withdrawal symptoms?

Question

Does anyone know what the withdrawl syptoms are from Zoloft and Welbutrin, Antidepressants?? I am getting a shimmering feeling, dizziness, vertigo, headaches. How long does this last??

Answer 1

Hi there,

You do understand that most of these target one or more neurotransmitters (seratonin, norepinephrine, etc.). As such it is downright dangerous to just go off these drugs.

Please understand that these drugs are fundamentally altering your brain chemistry and I would highly recommend that you taper off (1, 0.9, ... half, ... quarter ...) over 4-6 weeks.

Some of these are common side-effects and withdrawal symptoms but I would HIGHLY recommend that you talk to a doctor or a qualified psych. professional. Depending on the dosage, these effects could last anywhere from 1-4 weeks (depending on strength etc. assuming these are withdrawal symptoms). Get some exercise, get those endorphins flowing, travel, do something unusual, that should help your depression temporarily.

Check out the sources if you want for the skinny on these.

Answer 2

Go back on your regular dose and then start a slow withdrawal, otherwise, you may have recurrent symptoms that can last for years. Never reduce more than 10% of your dose and wait at least 3 weeks between cuts until you are sure you feel stable. Try to find the CAUSE of your problems (novel idea) instead of taking these medicines that are not really well understood or proven. Could be thyroid related, or omega 3 deficiency, or general poor nutrition or who knows what but for sure it isn't cured by these drugs - at best, the symptoms are reduced. Like putting novacaine on a tooth cavity, it seems to help but actually just lets things get worse.

Answer 3

Some antidepressants can have withdrawal symptoms when they're suddenly stopped after taking them for long periods. Gradually tapering off them can prevent or lessen alot of these symptoms. It usually comes to a peak within a week and then gets better but you should talk to your doctor about it.

Answer 4

I m being weaned off both Wellbutrin and Lexapro. My dr started with Wellbutrin first, by taking every other day for two weeks, then off completely. Then every other day with Lexapro . I m in my last week going off Lexapro, and she wants me to go a week with nothing before I start on Prozac. I wonder if how I m feeling (extremely fatigued, feeling like it s hard to breathe, achy, depressed, etc.) is withdrawal or could this be something else? Basically I feel like crap. Any ideas or suggestions?

Answer 5

It is normal to go through these symptoms. It does suck, dont get me wrong. But it is your body readjusting to not having the SSRI in your system. It wont last too long. But expect to still feel it a bit even after about 1 week when you are down to your new dose or off it.

Answer 6

Yes, I had similar symptoms with Effexor. Also had weird shooting nerve sensations in my face and arms (hard to explain, almost like I got shocked with something).

My symptoms went away in a week or so.

Answer 7

Did you stop cold turkey? If you did, you could make yourself pretty sick. You need to wean yourself off of them slowly. Remember, these drugs are messing with the chemical processes in your brain. Stopping them abruptly is not the right way to do it.

Answer 8

If you are feeling this way, you should have weened yourself off of them. I hope that is what you did. You shouldn't just stop taking something all of the sudden. You need to talk to your doctor so he can tell you how to gradually stop taking them.

Answer 9

Why are you suffering withdrawal symptoms? Have you stopped taking these meds on your own without the approval of your doctor?

Please contact him/her for further instructions.

Answer 10

Could be. I had headaches from hell, shivering, sick to stomach.
Lasted about a week and a half.