Going off Zoloft and acting crazy | ADHD Information

Our 8 yr. old son has been on Zoloft 50mg for over 6 mos. now for anxiety issues. He also takes Focalin 2x day.  We have seen him become very mean and irritable since starting the Zoloft and recently have seen all kindof "acting out" such as constant lying, making prank calls, constant meanness toward his brother, stealing, etc.  We think he has underlying issues, possibly adoption related but dont know for sure so we decided the best place to start is to wean him off Zoloft and see if it helps with anything.  Well we started giving him only half dose to start weaning him 3 days ago.  He is now screaming at us constantly (he may be alot of thiings, but never has yelled at me or my husband), flying off the handle throwing things, saying bad words, kicking and being destructive.  He gets even more mad that we dont give him the response of anger that he seems to be looking for in us.  Has anyone had this type of experience with their child going off anti-depressants?  How long will this last?  Will it get worse before getting better?  I even had to take my 5 year old son somewhere else becasue I fear for him. 

Not to be bossy or anything, but I really need some help with answers related to my post.  If you could keep your responses directly related to this, I would really really appreciate it.  Please dont take it the wrong way.  We are desperate.

It sound like you could be dealing with ODD - a disorder that sounds very much like you are dealing with.  It's possible the zoloft was keeping it under control.  As with any change in behavior talk about it with all your caregivers.  You may be suggested to give a secondary med while weaning the zoloft so that the behavior is kept in check. 

Zoloft's main risk of removing it is seratonin syndrome - which only occurs when taking it away cold turkey.  Usually when weaning the old behaviors come back and that's what is expected.

A good pediatric psychiatrist should be brought in ASAP.  These behaviors and violent outbursts can only lead to bad things in adulthood if not controlled and controlled soon.  Much of it can be to past things like adoption and need to be talked out with a good therapist.  They can often get control fast and turn things around.  Left unchecked it's rarely a positive outcome.