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Trying to come off sertraline

Posted , 7 users are following.

tracy73524
tracy73524

Hi I've been on it since Dec 2013. I tried to cut down and have been off it for 6 days.

The past two days have been really hard as I'm suffering with low mood and tearful. I went on it as I had very bad anxiety and had a partial breakdown due to a very stressful job.

I'm upset I feel rubbish and think I will start taking 25mg from Tom as I'm going to Australia on the 9th and don't wish to feel like this.  Just upset to be honest I thought I was ready to come off.

Any support would be appreciated Tracesmile

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest tracy73524

    Posted

    I have been off for 4 weeks .I take st johns wort or 5-http to replace the serotonin .the st johns will help you relaxe 
  • Guest
    Guest tracy73524

    Posted

    What made you think you were ready to come off
    • tracy73524
      tracy73524 Guest

      Posted

      I guess it has been rolling round in my head I read something on anxiety, that you shouldn't be on anti depressants for it.

      I think that I'm a lot stronger than I was by loads, but still have a way to gosmile

  • maureen75524
    maureen75524 tracy73524

    Posted

    Tracy you will be fine.  Your withdrawl symptoms are NORMAL.  Sertaline changes your brain chemistry.  I've been totally off for 5 months.  I'm now just begininning to feel like the " old me'!   I still have periods of crying, nausea, headaches etc.  You may not have discontinuation symptoms for as long.  Everyone is different, there is a another forum on her pertaining to symptom withdrawl.  Many of us are in the same boat!  These are drugs that change our " brain chemistry", it's only natural we will experience unpleasant symptoms coming off.  Good luck.  keep posting we are all here for you.  You ar not alone!
    • tracy73524
      tracy73524 maureen75524

      Posted

      How long did you take it for? I started decreasing at only 4.5 months I think I've put the cart before the horse:-}
    • maureen75524
      maureen75524 tracy73524

      Posted

      I took it for ten months.  I was on 150 mg. I kept increasing hoping to feel better.  I never did.  I wasn't sleeping and my Dr. wanted to increase again.  i said NO.  I told her I wanted to taper off as I never really felt well on them.  i was put on them for anxiety/depression from seasonal effective disorder, and stress on the home front.  I began my taper in Sept., coming down 25 mg. for two weeks at a time, for 3 months!  I finished on Dec 23.  I know they work for some people but I felt worse on them.  I'm feeling so much better, although as I previously mentioned, I still have discontinuation symptoms after 5 months.
  • Yorkshire
    Yorkshire tracy73524

    Posted

    Hello, I'm almost the same as you for why and when you started on sertraline, I'm also on 50mg. My doctor told me I wasn't to try come off them until if been feeling better for 6 months, to give them chance to work properly. I started to feel 100% better by beg of feb so that means beg of Aug until I can start reducing. 

    Also, after research (as I really want to come off ASAP) I'm going to cut down very slowly over a long period of time to try and minimize side effects. 

    Did the doctor say you are ready to come off?

    How did you come off? Xx

    • tracy73524
      tracy73524 Yorkshire

      Posted

      He said it was ok but I think he said over 3 months and I've done it in 6 weeks. Mmm I think there's a lesson here.

      I think I need to go back to 25 mg for a little longer as I'm going to Australia for 2 weeks and I don't want to white knuckling it just because of pride.

      I'm so glad I found this site I've been feeling alone with this previously. x

  • Zara101
    Zara101 tracy73524

    Posted

    Hi , i'v been on 50 Mg for 3 weeks due to anxiety and pressure at work ! I'm not sure how I am meant to be feeling but I am still anxious and haven't slept for the last 3 nights !!!!! I'm knackered , but I think I might be overthinking things as I have never been on any meds before and yes this site is great to chat , hope your okay .
    • tracy73524
      tracy73524 Zara101

      Posted

      Hismile

      Give it time and it does start to work. When I first went on it in dec I was having rolling panic attacks and was afraid to go out. This passed now I go out and about and I'm ok. I just think I jumped off them to fast.

      Mindfulness meditation really does wonders to I practise everyday. 

      I hope you sleep better soon have you tried relaxation music through head phones. X

    • Zara101
      Zara101 tracy73524

      Posted

      Hi Tracy , yes I have started mindfulness and I have just down loaded a relaxation cd for sleeping , thanks for your reply and take care x
  • rachael58630
    rachael58630 tracy73524

    Posted

    Hi,

    I started to taper off setraline about 3 months ago. I have done it very slowly. I'm

    Now on 25mg every 2 days, I will continue this for a bit longer. I think the trick is to take it slowly. Good luck 😊 xx

  • Yorkshire
    Yorkshire tracy73524

    Posted

    Yeah I'd def go back on 25 and then cut them in half for a while before coming off completely x
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