How long after taking Zoloft does the brainfog go away?
Question posted by AlbatrosDeCombat on 3 Feb 2022
Last updated on 4 February 2022
Hello,
I have been taking Zoloft for about two years (50mg/day). Three months ago my psychiatrist and I decided to stop the treatment. At first I went to 25mg a day, then every other day after a while and now it's been three weeks since I've been taking it at all.
While taking Zoloft, I got a brainfog (loss of memory, I had an exceptional memory, now it's hard, loss of concentration (I cannot read a page of a book without losing my concentration), it takes me a long time to understand things that I would have understood in a second…), which was minimal at first but grew and... it's still there. In other words, I used to be the cliché of the student who didn't really do anything in school but always got the best grades, now I feel like I'm the last one in school even when I try to work.
How long after taking Zoloft will my cognitive abilities (memorization, comprehension, concentration) return to normal?
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Answers
CA
Catholicmom
3 Feb 2022
The brain is a wonderful organ and more than capable of rewiring… I think they call it neuroplasticity! I’m concerned that you came off Zoloft too quickly. How are you feeling? When I came off lexapro a few years ago I did micro tapers, no more than 10% cuts then held still I felt stable. It took a while but I never experienced any withdrawal symptoms doing it like that. It’s funny that you mentioned not being able to read due to poor concentration. I experienced that whilst on lexapro. Funnily enough, this time I’m on Zoloft and have read three novels in six weeks! I think medication affects us differently, what works for one might not work for another. I wish you all the best and remember, if you start to feel bad again off meds don’t be afraid to speak to your doctor.
Votes: +0
AL
AlbatrosDeCombat
4 Feb 2022
Physically, I feel like any other normal day. The only bad side effect from the zoloft withdrawal was dizziness during the first week of withdrawal. I stopped everything according to my psychiatrist's instructions. I stopped because the brain fog was really unbearable.
CA
Catholicmom
4 Feb 2022
I am so happy that withdrawal was successful for you. I wish you all the best as you move on in life.
AL
AlbatrosDeCombat
4 Feb 2022
Successful, successful... There's always the cognitive problem (and it's very scary), haha. Thanks for your answer and your encouragement. :-)