Long story short, someone I care about needs to get off Zoloft after about a year. She said she's putting a call in to her doctor, which I think she will do since we discussed the fact that going off any SSRIs can be difficult, but I wondered if anybody had experience with Zoloft or weaning off it. What I've read makes it sound pretty difficult, and I am concerned.

Thanks for any input.

It really depends on the person. I was on Paxil for several years and had a tough time getting off of it. I had the "brain zaps" the whole time. It took a good six weeks to wean myself. I am on Zoloft now and have been for several years since going off Paxil. I'm pretty sure if I ever go off Zoloft I will have brain zaps again because if I miss a day I kind of get that feeling. Your friend needs to go very, very slowly with any SSRI. Cut the dose by a third or a half for a couple weeks, then a third or a half again for a couple weeks until you are off. Do it very slowly is the key. Although I know people that have done it cold turkey with no problems but I think that is the exception to the rule. Your friend will probably know in a couple days if they are going to have any significant problems. Always stay in touch with the doctor. Good luck!!!!

She needs to go off of this medication under a doctor's care.

I am happy to now have a name for that feeling..........."brain zaps" describes it perfectly!!!

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Check out wikepedia. Brain zap is on there!!!

As everyone else has said, this needs to be done under a doctor's care. Just as it takes time for SSRIs to build up in the system, it takes time for it to go to. Tapering down the dosage is the best, and safest, way to do this.

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For those who've used Zoloft, tell me if it helped enough to be worth the trouble of coming off it, please? My obstetrician wants to put me on it when I've had the baby, and apparently, it helps a lot, but I am afraid of weaning myself off of it. I'm also a bit afraid of becoming dependent on it.

Well it's worth it for me but I have had a lifetime of anxiety and panic attacks. I'm thinking your's is for post partum depression? I really don't know about treating that. But if you get really depressed it might be worth your time. If you trust your ob/gyn then I'd go with what he/she says. I'm sure they would start you at the lowest dose and see how that goes. Just always wean slowly from an SSRI. Also, if you are nursing that would make a difference. Good luck and congratulations on the baby!

I have a history of depression (never treated), and have been sick and unhappy for most of my pregnancy, so my doctor thinks postpartum depression is likely. Apparently, Zoloft doesn't end up in breast milk, but I really want to look into it more. I'd love help getting through, but am afraid of quitting. I hadn't even thought about different dosages, so you're probably right. Thank you for the advice!

My doctor put me on it for an off-label use of migraine headache control, and improved sleep. I hated every minute on the drug, it was horrible for me. I however chalk that up to the fact I was not depressed and it probably was overkill for my chemically sensative system. We weaned me off it pretty fast because my side effects were so bad - and let me tell you coming off it wasn't any more pleasant. Still, if you need it - take it. But if/when you go to go off it, do it carefully, slowly and under your doctor's guidance.

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Thanks for the info. Her doc has her going down in 25 mg steps and they are going to see how it goes. I'm not sure if he'll replace it with something else. I'm going to mention the "brain zaps" if he hasn't already so she doesn't get too upset if it happens!