Sertraline, also known as Zoloft, is a drug used to treat depression.Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks are some of the conditions it is often prescribed to treat.Zoloft affects brain chemistry and should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.According to the gradual schedule your doctor prescribes, Zoloft should only be discontinued under the supervision of the doctor.
Step 1: Consider why you want to stop taking Zoloft.
Zoloft should be continued if it has effectively controlled your depression.There are good reasons to stop or change your medication.Severe or continuous side effects are one of the reasons.Zoloft can be used if your depression or disorder is not under control.Losing interest in pleasurable activities or hobbies; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; sleep disturbances such as insomnia or excessive sleeping; appetite changes; thoughts of suicide; or physical aches and pains are some of the things this may mean.Zoloft takes up to eight weeks to fully work and may require dosage increases.If you have been on Zoloft for at least six months, your doctor feels that you are not at risk for chronic or recurrent depression.
Step 2: Keep an eye on any side effects you have experienced.
There are some side effects of the medication that can include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, weight loss, insomnia, changes in sex drive, and uncontrollable shaking.Let your doctor know if the side effects don't go away.Younger adults and children may have thoughts of suicide.Let your doctor know if you have thoughts of suicide.
Step 3: You should talk to your doctor.
Discuss your side effects with your doctor if you want to stop taking Zoloft.This will help your doctor decide if you should stop taking Zoloft.If you have been on the medication for less than eight weeks, your doctor will recommend that you take the full 8 weeks to take effect.If you feel like stopping Zoloft because it hasn't been effective, you may want to ask your doctor if you can increase your dose.
Step 4: Continue Zoloft slowly.
Antidepressants need to be slowly discontinued to avoid symptoms.This is what it is called.It can take weeks to months to get rid of an anti-depressant.If you stop immediately, your body doesn't have enough time to adjust, and you may experience worse discontinuation symptoms.Sleep issues such as insomnia, nightmares, and lack of coordination are some of the symptoms.
Step 5: It depends on your doctor's schedule.
The length of time it takes to stop taking Zoloft depends on how long you have been on the medication and the dose you were prescribed.The best schedule for you to stop Zoloft will be determined by your doctor.A way to decrease the dose by 25mg per dose reduction is to have at least two weeks between each reduction.You can keep track of your schedule by writing down the dates.Over the course of several weeks, you should expect to stop taking the medication.If you were on Zoloft for a long time, you will likely stop taking it in four to six weeks.If you begin to experience intolerable withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may decide to reduce the dose at a slower rate.
Step 6: Take the time to document any effects you experience.
It is possible to experience discontinuation symptoms even if you are on Zoloft.It is possible that you are at risk of experiencing a relapse with regard to your depression or disorder.If you develop any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.Discontinuation symptoms have a quick start, slowly get better, and include more physical complaints.Look at when the symptoms start, how long they last, and the type of symptoms in order to differentiate between the two.After a few weeks, the symptoms get worse.If symptoms last more than a month, contact your doctor.
Step 7: Don't let your doctor know.
You will be monitored by your doctor for at least a few months.Inform him or her if you have any symptoms of a relapse.During this time period, you may want to keep in touch with your doctor.
Step 8: Take your doctor's prescription into account.
Zoloft may be discontinued if it is not controlling your depression or if you have side effects.Patient preference, prior response, effectiveness, safety and tolerability, cost, side effects, and drug interactions are some of the factors that affect the choice of medication.If you experienced side effects or inadequate control of your depression, your doctor may recommend a different drug.After taking Zoloft for at least five weeks, MAOIs can be used.
Step 9: You should try to exercise regularly.
Studies show that regular exercise can help with depression.Try to work out for thirty minutes a day.
Step 10: You should change your diet.
A healthy diet can help.Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help with depression.Foods containing Omega 3 are found in foods such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon.They are also available over the counter.There were studies that showed benefit of Omega 3 in mood disorders.There is more evidence that supports the lower doses.
Step 11: Follow a consistent sleep schedule.
Depression can cause sleep to be disturbed.Good sleep hygiene can help you get proper rest.Going to bed and getting up the same time each day is part of good sleep hygiene.
Step 12: Get some sun.
There is no consensus on how much you should be exposed to.Some types of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder, may benefit from getting more exposure to sunlight.Research shows that sunlight can affect your levels of Serotonin.Older patients with Alzheimer's may benefit from Sunlight.There is not a maximum amount of exposure for sunlight.If you are going to be in the sun for more than 15 minutes, make sure you wear sunscreen.
Step 13: There is a good support system.
Stay in touch with your doctor and let him know what's going on.A close friend or relative should be involved as well.They may be able to provide emotional support.It's important to have a good support system.Try to get out more often and not turn down invitations.
Step 14: Consider therapy.
According to an analysis of different studies, people who undergo therapy are less likely to have a relapse.It is possible to help people with mental disorders by teaching them how to deal with their thoughts and behaviors.Tools and strategies are given to people to manage their stress.There are different types of therapy.Treatment plans are dependent on the individual, the disorder, severity, and many other factors.The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help a person think more positively.Current problems and solutions are the focus.A therapist can help a person change their thinking and beliefs.It is effective for depression.Other therapies, such as family-focused therapy, which helps by resolving family conflicts that may be influencing the patient's illness, are also available.
Step 15: Consider the benefits of acupuncture.
There are studies showing the benefits of acupuncture for depression.Although it is not part of the guidelines, it can be useful for some.Thin needles are inserted through the skin to help relieve symptoms of diseases.There is no concern for risks if needles are sterile.
Step 16: Consider taking a break from work to meditate.
According to an analysis of previous studies, thirty minutes of daily meditation may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.Taking time to focus on breathing is one of the ways you can practice meditation.Focus is one of the aspects of medication that can free your mind of worry and stress.Slow, deep, even paced breathing increases oxygen and helps you breathe more efficiently.It's important for beginners to have a quiet setting so that they don't get distracted.