Zoloft (sertraline) : Better off with or without ?

Hi:

For me, the medication Zoloft has greatly improved my ability to be productive and have close loving relationships. My ability to focus and complete a single task is at best non-existent without this drug and my patience level was completely transformed from obnoxious to kind understanding. In general my outlook on life was one that exudes “it’s great to be alive” during my use of Zoloft.

However, like many others I questioned the need to take this medication and decided to experiment and see how I felt without taking the medication. So, I too made the decision to wean off Zoloft (three months ago) after years of taking it.

Since then, I am feeling many of the conditions others have attributed to withdrawal syndrome. However, I am not sure if what I am feeling is the result of withdrawal versus not getting the medication I may need. I also suspect in reading some of the other Zoloft related posts here that this is perhaps true for several others.

If I compare what I am feeling now with notes I wrote myself before and during the process of starting to take this medication… I find what I am feeling currently is very similar to my mind set before taking the drug -- where I am again constantly questioning if the next moment will be worth living.

At this point I am considering going back on Zoloft as it seems I am in a better state using it. My thinking is… if after returning to the drug I find myself in a better state of mind then I will just have to face the reality that this medication is helpful and needed.

I would appreciate anyone commenting here that also believes what they are feeling may be the lack of medication after stopping taking Zoloft -- especially someone who has traveled the road of going back on the medication.

Sincerely,
Rob