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One study compared Zoloft with Paxil and Prozac to see which had the worst withdrawal symptoms.
242 patients whose depression was in remission were selected for the research. Unknowingly, they all had their antidepressant switched with a placebo, to see how they reacted. Ten percent of the patients were unable to complete the study.
No reason was given by the researchers. Here are the results from the others: Paxil had the worst withdrawal symptoms, followed by Zoloft, and Prozac had the fewest. During the 58-day period when Zoloft was replaced by placebo, the most frequent symptoms (reported by more than a quarter of patients) were – irritability, agitation, dizziness, headache, nervousness, crying, emotional lability, (extreme emotional displays) bad dreams, and anger. Around a third experienced mood worsening to the level generally associated with a major depressive episode.
In other words, you have a one in three chance of becoming severely depressed if you abruptly stop taking Zoloft.
And as for those other Zoloft withdrawal symptoms, it’s easy to imagine they were understated in the study. But when you’re the one going through these Zoloft withdrawal symptoms, however, they can be excruciating.
Read other user’s accounts of Zoloft withdrawal, and learn effective strategies for dealing with painful symptoms. Many people have good experiences while taking Zoloft, and are able to discontinue without any Zoloft withdrawal symptoms. For others, however,… I’m lightheaded, dizzy, disoriented, sleepy, irritable, and more emotional than usual.
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From: (withdrawal symptoms ) http://www.join-the-fun.com/zoloft-withdrawal.html