I was put on zoloft 50mg just about 10 months ago.. i'm trying to get off of it so i started taking 25 mg everyday for about 2 weeks then cut it for every other day for a week and then every third day for a week, my doctor told me to just completely stop it and i would be okay. but on sunday it'll be a week since i took a 25 mg tablet and i've been getting the worst brain zaps ever . it's in my head and sometimes i feel it go through out my whole body.. is there anyway i can fix these brain zaps without going back on the medication? thank you for all your answers
You could go back to your last dose and half it again for a week or so that may help you
Well... yes, but for many different reasons it's rather unpopular. Benzodiazepines can reduce the 'brain zap' effect, but as they are habit forming in the long term, doctors prefer not to prescribe them. If you felt really bad, you could ask your GP / pdoc for a diazepam script. 5 mg -10 mg once per day should do the job - just don't take it for more than a week or so (brain zaps should be gone after a weak anyway).
i'd really hate to go back on another type of medication i just want to get off everything completely, i mean brain zaps do you think they would last to long? i mean if they eventually go away i guess i'll have to stick it out
No, they usually start within the 3-4 days after taking the last dose of sertraline (or paroxetine - they have similar elimination half times) and go away after 1-2 weeks. The majority of patients is able to cope with this particular withdrawal symptom without the need for any additional medication. However, in severe cases, the usage of a mild, long-lasting benzodiazepine is justified.
yup! mine started 3 days after the last time i took the zoloft.. thank you though for all your help really appreciate it and i'm just gonna stick it out hoping for the best! thank you again