Cold-Turkey Quitting on SHORT-TERM Anti-Depressant Use: Is it as bad?

Question

For 2.5 - 3 months only, I was on Welbutrin XL (150mg at first, then 300mg) and Zoloft (50mg) for very mild depression (I'd just gotten out of a 1 year relationship) and also, as my doctor suggested, to help me concentrate while I was studying for the bar exam. My psychiatrist didn't think that my situation was very serious, so I'm not sure why she gave me such a strong concoction. At any rate, the week of the bar exam, she took me off of Welbutrin and instead substituted in Provigil (along with the Zoloft) for concentration and focus, and to combat test anxiety.

I told myself that after the exam, I'd stop the pills completely. I didn't want to become dependent on them, and honestly, I drink socially and knew that I would reintegrate that into my life after the bar exam but was aware of the danger of mixing alcohol with antidepressant intake. So rather than continuing to see my doctor, I just stopped the pills cold turkey on my own. I have been off all medications for almost exactly one month now. The only noticeable problems I've seen are that I have been congested for the past month, and, more problematic, I don't have as much control over my temper/anger. The first night after the bar exam (and my last day of taking any meds) was a doozie: my temper became so explosive that, at the end of the night, I was screaming in my girlfriend's face during an argument. My temper has since subsided somewhat, but I can tell my anger/temper is still there. So, my questions...

1) Are these incidences/symptoms side effects of quitting the antidepressant/anti-anxiety medication suddenly? If so, why do they happen?

And

2) Since a month has passed, is it better to go back to the doctor to try to ween off, even though I wasn't on any of the drugs long term, to avoid any more side effects, or should I just continue to remain clean and ride it out? (I am experiencing no other side effects otherwise)

Answer 1

I'd consult with your doctor. Perhaps this won't be a short term treatment? I know that for me what started out as "just temporary" medication will prolly need to be taken for a LONG time.

Answer 2

their will be a reaction in your body if you quit cold turkey...including seizures, depending on the  medicine.  You are basically moving a foundation from which your body was dependent on even if it was for a short term...and the bad thing is that these drugs work directly within our brain and nervous system, you are basically tampering with your neuro-transmitters which these medicines directly effect...You should allow your body to gradually get back to it's normal function by taking lower doses until you can get off them....If you feel fine then just go with it, but would still tell the doctor...