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What causes migraine and muscle cramps after withdrawing zoloft?
human
Hi, I ve seen a new Psychiatrist due to deepening depression. His first suggestion was ECT, due to my long term nature and PTSD, I declined for now. He started me on Abilify 2mg in a.m./ cut my Zoloft from 100 to 50 mg (will d/c rest in three weeks) AND increase my Lexapro from 20 to 30mg. For first time in life, I have screaming migraines and severe muscle cramping in calves & lower back. Both cramps & migraines are new...what do you think might be cause? And relief ideas. Thanks
gpt
The dosage of zoloft reduced is not compensated enough by adding abilify or increasing lexapro...your doctor should either increase lexapro or shift you to venalafaxine. Zoloft should have been increased inspite of adding abilify initially..or incresaing lexapro. We have a dictum that we raise the ongoing drug on which the patient was keeping fine prior to relapse. If that increase to maximum dose dosent work , then another molecule is added or  changed..so, most probably you are having withdrawal effects.hope reply is useful for you. Wish you good health.Dr. Manisha GopalMD Psychaitry