Coming off of Zoloft Need Help!

[2anxious]

Hi!  I am currently taking 50 mg's a day of Zoloft for GAD, Hypo, and mild Panic Disorder.  I would like to start weaning off of it, because my Hubby and I want to try for baby #2.  I am nervous as I tried coming off of it in Nov 06 and had bad anxiety/depression and ended up in the ER again!  That time I pretty much quit cold turkey.  My DR has advised to cut down to 25 mg for a few weeks, then try nothing.  Just wondering if anyone has any advice or experience with this!  Thanks!

[cheryjeff]

Everyone has different reactions when coming of meds. Some of us are bothered more than others. I agree with your Dr taper off the meds. It is the best way to cut down on the withdrawl symptoms. Good luck with baby #2.

[ocdengineer]

I agree.  Take your time.  Don't rush it.  It can sometimes be very uncomfortable, so drop in small increments and stabalize at that dose for a couple weeks then repeat.  You will be off of them in no time.

How is it going by the way?

Good luck!
OE

[2anxious]

Thanks you guys!  OE, I haven't started cutting back yet.  I am working up the nerve, I guess.  I am only on 50 mg of Zoloft, so I will try going to 25 for a few weeks and see how it goes!  I am a bit worried about it, because last time I tried to quit I freaked out!  I also quit "cold turkey" last time.  And about two months later I started panicking again and ended up in the ER. 
Yikes!  Hoping that doesn't happen again!  I will probably be posting a lot because I will be needing a lot of support to keep on going! 

[ocdengineer]

Do you have to decrease by half right away?  If not, don't take your time and go down in smaller increments.  I am not sure what standard doseages they make for Zoloft, but your doctor can tell you and maybe help you decrease a little slower.  If they are pills that aren't time released then you can split them in half.  Talk with your doctor and make sure you are not taking too large of a step too quickly.  The last thing you want is another trip to the ER.  Been there and done that.  Not on my top 10 list of favorite things to do!

Good luck and keep us posted,
OE

[cheryjeff]

Zoloft is a pill you can split without worries. Also it only comes in 50 and 100 Mg. 100 being the most you can take of Zoloft. So you are on a low does. The best way to come off a SSRI is slowly. If you taper off you should not end up in the ER freaking out:-) I know when I tried to come off Zoloft I freaked out too, but I also did it cold turkey. Be smart about it and decrease and you should be okay. Good luck

[2anxious]

Thanks Again!  Actually, my dr told me 50-200mg is the dosage range?!?!  So, I guess I am on a pretty low dose.  Well, today I only took 25.  I am going to see how it goes.  I really appreciate all the support!  Thank You!

[2anxious]

I am on day 4 of 25 mg.  So far so good.  It is weird, in certain ways I actually feel better.  Here's hoping things keep going well!!!!

[ocdengineer]

Some of the side effects may be going away.  Keep on goind at keep us posted. 

Good luck,
OE

[2anxious]

Thanks OE!  I think I am starting to feel the withdrawl side effects.  I woke up this morning with heart palpitations and nausea.  I have been having both those symptoms most of the day.  I just keep trying to remind myself that these feelings are not harmful and they will subside with time.  Last time I tried to quit "THE Z" I got so physically sick and anxious that I went back on it.  I am trying to stay strong!  Thanks for all the support!

[ocdengineer]

Hey, if you need to stop at your current dose for awhile, then do it.  There is no need to rush yourself.  Check with your doctor, but sometimes it is better to err on the side of caution than to keep to a schedule.

Take care,
OE

[2anxious]

Well, I am officially Zoloft free for about 3-4 days and boy do I feel the difference.  I am still taking Xanax as needed.  I am definitely more irritable and very very tired.  I can feel my anxiety getting worse, especially in relationship to my physical symptoms.  But I am trying to use self talk to remind myself that I am ok and it will get better.  If it was not for wanting to have a second baby, there is no way I would be trying to go off the meds.  All my Dr.'s (including OB) have reaasured me that the risk of me staying on such a low dose of Zoloft is absolutely tiny, but I still want to try not to if at all possible.  The other alternative is to take it for the first 28 weeks, and stopping during the third trimester when the risk of problems is at its highest.  I am hoping I can do this!

[itsmeesindee]

Just wanted to say that I was on a low dose of anti anxiety meds through my whole pregnancy, I just couldn't even think about doing it without.  My doc advised me it was better for the baby to be on meds than be crazy anxious and stressed all the time.  I now have a very happy and healthy four year old.

Best of luck.  I think you are very courageous!  All the best -  you can do it.

Cin

[2anxious]

Hey Cin!  Thanks for the support!  I truly appreciate it!  If you don't mind me asking, what were you taking?  I know my OB says it is fine to take the Zoloft, that the risks are minimal.  But I am still scared.  If I really don't feel well I will go back on it while I am pregnant.  Thanks Again!

[itsmeesindee]

I was on Paxil and a small dose of Ambien to help me sleep a little here and there.  I believe Paxil is the one they say could cause some third trimester problems but thank God she is fine.

Something else that helped me was I had seen an infomercial about an anxiety program.  It was pretty expensive to purchase but you could try it for 30 days and then send it back, which I did.  Initally it made my anxiety a little worse (just thinking about anxiety LOL) but it did give me some great tools.  I believe it was call something like the Northwest Center the womens name is Lucinda Bassett.  You can probably look it up online.  If I have a chance I will look it up and let you know.

Just take it one day at a time. 

Cin

[2anxious]

Thanks!  I actually read her(Lucinda Bassett) book, From Panic to Power.  It is very good.  I really am trying to just take it one day at a time.  So far I am coping ok, I guess!