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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can I Start Taking 'zoloft' After A Gap Of Few Days?

My boyfriend (25 years old) was prescribed Zoloft about two years ago after a tragic accident. About 2 weeks ago he decided to stop taking the med without consulting his MD (even thought he knew he was not suppose to). For the last week he has been lightheaded, constant headaches and nausea. After he told me today about his act of cutting cold turkey, I'm thinking these are side effects from stopping the med. He is wondering if he should take one tonight to stop the issue. However, I'm wondering after two weeks if it would be a good decision to begin the med all of a sudden again. What is your suggestion?
Mon, 16 Jun 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello,
It was wrong on his part to stop the drug on.his own; but he can start it again. You have not mentioned the dosage he was taking, if it is more than 25mg dialy, it will be good that he takes 25mg on day 1&3--50mg on day 3,4&5 ---75mg there after..increase of 25mg is recomended each few days apart till he reaches the past efective dose.

Manytimes patient can settle on lower dosage after taking it for long time and keeping well on it. You can talk to your doctor about reducing the dosage [instead of stopping it completely].

Wish you good luck.
do make him see his doctor in near future to discuss the pending issues.

Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
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Can I Start Taking 'zoloft' After A Gap Of Few Days?

Hello, It was wrong on his part to stop the drug on.his own; but he can start it again. You have not mentioned the dosage he was taking, if it is more than 25mg dialy, it will be good that he takes 25mg on day 1&3--50mg on day 3,4&5 ---75mg there after..increase of 25mg is recomended each few days apart till he reaches the past efective dose. Manytimes patient can settle on lower dosage after taking it for long time and keeping well on it. You can talk to your doctor about reducing the dosage [instead of stopping it completely]. Wish you good luck. do make him see his doctor in near future to discuss the pending issues. Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Neuropsychiatry