zoloft tapering

[Pilsner123]

Hi All,

I have major depressive disorder and GAD. Lost my job because of Gad. Soon will have no health insurance. Does anyone here know what it's like to take no antidepressants? Will tapering off Zoloft make me have a seizure?

[Herewegoagain12]

You need to talk to your doctor while still insured. Coming off any antidepressant is tough and can be dangerous if done wrong. They may be able to find resources that would Defray some of the cost. I also have mdd and gad. Was prescribed xanax for years. Now with a psychiatrist who is trying to get me off them and side effects are awful. Be safe.

[Pilsner123 in reply to Herewegoagain12]

Thank you for responding and helping. I really appreciate your help. I am coming off Xanax now w/ Klonopin to prevent seizures. Really sucks. Would like to be on Xanax forever - makes life bearable.

[Herewegoagain12 in reply to Pilsner123]

That's what I'm doing also, just a little farther ahead. I'm xanax free, but addicted to clonazepam. Not by choice. Started cutting evening dose by half, with doctor approval. I feel the difference and I know its withdrawl. But I really want off this roller coaster ride. So I will keeping working at if.

I do miss the peace and relaxation of xanax. But when I read what it can do to you. It's very scary

[Pilsner123 in reply to Herewegoagain12]

I wish you well on getting off clonazapem. It is so hard, especially without that peace and relaxation piece that you mention. Guess I'm just will to go with the long term side effects - and would do so - but don't have the doctors and money anymore.

[Herewegoagain12]

I hope things turn around for you. There are options. Medicaid may cover you if it is determined your disabled. You may be able to qualify for disability payments as well. Don't give up. Most states have emergency money you might qualify for too. Ill keep you in my prayers 🙏.

[Pilsner123 in reply to Herewegoagain12]

Thank you Herewegoagain12. Your support and advice is so helpful and comforting. Please know that you are in my prayers as well.

[Montana136]

Hello Pilsner, if you have any medication left consider. This is what I did when I needed to stop medication. I reduce it by half for a few days and then again reduce it again do not completely just go off of it sometimes that can create a problem. That is my personal experience cuz I have had to quit medication abruptly. If you still have health insurance it's best for you to ask the physician what to do talk to and have their MA relay your message and the MA should usually relay with the physician recommends. of course that is if you still have health insurance. Take care be wellMontana

[Pilsner123]

Thanks Montana. I am doing what you described and it's really really hard, but I know going cold turkey could cause big problems. Hope you're doing ok today.

[Mofro]

I'm currently tapering off of Zoloft myself. I hadn't taken any antidepressants for years because nothing worked. I went to a doctor more for anxiety than depression, and while we were talking he asked if I'd like to try the Zoloft. I felt I had nothing to lose, so agreed to it. He also prescribed Xanax to me for the anxiety which has helped immensely in helping me feel like I can function again.

After trying the Zoloft and tapering up to 150 mg., I contacted the doctor and told him I thought it might be making me feel apathetic about everything. It certainly wasn't helping with the depression, so it was decided that I taper off to see if I started feeling better or not. I would speak with your own doctor about tapering if you haven't already, but this is the schedule I'm following.

100 mg. for a week

50 mg. for a week

25 mg. for a week and then discontinue.

I just tapered down to 50 mg. last night, and haven't been feeling any adverse side effects to this point. Haven't been feeling any better either as far as the apathy, but I think that's just due to being so isolated and alone for far too long. I think that would cause anyone to be depressed. As far as seizures, I can't speak to that, but I would think that and a lot of other side effects happen if you try to taper too quickly.

As far as cost for medications, I've often used different savings cards such as Good RX rather than my own insurance because most of the time it would be cheaper that way. Of course you still need a doctor for the prescriptions.

I've never had problems when tapering off of antidepressants myself, but I quit clonazepam after being on it for years and that's a different story. With that I went as slowly as I needed to, and was finally able to say goodbye to it. That's the reason why I only take the least amount of the Xanax I'm on now, to try to avoid both building up a tolerance to it, and so it might help discontinuing it when that day comes. But I would stay on it forever if possible as long as it kept working for me. After years the clonazepam wasn't anymore, and that's why I decided to quit.

I wish you the best.

[Peaceofmindpls]

Hi Pilsner123, I also have MDD and GAD, I live in UK so at moment don't need health insurance (heading that way tho😭)

I found Zoloft vile, both being on it and coming off it.i read you can get it in liquid form, maybe worth getting that so you can reduce doses precisely? The advice you have received is all good but remember what works well for one doesn't mean it will be the same for you. If you have to come off meds, please look into herbal remedies,But be careful. They also have side effects. Even st Johns wort makes skin hyper sensitive to the sun (good for mild to moderate depression and evening primrose oil helps my friends GaD.(speak to an expert and I don't think there's much,if anything herbal for MDD)-tho sure some will disagree!

I'm on duluxetine and ability and diazepam currently for my MH. Good Luck with your journey. Remember Ur not alone and people here only have Ur best interests at heart. Sending Love, Light and Peace of mind from across the pond.