Zoloft · Active · Sep 23, 2026

Tapering: Zoloft

active

155 posts

France

Did my initial fast taper (skipping days) permanently sensitize my nervous system?

September 23, 2026

Hi everyone, I am currently holding at 22.5mg of Sertraline after a recent drop from 25mg. However, my real tapering mistake happened before this: Following old-school doctor's advice, I did a much faster taper previously, which even included skipping/alternating days. I thought I had somewhat stabilized at 25mg after that ordeal and could continue, but my recent 10% drop to 22.5mg hit me incredibly hard with a delayed reaction after about a week. Now I wonder if my nervous system is heavily compromised from the skipping-days method before. I have a specific question about the long-term impact of that initial bad tapering advice. I know this is incredibly hard to answer definitively because we are all highly individual, and obviously, no one can experience both paths (tapering too fast vs. micro-tapering from the very beginning) at the same time to compare the timelines. But I am wondering: By doing that initial fast/skipping-days taper, did I essentially make my nervous system extremely hypervigilant, thereby massively prolonging my overall healing and future tapering journey? My core question to anyone who has personal experience, ideas, or knows of any research regarding this: Does my nervous system now have a permanent "sunburn" that I will have to tiptoe around for the rest of my taper, or will this hypervigilance eventually settle down and reset if I hold long enough and switch to a strict micro-taper? Any thoughts, research links, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Withdrawal is not a preview of who you are without the drug.
Zoloft — 10 years, 50 mg — currently 21.5 mg — actively tapering

42 Replies

Cosmic1973Oct 13

WelcomerMirtazapine · active

""Imagine you stop heavy drinking cold turkey and go into withdrawal. You go to your doctor, and he says, 'Sorry, but your shaky hands, sweating, and anxiety clearly show you have a relapse because of the alcohol imbalance in your brain. You will most likely need to get drunk f..." — @Gigi‎

Brilliantly put,

Mirtazapine — 0.2mg — 1 year — actively tapering

renee jOct 13

NavigatorSeroquel · active

Yes, I thought so too, nice to be able to have a good laugh at the end of what was a quite busy day, thanks Gigi.😄

Seroquel — 69 mg — 13 years — actively tapering

Gigi‎Oct 14

LighthouseZoloft · active

You're so welcome, @renee j 😊❤️

Withdrawal is not a preview of who you are without the drug.
Zoloft — 10 years, 50 mg — currently 21.5 mg — actively tapering

WeLiveInHopeOct 14

Prozac

It is my strongest belief that despite the brain’s abilities with neuroplasticity, the answer to your question is yes because there is only so much a body can take. For some of us the impact on our body is permanent. Treating it as an illness in its own right with ways to cope with the fall out symptoms may be the best, and indeed the only thing we can do. Aside from what we already discuss e.g, type of drug, duration of use, etc. I think the permanency is also age dependent. What the body can cope with and heal from at one age may be much more difficult at another. We mention neurotransmitters a lot in tapering, and what often gets overlooked is the impact the experience has on hormones. After all, some of our important hormones are being signalled by areas of the brain such as the pituitary. I think this requires much more research. You may always grieve for your old self, and we can still live the best life possible.

- Fluoxetine 10mg (liquid) - Holding since 2018 after taper from 20mg Paroxetine (tablets). On and off Paroxetine for over a decade. During taper, intense withdrawal symptoms of pain at 10mg and psychiatrist and I agreed to swap to 10mg fluoxetine.

- Quetiapine 25mg (tablet) - Taking this since 2023 as aid for sleep.

- Diazepam various doses between 5mg - 20mg (tablet) - Take this may 3 days in a 6 month period usually. Since circa January 2026, use has increased to 3 doses per month. So, still quite infrequent but more regular.

- Lamotrigine (tablet) - Tapering rapidly. 4mg October 2026. Now 2mg, also October 2026. Holding here for now.

Started 25mg circa June 2026, titrated to 100mg, intense pain developed, possibly side effects/withdrawal symptoms from original Paroxetine taper. Abrupt withdrawal due to the pain, resumed at 25mg 3 weeks later in September 2026. Began rapid tapering 2 weeks later due to intense pain. Started this medication as developed persistent depression with distressing suicidal type thoughts from circa February 2026.

- *Levothyroxine (liquid) - Adjusting dose for hypothyroidism (October 2026). So you have an accurate picture, I have a strange autoimmune thyroid disease where I naturally oscillate between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, though of course at times it can be with due to over medication of levothyroxine or anti thyroid drugs. Allegedly, this have antibodies for both Graves and Hashimoto diseases. Diagnosed circa 2023. Given my family is riddled with the disease it’s possibly I had this all along and was misdiagnosed with bipolar. I remain open minded including that psychotropic drugs caused this harm to me too.

- OTC - Omega 3, Nac, Coq10, multivitamin. These I take regularly. Occasionally, I also take folate, b12, iron with vitamin c when I need to increase my levels. There are a few others I take very occasionally such as CBD and feverfew for pain.

- Others - As per bio, I have been taking, and at times misusing, and come off other psychotropic drugs as well as sleeping tablets throughout the last two plus decades. For a fuller drug history, see SA website under the same username here https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/28665-weliveinhope-not-there-yet/

I am based in England UK and my tapers are largely self managed without clinicians, though I tend to keep clinicians informed about my tapering decisions.

WeLiveInHopeOct 14

Prozac

"the more times you go on & off meds, taper too fast, and yo-yo doses and add other meds to the mix, the more likely you are too find it harder coming off because you're more sensatised. I think we're all sensatised to some degree, but that's all in the past and there's not m..." — @Cosmic1973

100% this.

Gigi‎Oct 14

LighthouseZoloft · active

"You may always grieve for your old self, and we can still live the best life possible." — @WeLiveInHope

It is incredibly freeing to realize that one doesn't have to wait for life to be 'perfect'—or match some ideal blueprint—to find contentment.

Withdrawal is not a preview of who you are without the drug.
Zoloft — 10 years, 50 mg — currently 21.5 mg — actively tapering

renee jOct 14

NavigatorSeroquel · active

I do think, however, it's important to try for a bit of optimism here, otherwise we risk falling into despair and every time we falter a bit, get all anxious and wonder if we are doomed to feel like this forever. This will just make things a lot worse. I'm 70 now, and am truly amazed at how absolutely wonderful our brain and nervous systems are, especially with recovery from injury. I have a fair bit of anxiety to cope with which absolutely has more to do with the dreadful upbringing I had and the traumatic catastrophic w/drawals from valium and quetiapine when I used linear tapering, (not knowing until recently about hyperbolic tapering, which I am using now with little to no withdrawals), rather than the effect of withdrawal. It's early days yet, but the last time I was at this level of dose on the linear taper I was totally debilitated. Quite possibly there are some unfortunates who have permanent problems, but let's not assume it will be us, odds are it won't. Positive thinking is so important, right? As an example many years ago my grandad had a severe stroke, paralysed, and lapsed into depression, so bad he gave up and wouldn't attempt rehab. A friend also had a stroke at the same time, just as bad, but took a positive, hopeful attitude, doing all his exercises. He recovered fully. Grandad never did and died 2 years later, so sad and unnecessary. Just saying, we shouldn't go round always thinking the worst 🙂

Seroquel — 69 mg — 13 years — actively tapering

Gigi‎Oct 15

LighthouseZoloft · active

"try for a bit of optimism here" — @renee j

Faith can move mountains. 🏔️☀️

Withdrawal is not a preview of who you are without the drug.
Zoloft — 10 years, 50 mg — currently 21.5 mg — actively tapering

renee jOct 15

NavigatorSeroquel · active

Absolutely, especially, as Effie Trinket (Hunger Games) was fond of saying, (well sort of), when the odds are in our favour as they are here. We'll get there, right?👍

Seroquel — 69 mg — 13 years — actively tapering

Gigi‎Oct 15

LighthouseZoloft · active

"when the odds are in our favour" — @renee j

So true! I think we often get hung up on the fact that this whole situation was "avoidable." But on the flip side: unlike a lot of other diagnoses, our prognosis is actually good. Great, even! It takes time and it certainly isn't easy... but the chances of fully healing are absolutely there. We shouldn't ever forget that! P.S. Are you going to see "Sunrise on the Reaping"? I believe it hits cinemas this November 😊!

Withdrawal is not a preview of who you are without the drug.
Zoloft — 10 years, 50 mg — currently 21.5 mg — actively tapering

DuloxiOct 15

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi Gigi, I believe that dose reductions can accumulate if we taper too quickly. I’ve also started a thread about this here.

Cymbalta — 17,5mg(12mg) — 17 Jahre — holding -with clinician - 90 mg – 2021: First tapering attempt.
60 mg – 2023: Second tapering attempt.
With a doctor's supervision—but unfortunately, a doctor who doesn't know how to properly taper off an antidepressant.

AniOct 15

LighthouseZoloft · active

I talked to a friend today, she is taking Zoloft like I do and is thinking about reducing. Just informed her to not rush with the tapering and that she can talk to me in the future should there be any questions, that some people have difficulties. Didn't want to scare her but want to avoid needless suffering for her in the future. Well, I did my best and hope it was okay to tell her some basics :)

Zoloft — current 2.8 mg — 6 years — actively tapering - tapered from 50 mg

renee jOct 15

NavigatorSeroquel · active

Hi Ani, yes I think you did the right thing definitely, all we can do is let her know the importance of tapering hyperbolically (it may not stop w/d's altogether, depends on the person and their situation), just briefly how to go about it, the most important thing is to provide a sense of hope, and that's what I call doing one's best. Even if she doesn't want to take your advice yet, she may well change her mind later on, and she can always get back to you or, even, join the community for even more support. Now I know about "Sunrise on the Reaping" I will try to see it. Thanks Gigi! And Duloxi, it's an interesting idea I don't know anything about, but what is certain is if you do go too fast it will sure feel as though they've accumulated. I'll check your thread, thanks, R.☺️

Seroquel — 69 mg — 13 years — actively tapering

Overthis66Oct 15

WelcomerValium · active

@Gigi‎, I’m sorry. I hate this for you. For everyone. I don’t know much about Zoloft. Tried it before my 6 years on Klonopin. I got to 3 months and extreme nerve pain in my legs so bad I’d scream. I couldn’t walk at times and a rash like I’ve never had in my life. So looking back I’m glad I was allergic. Gigi, hold for a while. Let your body heal before tapering more. Slow and easy. I think all of us wish we could just be done. BUT..I have to share this to you and everyone in this thread. I feel so humbled to be among all of you. Truly. You’re all an encouragement and an inspiration in so many ways. I read your stories and questions and I’m blown away at the knowledge. It’s not dr knowledge. Not even so much book knowledge. It’s life in the trenches knowledge. I have all ready learned so much from all of you. I’ll be 60 in Dec. I hoped to get off Valium and be done by then. That’s not gonna happen. I had to die to that. Gigi, this battle we are in will forever change us and we will look at everything so differently with more grace and compassion. I will I’ll tonight be praying for you, for all of you as we continue this journey none of us expected nor wanted. You slow down your taper. Our brains have a beautiful capacity for healing!!! ♥️♥️♥️

Valium — 10mg — 2 months — actively tapering | without clinician

renee j6d ago

NavigatorSeroquel · active

Well said Overthis, it is really tough, that's part of the journey I'm afraid. First time I tapered I was about 60 as well, and it was a nightmare of a linear taper, with a hopeless psychiatrist who knew nothing about tapering, left me to find answers on my own, and then, after I'd endured 8 months of torture, had the nerve to understate things with "my, you had a hard time didn't you" Duh. It was relatively short and not as bad as it could have been, because I'd only been on the valium for several months. Then another linear taper attempt off quetiapine 4 years ago. failed that, BUT 2 months ago, and now 70, I found out about hyperbolic tapering and how to do it, and so far, and probably luckily, it's proving to be a great success. It may take up to 5 years (gasp!), so hopefully I won't drop dead first (lol) but no matter how old and decrepit I get, with a bit of patience and optimism I'll get there and it will all have been worth it. It would have been better if I was your age, but there you are. Just wanting to give you all a bit of hope and encouragement. Best, R❤️

Seroquel — 69 mg — 13 years — actively tapering

Gigi‎6d ago

LighthouseZoloft · active

Hey @Ani, I agree with @renee j. It is good that you gave your friend a heads-up. If she ever stops and feels off, she might connect it to withdrawal instead of assuming it is a "relapse." I actually warned someone who is currently on Zoloft, too. I also had a very blunt talk with my near-adult kids. These meds get prescribed way too easily for everything from sleep problems to breakups, and they really needed to know the risks. @Overthis66 Thank you for your kind words and your prayers. I see my initial question (post) is from not even a month ago, but it feels like a year 😅. So much has changed and is different already! I am on day 7 after my latest cut (4.4%), which is the exact day symptoms began to show last time. Besides some headache and a general "I can't run a marathon today" feeling, all is well. I know I am still on the more forgiving higher doses, but I am hopeful because this is manageable, I can function, and I am content. @renee j Tell me, don't you think watching a movie with less of the drug in your system feels like a different experience? Or am I imagining this? The same goes for reading, listening to music, or just taking a walk. Everything really does feel a little new right now. I wonder if it is the lifting of the emotional blunting, or if it is that broader mental shift. I really don't want to romanticize anything we experience, and I know I might be one of the lucky ones (so far), but if I come out of this, as Ani said, "more open to new things in a way," then I feel it's not all in vain.

Withdrawal is not a preview of who you are without the drug.
Zoloft — 10 years, 50 mg — currently 21.5 mg — actively tapering

renee j6d ago

NavigatorSeroquel · active

You are probably right Gigi, it makes sense because what these drugs do is to deaden emotional responses rather than actually cure anything. So I look forward to seeing what happens. I don't actually watch many movies or listen to a lot of music compared to most people I guess, but I certainly like going for a walk and looking around me at what is going on. I never take my phone with me because I find plenty to look at without one. Which is a good thing I think. The number of people who go past my gate as I am backing my car out, and bump into my car because they're looking at their phone, is quite amazing to me lol.

Seroquel — 69 mg — 13 years — actively tapering

Join the conversation

Need a clinician who understands tapering?

Browse our map of deprescribing-informed providers worldwide.

Find a Deprescriber