Zoloft Withdrawal
If your physician referred you to The Road Back and you are not sure which supplements you need for Zoloft withdrawal, click here and you will go to a page that has links to the correct supplement package. If you wish to remain on Zoloft but eliminate current Zoloft withdrawal side effects, click here. If you want to taper off the Zoloft and you are not sure where to start, you can click here and read the bestselling book, How to Get Off Psychoactive Drugs Safely or send Jim Harper an email at Jim@theroadbnack.org and he will guide you through the process of Zoloft withdrawal.Zoloft, also known by its generic name Sertraline, is an antidepressant medication that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders. However, like many other medications, Zoloft can cause withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly or if the dosage is significantly reduced.
Zoloft withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on several factors such as the dosage, the length of time the medication was taken, and individual differences in metabolism. Some common symptoms of Zoloft withdrawal include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irritability, agitation, and flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and chills.
Withdrawal from Zoloft can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. The symptoms can be severe and long-lasting, and they can disrupt a person's daily life. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional before stopping Zoloft or reducing the dosage, as they can provide guidance on how to safely taper off the medication and minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
One of the most critical steps in managing Zoloft withdrawal symptoms is to gradually reduce the dosage of the medication. This process is known as tapering, and it involves slowly decreasing the amount of medication over time, allowing the body to adjust to the lower dosage gradually. Tapering can take several weeks or even months, depending on the individual and the dosage of the medication.
Another important aspect of managing Zoloft withdrawal is self-care. This includes getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and other substances that can worsen symptoms. It is also essential to stay hydrated and to avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can contribute to anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms.
Some people may also benefit from therapy or other forms of support during Zoloft withdrawal. This can include talking to a mental health professional, joining a support group, or finding other ways to cope with the emotional and psychological effects of withdrawal.
In some cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe medications to help manage Zoloft withdrawal symptoms. These may include other antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or sleep aids. However, it is essential to use these medications under close medical supervision, as they can have their own side effects and risks.
In conclusion, Zoloft withdrawal can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience, but it is essential to approach it with patience, care, and the support of healthcare professionals. Gradually tapering off the medication, practicing self-care, and seeking support can all help minimize the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. If you are considering stopping Zoloft, speak with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that works for you and meets your unique needs.
ADDITIONAL SIDE EFFECTS OF ZOLOFT MEDICATION GENERAL BODY
Zoloft Withdrawal Allergy - Extreme sensitivity of body tissues triggered by substances in the air, drugs, or foods causing a variety of reactions such as sneezing, itching, asthma, hay fever, skin rashes, nausea and/or vomiting.
Zoloft Withdrawal Asthenia - A physically weak condition.
Zoloft Withdrawal Chest Pains - Severe discomfort in the chest caused by not enough oxygen going to the heart because of narrowing of the blood vessels or spasms.
Zoloft Withdrawal Edema of Extremities - Abnormal swelling of the body’s tissue caused by the collection of fluid.
Zoloft Withdrawal Malaise - The somewhat unclear feeling of discomfort you get when you start to feel sick.
Pain in Limb - Sudden, sharp, and uncontrolled leg or arm discomfort. Syncope - A short period of light-headedness or unconsciousness (black-out) also known as fainting, caused by lack of oxygen to the brain because of an interruption in blood flow to the brain.
Tightness of Chest - Mild or sharp discomfort, tightness or pressure in the chest area (anywhere between the throat and belly). The causes can be mild or seriously life-threatening because they include the heart, lungs and surrounding muscles.
CARDIOVASCULAR (INVOLVING THE HEART AND THE BLOOD VESSELS)
Palpitation - Unusual and not normal (abnormal) heartbeat, that is sometimes irregular, but rapid, and forceful thumping or fluttering. It can be brought on by shock, excitement, exertion, or medical stimulants. A person is normally unaware of his/her heartbeat.
Hypertension - High blood pressure, a symptom of disease in the blood vessels leading away from the heart. Hypertension is known as the “silent killer.” The symptoms are usually not obvious; however, it can lead to damage to the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes, and can even lead to stroke and kidney failure.
Bradycardia - The heart rate is slowed from 72 beats per minute, which is normal, to below 60 beats per minute in an adult.
Tachycardia - The heart rate is sped up to above 100 beats per minute in an adult. Normal adult heart rate is 72 beats per minute.
ECG Abnormal - A test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) records the activity of the heart. It measures heartbeats as well as the position and size of the heart’s four chambers. It also measures if there is damage to the heart and the effects of drugs or mechanical devices like a pacemaker on the heart. When the test is abnormal this means one or more of the following are present: heart disease, defects, beating too fast or too slow, disease of the blood vessels leading from the heart or the heart valves, and/or a past or impending heart attack.
Varicose Veins - Unusually swollen veins near the surface of the skin that sometimes appear twisted and knotted, but always enlarged. They are called hemorrhoids when they appear around the rectum. The cause is attributed to hereditary weakness in the veins aggravated by obesity, pregnancy, pressure from standing, aging, etc. Severe cases may develop swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, eczema and/or ulcers in the affected areas.
GASTROINTESTINAL (INVOLVING THE STOMACH AND THE INTESTINES)
Zoloft Withdrawal Dyspepsia/Indigestion. The discomfort one may experience after eating. It can be heartburn, gas, nausea, a bellyache or bloating.
Zoloft Withdrawal Gagging - Involuntary choking and/or involuntary vomiting.
Zoloft Withdrawal Gastritis - A severe irritation of the mucus lining of the stomach, either short in duration or lasting for a long period of time.
Zoloft Withdrawal Gastroenteritis - A condition in which the membranes of the stomach and intestines are irritated.
Zoloft Withdrawal Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - Excessive internal bleeding in the stomach and intestines.
Zoloft Withdrawal Gastro Esophageal Reflux - A continuous state where stomach juices flow back into the throat causing acid indigestion and heartburn and possibly injury to the throat.
Zoloft Withdrawal Hemorrhoids - Small rounded purplish swollen veins that bleed, itch or are painful, and appear around the anus.
Zoloft Withdrawal Polyposis Gastric - Tumors that grow on stems in the lining of the stomach, which usually become cancerous.
HEMIC & LYMPHATIC (INVOLVING THE BLOOD AND THE CLEAR FLUIDS IN THE TISSUES THAT CONTAIN WHITE BLOOD CELLS)
Zoloft Withdrawal Anemia - A condition in which the blood is no longer carrying enough oxygen, so the person looks pale and easily gets dizzy, weak and tired. More severely, a person can end up with an abnormal heart, as well as breathing and digestive difficulties.
Zoloft Withdrawal Bruise - Damage to the skin resulting in a purple-green-yellow skin coloration that is caused by breaking the blood vessels in the area without breaking the surface of the skin.
Zoloft Withdrawal Hematoma - Broken blood vessels that cause a swelling in an area on the body.
Zoloft Withdrawal Lymphadenopathy Cervical - The lymph nodes in the neck, part of the body’s immune system, become swollen and enlarged by reacting to the presence of a drug. The swelling is the result of the white blood cells multiplying in order to fight the invasion of the drug.
METABOLIC & NUTRITIONAL (ENERGY AND HEALTH)
Zoloft Withdrawal Arthralgia - Sudden sharp nerve pain in one or more joints.
Zoloft Withdrawal Arthropathy - Joint disease or abnormal joints.
Zoloft Withdrawal Arthritis - Painfully inflamed and swollen joints. The reddened and swollen condition is brought on by a serious injury or shock to the body either from physical or emotional causes.
Zoloft Withdrawal Bilirubin Increased - Bilirubin is a waste product of the breakdown of old blood cells. Bilirubin is sent to the liver to be made water-soluble so it can be eliminated from the body through emptying the bladder. A drug can interfere with or damage this normal liver function, creating liver disease.
Zoloft Withdrawal Hepatic Enzymes Increased - An increase in the amount of paired liver proteins that regulate liver processes causing a condition in which the liver functions abnormally.
Zoloft Withdrawal Hypercholesterolemia - Too much cholesterol in the blood cells.
Zoloft Withdrawal Hyperglycemia - An unhealthy amount of sugar in the blood.
Zoloft Withdrawal Myalgia - A general widespread pain and tenderness of the muscles.
NERVOUS SYSTEM (SENSORY CHANNELS)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - A pinched nerve in the wrist that causes pain, tingling, and numbing.
Zoloft Withdrawal Coordination Abnormal - A lack of normal, harmonious interaction of the parts of the body when it is in motion.
Zoloft Withdrawal Disequilibrium - Lack of mental and emotional balance.
Zoloft Withdrawal Hyperreflexia - A not normal (abnormal) and involuntary increased response in the tissues connecting the bones to the muscles.
Zoloft Withdrawal Muscle Contractions Involuntary – A spontaneous and uncontrollable tightening reaction of the muscles caused by electrical impulses from the nervous system.
Zoloft Withdrawal Paresthesia - Burning, prickly, itchy, or tingling skin with no obvious or understood physical cause.
Zoloft Withdrawal Restless Legs - A need to move the legs without any apparent reason. Sometimes there is pain, twitching, jerking, cramping, burning, or a creepy-crawly sensation associated with the movements. It worsens when a person is inactive, and can interrupt sleep so one feels the need to move to gain some relief.
Zoloft Withdrawal Shaking - Uncontrolled quivering and trembling as if one is cold and chilled.
Zoloft Withdrawal Tics - A contraction of a muscle causing a repeated movement not under the control of the person, usually on the face or limbs.
Zoloft Withdrawal Tremor - A nervous and involuntary vibrating or quivering of the body.
Zoloft Withdrawal Twitching - Sharp, jerky and spastic motion, sometimes with a sharp sudden pain.
Zoloft Withdrawal Vertigo - A sensation of dizziness with disorientation and confusion.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL
Zoloft Withdrawal Agitation – A suddenly violent and forceful emotionally disturbed state of mind.
Zoloft Withdrawal Amnesia - Long term or short term, partial or full memory loss created by emotional or physical shock, severe illness, or a blow to the head where the person was caused pain and became unconscious.
Zoloft Withdrawal Anxiety Attack - Sudden and intense feelings of fear, terror, and dread, physically creating shortness of breath, sweating, trembling and heart palpitations.
Zoloft Withdrawal Apathy - Complete lack of concern or interest for things that ordinarily would be regarded as important or would normally cause concern.
Zoloft Withdrawal Auditory Hallucination - Hearing things without the voices or noises being present.
Zoloft Withdrawal Bruxism - Grinding and clenching of teeth while sleeping.
Zoloft Withdrawal Carbohydrate Craving - A drive or craving to eat foods rich in sugar and starches (sweets, snacks and junk foods) that intensifies as the diet becomes more and more unbalanced due to the unbalancing of the proper nutritional requirements of the body.
Zoloft Withdrawal Concentration Impaired - Unable to easily focus your attention for long periods of time.
Zoloft Withdrawal Crying (Abnormal) - Unusual and not normal (abnormal) fits of weeping for short or long periods of time for no apparent reason.
Zoloft Withdrawal Depersonalization - A condition in which one has lost a normal sense of personal identity.
Zoloft Withdrawal Depression - A hopeless feeling of failure, loss and sadness that can deteriorate into thoughts of death. A very common reaction to or side effect of, psychiatric drugs.
Zoloft Withdrawal Disorientation - A loss of sense of direction, place, time or surroundings, as well as mental confusion regarding one’s personal identity.
Zoloft Withdrawal Dreaming (Abnormal) - Dreaming that leaves a very clear, detailed picture and impression when awake that can last for a long period of time and sometimes be unpleasant.
Zoloft Withdrawal Emotional Lability - Suddenly breaking out in laughter or crying or doing both without being able to control the outburst of emotion. These episodes are unstable as they are caused by experiences or events that normally would not have this effect on an individual.
Zoloft Withdrawal Excitability - Uncontrollably responding to stimuli (one’s environment).
Zoloft Withdrawal Feeling Unreal - The awareness that one has an undesirable emotion like fear, but can’t seem to shake off the irrational feeling. For example, feeling like one is going crazy, but rationally knowing that it is not true. The quality of this side effect resembles being in a bad dream and not being able to wake up.
Zoloft Withdrawal Irritability – An abnormal reaction of being annoyed or disturbed in response to a stimulus (the environment: that which is happening around one).
Zoloft Withdrawal Lethargy - Mental and physical sluggishness and apathy (a feeling of hopelessness that “nothing can be done”) which can deteriorate into an unconscious state resembling deep sleep. A numbed state of mind.
Zoloft Withdrawal Libido Decreased - An abnormal loss of sexual energy or desire.
Zoloft Withdrawal Panic Reaction - A sudden, overpowering, chaotic and confused mental state of terror resulting in being doubt-ridden, often accompanied with hyperventilation and extreme anxiety.
Zoloft Withdrawal Restlessness Aggravated - A constantly worsening troubled state of mind characterized by the person being increasingly nervous, unable to relax, and easily angered.
Zoloft Withdrawal Somnolence - Feeling sleepy all the time or having a condition of semi- consciousness.
Zoloft Withdrawal Suicide Attempt - An unsuccessful deliberate attack on one’s own life with the intention of ending it.
Zoloft Withdrawal Suicidal Tendency - Most likely will attempt to kill oneself.
Zoloft Withdrawal Tremulousness Nervous - Very jumpy, shaky, and uneasy, while feeling fearful and timid. The condition is characterized by thoughts dreading the future, involuntary quivering, trembling, and feeling distressed and suddenly upset.
REPRODUCTIVE FEMALE
Zoloft Withdrawal Breast Neoplasm - A tumor or cancer, of either of the two milk-secreting organs on the chest of a woman.
Zoloft Withdrawal Menorrhagia - Abnormally heavy menstrual period or a menstrual flow that has continued for an unusually long period of time.
Zoloft Withdrawal Menstrual Cramps - Painful, involuntary uterus contractions that women experience around the time of their menstrual period, sometimes causing pain in the lower back and thighs.
Zoloft Withdrawal Menstrual Disorder - A disturbance or derangement in the normal function of a woman’s menstrual period.
Zoloft Withdrawal Pelvic Inflammation - The reaction of the body to infectious, allergic, or chemical irritation, which, in turn, causes tissue irritation, injury, or bacterial infection characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function. The reaction usually begins in the uterus and spreads to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other areas in the hipbone region of the body.
Zoloft Withdrawal Premenstrual Syndrome - Various physical and mental symptoms commonly experienced by women of childbearing age usually 2 to 7 days before the start of their monthly period. There are over 150 symptoms including eating binges, behavioral changes, moodiness, irritability, fatigue, fluid retention, breast tenderness, headaches, bloating, anxiety, and depression. The symptoms cease shortly after the period begins and disappear with menopause. Spotting Between
Zoloft Withdrawal Menses - Abnormal bleeding between periods. Unusual spotting between menstrual cycles.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (ORGANS INVOLVED IN BREATHING)
Zoloft Withdrawal Asthma - A disease of the breathing system initiated by an allergic reaction or a chemical, with repeated attacks of coughing, sticky mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. The disease can reach a state where it stops a person from exhaling, leading to unconsciousness and death.
Zoloft Withdrawal Bronchitis - Inflammation of the two main breathing tubes leading from the windpipe to the lungs. The disease is marked by coughing, a low-grade fever, chest pain, and hoarseness, caused by an allergic reaction.
Zoloft Withdrawal Laryngitis - Inflammation of the voice box characterized by hoarseness, sore throat, and coughing. It can be caused by straining the voice or exposure to infectious, allergic or chemical irritation.
Zoloft Withdrawal Pneumonia Tracheitis - Bacterial infection of the air passageways and lungs that causes redness, swelling and pain in the windpipe. Other symptoms are high fever, chills, pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, and coughing with mucus discharge.
Zoloft Withdrawal Rhinitis - Chemical irritation causing pain, redness and swelling in the mucus membranes of the nose.
Zoloft Withdrawal Sinusitis - The body reacting to chemical irritation causing redness, swelling and pain in the area of the hollows in the facial bones especially around the nose.
SKELETAL
Zoloft Withdrawal Neck/Shoulder Pain - Hurtful sensations of the nerve endings caused by damage to the tissues in the neck and shoulder, signaling danger of disease.
SKIN AND APPENDAGES (SKIN, LEGS AND ARMS)
Zoloft Withdrawal Acne - Eruptions of the oil glands of the skin, especially on the face, marked by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, bumps, and more severely, by cysts and scarring.
Alopecia - The loss of hair, baldness.
Angioedema - Intense itching and swelling welts on the skin called hives caused by an allergic reaction to internal or external agents. The reaction is common to a food or a drug. Chronic cases can last for a long period of time.
Dermatitis - Generally irritated skin that can be caused by any of a number of irritating conditions, such as parasites, fungus, bacteria, or foreign substances causing an allergic reaction. It is a general inflammation of the skin.
Epidermal Necrolysis - An abnormal condition in which a large portion of the skin becomes intensely red and peels off like a second-degree burn. Often the symptoms include blistering.
Eczema - A severe or continuing skin disease marked by redness, crusting and scaling, with watery blisters and itching. It is often difficult to treat and will sometimes go away only to reappear again.
Folliculitis - Inflammation of a follicle (small body sac), especially a hair follicle. A hair follicle contains the root of a hair.
Furunculosis - Skin boils that show up repeatedly.
Lipoma - A tumor of mostly fat cells that is not health endangering.
Pruritus - Extreme itching of often-undamaged skin.
Rash - A skin eruption or discoloration that may or may not be itching, tingling, burning, or painful. It may be caused by an allergy, a skin irritation or a skin disease.
Skin Nodule - A bulge, knob, swelling or outgrowth in the skin that is a mass of tissue or cells.
RELATED TO THE SENSES
Conjunctivitis - Infection of the membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelid, caused by a virus, allergic reaction, or an irritating chemical. It is characterized by redness, a discharge of fluid and itching.
Dry Eyes - Not enough moisture in the eyes.
Earache - Pain in the ear.
Eye Infection - The invasion of the eye tissue by a bacteria, virus, fungus, etc, causing damage to the tissue, with toxicity. Infection spreading in the body progresses into disease.
Eye Irritation - An inflammation of the eye.
Metallic Taste - A range of taste impairment from distorted taste to a complete loss of taste.
Pupils Dilated - Abnormal expansion of the black circular opening in the center of the eye.
Taste Alteration - Abnormal flavor detection in food.
Tinnitus - A buzzing, ringing, or whistling sound in one or both ears occurring from the use of certain drugs.
Vision Abnormal - Normal images are seen differently by the viewer than by others.
Vision Blurred - Eyesight is dim or indistinct and hazy in outline or appearance.
Visual Disturbance - Eyesight is interfered with or interrupted. Some disturbances are light sensitivity and the inability to easily distinguish colors.
URINARY SYSTEM
Blood in Urine - Blood is present when one empties the liquid waste product of the kidneys through the bladder by urinating in the toilet, turning the water pink to bright red. Or you can see spots of blood in the water after urinating.
Dysuria - Difficult or painful urination. Kidney Stone - Small hard masses of salt deposits that the kidney forms.
Urinary Tract Infection - An invasion of bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., of the system in the body. This starts with the kidneys, which eliminate urine from the body. If the invasion goes unchecked, it can injure tissue and progress into disease.
Urinary Urgency - A sudden compelling urge to urinate, accompanied by
discomfort in the bladder.
UROGENITAL (URINARY TRACT AND/OR GENITAL STRUCTURES OR FUNCTIONS)
Anorgasmia - Failure to experience an orgasm. Ejaculation Disorder - Dysfunction of the discharge of semen during orgasm.
Menstrual Disorder - Dysfunction of the discharge during the monthly menstrual cycle.
VIOLENT OR PHYSICALLY DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS:
Acute Renal Failure - The kidneys stop excreting waste products properly, leading to rapid poisoning (toxicity) in the body.
Anaphylaxis - A violent, sudden, and severe drop in blood pressure caused by a re- exposure to a foreign protein or a second dosage of a drug that may be fatal unless emergency treatment is given right away.
Grand Mal Seizures (or Convulsions) - A recurring sudden, violent and involuntary attack of muscle spasms with a loss of consciousness.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome - A life threatening, rare reaction to an anti- psychotic drug marked by fever, muscular rigidity, changed mental status, and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.
Pancreatitis - Chemical irritation with redness, swelling, and pain in the pancreas where digestive enzymes and hormones are secreted.
QT Prolongation - A very fast heart rhythm disturbance that is too fast for the heart to beat effectively so the blood to the brain falls, causing a sudden loss of consciousness and may cause sudden cardiac death.
Rhabdomyolysis - The breakdown and release of muscle fibers into the circulatory system. Some of the fibers are poisonous to the kidney and frequently result in kidney damage.
Serotonin Syndrome - A disorder brought on by excessive levels of serotonin. It is caused by drugs and can be fatal. Symptoms include euphoria, drowsiness, sustained and rapid eye movement, agitation, reflexes overreacting, rapid muscle contractions, abnormal movements of the foot, clumsiness, feeling drunk and dizzy without any intake of alcohol, jaw muscles contracting and relaxing excessively, muscle twitching, high body temperature, rigid body, rotating mental status - including confusion and excessive happiness - diarrhea and loss of consciousness.
Thrombocytopenia - An abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets in the circulatory system. A decrease in platelets would cause a decrease in the ability of the blood to clot when necessary.
Torsades de Pointes – An unusually rapid heart rhythm starting in the lower heart chambers. If the short bursts of rapid heart rhythm continue for a prolonged period, it can degenerate into a more rapid rhythm and can be fatal.