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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 60 to 84 of 106. Go back in thread:
Posted by R.Anne on October 29, 2000, at 22:00:29
In reply to More meds withdrawal talk, posted by Athena on October 29, 2000, at 20:19:26
Sorry to hear you're feeling so badly. I, too, had to withdraw from what I call the worst drug I ever took-Luvox. I hope Luvox helped someone on this earth but surely not me or you. My pdoc told me to just quit taking it like that. No instructions. I suffered for a few days and I had been on about 250 mg. a day. That drug made me hallucinate and that is NOT normal for me. Made me more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! Thought I'd add that for humor! I tried St. John's Wort and made ice tea out of it. Wasn't bad but along with my other drugs I was groggy. By the way, Luvox is not an addicting drug. Best wishes that you will feel better. Have you tried hot baths and chamomile tea? That's relaxing. I don't know about the other herbal drugs you mentioned. They are known as drugs, too, by pharmacists. They are made up of chemicals, too, even if they are called natural. If you buy any of that stuff at the drugstore the pharmacist often will give you advice on it if you ask. They are usually real nice, too. Best wishes that you feel better soon!!
****
> Hey everyone,
>
> I am still having problems with withdrawing from this *@#*#)@* Luvox!! :) I am down to a 50mg pill every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. I cannot put any more days in between doses as I will become nauseous again and have that funny "brain/dizzy" thing again. I wonder if I will ever get off this horrible drug. Curiously, and a lot of you will say "I told you so, Athena", lol, my fiance mentioned that I have been more moody lately, and anxious. But I am trying to stick to my goal of getting my brain off this addicting drug and deal with my issues/problems/mental health in more naturalistic ways. I have taken up meditation & yoga, and I don't think I've ever read so many books in my life. (note: I'm currently devouring the "Road Less Traveled" by Scott Peck, MD..and it has made me cry more than once...you might wanna flip thru it!)
>
> Also, I wanted to ask, have any of you tried St. John's Wort, or Sam-e, or even GABA? If so, I'd like to hear your experiences.
>
> In response to one of you guys' earlier post, if meds truly truly make you feel more normal, and not just "numb", then by all means be happy! But meds are not for me, been there done that.
>
> Still wallowing in withdrawals,
> Athena
Posted by JackieJ on October 30, 2000, at 8:12:53
In reply to Re: prozac withdrawl-for Ami » JackieJ, posted by Sunnely on October 29, 2000, at 18:59:21
> > To Ami and All:
> >
> > I have been on prozac for 5 years. I am currently taking 40 mg per day in addition to 400 mg of wellbutrin. My doctor just yesterday dropped my dose of prozac from 40 to 30 mg. In 2 more weeks I will go from 30 to 20, in another 2 weeks, down to 10, and in 2 more weeks, no more prozac. Then he will INCREASE my wellbutrin from 400 mg per day to 600 mg per day. (He told me that just recently it is safe to go as high as 600 mg whereas 400 mg USED to be the max. I'm very scared of withdrawal symptoms from prozac and increased intake of wellbutrin. I can NOT live the way I did without the prozac. However, I'm sick of the sexual side effects after 5 years. And I am sick of the weight gain! Any input from all is appreciated. Please respond to my email address as well in case I can't find this site again. JackieJeckyl@aol.com
>
> Hi JackieJ,
>
> Could you ask your doctor where he got the information (reference) that it is "safe" to go as high as 600 mg/day with Wellbutrin? Would you be kind enough to post it here? I will be concerned about going up to 600 mg/day of Wellbutrin as this puts you on a really high risk for seizures (even with the use of the sustained-release or SR formulation). Not only that the use of higher doses of Wellbutrin i.e., greater than 450 mg/day, puts one at higher risk for seizures, in your case, the combined use of Prozac + Wellbutrin raises that risk even higher.
>
> FYI, Wellbutrin (bupropion) and one of its active metabolites or daughter compounds (hydroxybupropion) are metabolized (broken down) by at least 3 liver enzymes namely CYP2B6, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6. More specifically, the parent compound (bupropion) is metabolized mainly by CYP2B6 and partly by CYP3A4, while the active metabolite (hydroxybupropion) is metabolized by CYP2D6. Prozac does not affect the action of CYP2B6 and modestly inhibits the action of CYP3A4. Therefore, it has a weak effect on the metabolism of the parent compound (bupropion). However, Prozac markedly inhibits the action of CYP2D6. Prozac's inhibiting action on this liver enzyme will then significantly inhibits the metabolism of the active metabolite (hydroxybupropion) causing an increase in its blood level. Since the metabolite, hydroxybupropion, has equal propensity to cause seizures as its parent compound, the rise in its blood level consequently raises one's risk for seizures. Even though your dose of Prozac is being gradually reduced, its inhibiting effect on the liver enzyme CYP2D6 will continue (although diminishing) for at least another 5-8 weeks after it is completely dicontinued. This is due to Prozac's very long half-life (the combined half-life of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine). I believe I read somewhere that the increase in blood level of hydroxybupropion can also cause a decrease in Wellbutrin's antidepressant effect. I am not certain about this, however.
>
> Withdrawal symptoms from Prozac (if they ever occur) are usually milder than the other SSRIs with shorter half-lives. As mentioned above, Prozac has a very long half-life which acts as a "protective" mechanism from the occurrence of withdrawal. This is not to say that withdrawal symptoms will never occur if Prozac is abruptly discontinued.
>
> The following is a general guideline to minimize the risk of seizures with the use of Wellbutrin as an antidepressant:
>
> 1. The dose should be carefully titrated (increased) to achieve the lowest effective dose.
>
> 2. Daily doses (if greater than 150 mg/day) are to be divided into at least every 6 to 8 hours interval.
>
> 3. The dose should not exceed 450 mg/day.
>
> 4. Any SINGLE dose should not exceed 150 mg.
>
> 5. The doses should not be given closer than every 6 hours.
>
> 6. Further dose increases should not occur any more frequently than every 3 days, and for no more than 100 mg.
>
> 7. Preferably, use the SR (Sustained Release) than the IR (Immediate Release) formulation.
>
> 8. The combined use of Wellbutrin (antidepressant) and Zyban (smoking cessation) is contraindicated. The generic name for both drugs is bupropion, manufactured by the same company.
>
> References:
>
> 1. Benefits of new sustained-release bupropion: less-frequent dosing, fewer side effects. In: Psychoparmacology Update, November 1997.
>
> 2. Preskorn SH: Bupropion. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, January 2000.
Hi Emanuella and SunnelyFrom what you two have responded back to me, thank you very much. Now I REALLY have serious conerns for increasing my wellbutrin to 600 mg. This increase will only be done after I am completely off of prozac for several weeks (according to my pdoc). I don't see him again for another week so I cannot ask him his particular source of information in which it is ok to go as high as 600 mg of wellbutrin SR. I am expecting a phone call from him however, and will ask then. I'll get back with y'all as soon as possible. Thanks again.
JackieJ
Posted by Sunnely on October 30, 2000, at 20:30:15
In reply to Re: prozac withdrawl-for Ami, posted by SLS on October 29, 2000, at 21:55:26
> I took part in one of the phase III investigations of Wellbutrin. I don't know if I was part of one of the dosage-finding type studies, but I had taken 900mg without any adverse reactions and almost no side effects. The only one I can remember was some mild disturbance of visual accomodation.
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott,
WOW! You must be one of the (few) lucky ones. So, how did you take it? I mean, was it 900 mg once a day, 450 mg twice a day, or 300 mg three times a day? Was the formulation used the "SR"? Did you know you were taking 900 mg per day during the clinical trial? Was this clinical trial done in the US or outside? Just curious.
Posted by Mary Beth on October 30, 2000, at 21:44:58
In reply to Re: prozac withdrawl-for Ami » SLS, posted by Sunnely on October 30, 2000, at 20:30:15
I have noticed and increase in feelings of failure the last week. I have been off prozac for about three weeks now. Is this a phase or is this what I should come to expect. I am ok part of the day but I notice that when an idea of mine is not accepted or someone appears to cut me down. I quickly feel a sense of failure, no one likes me, I am so stupid, I am an idiot. Does anyone have any suggestions, the whole exercising at 10:30 at night when I feel this way won't work. It may also have some realtionship to being tired, bedtime. Any advice?
Posted by SLS on October 31, 2000, at 18:10:36
In reply to Re: prozac withdrawl-for Ami » SLS, posted by Sunnely on October 30, 2000, at 20:30:15
Hi guys.
I took Wellbutrin in 1983 as open-label trial in the US. I don't know if that is technically considered a phase III trial, but that is the phase of investigation that Wellbutrin was in at that time.
Sunnely, are open-label administrations of an investigational drug still considered phase III?
Wellbutrin was dispensed as red 150mg tablets. I took two tablets (150mg) three times a day. The investigative physician was Baron Shopsin. He used to send me home with a letter envelope filled with red pills.
During this period of time, the dosage range being targeted by Burroughs Wellcome was between 300mg and 600mg. It was thought that 450mg would be the average effective dosage. Wellbutrin was supposed to be released for marketing later that year. However, a number of studies using bulimics yielded a significant number of seizures. This was probably due to the electrolytic imbalances that can occur in bulimia. The drug company decided not to release it at that point. If I recall correctly, it wasn't until 1990 until it became available.
I am not a good representative of the effects of stimulating or anxiogenic drugs. I sleep just fine taking 15mg of Dexedrine, regardless what time of day I take it. For some reason, Dr. Shopsin liked to tell me about the drugs he was working with. He was perhaps the first one to recognize that there was a reduced liability for Wellbutrin to induce mania. He thought that it might even afford some prophylaxis against mania. The guy really was brilliant. Anyway, he never mentioned a tendency for Wellbutrin to produce adverse reactions at the dosages he was working with. Wellbutrin produces a moderate exacerbation of my depression.
- Scott> > I took part in one of the phase III investigations of Wellbutrin. I don't know if I was part of one of the dosage-finding type studies, but I had taken 900mg without any adverse reactions and almost no side effects. The only one I can remember was some mild disturbance of visual accomodation.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> Hi Scott,
>
> WOW! You must be one of the (few) lucky ones. So, how did you take it? I mean, was it 900 mg once a day, 450 mg twice a day, or 300 mg three times a day? Was the formulation used the "SR"? Did you know you were taking 900 mg per day during the clinical trial? Was this clinical trial done in the US or outside? Just curious.
Posted by R.Anne on October 31, 2000, at 22:01:06
In reply to prozac withdrawl and feelings of failure, posted by Mary Beth on October 30, 2000, at 21:44:58
>*****
> I have noticed and increase in feelings of failure the last week. I have been off prozac for about three weeks now. Is this a phase or is this what I should come to expect. I am ok part of the day but I notice that when an idea of mine is not accepted or someone appears to cut me down. I quickly feel a sense of failure, no one likes me, I am so stupid, I am an idiot. Does anyone have any suggestions, the whole exercising at 10:30 at night when I feel this way won't work. It may also have some realtionship to being tired, bedtime. Any advice?
***Marybeth,
I experience myself doing the same thing and what helps for me is to initiate a dialogue with myself. When I call myself a name or a failure, I talk back to myself and say "no, I'm not" and then I tell myself not to talk to myself that way because it doesn't help my mental state. Then I try to look for good things about myself, look in the mirror and smile at myself and tell myself good things. You could try telling yourself of your successes in life and the good you've done. Something like affirmations. This helps me a lot! Hope it will help you. Remember, you are not a failure or stupid-you're a wonderful person!
Posted by S. Howard on November 1, 2000, at 17:35:24
In reply to prozac withdrawl and feelings of failure, posted by Mary Beth on October 30, 2000, at 21:44:58
>
> I have noticed and increase in feelings of failure the last week. I have been off prozac for about three weeks now. Is this a phase or is this what I should come to expect. I am ok part of the day but I notice that when an idea of mine is not accepted or someone appears to cut me down. I quickly feel a sense of failure, no one likes me, I am so stupid, I am an idiot. Does anyone have any suggestions, the whole exercising at 10:30 at night when I feel this way won't work. It may also have some realtionship to being tired, bedtime. Any advice?Maybe it's paxil time. Your self-esteem seems really unsteady and I can relate. If you're determined to stay away from medication (or not), I recommend the best self-help book I've ever read- "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnigie. It's a classic because it works.
Occasionally I re-read it to put my life back in perspective.
My second suggestion is to do something that changes your life so completely, you don't have time to focus on your misery. In my late teens, I was consumed by depression and anger. I was so combative and destructive that my parents threw me out. Not having anywhere to go, I joined the Army and left for basic training almost immediately (if I wasn't a good daughter, at least I was a recruiter's dream). Voila - all the earth-shaking problems I'd been having with my parents, my friends, my boyfriend, my school, my life - became trivial in the terrible heat at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I was not athletic, I had never made my bed, I wasn't good at following orders and I didn't care for guns. Sorry...weapons. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, particularly since I was singled out for my "attitude", but I graduated with my company. My parents didn't attend the ceremony and I didn't expect them to, although they could have easily afforded the plane trip. Just the same I was really proud of myself, maybe for the first time in my life. I was a different person.I'm not suggesting that you join the Army (join the Air Force if you must), I'm simply giving an example of a drastic life change. You don't have to be especially young to do this. My husband went through the Fire Academy in his mid-30s and although he endured some teasing about being the "old man", he now loves his job. His previous job was torture for him and he was so unhappy, it was hard to be around him. He's a different person.
Good luck with your search - SGH
Posted by Mary Beth on November 1, 2000, at 19:45:13
In reply to Re: prozac withdrawl and feelings of failure, posted by S. Howard on November 1, 2000, at 17:35:24
I have tried paxil, it didn't work but I can work on the changing my life a little. I just moved and started a new job so I think I hav changed it a great deal. I think the boyfriend dumping me although necessary may also be helping to stimulate the feelings of failure. I thought that by 26 I would be married but I am not and the relationship ending made that more apparent. Thanks for the advice. I'll keep trying!
Posted by Steve C. on September 25, 2001, at 10:01:44
In reply to Re: Prozac - Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Mel on October 16, 2000, at 19:14:53
>
> I was on 40mg of Prozac for about 2 years and tapered
> off about 3 weeks ago. I'm having horrible withdrawl
> similar to what many of you here have mentioned. I feel
> like I'm never going to be my old self again. By noon,
> I am exhausted, nauseous, light headed and have great
> difficulty focusing. Today I thought I wouldn't even
> make it driving home from work. I also suffer from that
> "lag" feeling and have some little "shock wave" type
> feelings that go through my head and body many times
> a day. The sensations are so strange and almost impossible
> to describe. I feel like going back on the pills just
> to feel normal again - does anyone have any suggestions
> for ways to ease the withdrawl symptoms?
> Thanks, MelissaThank you all for posting. I have been off Prozac for 3 weeks now and I am expericing a symptom I cannot describe. Its like a "zinging" or rush every 10 minutes or so. A sudden alertness to my balance and vision. I saw on other internet sites this described as "meteor strikes" and "electrical shocks". I thought I had some other illness and this has been rather depressing in itself. I am on other meds for diabetes but have been on the same dosage for over 8 years. I cannot think of any other reason for these weird symptoms. I am going to try excercise... I have a theory. These sensations are exactly the same as I got when I was on muscle relaxors. As sudden "zinging" and alertness as my body was fighting being lulled to relax. The way I burned the muscle relaxors out of my system was steady excercise. I will let you all know how my experiment works out. Good luck all...
Posted by Steve C. on September 25, 2001, at 10:01:52
In reply to Re: Prozac - Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Mel on October 16, 2000, at 19:14:53
>
> I was on 40mg of Prozac for about 2 years and tapered
> off about 3 weeks ago. I'm having horrible withdrawl
> similar to what many of you here have mentioned. I feel
> like I'm never going to be my old self again. By noon,
> I am exhausted, nauseous, light headed and have great
> difficulty focusing. Today I thought I wouldn't even
> make it driving home from work. I also suffer from that
> "lag" feeling and have some little "shock wave" type
> feelings that go through my head and body many times
> a day. The sensations are so strange and almost impossible
> to describe. I feel like going back on the pills just
> to feel normal again - does anyone have any suggestions
> for ways to ease the withdrawl symptoms?
> Thanks, MelissaThank you all for posting. I have been off Prozac for 3 weeks now and I am expericing a symptom I cannot describe. Its like a "zinging" or rush every 10 minutes or so. A sudden alertness to my balance and vision. I saw on other internet sites this described as "meteor strikes" and "electrical shocks". I thought I had some other illness and this has been rather depressing in itself. I am on other meds for diabetes but have been on the same dosage for over 8 years. I cannot think of any other reason for these weird symptoms. I am going to try excercise... I have a theory. These sensations are exactly the same as I got when I was on muscle relaxors. As sudden "zinging" and alertness as my body was fighting being lulled to relax. The way I burned the muscle relaxors out of my system was steady excercise. I will let you all know how my experiment works out. Good luck all...
Posted by Kimmm on October 2, 2001, at 19:21:25
In reply to Re: Prozac - Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by roo on October 17, 2000, at 9:05:41
I've been on 20mg Prozac for about 2 years now. I've started researching the potential withdrawal symptoms, and I can't believe the severity of the symptoms. I've never been addicted to anything my entire life. It almost sounds like you go through hell before you go on Prozac, and then you go through hell again just to get off of it. I am generally a health conscious person, and I looked into all the side effects of taking the medication PRIOR to taking it, but I had no idea this was an addictive drug and would have to deal with withdrawal symptoms when I decided to go off of it. It amazes me that my doctor never told me.
Overall, I'm happy with the results of taking Prozac - I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and EVERYONE noticed a difference in me once I started taking it. The only major side effect is not having a sex drive. But now I'm ready to give it a try on my own without the meds. I don't see medication as a permanent solution to depression. But who am I to say?
So my question is - do I try quitting cold turkey? Depending on the side effects (I still want to be able to function), I'd prefer to quit cold turkey rather than going through a long drawn out process. Any advice? I'm not nervous about getting depressed again, I'm more nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Facial tics, muscle spasms, fatigue...it sounds worse than my pre-Prozac days. How do you function in the real world if you are going through all these symptoms?? Any advice on how to cope is appreciated.
Kim
Posted by Mitch on October 2, 2001, at 23:26:04
In reply to Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds, posted by Kimmm on October 2, 2001, at 19:21:25
> I've been on 20mg Prozac for about 2 years now. I've started researching the potential withdrawal symptoms, and I can't believe the severity of the symptoms. I've never been addicted to anything my entire life. It almost sounds like you go through hell before you go on Prozac, and then you go through hell again just to get off of it. I am generally a health conscious person, and I looked into all the side effects of taking the medication PRIOR to taking it, but I had no idea this was an addictive drug and would have to deal with withdrawal symptoms when I decided to go off of it. It amazes me that my doctor never told me.
>
> Overall, I'm happy with the results of taking Prozac - I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and EVERYONE noticed a difference in me once I started taking it. The only major side effect is not having a sex drive. But now I'm ready to give it a try on my own without the meds. I don't see medication as a permanent solution to depression. But who am I to say?
>
> So my question is - do I try quitting cold turkey? Depending on the side effects (I still want to be able to function), I'd prefer to quit cold turkey rather than going through a long drawn out process. Any advice? I'm not nervous about getting depressed again, I'm more nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Facial tics, muscle spasms, fatigue...it sounds worse than my pre-Prozac days. How do you function in the real world if you are going through all these symptoms?? Any advice on how to cope is appreciated.
>
> KimKim, Don't quit cold turkey! You may need to take a small dose of a med like Prozac for months before you should consider stopping the medication. Something to consider: 5mg/day is as effective as 20mg/day for preventing relapse of depression in most patients. Please try a much lower dose as a maintenance treatment for a considerable period of time before you make the decision to stop altogether.
Posted by Marie1 on October 3, 2001, at 6:39:25
In reply to Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds, posted by Kimmm on October 2, 2001, at 19:21:25
Kimmm,
It's entirely possible you won't experience *any* withdrawal symptoms, even if you do go cold turkey. I've quit Prozac after long term use several times, and never experienced withdrawal symptoms. In my case, though, the depression always returned.
Good luck.
Marie> I've been on 20mg Prozac for about 2 years now. I've started researching the potential withdrawal symptoms, and I can't believe the severity of the symptoms. I've never been addicted to anything my entire life. It almost sounds like you go through hell before you go on Prozac, and then you go through hell again just to get off of it. I am generally a health conscious person, and I looked into all the side effects of taking the medication PRIOR to taking it, but I had no idea this was an addictive drug and would have to deal with withdrawal symptoms when I decided to go off of it. It amazes me that my doctor never told me.
>
> Overall, I'm happy with the results of taking Prozac - I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and EVERYONE noticed a difference in me once I started taking it. The only major side effect is not having a sex drive. But now I'm ready to give it a try on my own without the meds. I don't see medication as a permanent solution to depression. But who am I to say?
>
> So my question is - do I try quitting cold turkey? Depending on the side effects (I still want to be able to function), I'd prefer to quit cold turkey rather than going through a long drawn out process. Any advice? I'm not nervous about getting depressed again, I'm more nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Facial tics, muscle spasms, fatigue...it sounds worse than my pre-Prozac days. How do you function in the real world if you are going through all these symptoms?? Any advice on how to cope is appreciated.
>
> Kim
Posted by Cindylou on October 3, 2001, at 14:56:24
In reply to Re: Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds » Kimmm, posted by Marie1 on October 3, 2001, at 6:39:25
Hi Kim,
I have been able to taper off Prozac without any withdrawal effects as well -- I would take it every other day for a week, then every two days for another week, and eventually I just stopped and had no trouble. (Effexor is another story however!)However, Like Marie, my depression always returns. I do need medication permanently; I accept that now -- just like a diabetic needs insulin. I hope that's not the case for you, but don't get discouraged if the depression comes back -- thankfully the Prozac works for you.
Good luck,
Cindy> Kimmm,
> It's entirely possible you won't experience *any* withdrawal symptoms, even if you do go cold turkey. I've quit Prozac after long term use several times, and never experienced withdrawal symptoms. In my case, though, the depression always returned.
> Good luck.
> Marie
>
>
>
> > I've been on 20mg Prozac for about 2 years now. I've started researching the potential withdrawal symptoms, and I can't believe the severity of the symptoms. I've never been addicted to anything my entire life. It almost sounds like you go through hell before you go on Prozac, and then you go through hell again just to get off of it. I am generally a health conscious person, and I looked into all the side effects of taking the medication PRIOR to taking it, but I had no idea this was an addictive drug and would have to deal with withdrawal symptoms when I decided to go off of it. It amazes me that my doctor never told me.
> >
> > Overall, I'm happy with the results of taking Prozac - I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and EVERYONE noticed a difference in me once I started taking it. The only major side effect is not having a sex drive. But now I'm ready to give it a try on my own without the meds. I don't see medication as a permanent solution to depression. But who am I to say?
> >
> > So my question is - do I try quitting cold turkey? Depending on the side effects (I still want to be able to function), I'd prefer to quit cold turkey rather than going through a long drawn out process. Any advice? I'm not nervous about getting depressed again, I'm more nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Facial tics, muscle spasms, fatigue...it sounds worse than my pre-Prozac days. How do you function in the real world if you are going through all these symptoms?? Any advice on how to cope is appreciated.
> >
> > Kim
Posted by Kaysey on October 4, 2001, at 5:38:44
In reply to Re: Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds, posted by Cindylou on October 3, 2001, at 14:56:24
> Hi Kim,
> I have been able to taper off Prozac without any withdrawal effects as well -- I would take it every other day for a week, then every two days for another week, and eventually I just stopped and had no trouble. (Effexor is another story however!)
>
> However, Like Marie, my depression always returns. I do need medication permanently; I accept that now -- just like a diabetic needs insulin. I hope that's not the case for you, but don't get discouraged if the depression comes back -- thankfully the Prozac works for you.
>
> Good luck,
> Cindy
>
> > Kimmm,
> > It's entirely possible you won't experience *any* withdrawal symptoms, even if you do go cold turkey. I've quit Prozac after long term use several times, and never experienced withdrawal symptoms. In my case, though, the depression always returned.
> > Good luck.
> > Marie
> >
> >
> >
> > > I've been on 20mg Prozac for about 2 years now. I've started researching the potential withdrawal symptoms, and I can't believe the severity of the symptoms. I've never been addicted to anything my entire life. It almost sounds like you go through hell before you go on Prozac, and then you go through hell again just to get off of it. I am generally a health conscious person, and I looked into all the side effects of taking the medication PRIOR to taking it, but I had no idea this was an addictive drug and would have to deal with withdrawal symptoms when I decided to go off of it. It amazes me that my doctor never told me.
> > >
> > > Overall, I'm happy with the results of taking Prozac - I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and EVERYONE noticed a difference in me once I started taking it. The only major side effect is not having a sex drive. But now I'm ready to give it a try on my own without the meds. I don't see medication as a permanent solution to depression. But who am I to say?
> > >
> > > So my question is - do I try quitting cold turkey? Depending on the side effects (I still want to be able to function), I'd prefer to quit cold turkey rather than going through a long drawn out process. Any advice? I'm not nervous about getting depressed again, I'm more nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Facial tics, muscle spasms, fatigue...it sounds worse than my pre-Prozac days. How do you function in the real world if you are going through all these symptoms?? Any advice on how to cope is appreciated.
> > >
> > > KimI took Prozac for many years with great success. After a period of time I felt that it was really doing nothing, and decided to take myself off to see if I could 'get by' with nothing. To avoid any withdrawl, I also slowly decreased dose--not taking it one or two days a week, then every other day, then taking it only one or two days a week, then only a couple of days during PMS time, etc. I suffered no complications whatsoever; however, like most everyone else, the depression and anxiety prevailed. I began Effexor 6 months ago and when/if I ever have to discontinue this med, I plan to decrease VERY slowly.
Posted by LyndaK on October 6, 2001, at 0:47:31
In reply to Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds, posted by Kimmm on October 2, 2001, at 19:21:25
I agree with what everyone else here has said. Decrease gradually. I also advocate staying on a very low dose. That's what I'm doing now (though I'm on Zoloft, not Prozac) and I still feel very good emotionally -- actually... better... because reducing the dose has also decreased the side effects -- including the sexual ones. :)
Good luck.
Lynda
> I've been on 20mg Prozac for about 2 years now. I've started researching the potential withdrawal symptoms, and I can't believe the severity of the symptoms. I've never been addicted to anything my entire life. It almost sounds like you go through hell before you go on Prozac, and then you go through hell again just to get off of it. I am generally a health conscious person, and I looked into all the side effects of taking the medication PRIOR to taking it, but I had no idea this was an addictive drug and would have to deal with withdrawal symptoms when I decided to go off of it. It amazes me that my doctor never told me.
>
> Overall, I'm happy with the results of taking Prozac - I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and EVERYONE noticed a difference in me once I started taking it. The only major side effect is not having a sex drive. But now I'm ready to give it a try on my own without the meds. I don't see medication as a permanent solution to depression. But who am I to say?
>
> So my question is - do I try quitting cold turkey? Depending on the side effects (I still want to be able to function), I'd prefer to quit cold turkey rather than going through a long drawn out process. Any advice? I'm not nervous about getting depressed again, I'm more nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Facial tics, muscle spasms, fatigue...it sounds worse than my pre-Prozac days. How do you function in the real world if you are going through all these symptoms?? Any advice on how to cope is appreciated.
>
> Kim
Posted by petey on October 6, 2001, at 7:15:51
In reply to Re: Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds » Kimmm, posted by LyndaK on October 6, 2001, at 0:47:31
> I agree with what everyone else here has said. Decrease gradually. I also advocate staying on a very low dose. That's what I'm doing now (though I'm on Zoloft, not Prozac) and I still feel very good emotionally -- actually... better... because reducing the dose has also decreased the side effects -- including the sexual ones. :)
> Good luck.
> Lynda
>
>
> > I've been on 20mg Prozac for about 2 years now. I've started researching the potential withdrawal symptoms, and I can't believe the severity of the symptoms. I've never been addicted to anything my entire life. It almost sounds like you go through hell before you go on Prozac, and then you go through hell again just to get off of it. I am generally a health conscious person, and I looked into all the side effects of taking the medication PRIOR to taking it, but I had no idea this was an addictive drug and would have to deal with withdrawal symptoms when I decided to go off of it. It amazes me that my doctor never told me.
> >
> > Overall, I'm happy with the results of taking Prozac - I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and EVERYONE noticed a difference in me once I started taking it. The only major side effect is not having a sex drive. But now I'm ready to give it a try on my own without the meds. I don't see medication as a permanent solution to depression. But who am I to say?
> >
> > So my question is - do I try quitting cold turkey? Depending on the side effects (I still want to be able to function), I'd prefer to quit cold turkey rather than going through a long drawn out process. Any advice? I'm not nervous about getting depressed again, I'm more nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Facial tics, muscle spasms, fatigue...it sounds worse than my pre-Prozac days. How do you function in the real world if you are going through all these symptoms?? Any advice on how to cope is appreciated.
> >
> > Kim
Lynda,I am also taking Zoloft. I have had quite a few side-effects from it, so I've decided to cut the dose,also. Could you please tell me what side-effects went away when you cut the dose and how long did it take for them to subside? Thanx!
Petey
Posted by sharkgirl on December 12, 2001, at 13:28:35
In reply to Re: Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds » Kimmm, posted by LyndaK on October 6, 2001, at 0:47:31
I have been coming off prozac for a couple months now. I have been taking it since it came on the market. So far so good. Just getting that electrical shock feeling recently. I've completely stopped taking it. I was slowly taken off over a period of about 2 months. I have also most recently be getting nightmares within the first hour of sleep at night. My sleeping has been effected poorly during the past 2 weeks. I've been told in 80 days it should be out of my system completely.
I am not going to be taking anymore antidepressants. I have resorted to multi-vitamins along with an exercise program and proper eating habits. I have also removed any unnecessary stress factors in my life until I can cope completely.
I must say that the side effects were awful over the years...especially sexually. Well now it is like a revolution. I can not tell you how much better intimate relations are.
I know it is going to be a struggle but I am up for the challenge. It has to be your decision to change or come off drugs completely.
I can even concentrate better now (I also have ADD) and cry. I never realized how unemotional I was becoming on Prozac.
I feel like I have been reborn. Hopefully this high keeps on going.
Posted by LyndaK on December 13, 2001, at 1:46:07
In reply to Re: Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds, posted by petey on October 6, 2001, at 7:15:51
> > I agree with what everyone else here has said. Decrease gradually. I also advocate staying on a very low dose. That's what I'm doing now (though I'm on Zoloft, not Prozac) and I still feel very good emotionally -- actually... better... because reducing the dose has also decreased the side effects -- including the sexual ones. :)
> > Good luck.
> > Lynda
> >
> >
> > > I've been on 20mg Prozac for about 2 years now. I've started researching the potential withdrawal symptoms, and I can't believe the severity of the symptoms. I've never been addicted to anything my entire life. It almost sounds like you go through hell before you go on Prozac, and then you go through hell again just to get off of it. I am generally a health conscious person, and I looked into all the side effects of taking the medication PRIOR to taking it, but I had no idea this was an addictive drug and would have to deal with withdrawal symptoms when I decided to go off of it. It amazes me that my doctor never told me.
> > >
> > > Overall, I'm happy with the results of taking Prozac - I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and EVERYONE noticed a difference in me once I started taking it. The only major side effect is not having a sex drive. But now I'm ready to give it a try on my own without the meds. I don't see medication as a permanent solution to depression. But who am I to say?
> > >
> > > So my question is - do I try quitting cold turkey? Depending on the side effects (I still want to be able to function), I'd prefer to quit cold turkey rather than going through a long drawn out process. Any advice? I'm not nervous about getting depressed again, I'm more nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Facial tics, muscle spasms, fatigue...it sounds worse than my pre-Prozac days. How do you function in the real world if you are going through all these symptoms?? Any advice on how to cope is appreciated.
> > >
> > > Kim
>
>
> Lynda,
>
> I am also taking Zoloft. I have had quite a few side-effects from it, so I've decided to cut the dose,also. Could you please tell me what side-effects went away when you cut the dose and how long did it take for them to subside? Thanx!
> PeteyPetey,
Sorry for the delay. I somehow missed your response to my post.
I too have a list of side-effects including shakiness, drowsiness, hyperactive reflexes (i.e. knee-jerk), anosmia (loss of smell), impaired memory and concentration, decreased sexual drive and impaired ability to climax, decreased appetite, . . . I'm probably forgetting something, but you get the picture. Some side effects are just annoying -- some much more problematic. Zoloft is a fairly quick-acting drug. Because of that I have to take it very slowly both with increasing the dose AND with decreasing it. The subsiding of the side-effects when decreasing the dose happens fairly quickly - probably within a week or two. I usually stay at the same dose an additional two weeks before decreasing again. This helps me maintain the remission of my depressive symptoms while minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
Best Wishes,
Lynda
Posted by caroline h. on December 13, 2001, at 20:59:57
In reply to Re: Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds » petey, posted by LyndaK on December 13, 2001, at 1:46:07
hi- i haven't posted here in ages, since going off 80 mgs/day of prozac about 7 months ago. i disagree with what most are saying in that i see no problem in going off prozac cold turkey. the withdrawal symptoms will be the same--i think you just string out the agony. at least, that's what my doc told me, and based on my experience, what you've said, and the time periods for getting it out of your system, i agree.
specifically, prozac, unlike many meds--even other ssri's--stays in your body for a long, long time--at least 45 days. if you go off a high dosage such as 80 mgs a day, cold turkey the withdrawal will be, and was, for me, gradual anyway because you/i have so much stored up in our bodies. i don't remember exactly, but it took longer than 45 days before i felt like i was really off it. the first couple of weeks were the worst, as my anxiety level became pretty high (withdrawal side effect), but i also became less depressed the more i was off it. it was much easier than going off klonopin gradually, which i had done before that.
so the only thing about going off prozac slowly is that, depending on how gradually you do it, it would take a buncha months before you're off, and i would think you'd feel the side effects for longer but not less acutely.just because it takes a certain amount of time necessary to deprive your body enough to generate the side effects.also, as i got more off it and started to like the non-drugged feeling, i couldn't wait for the rest of it to leave me.
i, like some of you, started with the feeling that i was going to try to manage on my own, even though it might be tough. but i found out was, that for a long time, it wasn't a question of learning how to manage; i liked it. people noticed the difference--only my close friends and shrink knew it was because i was prozac-free.
about a month or so ago, i started to get really depressed and anxious again. my shrink put me on 20 mgs/day of paxil, in part, because paxil clears your body after a day. i tried going up to 30, but there was no benefit, and it was too sedating. so 20 mgs is fine.
one thing withdrawers should be aware of that docs may not keep top of mind--your med experience, whether psychotropic or not, may be different once you clear your system thoroughly of that much prozac. i couldn't tolerate paxil before and now i can. ultram for pain never used to give me side effects; now a little bit makes me nauseous as hell; a teeny amount of klonopin will zonk me as not before. so once rid of a lot of a strong med, my tolerances of other meds changed. you should keep in mind and mention to docs as appropriate that your body may be a new playing field for any med.
hope you guys enjoy life without prozac.
caroline h.
Posted by LizzySN on January 24, 2002, at 16:58:05
In reply to Re: Prozac Withdrawal - need advice - going off meds, posted by sharkgirl on December 12, 2001, at 13:28:35
Hi everyone!
I never posted to a message board before but I felt compelled after reading all of them. I am experiencing alot of the side effects that everyone has mentioned. I have been on prozac for over a year. I cut down my doses slowly and my last prozac pill was 4 weeks ago. I am so exhausted and yet not sleeping alot!The worse side effect for me is the achy joints which makes it hard to exercise. I have dance background and have never had my joints feel like this. I thought my weight gain was from not dancing for a year but after reading the message board I think its from prozac too!
I used to take Xanax a few times a week and I stopped four weeks ago also. I bought some high quality Kava Kava from the health store and that helped with my anxiety . I am also taking milk thistle pills to help get the toxins of the meds out of my liver. I have heard that some side effects take six months or longer to go away...I hope that is not true...I want to return to dance to help with my anxiety and depression but with my joints feeling like this I feel very unmotivated besides its painful feeling like this. Prozac did help me through a very difficult time but now coming off of it I wonder if I made a hasty decision, maybe I should have used natural remedies and tried harder. I just assumed prozac has been around for 30 years and lots are on it for years I thought it was safe. I had no idea of the results after taking it. Anyone out there have achy joints or muscle stiffness??
Sleepless in NYC
Posted by BLPBart on January 24, 2002, at 21:36:15
In reply to Re: Achy Joints and Muscle Stiffness, posted by LizzySN on January 24, 2002, at 16:58:05
I can relate. I've been on prozac for about a year and a half. I noticed no side effects from it initially except weight gain unfortunately. A couple of months ago I started feeling joint and muscle pain especially in my hands, as well as extreme fatigue, no libido, etc. I didn't associate it with the prozac or wellbutrin which I'm also on now, since I had been on them for so long. I went to a dr who ran hundreds of dollars worth of blood tests and even did an MRI of my brain to rule out MS and then told me everything looked fine and there was nothing wrong with me. I did some research and found out that all of my symptoms can be side effects from prozac. My pdoc took me off of it about three weeks and I'm already seeing some improvement, especially in my hands. They don't feel like I have arthritis any more.
> Hi everyone!
> I never posted to a message board before but I felt compelled after reading all of them. I am experiencing alot of the side effects that everyone has mentioned. I have been on prozac for over a year. I cut down my doses slowly and my last prozac pill was 4 weeks ago. I am so exhausted and yet not sleeping alot!
>
> The worse side effect for me is the achy joints which makes it hard to exercise. I have dance background and have never had my joints feel like this. I thought my weight gain was from not dancing for a year but after reading the message board I think its from prozac too!
>
> I used to take Xanax a few times a week and I stopped four weeks ago also. I bought some high quality Kava Kava from the health store and that helped with my anxiety . I am also taking milk thistle pills to help get the toxins of the meds out of my liver. I have heard that some side effects take six months or longer to go away...I hope that is not true...I want to return to dance to help with my anxiety and depression but with my joints feeling like this I feel very unmotivated besides its painful feeling like this. Prozac did help me through a very difficult time but now coming off of it I wonder if I made a hasty decision, maybe I should have used natural remedies and tried harder. I just assumed prozac has been around for 30 years and lots are on it for years I thought it was safe. I had no idea of the results after taking it. Anyone out there have achy joints or muscle stiffness??
>
> Sleepless in NYC
Posted by BarbaraCat on January 25, 2002, at 14:34:19
In reply to Re: Achy Joints and Muscle Stiffness, posted by BLPBart on January 24, 2002, at 21:36:15
Yes, I have serious pain and fatigue so much so that I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I'm not on prozac now, but was on zoloft for 6 years (until 1999) and am now on Remeron. My bad depressive episodes are always accompanied by severe pain and fatigue that put me to bed for about 2 weeks. I've been wondering how common these physical complaints are for folks who have clinical depression. Low thyroid can also cause joint and muscle pain as well as depression and there's alot of evidence that treating it with the standard synthroid (T4 only) is not effective. T3 also has to be included, especially for depression symptoms.
> I can relate. I've been on prozac for about a year and a half. I noticed no side effects from it initially except weight gain unfortunately. A couple of months ago I started feeling joint and muscle pain especially in my hands, as well as extreme fatigue, no libido, etc. I didn't associate it with the prozac or wellbutrin which I'm also on now, since I had been on them for so long. I went to a dr who ran hundreds of dollars worth of blood tests and even did an MRI of my brain to rule out MS and then told me everything looked fine and there was nothing wrong with me. I did some research and found out that all of my symptoms can be side effects from prozac. My pdoc took me off of it about three weeks and I'm already seeing some improvement, especially in my hands. They don't feel like I have arthritis any more.
>
> > Hi everyone!
> > I never posted to a message board before but I felt compelled after reading all of them. I am experiencing alot of the side effects that everyone has mentioned. I have been on prozac for over a year. I cut down my doses slowly and my last prozac pill was 4 weeks ago. I am so exhausted and yet not sleeping alot!
> >
> > The worse side effect for me is the achy joints which makes it hard to exercise. I have dance background and have never had my joints feel like this. I thought my weight gain was from not dancing for a year but after reading the message board I think its from prozac too!
> >
> > I used to take Xanax a few times a week and I stopped four weeks ago also. I bought some high quality Kava Kava from the health store and that helped with my anxiety . I am also taking milk thistle pills to help get the toxins of the meds out of my liver. I have heard that some side effects take six months or longer to go away...I hope that is not true...I want to return to dance to help with my anxiety and depression but with my joints feeling like this I feel very unmotivated besides its painful feeling like this. Prozac did help me through a very difficult time but now coming off of it I wonder if I made a hasty decision, maybe I should have used natural remedies and tried harder. I just assumed prozac has been around for 30 years and lots are on it for years I thought it was safe. I had no idea of the results after taking it. Anyone out there have achy joints or muscle stiffness??
> >
> > Sleepless in NYC
Posted by LyndaK on January 26, 2002, at 13:39:35
In reply to Re: Achy Joints and Muscle Stiffness LizzySN, posted by BarbaraCat on January 25, 2002, at 14:34:19
Hmmmmmm. I'm currently undergoing some blood tests due to arthritic symptoms I'm having in my hands, wrists, and ankles. The initial tests came back showing elevated antinuclear antibodies (ANA). They are running more specific blood tests now. I've been on Zoloft (off and on, but more on than off) for over 6 years now. So, there could possibly be a connection between my antidepressant and these symptoms?
Lynda
> Yes, I have serious pain and fatigue so much so that I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I'm not on prozac now, but was on zoloft for 6 years (until 1999) and am now on Remeron. My bad depressive episodes are always accompanied by severe pain and fatigue that put me to bed for about 2 weeks. I've been wondering how common these physical complaints are for folks who have clinical depression. Low thyroid can also cause joint and muscle pain as well as depression and there's alot of evidence that treating it with the standard synthroid (T4 only) is not effective. T3 also has to be included, especially for depression symptoms.
>
> > I can relate. I've been on prozac for about a year and a half. I noticed no side effects from it initially except weight gain unfortunately. A couple of months ago I started feeling joint and muscle pain especially in my hands, as well as extreme fatigue, no libido, etc. I didn't associate it with the prozac or wellbutrin which I'm also on now, since I had been on them for so long. I went to a dr who ran hundreds of dollars worth of blood tests and even did an MRI of my brain to rule out MS and then told me everything looked fine and there was nothing wrong with me. I did some research and found out that all of my symptoms can be side effects from prozac. My pdoc took me off of it about three weeks and I'm already seeing some improvement, especially in my hands. They don't feel like I have arthritis any more.
> >
> > > Hi everyone!
> > > I never posted to a message board before but I felt compelled after reading all of them. I am experiencing alot of the side effects that everyone has mentioned. I have been on prozac for over a year. I cut down my doses slowly and my last prozac pill was 4 weeks ago. I am so exhausted and yet not sleeping alot!
> > >
> > > The worse side effect for me is the achy joints which makes it hard to exercise. I have dance background and have never had my joints feel like this. I thought my weight gain was from not dancing for a year but after reading the message board I think its from prozac too!
> > >
> > > I used to take Xanax a few times a week and I stopped four weeks ago also. I bought some high quality Kava Kava from the health store and that helped with my anxiety . I am also taking milk thistle pills to help get the toxins of the meds out of my liver. I have heard that some side effects take six months or longer to go away...I hope that is not true...I want to return to dance to help with my anxiety and depression but with my joints feeling like this I feel very unmotivated besides its painful feeling like this. Prozac did help me through a very difficult time but now coming off of it I wonder if I made a hasty decision, maybe I should have used natural remedies and tried harder. I just assumed prozac has been around for 30 years and lots are on it for years I thought it was safe. I had no idea of the results after taking it. Anyone out there have achy joints or muscle stiffness??
> > >
> > > Sleepless in NYC
Posted by BarbaraCat on January 26, 2002, at 14:16:53
In reply to Re: Achy Joints and Muscle Stiffness LizzySN » BarbaraCat, posted by LyndaK on January 26, 2002, at 13:39:35
It seems like they're looking for rheumatoid arthritis or other connective tissue autoimmune conditions. There is alot of bad press about prozac and other SSRI's and one of the most outspoken is Dr. Anne Tracey "Prozac or Panacea?". You can do a search on the web for her site where you can email your question to her. She takes a very radical and extreme anti view, however, so I'd be concerned with going whole hog on her views and try to counter them with other opinions. But definitely worth a look.
> Hmmmmmm. I'm currently undergoing some blood tests due to arthritic symptoms I'm having in my hands, wrists, and ankles. The initial tests came back showing elevated antinuclear antibodies (ANA). They are running more specific blood tests now. I've been on Zoloft (off and on, but more on than off) for over 6 years now. So, there could possibly be a connection between my antidepressant and these symptoms?
> Lynda
>
>
> > Yes, I have serious pain and fatigue so much so that I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I'm not on prozac now, but was on zoloft for 6 years (until 1999) and am now on Remeron. My bad depressive episodes are always accompanied by severe pain and fatigue that put me to bed for about 2 weeks. I've been wondering how common these physical complaints are for folks who have clinical depression. Low thyroid can also cause joint and muscle pain as well as depression and there's alot of evidence that treating it with the standard synthroid (T4 only) is not effective. T3 also has to be included, especially for depression symptoms.
> >
> > > I can relate. I've been on prozac for about a year and a half. I noticed no side effects from it initially except weight gain unfortunately. A couple of months ago I started feeling joint and muscle pain especially in my hands, as well as extreme fatigue, no libido, etc. I didn't associate it with the prozac or wellbutrin which I'm also on now, since I had been on them for so long. I went to a dr who ran hundreds of dollars worth of blood tests and even did an MRI of my brain to rule out MS and then told me everything looked fine and there was nothing wrong with me. I did some research and found out that all of my symptoms can be side effects from prozac. My pdoc took me off of it about three weeks and I'm already seeing some improvement, especially in my hands. They don't feel like I have arthritis any more.
> > >
> > > > Hi everyone!
> > > > I never posted to a message board before but I felt compelled after reading all of them. I am experiencing alot of the side effects that everyone has mentioned. I have been on prozac for over a year. I cut down my doses slowly and my last prozac pill was 4 weeks ago. I am so exhausted and yet not sleeping alot!
> > > >
> > > > The worse side effect for me is the achy joints which makes it hard to exercise. I have dance background and have never had my joints feel like this. I thought my weight gain was from not dancing for a year but after reading the message board I think its from prozac too!
> > > >
> > > > I used to take Xanax a few times a week and I stopped four weeks ago also. I bought some high quality Kava Kava from the health store and that helped with my anxiety . I am also taking milk thistle pills to help get the toxins of the meds out of my liver. I have heard that some side effects take six months or longer to go away...I hope that is not true...I want to return to dance to help with my anxiety and depression but with my joints feeling like this I feel very unmotivated besides its painful feeling like this. Prozac did help me through a very difficult time but now coming off of it I wonder if I made a hasty decision, maybe I should have used natural remedies and tried harder. I just assumed prozac has been around for 30 years and lots are on it for years I thought it was safe. I had no idea of the results after taking it. Anyone out there have achy joints or muscle stiffness??
> > > >
> > > > Sleepless in NYC
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