Tapering off Sertraline

[lozpants]

Hi all, having done some research online I also thought it would be best to get some fresh opinions as the online forums go back a fair few years..

I'm 22 and was diagnosed with social anxiety and moderate depression in 2017 (stems from childhood trauma and school bullying). In July of this year my partner ended our relationship after 4.5 years and it sent me into a dark spiral and after weeks of dark thoughts, non stop crying and no appetite, I decided to go to the doctor as I saw no way out and was prescribed 50mg sertraline (Zoloft).

Long story short, I've been on it since July, my partner and I worked everything out, obviously it hasn't magically cured my mental health that the issues stem from but I feel the best I have felt in years, my anxiety has virtually gone out the window and I rarely cry (considering I would cry a minimum of 5 times a day this is crazy for me).

However, I am fed up of feeling somewhat "numb". I don't feel sad or happy on the medication, I just don't really feel anything. I know this is a common issue. I have also put on over a stone in weight since starting them. I feel now after almost 5 months I want to wean myself off them.

As the dosage is only 50mg, and I haven't been on them any longer than 5 months, I was wondering if anyone else could share their experiences? All the online forums tend to be from people who have been on high doses for a number of years.

My plan is to cut my dosage down to 25mg a day for the next 3-4 weeks and see how I feel after that and maybe stop completely. Does this seem the right thing to do?

I'm not expecting zero side effects as it is a drug after all, but I want to go into the new year medication free and a fresh start, as cliche as it is.

Thanks in advance for any help x
PS please no one "ring your GP" it takes me over a month to get an appointment!! Thank you xx

I cut down from 50mg after six months.

Sorry to break it to you but it was hard. It broke my digestive system and I felt like I had flu for a week. I had woozy feelings for a long time. Eventually I stabilised. I went from 50 to 25 to 12 to 6 then 0 over about six weeks. I had some anxiety but I recognised that as my emotions returning. Unfortunately my obsessive tendencies came back as sertraline is good for these.

Weigh up 1. How quickly do I want to do this I.e. get off them V 2. What am I prepared for, withdrawal wise.

Also, take pro biotics, magnesium, omega 3, vitamin D. Antidepressants leach magnesium and other nutrients from the system.

Don't be disheartened. I still feel way better emotionally than if I had not taken them.

I had no side effects. Went from 50 per day to 25 every second day then every forth day then once a week. All in all I weaned myself off in a month.

@HoliBobber so sorry to hear it was so bad for you! I really hope that's not the case for me but seems like it will be unfortunately. If I knew the seriousness of withdrawal I'd have never gone on them! Thank you for your help, will stock up on the vitamins! Hope you're feeling better now xx

@Blowandgo that's amazing! I've gone down to 25mg everyday and will try that for 2 weeks then may go down to every other day.. I just want to get off them so may just have to bear with the side effects to be honest. Thank you xx

I came off in July, digestion recovered quickly, and I'd say about another three months to get rid of the occasional woozy feeling, but that's factoring in life stress too.

It's good to know what could happen but also know that the internet often paints the worst picture.

I had the same thoughts about wishing I hadn't taken them, but I needed something. I do think it could be better explained and more supported by the doctor through withdrawal though.

@lozpants don't rush! Theres no need.

The stuff stays in your system for several weeks, so you won't feel the impact of the reduction until later. You need to stay on your current dose for at least a month before reducing again. I halved my 25mg tablets for a while, then went alternate days before finally stopping.

What's the rush? Play it safe.

I thought I would post an update on here for anyone who's came across this thread and is in the same boat.

After tapering down to half a 50mg tablet a day for 2 weeks, I then went to every other day for a week and then stopped cold turkey. It's been 3 weeks since I took my last 25mg dose. I don't think I had any side effects, I definitely didn't experience the brain zapping people speak of. I was more tired but that's about it, and more temperamental with my moods but think that's just my emotions returning after being zombie ish! Feels kind of nice to cry at absolutely anything again!

Great to hear a positive story!

@HoliBobber thank you you were right - the horror stories on the internet have a huge impact!

Now just to try and shift the weight I gained whilst on them

Pleased to find this @iozpants similar to you I wanted to get off Sertraline the main cause of my stress has gone and hope I can manage without them.
Was taking 50mg found myself forgetting to take some days then feeling effects. Reduced to a half tablet then half ever second day ... Anyhow now I have not taken for a few days wondering should I keep that up I feel good. So finding your post has been helpful
Have not seen my Dr recently due to Covid will try get appt soon.
Perhaps the 'covid lifestyle' staying at home ect has helped with me feeling good so I'm aware may find it hard again when normal resumes. Hopefully I do not need to go back on tablets