Could the tremors in my hands and feet be due to the withdrawal of medication?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been taking Zoloft 50 mg for many years. About two weeks ago, the dose was increased to 100 mg, and I began taking Trazodone 50 mg at bedtime. Three days ago, the Zoloft was increased to 150 mg. Today I am primarily experiencing tremors in my hands and feet, but there is a general tremor feeling throughout my whole body. I have never experienced this before on Zoloft and, at times, have been up to 200 mg. Could this be serotonin syndrome? If so, I want to stop taking both medicines, but how do I avoid the withdrawals?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Tremors are the side effect of the medication. Since Zoloft (Sertraline) dose was increased from 50 mg to 150 mg in the last two weeks along with the addition of another antidepressant, Trazodone (serotonin modulator) 50 mg, your body may have developed side effects from the combined medication. Usually, people can tolerate the dose, but sometimes there may be side effects. More information and clinical examination will be needed to clarify whether they are just tremors or early signs of serotonin syndrome. Do you have any other symptoms apart from tremors? Are you experiencing symptoms like headache, agitation, confusion, shivering, increased sweating, nausea, or diarrhea? I suggest you consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them and take the medicines with their consent. Do not take the next dose of your medication until you have consulted your doctor.

Thank you.