Coming off meds

[carriej]

My son's (he is 14) psychologist wants him to taper off Zoloft now after 4 years. I am fine with this; however, I am scared of withdrawal symptoms and what that may look like. Has anyone had experience with this? Also, the psychologist wants my son to start Metadate at the same time. How am I supposed to keep track of what is causing what?

[Elijah1]

If you decrease the Zoloft dose slowly, it is less likely to get any withdrawal problems (our son did fine with this approach). If you are worried about weaning Zoloft and starting Metadate at the same time, ask if you can delay the start of Metadate until you see how the Zoloft wean is going.

[anirush]

They usually want you to start one before the other gets out of their system so they dont have a depression crash. It sometimes take several weeks for new medicine to start working if you stop the other it could be a disaster.

I was on zoloft years ago and it took me a long time to get off. Don't rush it sometimes the psychiatrist tries to take you off too quickly.

[carriej in reply to anirush]

He was on 100mg. Supposed to be 50 this week then 25 the following week then done. Does that seem quick?

[anirush in reply to carriej]

I stayed on one size for 2 to 3 weeks before cutting back. Even then I got what they call brain zaps, feels like little lightning bolts in your head.