Coming off sertraline - feeling ill
Posted , 5 users are following.
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
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 maureen75524
Posted
Thank you. i think it's put me off medication for life. I see how toxic it must be.
Tezes Depress75
Posted
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 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 Depress75
Posted
Depress75 sandy79417
Posted
You're not wrong there, never again for me. Good luck with it