Hi, I'm Spanish76

October 19, 2026

Been on Zoloft 100mg for 5 months and I want help to taper off due to continuous burning / stinging sensation in my head 24/7. GP says it’s “just anxiety” let’s get you off Zoloft and try duloxetine, HELL NO

Zoloft — 100mg — 5 month — researching taper

9 Replies

⭐

Catina1h ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Spanish76, welcome! Sorry to hear about your struggles. These drugs can have bad side effects. If you're unfamiliar with Hyperbolic tapering, you can learn about it in the Resources section. Here is some info about tapering Zoloft; I hope it helps! https://taper.community/resources/blog/zoloft-withdrawal-symptoms-and-timeline Keep us updated with how things are going for you. Catina 🌸

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

HopeNeverFails1h ago

NavigatorZyprexa · active

Hi S76! Glad to have you with us! 🙂 Imho, more drugs is the LAST solution...only when you're at wits and sanitys end. "just anxiety"' can be pretty darn destructive, as most of us on this forum can testify. Choose words of strength over drugs for healing. Your words have power. Especially your spoken. True positivity will heal you in the long term. A slow taper is recommended.... Best wishes! 🙏

Zyprexa — 0.8mg — 5.25 months — actively tapering | Silenor / Sinequan — 0.8mg — 3 months — actively tapering

Spanish761h ago

Zoloft · researching

I’m like this 24/7. As soon I I wake up boom I feel it straight away. Never goes away. GP says medication can’t to this. I don’t know what to believe.

Zoloft — 100mg — 5 month — researching taper

HopeNeverFails1h ago

NavigatorZyprexa · active

Well, here's the deal - maybe. 'Anxiety' may be causing super tense scalp muscles. My whole head stung, especially when touched. I had that for awhile, especially while CTing paxil. Dr said I wasn't on it long enough for any WD, idk. But reactions to the drug may very well be exacerbating the anxiety.

Zyprexa — 0.8mg — 5.25 months — actively tapering | Silenor / Sinequan — 0.8mg — 3 months — actively tapering

Spanish761h ago

Zoloft · researching

I have definitely got worse on them

Zoloft — 100mg — 5 month — researching taper

Spanish761h ago

Zoloft · researching

And I’m scared it could feel worse once I taper

Zoloft — 100mg — 5 month — researching taper

HopeNeverFails52m ago

NavigatorZyprexa · active

I was prescribed Zoloft at one point - but chose to skip it in favor of another drug. You should definitely read the article Catina linked. I thoroughly read - and benefitted immensely - from the Olanzapine (my poison) article! NEVER be afraid of a slow taper. Things will worsen a little for a little while, while you stabilize. But you can handle it. Especially if you can sleep at least a few hours most nights. Fear is our greatest enemy - it hinders our ability to develop new, positive neural pathways of joy - and instead strengthens those of suffering. Hate fear! 😡 Do everything you can to take away its power - repenting before God of any crap that causes guilt - which those of us who struggle with mental battles, are particularly prone to (we have sensitive consciences, which ain't a bad thing). And remember, we are then forgiven and loved. Btw, try a scalp massage to alleviate some of the pain. Especially if you can get someone kind, caring, and patient to do it

Zyprexa — 0.8mg — 5.25 months — actively tapering | Silenor / Sinequan — 0.8mg — 3 months — actively tapering

Spanish7630m ago

Zoloft · researching

Anti depressants have done me more harm than good. 2.5 years ago my son passed away so I was put on medication. July 2024 ( sertraline - gave me tinnitus ). Then Mirtazapine ( 6 months, was getting head pressure) Then I went on citalopram for 3 months ( no improvement in the head. Now I’m back on sertraline and head feels worse. I need to get of medication

Zoloft — 100mg — 5 month — researching taper

⭐

Catina15m ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"GP says medication can’t to this" — @Spanish76

Your doctor is severely misinformed. Also, you've been on and off other drugs too - all of which can cause side effects and/or withdrawal affects.

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