I started Zoloft when I was 12 when my emetophobia was so bad that I couldn't function. I'm 16 now, and very functional. I have the occasional anxiety but only when somebody around me is sick. I no longer panic when I hear of somebody suffering a stomach virus, because I know I wasn't with them. I'm finally comfortable with rational thinking and breathing, and it's done me wonders. The Zoloft definitely helped take away some anxiety, too.

But I really don't want to be so dependent on it. The withdrawal is awful; I mean I miss it one night, or even if I'm late, and I feel so terrible. I'm on 100mg now and have been for 2 years. I would like to come off it, but obviously not cold turkey.

However, I'm just nervous that I'll revert to my old ways. That I'll be panicking 24/7, and a complete mess. My thoughts are that maybe I'll slowly come down to 75mg, and eventually 50mg, and after I feel okay, 25mg. I'll come down and hopefully by next year, I can get off of it.

I'm also hoping that after I stop taking it, my weight will become more manageable! I was only 12 when I started it, and naturally thin, and from there it caused about 30 pounds in weight gain! I needed it; I was only about 95 or so, but I can't tone up no matter what I do. It completely changed my hunger and cravings. I hit puberty considerably early so that wasn't really a large factor at the time.

Has anybody successfully come off of an SSRI, or any other anti-anxiety/depressant? I know it's not something I can do quickly, and I need to speak with my doctor. But I always like hearing from people who have actually experienced a similar situation.