vnb80: Fluoxetine help

[vnb80]

I have been on Fluoxetine for 9 years 20mg,  for about 6 months I started to take it every other day and doctor was all right with it and then he retired. Anyway 4 weeks ago I started to feel bad again with anxiety so I started taking every day again. Went to see new docter last week and he said I might of messed my serotonin up. Can anyone give me any info please

[vnb80]

Hi all I have been on Fluoxetine for 9 years for GAD

[ChessieCat]

Hi vnb and welcome to SA,

 

Are you wanting information on how to taper off your drug?  If yes, then you have come to the right place.

 

Psychiatric drugs change our brain.  It is a physiological dependence, not a physical dependence like caffeine or nicotine.  My own experience of trying to reduce my Pristiq:  I was taking 100mg and reduced to 50mg.  After 3 weeks of extreme cog fog I was unable to type.  I have been a typist for 40+ years so I knew that something was wrong.  I had joined SA a few days before this happened and they had suggested increasing my dose of Pristiq.  When I couldn't type I took extra Pristiq and about 4 hours later I was able to type again.  I knew it was because of the drug.  I have since been tapering following SA's recommendations and I am now down to 12mg and have only experienced mild withdrawal symptoms during the last 2.5 years. 

 

We ask all members to create a drug signature.  Please use the preferred format:

 

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature - ALL drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly?

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
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Before you begin tapering what you need to know

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

Tips for tapering off Prozac (fluoxetine)

 

Brain Remodelling

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

This is your own Intro topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.  We encourage members to visit each others Intro topics so they can support and encourage each other.

[vnb80]

I started taking it every other day for months which I thought was ok, for 4 weeks now I have taken it every day as my anxiety has come back

[ChessieCat]

Please re-read the preferred format for creating your signature.  We need accurate and clear information so we can make suggestions.  drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations  & reinstatements.

 

Skipping doses is equivalent to reducing your dose by 50%.  Skipping days is NOT recommended by SA.  SA recommends tapering by 10% of the previous dose followed by a hold of about 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.

 

Skipping Days vs Every Day Dosing Graph

 

Q:  How have you been feeling since taking your drug every day?