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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Roslynn on May 10, 2008, at 15:23:18
Hi everyone,
My pdoc and I have decided to try EMSAM. The problem is the washout for Prozac which I have to be off for 5 weeks (!) before starting the EMSAM. It's only been a few days and it's really hard so far.
Would it make sense to ask my pdoc for a "bridge" prescription--for example, switch to Zoloft (which works a little for me as well), take it during the remaining 4 weeks then have only 1 week without an SSRI in my system?This is already much harder than I thought it would be. I am a long-term Prozac user--we're talking over 15 yrs. I am on other meds too, including a benzo and lith, but I can really feel the missing prozac!
Any advice appreciated! Or stories of someone else who made it through a prozac washout after being on the drug for so long.
Thank you!
Roslyn
Posted by bleauberry on May 10, 2008, at 19:27:56
In reply to Difficult prozac washout before EMSAM, posted by Roslynn on May 10, 2008, at 15:23:18
After stopping prozac after 10 years on it, there was a 3 month period of hard times and bumps before my body and brain finally settled into what was my new baseline. Five weeks is enough time to wash out the prozac, but after longterm use it is not anywhere near long enough for all the biological systems in the body to reorganize and adjust.
I basically toughed it. I used xanax sometimes, maybe once or twice a week if things were just too hard. I put a lot of focus in super healthy eating and lots of pure water, and I forced myself into distractions such as room cleaning, laundry, lawn care, or whatever to keep my mind occupied and my body busy.
The biggest help of all was starting to go to an upbeat younger age church where many people quickly took me under their wings.
Posted by undopaminergic on May 11, 2008, at 14:16:07
In reply to Difficult prozac washout before EMSAM, posted by Roslynn on May 10, 2008, at 15:23:18
>
> My pdoc and I have decided to try EMSAM. The problem is the washout for Prozac which I have to be off for 5 weeks (!) before starting the EMSAM. It's only been a few days and it's really hard so far.
> Would it make sense to ask my pdoc for a "bridge" prescription--for example, switch to Zoloft (which works a little for me as well), take it during the remaining 4 weeks then have only 1 week without an SSRI in my system?
>I think that a very reasonable idea. Stimulants and benzodiazepines may be useful alternatives also, depending on your particular difficulties.
Posted by Roslynn on May 11, 2008, at 16:42:18
In reply to Difficult prozac washout before EMSAM, posted by Roslynn on May 10, 2008, at 15:23:18
Thank you both for your feedback!
Roslynn
Posted by bonbon on May 29, 2008, at 0:57:54
In reply to Difficult prozac washout before EMSAM, posted by Roslynn on May 10, 2008, at 15:23:18
I made it through the 5 weeks - it was a struggle, but definitely worth it. The Emsam is so much better than the Prozac. Stick with it, you'll make it and be better off!
Posted by Roslynn on June 4, 2008, at 17:25:50
In reply to Re: Difficult prozac washout before EMSAM, posted by bonbon on May 29, 2008, at 0:57:54
Hey thanks--it's been 4 weeks, not as bad as I initially thought it would be. Next week I will start the new med.
This is the end of the thread.
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