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Coming off sertraline - feeling ill

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Depress75
Depress75

Hi

I have been on sertraline for short time of 4 months, been on 150mg. Drs had switched me from fluoxetine. I didn't feel any benefit from taking it so I decided to wean off it. I gradually did it over 4 weeks and have been off it completely for 2 weeks now. I feel dizzy, faint, aches, terrible migraines, and mouth ulcers. I feel absolutely dreadful. I get these like brain shocks which are like a 'zap' is the only way I can describe it.

Does anyone else know what I'm talking about?

It's making my life life worse than before. I'm already a recluse and can't face social interaction anymore. Previously I was on fluoxetine for 2 years with no side effects and didn't feel anything like what I did with sertraline.

I wonder if it could be that I've come off completely and maybe it's because I was on the meds in total a long length of time.

Anyone else have this experience? I'm taking supplements and eating super healthy (I've been seeing a nutritionist, but now too ill to go see her but I'm confident with what I'm doing with that now). I think I'm probably answering my own questions - but I feel so lonely as have no one to talk to who understands or has been through what I'm going through. Much appreciate some feedback. Thank you

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • maureen75524
    maureen75524 Depress75

    Posted

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/sertraline-withdrawal-does-it-go-away--175456

    Go to this site you will see what you're experiencing is absolutley normal.  In my opinion you tapered too quickly.  I tapered from 150 mg over a 3 month period and suffered as you are.  In fact I was on it a year, and suffred side effects nearly two years out.  These psychiatric drugs alter our brain chemistry and it takes time to restore to our normal.   I feel for you, however stay the course you will feel better it just takes time.  Take care.

     

    • Depress75
      Depress75 maureen75524

      Posted

      Thank you. i think it's put me off medication for life. I see how toxic it must be.

    • Tezes
      Tezes Depress75

      Posted

      You could reinstate to your last dose and stick with it for a month until you feel more stable, then reduce very slowly. A 10% taper per month is recommended to avoid the withdrawal effect you describe.

       

  • Holly1974
    Holly1974 Depress75

    Posted

    Poor you.....I think you are having a response to having come off SSRI's in general. I accidently forgot my sertraline ( 150mg a day ) on a 5 day trip to Europe last year, day 3 I noticed severe stomach cramps, hot flushes, felt weak and dizzy. and nauseous.....I reinstated my dose back to 100mg as soon as i got home and was fine within 24 hours, ...

    It's not an exact science coming off, you probably wouldn't have had any side effects switching over as still got an SSRI going in to you.....you sound like you have done the right thing, tapered down gradually....

    You may want to speak to your dr or pharmacist to see if they can offer any suggestions, or even get them to ask psych for advice, as I have heard of similar side effects before ( the electric shock pain ), they have been noted with a few of the SSRIs so maybe someone has an idea of how to treat them now....worth asking rather than suffering, good luck xx

    ( I got rebound anxiety dropping from 150mg to 100mg earlier this year that lasted a few weeks, eventually settled down, but it does make me nervous about the day I come off them ! )

    • Depress75
      Depress75 Holly1974

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply! I really appreciate your advice. I'll definitely speak to the pharmacist. I think Drs are sick of me. I see a mental health nurse but she's away on holiday so won't see her for another 10 days.

  • sandy79417
    sandy79417 Depress75

    Posted

    I think you tapered way to quickly. I am coming off 14 yrs of setraline and dropping 25mgs every 3 weeks. If I feel weird symptoms I will wait 4 weeks and then continue the taper. Slow and steady to let the brain get used to less chemicals. This is why the pharmacuetical companies get us addicted for life.
    • Depress75
      Depress75 sandy79417

      Posted

      You're not wrong there, never again for me. Good luck with it

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