How do I taper off 50mg of Zoloft (sertraline) with minimal side effects?
Question posted by Mbennett7605 on 29 June 2017
Last updated on 28 July 2023 by WildcatVet
I've been taking Zoloft 50mg for about 7 months and I want to stop, I'm anxious because when I first started taking them, I had a lot of really intense suicidal thoughts (felt like I wouldn't be able to control it, like I was going to pick up a knife and just do it). I figure that'll probably happen when I get off them too. I asked the doctor who prescribed them to me and she said just stop them but I know that's bad for you so I just need advice on the best way possible me to wean off them.
Also I don't know if it's important but I have panic disorder, which is why I'm so worried about it.
From the literature: "Do not stop using Zoloft suddenly, or you could have unpleasant symptoms (such as agitation, confusion, tingling or electric shock feelings). Ask your doctor for a tapering dosage schedule before stopping the medicine." Wildcat
Votes: +0
AN
Anxioustoomuch
28 July 2023
I know this question has been asked a while ago, but I know that there are doctors out there that will tell you to just stop taking them. Mine did and I went into a tailspin of withdrawals (I was on Lexapro for years). If a doctor tells you just to stop taking SSRI medication cold turkey, find another doctor. This is a dangerous direction to go. Find another doctor and slowly taper off, no matter how long you have been taking the medication. You still may have some withdrawal symptoms if you lower your dosage slowly, but it will not be near as bad if you were to go cold turkey. I hope this advice helps someone out there wondering the same thing.
Votes: +1
CH
chuck1957
30 June 2017
Mbennett; No your doctor should give you a tapering list. I agree with Janie 100% but I found a site something ON GOOGLE CALLED ssri withdrawal procedure. And this does sound like what I have done and others. so read this close but do not just stop them until you see another doctor. Here is the copy and paste.(( Sertraline (Zoloft)
Reduce by 25 mg every two weeks until dose is 25 mg/day, then 12.5 mg every two weeks. (( this is me now then if I were you I would go to the 12.5mg every other day for 2 weeks. you may still have some withdrawal but nothing like you would if you just stop. good luck to you and let me or us know how it went.
Votes: +2
JA
janiebme
30 June 2017
Hi Mbennett- It just seems irresponsible that your doctor would say to just stop them. Maybe you can go to another doctor or call your doctor and tell her you are not comfortable just stoping it. Maybe she will give you a taper program. Maybe someone on this site can tell you how they tapered off. I do know that you should not just stop them and I am glad that you know that too. Is there anything on the internet on tapering Zoloft? Be aware that your panic may come back and maybe have a back up plan if it does. I understand your concern about trying to wean off. I hope you do well.
