Quitting medications

[CeeCee Bryant]

I quit taking both Klonopin (3mg/daily) and Zoloft (150mg/daily) cold-turkey 8 days ago. I have, of course, had severe withdrawals since day one. They include nausea, dizziness, headache, anxiety/panic, crawling skin, pleurisy chest pain, difficulty concentrating, irritability, increased appetite, depression, leg pain, and low-grade fever. All of these symptoms have abated slightly on a daily basis, but are still nearly unbearable put together. Is there anything I can do to ease my suffering during this time? How long should I expect these withdrawal symptoms to last?

[Dr. Joshua]

Never cease taking medications without talking to your doctor first. Abrupt cessation may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

[symonds]

I think we all know that quitting medications without the consent of the doctor can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms as has been depicted here, but then at times the side effects of the medications can also be so severe that it almost outweighs the benefits that it is intended for. I have come across many people who are compelled to do this, so I would want to know will these withdrawal symptoms cease to exist once they immediately take the aid of alternative medications?

[Purple98Lady]

I agree with Dr. Joshua. When stopping zoloft and klonopin the effects can be very serious. I trust yours have not. The best thing I can tell you is to talk to your Dr. He knows your medical history and he will know what other medications you could try. The best route is always work with your Dr. expressing your concern of your side effects and he can prescribe other medications.


Purple98Lady