Hello, all-
I just joined this community today after having read several posts from people who have had negative experiences trying to discontinue using Zoloft. However, besides tapering, I didn't see much advice regarding what to do about extreme withdrawal.
I've taken Zoloft for Generalized Anxiety Disorder for almost 3 years. I quit cold-turkey exactly one week ago. I know this isn't advisable, but I've attempted to wean myself off the medication twice already--once last December, over a course of two weeks, and again last April over a course of 6 weeks. Both times I tapered off of my 100mg dose slowly, and both times my discontinuation symptoms were so intense (with no difference between the two different tapering schedules) that I had to resume taking the drug. My symptoms are no worse this time either, but I don't know what to do to manage them--perhaps that is why I was never able to quite before.
I have the standard hot/cold flashes, electric zaps, nausea, exhaustion, vivid dreams, and INTENSE light sensitivity. The symptoms have not decreased at all, and because I am a teacher and a coach, they are starting to impact my everyday life. Although I have been able to control my reactions to these symptoms while at work, I usually fall apart as soon as I get home, and this is effecting my marriage. My poor husband has really had enough of my outbursts and tantrums. All I want to do is sleep. Even though I'm getting 6-8 hours most nights (more on weekends), I'm crashing mid-afternoon, and I've actually fallen asleep at the wheel twice this week on a very short 20 minute drive home. I fell asleep this afternoon after getting 10 hours last night and dreamt of passing out at work and then not being able to navigate through a dark, foggy cloud that encompassed me...
I refuse to go through the rest of my life using a drug that is so incredibly addictive that missing a dose can ruin one's day, but I don't know how to get through the next few weeks. I feel like I should be in rehab., and I'm seriously considering calling in sick tomorrow...maybe this counts as sick...
Please help!