How long do side effects of coming off sertraline last?
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi everyone.
I was on sertraline for 2 months after being on fluoxetine for years then weaned myself off with advice from the doctor. Its been 3 weeks since i took my last tablet iv had terrible side effects anxiety is the one im worried about. Iv been to my doc for advice on what to do about the effects and he said that the effects should have gone by now and this is my original symtoms coming back and has given me some other meds to try. I want to know how long its taken for other people in the same situation before i take any meds as i don't really want to go back on antidepressants if i dont have to. Some advice please 😐
1 like, 23 replies
Tezes shelly84
Posted
The withdrawals can mimic the symptoms you had before you started them. To avoid these it is recommended you follow the 10% tapering method ( info on this site)
i took 50 mg for over two years and came off safely using this method avoiding all the nasty withdrawals. My GP did not understand how to advise me and his suggestion was coming off over 4 weeks, using the above method from this site it took me 6 months but was worth the wait.
obviously you can safely come off in less time as toy didn't take it very long but I would suggest you still need to do it very slowely over 2-3 months.
good luck
lorraine82455 Tezes
Posted
lorraine82455 Tezes
Posted
Can't find the info on the site. Started at fifty, now 3 days on 37.5. Plan to stay on that dose for two weeks then 25mg
Tezes lorraine82455
Posted
Hi, sorry I don't have the link to hand but if you search under 'coming off antidepressants you should find it.
The 10% tapering method is as follows, take 10% off your current dose maintain at that dose for 4 weeks and if you feel stable then cut another 10% off what you are then taking. Basically cutting 10% of what's left each month until you can drop off altogether.
when you get down to very small amounts then some people ask for the liquid form and use a 10ml syringe. It takes patience but is the only way to avoid damage to your nervous system and allow your brain chemistry to adjust.
the withdrawal effects are caused by your nervous system going into shock as it needs time to replace the drug it has become dependent on.
lorraine82455 Tezes
Posted
Can't get the liquid here, and I have capsules so can't break them. Only took the fifty for three weeks and 37.5 for 4 months. Never helped me, I couldn't get past the anxiety. Hope I will be ok. A bit shaky , mild headache, so here's hoping
Tezes lorraine82455
Posted
Don't know where you are but they come in tablet and liquid form but your chemist may have to order it in. Don't rush the taper, take it as slowely as you can - good luck
philip49799 Tezes
Posted
Excellent advice there tezes. That will be very helpful when I'm 'allowed' to start the reduction.
lorraine82455 Tezes
Posted
🇨🇦 Canada, capsule only, I will go slow, thanks