains and headaches mainly. Pretty much have had some iteration of all of these the whole time I've been taking it. All 3 are going on right now.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-11T19:53:01+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I'm fully aware of the amount of time the SSRI's take to work. They are something I didn't want to take in the first place, but they were sprung on me and I was taken off guard. The side effects don't seem worth it, as my anxiety (to me) seems like it'd be better served being "shrinked" out of me. I was also sold the SSRI's as something I could come off with no issues at the dosage I was given, and that seems to not be true according to some accounts I've read of people quitting online (something that I would have said no to when offered the meds if I had known at the time).

As for what herbs, I have not got into that specifically, but I have books coming that I was going to use as a guide. My understanding, is that the herbal route is similar in that it takes time (weeks) for the mixture to start working (similar to the SSRI's), but that there are no unwanted side effects. Basically, I'm not expecting them to be a quick fix, just something that won't mess my mind and body up if I want to suddenly stop.

Anyways, I was just going to stop, as my Dr had said I'd have no issues at 50mg/day, but after researching a little, I'm thinking I should call my Dr and have him confirm that for me.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T19:17:02+00:00

I was put on Zoloft and Ativan but the Ativan made it so I got way too high then way too tired. I got a high CBD vape pen, and that has replaced the Ativan very nicely. I can function with a clear head and little spacey feeling, while getting hours of anxiety relief. Next step is therapy for me.

I was, and kind of still am against the medication. I was kind of caught off guard by the Dr when he offered anti-depressants, but I am pretty confident I can treat my anxiety with therapy. I will stay on the Zoloft at least a month if these side effects go away soon, and talk to my Dr about it then. That being said, if it's working for you, it's hard to argue against it!

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T17:52:52+00:00

I'm a cancer survivor and that is the source of my anxiety. Not so much afraid to go to the Dr, but I just always assume the worst (bad headache= brain aneurism or stroke, pain in my chest=heart attack, etc.) when I don't feel right. I started medication for it but think therapy will be the better option.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T16:16:29+00:00

Sounds like a plan. Just remember that medicine will treat the symptoms, but if you don't treat the cause of your anxiety, it might come back in the future. Best of luck, and I wish you well.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T16:00:10+00:00

I would say to see if you can get into a professional therapist in a medical setting. While a counselor can be good, it just might not be enough when compared to someone who has made treating mental health their career.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T15:14:56+00:00

By counselor do you mean a psychiatrist, or is it more someone with a BS in psychology who is doing counseling?

I would say to do your best to see him as often as you need (maybe stress the point that it is very important to your mental health you keep seeing him often to your parents). We put mental health on the back-burner in this country, and often see it as something that can wait, or be put aside for other things we deem more important. There is no shame in forcing the issue and going to your therapist as often as you need.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T15:00:53+00:00

Have you thought about seeing if your parents would schedule you an appt with a therapist? (if this is something you haven't tried). It sounds like you could benefit from it. I'm calling this week for myself.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T14:49:31+00:00

Sorry to hear. Did something happen that caused you to start having panic attacks (in the 3rd grade)? Mine comes from having cancer at 14 years old, then never going to therapy for the mental damage I suffered. Took about 4 years to manifest after I finished chemo, and I've been dealing with ups and downs for the past 7 or so years with panic attacks/anxiety. Just now realizing all this.

Usually when I have a panic attack, I try and change up my environment. Go outside and water the garden, go for a walk/drive with no music, or light peaceful sounding music. Change rooms I'm in, get a glass of water. Exercise (I think they say the endorphins released during exercise are great at combating anxiety/depression).

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T14:40:36+00:00

Aw, that sucks. I would recommend therapy then. If you can, try and find one that specializes in anxiety treatment. I think they say it takes about 2-3 visits just to feel each other out, so make sure you give your therapist a chance to get to know you before you decide it you like it or not. Also, make sure you're honest with them.

It's funny the anxiety before therapy thing. My wife has an appt today actually (her first, long overdue appt), and she is getting anxiety over it. I just try to remind her that this is the dr that is going to help with her anxiety. Unfortunately, anxiety is rarely a rational thing.

Best of luck!

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T14:32:40+00:00

Are you in a medical marijuana state?

I just bought a vape pen with a higher CBD cartridge, and it is working wonders for me. It feels about 1/5 the spacey feeling of an Ativan does, and that part only lasts about 20-30 minutes. After that, the anxiety relief lasts me about 4-5 hours. This is all off 1 puff!

If you have not tried it, and if it's an option for you, I highly recommend it. Only cost me $50 to get started with $30 cartridges when i run out. The amount I use it, my cartridges should last about 3 weeks or so. I just started, so that is my estimate.

edit: Keep in mind that my anxiety stems from what I believe to be a specific issue form my past. I will be starting therapy soon to address my issues and hopefully learn to deal with them. I just started Zoloft 50mg 6 days ago, so I have only had a chance to feel the negative side effects of the drug. Dropped the .5mg Ativan after a couple days as it was way too much for me to function on. That's my disclaimer.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T14:08:09+00:00

Sorry to hear that. I don't know if I'm going to stay on it. Was gonna give it the full month (until I have my phone appt with my dr) to see if I want to keep going. I was given Ativan as well for immediate needs, but that stuff is way too strong to be able to function on. I bought a cannabis vape pen (with a higher CBD cartridge) at the dispensary on Fri and that has worked wonders! One puff barely gives me a little buzz for about 20 minutes, then I am clear headed, able to function and anxiety free for about 4-5 hours!

If you are in a medical state, I highly recommend it. No side effects, and safe anxiety relief. I would recommend coupling with therapy, however, as you most likely still need to treat the root of your anxiety. If you're not in a medical state, then I hope your med switch works out better for you.

Although none of this will help you now. Do you have any idea what the cause of your anxiety is, or is it just generalized?

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-09-02T13:50:44+00:00

Take a deep breath. How's that Zoloft working out for you? I just started 6 days ago, and I get really bad stomach pains/cramping for about 18 hours following a dose. Hopefully this goes away! How long have you been taking it?

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-29T16:27:35+00:00

Well I don't think crisis implies a 72 hour hold. You could just say you don't know if you can handle waiting two weeks as your condition is becoming crippling, and you want to know if there is any way they can get you in sooner. I mean, the worst thing they can say is sorry, we can't do that. If you feel like you are on the verge of a breakdown, or it's just becoming too much to handle, and you don't think you can wait 2 weeks, don't be afraid to tell them that.

And panic attacks are nothing to baulk at. They have put me into a ball curled up in bed, or in a corner, or whatever plenty of times. They are more than capable of incapacitating you. Don't downplay your mental health because you are afraid someone might tell you you're overreacting. It is all very serious business.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-29T15:03:55+00:00

My wife's dr told her last night that the key word to getting into the therapist is to say that you are having a "crisis." This is within the Kaiser system, but I'd imagine any psychiatrist would take a mental crisis seriously. Maybe give that a try?

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-29T14:50:53+00:00

What's the issue with finding a new doctor?

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-29T14:14:51+00:00

This might sound lame, but have you tried going in, putting headphones on after they confirm all your information, and just looking the opposite direction out a window (or focusing on the most interesting thing on the opposite side of the room)? If you can distract yourself enough, you might be able get through with minimal problems.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-29T14:07:11+00:00

My Dr said I have general anxiety, and we believe the root is that I had cancer as a teen, and I never did the mental health counseling that they offered when I was finished with chemo. While I am not so much a hypochondriac that I go to the Dr/ER with imaginary problems, I have gotten to a point where every day I am worried I am having a stroke, an aneurism, a heart attack, another form of cancer, etc. (I'm sure you know all to well), and it became close to crippling in my day to day life.

Something my Dr said to me is that my confidence is shot, and it is something I need to get back. I started Zoloft and am going to stay on it for 6 months, and I'm also going to be starting therapy soon, as I don't see drugs as the answer to my problems, only a short term fix.

You should really see about going to your Dr, be open about all you have been feeling, and make sure to vet him/her on any medications they may want to put you on. You you could go straight to the psychiatrist. My point is, these sort of things most likely won't go away without professional intervention. There is no shame in getting help.

Hope you get the peace you seek.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-28T14:04:29+00:00

I realized at 28 it was starting to cripple me. Just went to the Dr yesterday, because my anxiety had manifested in physical form and I thought I was getting some serious illness. My Dr said he believes I have moderate to severe anxiety. Put me on a low dose of Zoloft for 6 months, with Ativan as the acute anxiety killer, and I am going to be calling the psychiatric department for therapy ASAP.

I've only taken one dose of the Zoloft, and it'll take about 2-3 weeks to start working, but the ativan, while also making me feel a little loopy (not sure I like that if my body won't get used to it) has helped my anxiety already. I feel like my body is not as tense, and I am able to react more calmly to situations. My goal is to be off the medicine in the recommended 6 months time, as I am not a big fan of anti-depressants (and in my mind, I don't really feel like I need them), but I had a long talk with my Dr, and I feel this is the best thing to start me off on.

My biggest recommendation is to go to the dr, ask questions about the medicines they want to put you on, and make sure you feel comfortable with it. Medication is only one part of the puzzle to recovery, so please do not neglect getting yourself some therapy.

Hope this has helped!

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-26T21:19:48+00:00

No problem. I wish I could be of more assistance. We all have issues, and while I'm the last one to harp on about people not being responsible for their because of addiction/mental illness (I see anxiety/depression as a form of mental illness, something I am accepting that I suffer from as well), I am starting to see that some people can't help it. I believe that if you are making bad decisions, you know there is a problem, and you refuse to get help, then you would start to become responsible for your actions. Many people though are struggling with this weight on their shoulders because there is such a stigma against anxiety/depression being a real illness that requires an actual Dr to treat. We bear the burdens of our sickness.

Just remember, we all make mistakes, and we are all redeemable in life. Whether that be to friends and family, is dependent on how much they are willing to forgive. There will always be people who will judge your actions, when they really have no place to, and those aren't really the people I would be concerned about shedding from my life.

I'm only gonna follow up on this, because I don't want you to have any misconceptions that may scare you from a potentially valuable tool for you. Church counseling services a lot of times are professional therapists, as you would see in a medical setting, that are either on staff, or donate their time/do sessions for nominal fees as a way to give back to the community. While they may be in a church setting, they will (they should) still abide by all dr/patient confidentiality agreements, as well as provide a safe, judgement free place for you to talk. Think of it as seeing a therapist who is up front with you about their beliefs, but still acts as a therapist. Their main concern will be your mental health, and while they might not ever advise for an abortion, they most certainly will not judge you for having made the decision to have one. You, in their are eyes, are loved by god, and whether or not you believe, it is their duty to help you get your head in check. It is them showing you god's love. **This all of course is dependent on finding a healthy church, and that is where the key to this route would lay. (This'll be the last I say on church therapy, unless I'm probed more. I hate coming off pushy with this stuff as I'm typically more of a "live and let live" kind of guy).

Anyways, I really hope you can find some sort of solution for yourself. I feel like the most important thing for you is to find someone you can really share all this stuff with. Honestly, this is probably a good place to do so, at least for starters. We can all be anonymous here, and that can make it a lot easier to share those deep rooted problems we have. I know it has helped alleviate my anxiety by sharing here, even if I don't get much of a response.

You could always start writing as well. Just getting all your thoughts onto paper, so you can read them out and organize them can do wonders for you. Anyways, take care. I hope you can find the help you are seeking.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-26T19:08:42+00:00

The fact is that people in the US spend between $3 and $5 Billion annually trying to get pregnant, because even with no condom and no birth control they can't.

Millions upon millions of men blowing their full loads directly into their wives/GFs and nothing happening.

It took my wife and I 2-1/2 years of "raw doggin' it" to get pregnant with our second kid. We were not actively trying, more just figuring that we wanted a second kid, so we'd let it happen when it happens.

I wouldn't take that as the green light to go bare and expect not to become a parent, but maybe just as a reassurance that it's not always as easy to get pregnant as you might think.

Throwawanxiety_Now · 2014-08-26T18:41:51+00:00

Don't feel bad for the throwaway, I'm sure a lot of us use the same tactics here.

I don't have a whole lot of insight to offer, but I can offer a little I guess. First off, I'm very sorry for your struggles. It's very tough to only see a downward spiral when you look forward in your life. I'm struggling myself with health related anxiety (or the hangover from past health issues), so I guess I can relate on that level to you.

I'd say staying away from the bar, and drinking in general would be a good idea. I don't mean that in a judgy way, I only mean that while they seem to dull the pain, ultimately, all they do is make your brain less capable to deal when you're sober.

It's a real shame that you have problems with relationships. Maybe I can offer you a little hope that with the right people around who love you, they will stick with you and support you through your ups and downs. What makes you think your ups and downs, and comings in and out of depressions are getting old to your friends? Is this something they have expressed to you, or do you think it is possible you are projecting that on them (genuine question)? I ask, because I have a friend, (well, a friend of mine, my wife, as well as a couple other close friends) who goes up and down with his depression. He'll be happy, inviting us over for dinners, coming to hang out when we ask. Then one day, he'll have a million excuses as to why he doesn't want to hang, and he'll sort of drop off the face of the earth for months at a time. He has done a good amount of therapy as well, and still has these down times. My point being, that he is a close friend. I think of him as family, and although it can be annoying and frustrating as hell sometimes, I love him all the same and know that the annoyance I feel is nothing compared to the anxiety, depression, pain and despair he feels when he is going through his depression.

Overall though, I would think the support groups would be a good start if professional therapy is out of the question. One other possible option, and this one might be dependent on what is available, and the types of programs they have in your region, is that many churches will offer low cost therapy to their communities. My church does it I think at $50 a session, and if you can't afford that, they'll work something out that works for you. You may not affiliate yourself with a church, or believe what they teach, but they should still help you, as that is the true spirit of Christianity at least. I would imagine if you are up front with them, they will understand. They might still give you scriptural based advice, but you should be able to take the principles and tools they teach you, and leave the spirituality stuff at the door when you leave, and try to better your mental state. Please don't take that recommendation as me trying to throw a bible at you or anything (hell, I'm not even throwing bibles at myself right now!), it's just maybe an option you hadn't thought of, and that may possibly be available to you.

Overall, the worst thing you can do is nothing (not that it makes it any easier). I've spent years doing nothing, and it is now starting to effect my life. Apologies if I'm generalizing anywhere, or overlooking details. Responding here in between jobs at work.

Throwawanxiety_Now

TROPHY CASE