Tapering off Zoloft

[elbowglitter]

Quick background. I've been on 50mg of Zoloft since April when I started having major panic attacks. I had always been a somewhat anxious person, but I think the world just sort of conspired against me and everything came to a head at once (personal life, work, etc). Of course, my doc thought maybe they weren't panic attacks, so I had to have all sorts of tests (Holter monitor, MRI, bloodwork) which only freaked me out more. Final answer? Anxiety with a slightly elevated heart rate, but nothing to be concerned about.

The problem? I'm gaining weight with the Zoloft. I'm up 8 lbs since April, which is frustrating since I eat so well and have been training for the DL Half Marathon (yes, I know some of it may be muscle, but all my pants are tight - and my abs are not that muscular!). And that makes me depressed. I'm at the highest weight I've ever been and I don't like it. I wasn't exactly thin to begin with, and I can't afford to be buying new clothes. My cardiologist also commented that he would like to see me off the Zoloft, as it can elevate the heart rate, but agreed that my mental health was clearly the bigger concern.

I'm calling my doc today to get a tapering plan, but I was just looking for advice and good thoughts. I was considering waiting til after my DL trip, but I just feel so bad about myself with the side effects that I just want to get started with the tapering. I do still have a prescription for Xanax, so if an anxiety/panic attack hits, I can take that to help deal with it. In my experience, just knowing that I can take the Xanax if necessary helps ward off any attacks.

Thanks in advance. I'm really nervous and stressed about the whole situation, and don't really have anyone that I can talk to about it.

 

[donaldduck352]

Don't be afraid.If you think you can live without it,by all means do so.Taper off the Zoloft.But remember one thing,xanax is only a quik fix to the underling problem.

Take me.I've been on Paxil for a few years now.Guess what happened in that time,I put on over 35lbs.Yes that is the side effect.I stay very active,lift wieghts with my son and walk 5+miles a day with the family.But if I ever thought of going off it,I would be in the same slump I was in..

So all ask ya is this.Is the side effects of the meds worth the price on how you will feel???

I hope for you,whatever you choose works.

 

[quasar4legs]

I don't have any personal experience with this situation but just wanted to send a big cyber hug

A dear friend of mine has had debilitating panic attacks for many years and her doctor suggested that she learn to meditate. While it hasn't been a 'miracle cure' she feels it has made a difference to her well being. Might be something to consider.

Congrats on training for the half marathon I am in awe of runners as I have no athletic ability at all.

Hope you are able to work things out and try to focus on your health rather than the weight (I know how tough that is).

Quasar

 

[elbowglitter]

Personally, I would like to see if the positive changes I've made in my life will help somewhat. I know that I will always be prone to this sort of anxiety, but would like to try to manage it without the use of medication. I know that's not always possible, but I'm "lucky" in that it's not that bad. I kind of think that I was prone to this and then sort of hit the perfect storm in terms of events in my work and personal lives.

I know that weight gain isn't the biggest deal, but it's made me feel pretty down about myself in general, plus there are a few other side effects I'm not such a huge fan of.

But if it turns out I have to stay on the meds, then I go out and buy a bigger wardrobe and be done with it.

 

[quasar4legs]

I hope it all works out for you and no matter the outcome you should be proud of the life changes you have made.


Sending you a little pixie dust
Quasar