tapering of SSRIs and tips to reduce SSRI discontinuation syndrome

[psytaco]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, usuallu just live in AUS drug discussion, so feel free to move mods.

I have been taking zoloft 50mg daily since around August. Over the last few months I believe my depression and anxiety has gone, I have found no need to go to a psychologist anymore, and rarely feel depressed, and my anxiety is very low. I would say I am completely better. I now have a beautiful and supportive girlfriend, have moved away from a very stressful living environment, and am alot more financially secure. Also, I am going to travel around south america for half a year so want to be off them by then.

I want to give up because I feel that it stops me from experiencing a normal range of emotions (both strong happiness and saddness). Also it has killed my sex drive and makes orgasm very hard to reach.

I spoke to a doctor whom I don't normally see (family doctor in my hometown) and she recommended halving my dose to 25mg for a month and then stopping.

I am going to err on the side of caution and try and take about 35mg for 2 weeks then drop to 25mg for a month. From there go down to 12mg for 2 weeks or so and then stop altogether.

My questions are: is this a sensible taper? Is it to fast?
Most doctors have said that zoloft at 50mg is unlikely to cause SSRI discontiunation. Has anyone experienced of this dose? I am a big guy (95kg but in good shape -lift weights alot).
For those cutting back on zoloft what type of symptoms did you have? How long did the symptoms last?
Also, how common are the brain zaps from zoloft at this dose?
Are there any good supplements people would recommend? I take fish oil at the moment, and protein powder for bodybuilding.

I plan to keep eating well, exercising daily, and keeping stress to a minimum. I will also be abstaining from drugs and drinking very little during this time.

thanks for reading all this guys. feel free to share your SSRI discontinuation stories too.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Hey I think that quitting now may not be best as depression can play tricks on you. I base this on my own and others experiences however more so my own.

Since October 2009 I've been on lexapro and like yourself was also very fit / active / left bad environments and wanted to quit the Mede as I felt a tone better after 5 months. So I started tapering and realized the depression hadn't fucked off.

The dogs recommend you be on meds for a year and there's a reason for that. You want to get used not being depressed for at least half a year before getting off.

Also there's nothing wrong with being on meds. Half the world is on it these days any hOw.

 

[psytaco]

^ yeah true. but I hate feeling emotionless and having my sex drive fucked with. I am going to south and central america with my girlfriend for 6 months and I would like to feel true wonder, excitement and happiness again. Even the bittersweet feelings of normal sadness i would welcome. I feel I would be missing out on a once in a life time experience if I am constantly on an emotional plateu that zoloft gives me.

i also would like to occassionally indulge in things like MDMA and psychedelics without having to worry about serotonin syndrome.

I am giving myself 2 months off them before I leave on my holiday so if my depression comes back I can get back on them before i leave Australia.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Try switching ssris perhaps to something like lexapro? Not every anti depressant will give you bad side effects.

Also forget the MDMA unless if you want to be depressed again. Yes it is hard to let go of a feeling but dont forget it was fake to begin with.

I just recently did speed a few weeks back. Me and some mates used over a 2 week period. I did my research and thought I would be ok but it has mildly affected me in terms of speech and memory although this is slowly coming back.

We all say it won't happen to us and then it does and then what? You seem to be doing well so keep it that way. Also remember drugs were never a part of life until some fucker realized he could make money off it.

All the best