Moonstoneblue: just come off Prozac

[ChessieCat]

That's great that you have been able to use your CBT skills.  I managed to stop a panic attack just before Christmas with concentrated deep breathing.  Have you read this thread on Neuro Emotions?

[moonstoneblue]

Hey Chessie,  did feel proud of myself when the anxiety went. I kept telling myself there was no danger, and that my anxiety had spiked and it would plateau and then go down, and it did. I made myself a chamomile tea at the time too.

 

I've read neuro emotions, thank you I know I'm not alone, it's just I feel sometimes what if I'm cracking up, and I panic and family members ask 'should you start thinking about going back on tablets properly', then I start doubting everything, and questioning everything I do and say. When I'm not stressed and not worried I'm absolutely fine, it's just I need to know how to change that thought process.

I'm so sorry I keep coming here and writing, I feel like a right pain, but I don't know where else to turn. 

[KarenB]

Have a read through the details about magnesium options here:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/.

 

My preference for gentleness and good absorption is Magnesium Citrate.  Also, hot baths with epsom salts. 

 

And concerning the stresses - you're already doing a great job of changing how you manage them, and now you have a positive example to look back on.  Learning to deal firmly with family can be part of that learning.  But it's one step at a time.  Be proud of what you've achieved.

[moonstoneblue]

Hi Karen, I hadn't seen that thread ???? I write from my mobile phone, so I sometimes don't see everything ????

Thank you for the link, I'll take a look.

My family on want what's best but they don't realise certain things. I do keep showing my mum things about antidepressant withdrawal because I want her to understand.

I will keep being positive. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day

[moonstoneblue]

Hi everyone,  I just wanted to report I've had a good few days. Been feeling relatively normal, it's been good. 

I've taken up pilates again too, I only do it from DVDs but It feels good. I've also been eating really healthily the last few days (no more bars of chocolate before bed ).

I'm going back to work on Tuesday now, so I just hope I'll be ok and won't cry at the bus stop again   I am really nervous though to face everyone at work. I do have a sick note off my doctor, though I am expecting words from head office.

 

I hope everyone is doing well. I read a lot of people's posts but because I'm relatively new and still unsure what's going on with our bodies etc. that I'm never sure what to say, but I hope you're all well and on the right track

[KarenB]

How about making a plan for what you will do while at the bus stop?  Perhaps bring a note-book and sketch something, or make make notes about all the things you can see and hear there.  I'm talking about a fence at the top of the cliff, rather than an ambulance at the bottom.  Some positive distraction thing.  Plus affirmations you can quickly bring to mind if you need them.  You'll know best the sort of thing that would work for you.

 

Glad to hear things are okay lately.

[moonstoneblue]

Hi Karen, sorry I didn't reply until now, I didn't realise anyone had replied????

I've still got issues with catching the bus, I was up all night last night, couldn't sleep a wink. At first I was panicking about everything and then when I'd calmed down I just couldn't sleep

So I called in sick and went straight to the doctors. I was so desperate I begged for sleeping pills just so I can sleep and get up in the morning for work. I know nothing is as bad as it seems, the night makes things worse.

Thing is now I have some zopiclone 3.75 and I'm too scared to take them. I was wondering can I halve them? There's no break line in them so I'd have to cut them with a knife. I'm not sure what to do.

[AliG]

Hi Moonstone.  I'm sorry you're having sleep problems. It can be debilitating however the sleep drugs , like Zopiclone can build up tolerance quite quickly and become addicting. They only give you a " drugged" sleep, and not the deep REM sleep , that you need. 

Have a read of this link :

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1655-tips-for-tapering-off-z-drugs-for-sleep-ambien-lunesta-etc/

 

These are drugs that need tapering off, as well. They can cause rebound anxiety and sleeplessness, long term and when tapering.

Have a read and see what you think . I would rather see you try some more natural alternatives , before resorting to the Z drugs.

 

Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have withdrawal insomnia

 

Sleep problems - that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Have you tried melatonin?

Melatonin for sleep

 

Ali

[moonstoneblue]

Hey thanks Ali, hmm I did think of melatonin. I was in just such a panic this morning that I would have begged for anything.

I think I'll give the drugs a miss tonight, I just want to get myself into a routine again. I'm just finding it so hard.

[AliG]

Moonstone.    I know it's difficult, but falling down the " rabbit hole " of  being dependent on sleep drugs , could make things a whole lot worse in the long term. I've had a lot of experience with withdrawal insomnia, and rely on natural methods of coping. I wouldn't touch Z drugs, no matter how desperate. I have family members who are and have been addicted , for years !

 

Ultimately, it's up to you, but you need to at least know the facts, first . Try and do some research and reading before making a decision.

I hope you decide not to go in that direction. There are plenty of natural alternatives, to explore first before caving in to more drugs.

Please read the links. There is a lot of information there.

I hope this helps.

Ali

[moonstoneblue]

Hi Ali, I just wanted to let you know I've decided not to take them. I read a bit of other people tapering off them etc. And decided I'll do without. I slept like a log last night and fell asleep earlier than I usually do.

I had a good day tomorrow I'm returning to work for a few hours just to get me used to being back

[moonstoneblue]

Had my first day back at work today. Had a panic attack in the car park when it was all busy and hectic, even though my mum was driving. I got over it though, kept telling myself it was just a panic attack and that it will go.

Anyway I went to work and was all fine

I didn't sleep a wink though again.

 

I kind of have two questions, I was wondering if someone could help me with.

On the 21st it will be a month since I started liquid Prozac, 5mg. I was wondering when I can taper to 4mg?

 

Also I was wondering I read that 5-htp is good for sleep and I know that if taken with other ssris it can cause serotonin syndrome, but I was wondering since I'm only on 5mg can I take a low dose of 5htp?

 

Thank you

[Altostrata]

What is your current sleep pattern, msb?

 

It might be a good idea to let your nervous system rest a bit more and not make changes in any drugs, including 5-HTP, for a while.

[moonstoneblue]

Oh my sleeping patter is all over the place. When I wasn't at work I was up all night and then sleeping all day, so that was bad. The last two days though I've been up early. But last night I didn't get a winks sleep. So I'm really tired tonight.

 

Ok that makes sense about making no changes, I just wondered how long I'd on the 5mg.

Thank you altostrata

[Altostrata]

It's important to keep regular hours, to train your system, and to learn meditation techniques to turn off "busy brain."

 

A bit of melatonin at nightfall can help you fall asleep, see Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful

[moonstoneblue]

I looked online for melotonin today but it's quite hard to find. I'll search the local health shop on the weekend

I'm really out of sync with everything, I've never had a good sleeping pattern, it's always been messed up.

 

Edit: I just searched some more and apparently melatonin is banned in the EU.

[KarenB]

Just a note for when you are ready for tapering, a 10% drop would be to 4.5mg, not 4mg. 

[moonstoneblue]

Thank you Karen I'll do that when I'm ready.

[moonstoneblue]

Went to work today. Caught the bus there, was really anxious all the way there. Called in a shop for milk on my way to work, the cashier didn't print off a receipt for the milk that I can claim from work, but she printed one when I asked. Anyway I got to work and cried my eyes out. If all just feels so overwhelming. I just hope I can do this. I feel like quitting my job and hiding. I need the money though and I don't want to call in sick anymore, it's not fair on them.

I'm so forgetful. I went to grab my coat on the way out of work and I couldn't remember which one I'd brought. I feel rubbish. I know I got through the day with customers shouting and being demanding, but I'm shattered and know I have to do all over again tomorrow.

I feel a bit depressed I think.

[moonstoneblue]

I survived a week of work my mood has been up and down. I have been pretty happy, but there has been moment of feeling sad and feeling a little moody when I'm tired. One thing I have noticed is I feel pain so badly at the moment. My monthly has come and I was up Thursday night with terrible pain, it was so bad I was heaving. Then not long ago tonight I banged my leg (something I'm always doing) the pain was terrible, I couldn't breathe. Usually I can't dally hurt myself and hardly feel anything but at the moment things kill me.

I'm pretty dizzy and tired all the time which I know is normal for wd.

I will say though my memory is terrible. I do things and forget straightaway. I also forget what I'm talking about sometimes too. I know all of that is normal too. Grrr why is withdrawal so hard.

[LexFree]

Hello Moonstoneblue,

 

I found liquid form to be more effective.  The one I used was by NOW Foods.  When I was taking it, it was sparingly so that I would not get dependent on it.  You may want to do some research.  

 

Below is a link to Amazon so you can see what the bottle looks like.  Don't know if Amazon will ship to UK since it is banned, but worth the look if you are wanting to give it a try.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Liquid-Melatonin-2-Fluid-Ounces/dp/B002MFOO3A/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463796162&sr=8-3&keywords=melatonin+liquid

 

Best...LexFree

[moonstoneblue]

Hi lexfree, thank you for the link

 

I'm a bit worried tonight. I feel like I'm actually dying. I don't know if it's after doing a week of work or that I'm ill.

I feel exhausted, I feel like I'm too tired to get up the stairs. I'm so scared I feel like I'm dying. I feel so bad it's giving me panic attacks.

[Altostrata]

Please learn to calm yourself during surges of bad symptoms, which will happen, especially if you push yourself. Getting anxious about them only makes them worse.

 

Meditation is an excellent technique to use during trying times.

[moonstoneblue]

Please learn to calm yourself during surges of bad symptoms, which will happen, especially if you push yourself. Getting anxious about them only makes them worse.

 

Meditation is an excellent technique to use during trying times.

Work is quite demanding. I work in a shoe shop, a very busy one with customers with bad feet. We're expected to give excellent customer service, and well most customers try on about 10 pairs of shoes in total. It's mentally and physically demanding. I serve up to 4 or 5 customers a time sometimes. They also shout at you if you can't help them at that moment The shoes are kept in the stockroom which is 2 or 3 flights of stairs. For four hours constantly this is what I do everyday. My legs hurt, my knees and ankles kill. I know my job is killing me but I can't leave or I may be in a worse position.

 

I will look into meditation, I have a few books on it. I just feel so rubbish at the moment that all I can do is sit in bed.

[Altostrata]

No wonder you are so tired!

[moonstoneblue]

I know. I usually use to it but it's taking it out of me at the moment. There's a few colleagues that take advantage of me too

[KarenB]

How's things Moonstone?  Is there someone close to you who can help you build up some ways to strengthen yourself and then gently but firmly stand up to those colleagues?  Starting with building strong belief in yourself is the place to start, of course. 

[moonstoneblue]

Hey Karen, I'm pretty good thank you how are you doing?

I'm back at work these days, it's been daunting at first but I'm back to normal at work now

Don't seem to be having symptoms lately (touch wood). Decided on Thursday to go onto 4mg of Prozac since its been around 12weeks since I went onto 5mg.

I've been feeling upbeat about things. I dread my monthly coming around though because that's when I get problems :/

I hope you're okay Karen? Thank you for checking up on me xx

[Altostrata]

moonstone, going from 5mg to 4mg Prozac would be a 20% reduction, a little steep. We advise 10% decreases, and only when your nervous system is good and stable. Please let us know how you are doing.

[KarenB]

I'm doing alright - making the best of a low few weeks.  Sleep improved last few nights - yay! 

 

Just thinking that you could always time your reductions for the time of the month that you feel best, and avoid the PMS time.  I might do this myself when I'm finished this hold.

 

Glad Alto noticed your larger drop - any thoughts on that?

 

Karen

[moonstoneblue]

Oops sorry alto I did mean 4.5mg, I was so tired after work when I wrote my last message. I'm feeling fine at the moment, I feel just normal as can be expected I've taken up crochet so that's keeping me occupied

My weight has started to get back to normal, I'm sure it was water retention now :/

 

I'm sorry you've had a couple of low weeks, hopefully it will all pick up now and things will get better I hope you're ok.

 

I'm surprised at how well I can concentrate at the moment. I'd never have been able to do crochet before. While on 20mg of Prozac I couldn't concentrate and didn't have any determination. I'm a bit more like I use to be as I'm determined and I'm more likely to argue my point ( on 20mg of Prozac I felt too confused to even know what the point in an argument was, I use to get too confused).

[KarenB]

Being able to crochet is a very good sign - healing is happening . 

[moonstoneblue]

Hey everyone, sorry for being quiet lately

I just wanted to pop on here and say I'm doing fine everything seems pretty normal (touch wood). I'm expecting my monthly in the next few days which is the worst bit I think.

I'm still doing crochet and been gardening, reading and still doing some fitness. Work is alright also. I'm just trying to keep busy with things. I still take my supplements and I think my iron levels are getting up now, I started taking folic acid about 6 weeks ago I think and it seems to have helped me. I take turmeric which I think might be helping, along with the salmon oil.

 

Anyway I just thought I'd pop along and mention it

[AliG]

Hi Moonstone. It's great that you seem to be levelling out and finding improvements generally. To be able to say that you feel normal is pretty wonderful, at this stage.

 

I looked online for melotonin today but it's quite hard to find. I'll search the local health shop on the weekend
I'm really out of sync with everything, I've never had a good sleeping pattern, it's always been messed up.

Edit: I just searched some more and apparently melatonin is banned in the EU.

 

How is your sleep? Have you managed to find a routine that works for you?  Did you start on the melatonin ? If you did, I hope you started off very low. I have found the melatonin to be more effective with less side effects at the lower doses.

 

Are you still on 4.5mg Prozac? Perhaps you could update your Sig.

Thanks for the update. I hope it continues to go well for you.

Ali

[Reflex]

Hi Moonstoneblue

 

Came across your post by accident looking at someone else's content. Just wanted to say that I am on Prozac tapering for the last year and a half. There are ups and downs in the journey.

 

I live in Bristol, not too far from Wales.

 

I am also part of a southwest self help group. We are suppose to be meeting up this Saturday in Exeter.

 

If you want any additional support just message.

 

Reflex

[moonstoneblue]

Hi alig, thank you my sleep is good at the moment. I go to bed fall asleep pretty quickly and get up a little easier. I do love to sleep though lol, I've always found it hard to get up.

I will update my sig I'm just always on my phone and never get my laptop out much.

 

Hi Reflex thank tou so much for your message I'm right on the west coast of Wales, so kinda in the sticks so I wouldn't be able to come down to Exeter thank you for the offer though it's really kind