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Prolonged withdrawal and vigorous exercise

Posted , 4 users are following.

Guest
Guest

Fourteen years ago, I began the process of weaning myself off Zoloft (which I had taken for about 7 years). On the advice of a doctor, I took a full year to go from 25 mg to nothing. I experienced a few minor withdrawal symptoms for a few days each time I decreased the dosage, but on the whole, it was a lengthy but easy process. One year later (12 years ago), I resumed a vigorous exercise program. I felt wonderful for about four months, then everything went to hell. I experienced a return of the classic withdrawal symptoms in full force. Others have described them, so I won't go into detail except to say that it took about 8 months for the worst symptoms to subside. Three years later, I decided to try biking to work, a distance of about a mile. Again, after several months I began to experience symptoms, especially a feeling of being chronically overstimulated and intense insomnia. I have mostly stayed away from vigorous exercise since then, mostly limiting myself to dog walking. However, for the past 7 months, I have been doing some strength and flexibility training, gradually working up to about an hour 3-4 times a week. I have been OK, and I would very much like to resume more strenuous cardiovascular exercise--running or biking--but needless to say, I'm fearful. For the past 12 years, I have taken no other prescription medication, I eat a healthy diet, and I generally feel good, but I still have the feeling that this may never really be over.  I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced a return of withdrawal symptoms after such a long time off the drug and/or a recurring reaction to vigorous exercise. 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • mary15481
    mary15481 Guest

    Posted

    I'm wondering if I should just not go off it altogether. It sounds like it just doesn't get better. Ideas?
  • e37242
    e37242 Guest

    Posted

    Wow. Sounds like you did everything right weaning yourself. Never heard of symptoms returning after they're gone. That's a new one. These drugs don't play!   You seem very tuned into your body and the possibility of exercise triggering. Good luck. Ellen
  • john88505
    john88505 Guest

    Posted

    Hi

    Your story is strangely similar to mine.

    I have been on and off Sertraline 4 times now and every time what you have described happens too me.

    The most recent time i come off after 2 and half years, a slow reduction over about 10 months 25mg every other day, then half of that every other day, until the small step off.

    Like.yourself I was fine for a few months, eating healthy, regular exercise.

    I was boxing and 2 hour brisk walks up hill.

    I felt good for approx 3-4 months then boom!

    Chronic insomnia, which in turn brought on depression and intrusive obsessive thoughts.

    I've tried to ride it out but then went back on Sertraline.

    This has happened every time, to the point where I find it easier to go back on it at a low dose.

    The only issue prior to that coming off was mood swings but they were manageable.

    It's frustrating because apart from the mood swings to start with I level off and feel great.

    Amazing clarity, strong and healthy.

    Then a big wave hits me over from nowhere.

    It's not as if anything stressful or life in general brings it on either.

    I'm trying again in about 6 months.

    Hope you're feeling better.

    Take care

  • wayne76842
    wayne76842 Guest

    Posted

    in my opinion, sertraline addes to what some have missing,thats the chemical to make us feel at ease , so when you come of it the replacement as gone and so it can come back, hence some start over all again. thats just my thoughts.
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