Sertraline withdrawal plan - 50 mg

[FindoGask]

Hi everyone

I've been on sertraline 50mg/day for about a year now and I'd like to come off it now. I don't particularly want to make an appointment with my GP, I was planning to do it on my own. I couldn't find much in the way of suggested withdrawal plans online, as a lot depends on your starting dose and how long you've been taking it. I just wondered whether you guys think this sounds a reasonable plan:

Weeks 1 and 2- reduce by 25 mg every other day (so 1 tablet one day, 1/2 table the next)
Weeks 3 and 4 - reduce to 25 mg every day
Weeks 5 and 6: 25 mg on alternate days
Week 7: finish?

Does this sound about right, or too cautious/not cautious enough? Is it feasible to go cold turkey with such a small starting dose? Obviously I want to avoid withdrawal symptoms as much as possible but I think I could handle them if I knew they'd be over in a few days.

Sorry you should see your GP not try a strawman poll on Mumsnet. ADs effect people differently and there may be other medical factors in acccount.
Is there a reason you can't see your GP? If you come off then they are going to note that you haven't asked for receipt scripts anyway at some point.
Up to you though whose advice you take.

It's not really a "strawman poll" - I'm just asking for experiences, because I think that will be more useful to me than 10 minutes in a busy GP surgery.

There are no other medical issues to consider. I'm not bothered about the GP knowing I'm coming off them, I just want to start soon and I won't be able to get a non-emergency appointment with anyone at my GP surgery (I don't have a named GP) for 3+ weeks. I want to start soon.

I've used mainly the information on these sites
www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/how-to-taper-off-your-antidepressant

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/medication-stopping-or-coming-off/planning-withdrawal/#.WUPsXevyuUk
as a starting point - I'm not just going at it willy-nilly!

I think that sounds like a reasonable tapering off plan. If you saw your GP then they would suggest something really similar, or even a quicker taper, so I think you're being really sensible. Most of the replies on here though will just tell you to go and see your GP. Good luck with the process.

Thanks calmday. Fingers crossed.