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Zoloft Withdrawal
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From:	DaddyOh
To:	All

Jul 9, 2007 4:25:22 AM

1 of 6

44162.1

I was on Zoloft (50mg) for 6 weeks. I quit cold turkey 3 weeks ago. For the last 2 weeks, I've suffered from the withdrawal symptoms. At times, the symptoms seem to be getting worse. Should these withdrawal symptoms be ending soon or should I go back on Zoloft and wean off of it slowly? Thanks!

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Zoloft Withdrawal
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From:	Staff/WeilForums
To:	DaddyOh

Jul 9, 2007 5:33:59 AM

2 of 6

44162.2 in reply to 44162.1

Hello
Two things you might want to read that may well answer your question and, give you some important tips for support:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA327495
The bove from Dr. Weil and the last paragraph has the tips and suggestions--be sure to consider the fish oil?
And, from the Zoloft site.

http://www.zoloft.com/zoloft/zoloft.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=common_questions

Best to you

Best of Health To You
Moderator/Dr.Weil Team
moderator44@drweil.com

All information contained on our web site, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only, and not as medical advice.

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Zoloft Withdrawal
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From:	Janneypoo
To:	DaddyOh

Jul 14, 2007 11:42:59 AM

3 of 6

44162.3 in reply to 44162.1

Several years ago I had withdrawal symptoms (head "zaps", leg weakness, severe diahrrea, etc.) from Paxil (also an SSRI) before these symptoms were well documented. I initially followed my doctor's recommendation of reducing from 20 mg (one week) to 10 mg (one week) to 0mg. At 0 mg the withdrawals were intolerable. This was not sufficiently slow to prevent the withdrawals. I was able to wean off much more gradually by taking the liquid form of Paxil which enabled me to decrease the dosage in smaller increments. I weaned off over a period of about 3-4 months--staying on the reduced dosages for 2-3 weeks rather than 1 week. When I finally went to 0 mg I still had some symptoms, but they were much milder and much more tolerable. If Zoloft is available in liquid form, ask your doctor about this.

Edited by: Janneypoo on Jul 14, 2007 11:50:09 AM

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Zoloft Withdrawal
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From:	Maggie444
To:	DaddyOh

Jul 17, 2007 1:20:57 AM

4 of 6

44162.4 in reply to 44162.1

Hello! It is never a good idea to quit an anti-depressant cold turkey because your serotonin levels go out of whack and then you start feeling terrible. I know this because I quit Zoloft (200mg) cold turkey a few years ago. The correct way to go off any anti-depressant is to taper it down slowly with the doctor who prescribed it. Only he/she knows how to do this. I would talk to the doctor immediately and go on a Zoloft "diet." Otherwise the symptoms can continue for awhile. Good luck.

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Zoloft Withdrawal
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From:	Gingerb
To:	DaddyOh

Jul 17, 2007 5:53:17 AM

5 of 6

44162.5 in reply to 44162.1

I agree with the other posts in that you need to gradually decrease the dose. It could take awhile. My concern is have you resolved the reason you went on the Zoloft? I was on alprazalam for about 5 years due to work related anxiety. After traditional medicine failed me I ended up going to a hynotherapist. He helped me resolve the anxiety problem. Only after that was I able to taper off the drug. I am now drug free and have none of the tension and anxiety that I had before.

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From:	Maggie444
To:	Gingerb

Jul 18, 2007 12:06:11 AM

6 of 6

44162.6 in reply to 44162.5

I agree with GingerB: has the reason why you went on Zoloft been resolved? Going off an anti-depressant cold turkey might also exacerbate the condition for which you were prescribed for in the first place.

Regarding the Paxil post: Paxil is a heck of a lot harder to go off than Zoloft.

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