SSRI withdrawal

[amylee]

(not sure where to put this, please move it if its in the wrong place)

Hey,

I have just stopped taking Sertraline cold turkey (I ran out)

I have been on different anti-anxiety/depression meds before and have NEVER felt this bad coming off, I feel awful!

I am nauseous, dizzy, tired and have these wierd flashes when I move my eyes like I am being electricuted.

I also have uncontrollable irritation and keep getting irrationally angry!

GAH!

what should I do? I feel soooo bad, is there anything I can do to relieve this? How long does it go on for?

Why did no doctor tell me coming off meds would suck this much?!!!! Why give them to me in the first place?!!!

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thank you xxx

[talaiporia]

I don't know about you but pretty much every doctor/pharmacist I've seen has repeatedly warned of the dangerous of coming of SSRIs, it's written all over the packets and it's written across the information page inside...

But, having done it myself, it sucks, and the only way to stop it is to a) go back on them or b) wait a long time for it to stop (I think I had bad withdrawal for at least a few weeks once when I came of a very high dose). It's really not worth waiting. What kind of dose were you on?

Assuming you do still want to take them, go back to your GP tomorrow, or a walk in centre, or anywhere really and get some more.

[Vanished-point]

SSRI is not something you can come off just like that,

if withdrawing, a doctor tapers your medication to a lower dose week(s) by week(s) to avoid possible symptoms of withdrawal syndrome.

I suggest seeing your doctor ASAP, withdrawal syndrome or SSRI discontinuation syndrome will be a nightmare (not to scare you).

How long does it last for?
People have reported it's chronic and long-term, especially when they finally establish they aren't touching another SSRI again, but people who withdraw from it appropriately report minor symptoms such as sweating, trembling and agitation.

Your doctor did not notify you about how problematic sudden withdrawal is is because you are not suppose to get off it without the help of your doc.

If you wish to continue, please see your doctor - refill and get back into schedule for daily appropriate dosing of your meds. If you wish to withdraw, see your doctor and he can taper.