Sertraline withdrawal

[L1974]

Hi just starting to come off this on less than half now of 25mg but still taking every day, had a really stressful day at work today and feel lots of anxiety symptoms now, weak legs fuzzy head. Is this the start of withdrawal? I’m trying another AD after a weeks break but doc has given me mirtazapine which sounds horrible looking at side effects so might see if anything else is available? Any advice appreciated please thanks

[unblocktheplane]

Dear L, I've taken 45mg mirtazapine at bed since 2003. It got me through a rough period of hypothyroid crisis. However, like all antidepressants, mirtazapine is addictive. When you want to stop, you'll have to taper...for eight months.

The rule for tapering is less 10% per month. You need to get yourself well first, find out what biochemical imbalances are eating you up.

Frankly, I'd start with thyroid. Get your doc to prescribe 25mcg; if you feel better in two weeks, you've solved part of the wellness puzzle. Test FT3, FT4, antibodies testing.

Good luck!

[L1974 in reply to unblocktheplane]

Thanks I’ve only been on sertraline 3 months but it just hasn’t given me any relief am reluctant to try the new drug in case it makes me drowsy. So was hoping doc might give me another SSRI. My thyroid is ok had extensive blood tests 😞

[unblocktheplane in reply to L1974]

You're buying into the box, my friend. I'd bet dollars to donuts you were only tested for TSH. This is not adequate for proper diagnosis.

Nutritional supplements? Healthy diet? Docs make profit off Big Pharma selling you SSRIs. They really aren't the answer.

[Hidden]

mirtazapine will help but it'll make you hungry and if you ever decide to get off of it....it's a bugger...even tapering....anyway that's been my experience.

[L1974 in reply to Hidden]

Bad enough with sertraline after three months! I am not sure what to do my anxiety isn’t better but wonder whether having a couple of weeks off and then seeing how I am before giving something else a try??