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I've Been Off My Sertaline And Haven't Slept At All

Posted on Wed, 16 Dec 2020

Question: I've been off my sertaline and haven't slept at all in 5 days. Right now, i'm having visual and auditory hallucinations, i'm wobbly, my fingers are tingling. What should I do?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly more information is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I would like to have more information to help you better.
How much time did you use Sertraline?
How did you come off Sertraline? Have you lowered the dose gradually or abruptly?
Have you taken any current treatment for insomnia and are your taking any other treatment?
I will be waiting for your response to help you better.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards!

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (8 minutes later)

I have been on it for 10 years, 100mg dose. I ran out as my dr is in XXXXXXX and the nurse can't refill it without dr's permission. So I went totally off it when I ran out, no taper.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Advice on how to treat withdrawal symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

The symptoms seem to be related to abrupt withdrawal.
It is very important to lower the dose of Sertraline gradually.
I recommend to use an over the counter medication such as Benadryl to relieve the withdrawal symptoms.
It has a sedative effect.
I also recommend to consult a doctor as soon as possible to take prescribed medication such as Prozac.
This medication will help in relieving the withdrawal symptoms.

Hope it helps dear,
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad