Must take Zoloft a minimum of 6 months?

les&jus

I started on 50 mg of Zoloft about 8 weeks ago.  After 4 weeks, I saw my doctor and told her I'd had little change, so she bumped me up to 100 mg.  I have been feeling great the past few weeks and very motivated.  She said to call at the 8 week point to say how I was doing.  When I talked to my doctor today and asked how to wean off, she really discouraged me from it.  She said the minimum time period to be on the medicine is 6 months.  I have never heard anything like that before!  I've been on a few other anti-depressants and have been able to stop them after a few months if I was feeling better.  I just don't see why I have to take them for that long.  Anyone else told this?

totallyshocked

Actually yes I have. The minimum period of 6 months usually can help prevent your hormones from gearing up that was in future pregnancy. SO esp if you plan on having more kids apparently it can help prevent it in the future

MrsSR

I was told 6 months as well.

jaime5121

I was told the same thing.

robbie3982

My psychiatrist explained it to me like this:

Stopping medication before depression/anxiety is in remission puts you at much greater risk for a relapse.  You're not considered to be in remission until you've been symptom free for 6 months.