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I want to stop taking sertraline, abdomen and bowel pain

Posted , 3 users are following.

paul89462
paul89462

Changed my med to sertraline on advice of doctor and after 2 weeks upped it to 100mg. It has caused me abdominal discomfort and awfull bowel problems every day. I have got to the point were it's not worth it as I can not get out much due to worry about my bowel movements. I have had ms for 15 years and this medication in no way makes life easier for me. Time to stop so talked to doctor and will reduce from 100mg to 50mg every other day for a week then 50mg nothing for aweek then nothing. Does this sound OK.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • shirley67198
    shirley67198 paul89462

    Posted

    Hi Paul. Everyone that has used Zoloft can relate to the diarrhea. It is just one of the side effects with this particular AD. But it does ease off as the weeks go by, and if not you should definitely speak with your doctor because too much diarrhea can cause serious problems. But I noticed from your message that your doctor titrate you up on doses very quickly and that can cause more side effect. Maybe you should go back down to 50 for a while and then go up to 100 once your body stabilize. Hope you start to feel better soon.
  • shirley67198
    shirley67198 paul89462

    Posted

    Oh one more thing. Your titrate is too large of increments. You should go 100, 50, 25, and then 12.5 and then nothing. You will have to cut you pills in order to get to the 25 and 12.5. Just a thought I wanted to pass on.
  • mary15481
    mary15481 paul89462

    Posted

    It does take at least a month or more for it to work well. I didn't have bowel problems when I started (mostly nausea and dizziness) so if you think it is needed, give it a chance but with MS it might be different. It work wonderfully for me but I know the bowel problems are awful but they are nearly gone now. Your plan sounds fine - sometimes they up it too fast without seeing if the lower does is effective first. Good luck.
    • paul89462
      paul89462 mary15481

      Posted

      With MS I am used to constipation at times but the side affects dry mouth anxiety abdomen discomfort no appetite weight loss and loose movements every day are a bit much when I already have enough to cope with. Time to stop this drug that has too many unpleasant side effects for me.
  • shirley67198
    shirley67198 paul89462

    Posted

    Paul how long have you been on zoloft? This should be a factor as well when going off. If you haven't been on it long, then you may be fine with your tapering process.
  • paul89462
    paul89462

    Posted

    That's only 3 days reducing my dose of this drug and I have had every type of bowel movment today, loose, solid and mucus. Sorry for the description but after each trip my abdomen is so tense. Can't wait to have this out of my system. It is without doubt the worst reaction I have had to a medication that bad that I am diagnosing myself with everything under the sun to explain it.
    • mary15481
      mary15481 paul89462

      Posted

      I hear you. Who knew. I thought I was done with that until yesterday, two explosions. I had spicey food and am wondering if what you eat makes a difference.
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