Going back on Sertaline after 3 months off

Posted , 8 users are following.

After many years, 20+, on Zoloft, I decided to stop taking it since I felt my past issues were over. After two months I began feeling foggy and tired and anxious and then experienced some health issues. I I realize now that I should not have stopped taking the medication. I have become over obsessed with my health and feel like I'm dying of something serious when all blood work and several tests have all been ok. My GP has seen this change in me and I am now back on the Sertaline; this will be day 6. I am ale it at night and can't stay asleep for more than 3 hrs, feel shakey, and feel like my eyes are bugging out. I am trying to be patient as I know it takes about two weeks to adjust. The worrying about my health is making me crazy. Thanks for listening as I hate to keep repeating myself to my grown children who have enough to worry about!

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Edited

    The same thing happened to me when i weaned off the drug after 4 years. Now i am back on it after terrible 2 months.
  • Edited

    Hi Cora, hopefully things will improve quickly as your body is used to the medication. 

    Is obsessing about your health a typical symptom for you when you feel anxious?

    You recovered before so there's no reason you won't recover this time.

    Neil 

  • Posted

    I too was on Zoloft for about 20 years and tried to get off it a year or so ago. I had tried going off in the past but never made it down to zero. This time I was at zero for 2.5 months. Horrible time. Ended up back on it after 10 hours in emergency room psych area after waking up middle of night almost hallucinating or something. Thought I was dying as could not feel my pulse. Went to ER at urging of my ex's cousin, a psychiatrist after hearing of my situation. Was a waste of time as they keep you under observation and with long waits to be assessed by an MD. After slowly going back on Zoloft, I had a horrible weekend in bed, legs shaking uncontrollably, ridden with anxiety to point of not wanting to get up to eat. But, over time I went right back to where I was before I quit it. It was totally different going back on it than when I started it so many years ago. Scary stuff, would give anything to be able to be off it for good but low hope due to long time of being on it. Currently on .75 of it with no plans to go higher. If I ever want to lower it or go off it I will do it with a psychiatrist instead of on my own like last time. Your symptoms should lessen over next month and then down to none while back on it. Best wishes and keep in touch if you like.

    • Posted

      Thank you for your response. I'm beginning to feel better but still awake in the night several times very hot and I'm still somewhat shaky and anxious. I will continue to keep positive about this. I just don't have any desire to do anything. I do not remember how long it took to adjust when I originally began this medication; perhaps I am just being impatient but I'd like to feel normal again!

      I'm glad to learn about your experience and that you are feeling well again.

    • Posted

      I also was on zoloft at 50 mg for 20 years. My daughter died 4 years ago and  the grief period took 3 years to feel like myself again. A month ago the anxiety, and panic attacks came back out of nowhere. My doctor raised my dose to 100mgs 34 days ago. The side effects were horrible and made my anxiety much worse for a while. Some days I feel okay almost my normal self. Then I'll have a day of anxiety. I exercise everyday at the gym, but walking every morning the anxiety is at it's worse. I am sleeping okay. I just want to feel like myself again and worry I won't. I am waiting and hoping I will improve more. How are you doing?

  • Posted

    It's really difficult when you start having negative thoughts about health.you have done the right thing by having your worry checked out,and the news is old so you should let it go😀Negative thoughts attract negativity.Be positive and enjoy yr kids/ life xxx attract health and happiness by thinking of it.xx

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