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Sudden stopping of sertraline

Posted , 6 users are following.

SamSmith1
SamSmith1

I ran out of sertraline on Monday (lost my prescription) and didn't do anything about it. I've been on them for about 8 months.

Emotionally I feel fine, they made a world of difference to my life! I'm just worried now because I've read I shouldn't have just stopped? I am getting brain zaps and flue feelings as well as feeling tired (although I do also have a night owl toddler!!)

Someone reassure me the withdrawal effects will go away soon enough? Or should I go back to docs and withdraw slowly?

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • borderriever
    borderriever SamSmith1

    Posted

    Hello Sam

    These medications need time to get out of your system the amount of the drug and the time period of their tacking can make a sizeable withdrawal period. If not already you need to get some more medications next week as You will need a new script. If the chemist knows you well with your prescriptions they may lend

    you medication, although if you are in a southern city I do not know ? 

    Phone the reception on Tuesday Has your GP advised you to come of this drug.

    BOB

    • SamSmith1
      SamSmith1 borderriever

      Posted

      I wasn't intending to come off them but I lost my prescription and since I've been feeling great for a while now I thought I would just risk it. My withdraw symptoms are definitely present but I hoped I could just "get through it". Its the brain zaps that are most irritating... also intrigued to know what they actually are too?

      That's for your reply, my husband is currently searching the entire house for them but as it's a bank holiday weekend (I'm in the UK) it won't be until Tuesday before I can speak to my doctor...

    • SamSmith1
      SamSmith1

      Posted

      Thanks* (not thats)
  • valerie01412
    valerie01412 SamSmith1

    Posted

    Personally I think you should withdraw a bit slower and give your body a chance to get used to doing without the drug.
  • cycad
    cycad SamSmith1

    Posted

    I'd recommend withdrawing slowly. About fifteen years ago I stopped taking fluoxetine suddenly without reducing and started getting brain zaps. Went back on the fluoxitine to reduce slowly but to this very day the zaps have never fully disappeared and it's annoying. So yeah, head off to the doctors for a script and hopefully you'll be fine. 

    • patricia44773
      patricia44773 SamSmith1

      Posted

      Can you describe what you mean by "brain zaps" please. I think I have them, but I don't know if they are the same as you are having.

      Hope you don't mind me asking.

      Pat x

    • SamSmith1
      SamSmith1 patricia44773

      Posted

      I actually heard it referred to as "brain zaps" on here first. It's like a fuzzy/electric shock feeling in my head, especially when I move my eyes side to side. Hope that explains it we'll enough?

  • queen_70128
    queen_70128 SamSmith1

    Posted

    Hello sam, i think you should go back to doctors, i was on that evil fluoxitine, and was fine for two weeks and then i got really ill, had huge panic attack and ended up in hosp all night, i stopped them for two weeks and the withdrawels were horrible, i am now on mirtazipine, and am alright, though i do fear about getting a reaction to these like before, you know, once bitten twice shy, but hopefully they will work, go see your doctor, its best to do, goodluck. better than getting ill.
  • SamSmith1
    SamSmith1

    Posted

    So I've not been able to get to the doctors (crazy busy and work) but I wanted to update everyone.

    On Monday it will be two weeks since i suddenly stopped taking sertraline. I'm feeling so much better, the vertigo like feeling has gone and the brain zaps have reduced. The two symptoms that are still quite strong is my tiredness, no matter how much sleep I have, I still feel drained. My concentration and ability to think quickly are shot but I remember being amazed at how well I could concentrate after first taking sertraline and the difference it was making to my work was noticed by my unknowing work mates. Maybe I'm just me again?

    My emotional state is incredible now! Ive been laughing so hard my eyes have watered. Being on Sertraline was fab because I never dipped to the terrible lows but the downside was that I never reached the highs either, it kind of neutralised me, which was ok, did/does anyone else get that?

    I really hope I'm going to be ok but with Winter around the corner I'm being very self aware.

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