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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Does Withdrawal Symptoms Of Zoloft Exist?

Hello. I started taking 100 mg Zoloft 2 years ago after losing my mother. For the past year I have been cutting the pills in half and taking 50mg. A week ago (July 22) I decided to quit taking the medication because the initial reasons for taking it no longer existed....I wanted my sex drive back as well. The first few days were fine; however I have started getting what I can only describe as quick waves of dizziness... Other people describe this feeling as brain jolts . It is worse today than ever. How long can I expect these awful withdrawal like symptoms and is there anything (maybe Dramamine) that would alleviate these symptoms? Please help. Thank you so much.
Fri, 8 Aug 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic.

I have read your query carefully and understood that you took Zoloft (Sertraline) 100mg/day for one year and then you reduced it to 50mg/day since last one year. Since 1 week you have stopped it abruptly and now you are having complaint of sudden waves of dizziness.

I would like to let you know that you are having Sertraline discontinuation/withdrawal syndrome which is seen many a times when patients stop their sertraline abruptly. These withdrawal symptoms usually last from 1-4 weeks.

I would like to advice you that you can consult your psychiatrist who can taper off your sertraline very slowly or he can start fluoxetine and stop it as withdrawal is less likely with fluoxetine.
I would advice you NOT to use Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) as it wont be helpful in this condition.

Hope I answered your query, let me know if you need any further information.
Regards
DR. ASHUTOSH SINGH
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How Long Does Withdrawal Symptoms Of Zoloft Exist?

Hi, Thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic. I have read your query carefully and understood that you took Zoloft (Sertraline) 100mg/day for one year and then you reduced it to 50mg/day since last one year. Since 1 week you have stopped it abruptly and now you are having complaint of sudden waves of dizziness. I would like to let you know that you are having Sertraline discontinuation/withdrawal syndrome which is seen many a times when patients stop their sertraline abruptly. These withdrawal symptoms usually last from 1-4 weeks. I would like to advice you that you can consult your psychiatrist who can taper off your sertraline very slowly or he can start fluoxetine and stop it as withdrawal is less likely with fluoxetine. I would advice you NOT to use Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) as it wont be helpful in this condition. Hope I answered your query, let me know if you need any further information. Regards DR. ASHUTOSH SINGH