Is it dangerous to stop taking Zoloft all at once?

Answer 1

I don't THINK it's dangerous in the way stopping a tranquiliser would be (some of those can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms). But no doctor would recommend stopping Zoloft all at once, the recommendation is always to wean yourself off .. i.e. gradually cut down the dosage. Since you ask this question, it sounds like this is a decision you're considering by yourself, not by a doctor's advice. I would think the biggest danger is that if your doc is not giving this the thumbs up, then that means you are not ready to stop your medication, and so if you do, you will go hurtling back into major depression, which would be bad.

If on the other hand, just in case your doc is the one who has said to stop all at once, and if you're unsure or uncomfortable with the idea, then simply tell him or her you'd like to gradually wean off instead.

I've been on Zoloft for seven years now, upped and down the dosage (with doc's approval) till we found that 100 mg was the daily dose that worked for me. Sometimes I think it would be nice to not have to take it but it really doesn't interfere with my life or my health in any negative way, and it keeps me from major depression and especially from anxiety attacks. I figure it's less painful than say, having to inject insulin every day as a diabetic might have to .. and depression's just another illness so I need to watch over and control it. Zoloft does that for me, so I've decided not to worry about when or whether I can stop. Besides I know I'm not yet emotionally healthy enough to risk the depression that might resurface if I stop. Well, that's me .. just thought sharing my experience of it might be of some use to you. Hope so.

Answer 2

I don't know if it's dangerous, see your doctor about that, but you should probably taper off slowly to see how you do of the medication, to see if your symptoms start to come back. I stopped it all at once, and did pretty badly, but I was doing pretty badly already, so I don't know if the two events are related.

Answer 3

stopping any mood stabilizer can potentially have adverse effects.. chances are you were put on them for a reason, right?
I would speak with your doctor about the possibility of slowly decreasing the dosage over a period of 6-8 weeks or so.. other matters would change this.. like perhaps an unplanned pregnancy.. these types of drugs are potentially harmful for the developmental stages of the fetus.
definitely speak with your doctor first

Answer 4

it is dangerous to stop taking any med cold turkey. w/d symptoms are terrible. defenitely concult with ur dr about wanting to get off of this if the drug isnt working that way e can taper u off of the med.

Answer 5

yes.... you need to decrease antidepressants (and other mental disorder drugs) a little at a time so you don't feel really bad side effects. your body needs to get used to the change gradually. please be under the care of a psychiatrist or at least a family doctor before doing this. good luck!

Answer 6

You should never stop taking meds abruptly see your Dr and get him to guide you through the process.

Answer 7

yes its dangerous to stop any drug at anytime without the consent of ur doctor

Answer 8

i wouldn't , i tried to "wean" myself off it and it took months of going every 3 days only taking it, its an addictive drug, and it showed how addictive when i tried. it was difficult but i got off it and i am better now, best to talk to your doctor first.

Answer 9

believe me-i tried it.....it feels like you're floating or your head is one step behind your body. not a good idea...feels like you're drunk. talk to the dr that prescribed it and/or the pharmacist. you need to wean yourself.

Answer 10

No its not, i did it twice and im still here, if you are having side effects - i suggest you see your GP.