Stopping sertraline

[Squash56]

Hello everyone,

Hoping someone may be able to compare their experience and any side effects due to gradually stopping sertraline.

My G P is gradually reducing my 50mg dose of sertraline after taking it for two and a half years.

Week 1&2 one tablet alternating with a half tablet, this went well.

Week 3&4 half a tablet daily.

Week 5&6 half a tablet every other day, then stop.

I am into day 6 of half a tablet daily, 2 days ago I started with a tingling sensation on my skin, it can be anywhere mostly arms and legs, its particularly noticeable when sedentary, plus a slight involuntary movement of fingers and toes. I’m hoping this is a withdrawal side effect!??

I do have a follow up appointment with my GP on 24th March at the end of week 4 so will talk to him.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? I did have bad side effects when I started sertraline, but the tingling sensation wasn’t one of them.

Thank you to everyone as you have all been very supportive in the past.

[jjpeabody]

Hello Squash56, "I’m hoping this is a withdrawal side effect!??". I have had this tingling when starting and stopping SSRIs. Also, it's not unusual to have increased anxiety or worry as you withdraw as your comment above might suggest. I find taking time and going slow ie add an extra week or two at 25 mg and then going to 12.5 mg has been better for me. People are different and so are there reactions. I haven't been too happy with all the time and side effects involved with SSRIs. I have found exercise, including getting outside and walking regularly, eliminating dairy except maybe no-fat plain yogurt, eating fish and ground turkey or ground chicken in soups or stews has been noticeably easier for my body to digest and process. This has made me feel better and less pain and inflammation. Also committing and focusing on some goal like work (ie part-time) you might like or hobby helps to take your mind off worrying etc and you feel better about yourself. Discuss with your doctor as you plan to. Good luck Squash56

[Squash56 in reply to jjpeabody]

hello jjpeabody

Thank you for your reply I find this reassuring. I am walking every day which does help and I take onboard the slower transition to zero sertraline.

Have a good day

[Springvale23]

I stopped sertraline safely by gradual reduction. I then started mirtazapine with difficult side effects of muscle pain.

But no problem coming off sertraline.

I have subsequently stopped mirtazapine replacing with Vortioxetine and then duloxetine . I couldn’t tolerate the side effects. According to dr I am very sensitive to antidepressants.

I have stopped all regular anti depressants , my last tablet 13 days ago. I had been on and off tablets for 25 years.

I know this wasn’t your question but putting my info down in case it helps someone else. I am struggling to sleep and a bit hyper but manageable. Don’t know long term how this will go. But Dr agreed with a wash out of anti depressants. Taking buspar as and when required. Managed to only take 4 in last 13 days. Whilst it stems my anxiety I get a fuzzy sick head when I take it and no appetite on days that I take it. So definitely not taking on regular basis

[Squash56 in reply to Springvale23]

Thank you for your reply, it sounds like you’re having a tough time with side effects from those other tablets. I hope you start to feel better soon and you find something to help your anxiety. That’s the reason I was prescribed sertraline, anxiety and panic attacks it was awful so I really feel for you.

Good luck

[Springvale23]

Good luck to you also. It’s not easy. But at least other fellow sufferers understand .