Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms Of Zoloft

Posted on Tue, 17 Jan 2017

Question: I am a healthy 78 year old woman. I have been on Zoloft and HRT for 20 years. Both of these drugs helped me through many years of physical and emotional problems. I am a retired RN having worked with geriatric clients, drug and alcohol clients and many psychiatric clients. I've seen the results of stopping medication cold turkey. The problems of life do not go away regardless of age. They just change. I talked to my GP about stopping these medications. He advised reducing these very slowly. So I've been reducing the Zoloft to 25mg qd for several months then down to qod, and finally down to 3 times a week, then down to twice weekly. I stopped taking any about 1 month ago. Now I'm tearful, sad, and mad at the world.
I reduced the HRT down to qod for several months. Then down to 2 times a week for awhile. I stopped taking it the same time i stopped the Zoloft. Now I'm experiencing hot flashes several times a day. I go from being very cold to very warm in seconds. Just would like to know if my system will adjust any time soon.
I've read about natural remedies but haven't tried them. I do take Shaklee products ie, Vitalizer, Vivix, Mind Works, Nutriferon,and probiotics. I've taken these for years and my health overall is good. I do have arthritis and take an NSAID for that.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I think you should go back to Zoloft

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

In my view the option of re starting Zoloft should be explored again as irritability, sadness and tearfullness are clearly indicative of relapse of depresssion.

In my opinon hot flashes and other post menopausal symptoms are also likely to respond with Zoloft alone.

Considering your 20 years of intake I think it is very difficult gor body to adjust without antidepressant. I do not support use of supplements as I see no difference between a placebo and supplements.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 days later)

Thank you for your time Dr XXXXXXX I will consider your advice and talk with my GP when I see him again soon.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.

I am glad to hear that it was helpful for you.

Feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar