Side effects of tapering Sertraline
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi - I've been taking anti depressants for three years. Initially 60 mg of Duloxetine and then switched to 75mg Sertraline. I've been on Sertraline for just over a year. I dropped to 50mg in October 2018 and five weeks ago dropped again to 25 . I do not intend to up the dose any time soon because I am determined to come off the medication. However I feel flat, tearful, irritable, exhausted, very tingly fingers and dizzy. It's not as bad as the initial bout of depression for which I was prescribed medication but I kind of wondered what the time scale of these feelings might be. I'm realistic - I don't expect any magic solutions and I exercise regularly, socialise and eat well. I read somewhere it takes around 90 days - that's fine. I'm not even contemplating coming off the final 25 yet! I'm trying to take responsibility for myself and my well being - just any additional information from someone who has gone through the same thing would be welcome. Thanks.
0 likes, 8 replies
Dazfoxy530 Sphyd
Posted
I would only say be careful of coming off completely. I did so, weaning down from 150mg to nothing over 6 months last year only for three months later relapsing panic attacks severe anxiety. I can only put it down to not having any med in me to keep settled. In hindsight I should of stayed on 50mg maybe but who knows. I was the same though, thinking I wanted to be clear of meds, so understand. Good luck anyhow, maybe ask your gp what they think.
Sphyd Dazfoxy530
Posted
150mg to 0 in 6 months is fast! Everything points to the side effects mimicking the original problem. you come down on the meds, you feel worse, you assume you have to go back on them. 50mg from 150 is a pretty impressive finishing point from where you started though. Thanks.
lattifa7777 Sphyd
Posted
Hi I wanted to reply to you, as I my self have managed to come off 50mg of sertraline 7 months ago, I was so very scared to get withdrawal symptoms, or a relapse, I dis the taper very very slow in my own time.
It took me almost 2 years, but no side effects or relapse so far.
At the beginning I simply bit off a quarter of the tablet and disposed of it, so I was taking 3 quarters of the 50mg, I was worried incase it not being accurate would affect me, but it didn't.i did this for a good 4 or 5 months then I used to take half, then a quarter, when I got to taking only a quarter this was the scary bit of just stopping, but what I dis instead was miss 2 days a week for a good 3 months then 4 days and so on.
I did get little blips a little teary and anxious, but I would tell my self I just need to level out on the new dose, and it did. it worked.
I think you're doing really well by not rushing to cut down from the 25mg stay on that untill all this side effects go, but if after 3 or 4 weeks you're still the same ise up ur again slightly then come down slower.
Best of luck, here to help if you need x
Sphyd lattifa7777
Posted
Thank you that's really helpful. I agree that one way of dealing with the low mood is to say that it is a side effect and wont last. Just a matter of riding it out and giving each stage plenty of time. Thank you.
Kells123a Sphyd
Posted
Hi I was on same AD has you the Dulex
Kells123a
Posted
hi i was on same old AD has you for 12 years, had no problems, till i started menophause, was getting too many dips, doc put mr on sertraline, been on them since last April, not really doing its job, was on 50mg up to 100mg, getting too many side affects and didnt suit me either. im now tappering from 75mg to 50mg then 50mg every other day.. I go back next Wednesday to docs, she putting me back on my orignal ones.. I am feeling what you are, emotional, aching, ect, but im still going to work full time.. i have great support network at work..so im hoping my old AD put me right as rain again.. good luck...
Sphyd Kells123a
Posted
thank you - and you. i did alternate doses with duloxetine in an attempt to come off but it sent me down a very dark hole! have you tried reducing the dose gradually? wish you all the best.
Kells123a Sphyd
Posted
Hi sphyd, starting 50mg of sertaline every other day now till next wednesday, im seems to doing ok and taking no noticed of the side affects, not easy though... Will keep ya posted.