NeedMoreHope Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 (edited) Hello SA Community, I am new to the site, but have been reading a lot of info here over the past 2 1/2 years. I am in a bad place... I was on 20 mg Prozac for many years, and was told by a Dr. in Feb 2018 that I could just "stop it". Well... I crashed bad. I didn't know what was happening, and over the next year and half, I was given over 22 different meds (including back on Prozac and numerous AD's, benzos, sleeping pills, BP meds, mood stabilizers, and lastly, an antipsychotic). I deteriorated more and more and finally decided to get off everything. I am down to my last 5 mg of Prozac. I have suffered very much - my biggest symptoms have been horrible insomnia, dark depression, intense anxiety among others. I haven't had but a couple of days of windows in the past year. I am just losing hope. Will I get better? I am holding at 5 mg for a long time (just reduced 2 weeks ago). I think I did EVERYTHING wrong.... Thank you. Edited September 18, 2020 by Gridley 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted September 18, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 18, 2020 Welcome to SA, NeedMoreHope. I'm sorry you were given such terrible advice and that you've gone through all you've gone through with these drugs. Yes, you will get better. It's going to take some time, but you will heal. To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly. If you can't remember all of the drugs and doses just do the best you can. Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature. With so many drugs it's hard to tell what's causing what with your symptoms, but the symptoms you describe are typical of withdrawal. What is withdrawal syndrome. Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization Video: Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery Brain Remodelling You need stability now, no more changes. I suggest you hold at 5mg for several months, perhaps 6 or 8. Once you've stabilized, we can talk about slowly tapering off the 5mg Prozac. Why taper by 10% of my dosage? We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members. We're glad you found your way here. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted September 18, 2020 Author Share Posted September 18, 2020 Thank you for hope. I can't believe how many mistakes were made by all along the way, but I am so grateful for finding this forum. I will hold and not make any more changes for a long while. I actually had to go from 5.9 to 5 mg two weeks ago because the pharmacy discontinued the capsule I was taking. My Dr said to do the 10 Mg tablet and cut in half, so that's what I'm currently on. I think my dilemma was to know if the Prozac is keeping me sick, or if this was just more withdrawal. Once I crashed, it seemed like every time they tried to reinstate it, I would get so sick. And once we have had these bad reactions, our desire is to immediately throw these in the trash, but I found out the hard way, you just can't do it that way.... Thank you again for your kind response. The only way through this briar patch is forward... 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted September 18, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 18, 2020 11 minutes ago, NEEDMOREHOPE said: can't believe how many mistakes were made by all along the way, Please don't worry about mistakes made along the way. All of us, myself included, have made mistakes. You will be fine. 1 Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
Moderator Frogie Posted September 18, 2020 Moderator Share Posted September 18, 2020 15 minutes ago, NEEDMOREHOPE said: I can't believe how many mistakes were made by all along the way, Don't blame yourself for the mistakes you have made. You have found the right place to taper off this medication. I am a true story on big mistakes, but I made it. I made every mistake in the book, but I will officially be off all meds tomight. You are stronger than you think and you will get through this! Take care, Frogie xx PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist. Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form) ---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil. Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. 19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020) I am not a medical professional. The suggestions I make are based on personal experience. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted September 19, 2020 Author Share Posted September 19, 2020 Is it "normal" to lose your sleep again after a dose reduction? I was just finally getting about 4-5 hrs pretty consistently, and I made a reduction of 1 mg, and now I've had 3 nights with zero sleep. It is miserable. Just wondering why my progress has been wiped out. I believe this sleeplessness is the worst symptom I've had. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted September 19, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 19, 2020 1 hour ago, NEEDMOREHOPE said: I made a reduction of 1 mg, When did you make this reduction? I thought you were holding at 5mg. What is your current dosage? Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted September 19, 2020 Author Share Posted September 19, 2020 I just made it 2 weeks ago - from 5.9 to 5 mg. I had to because they discontinued the capsule I was taking, and my Dr. said we could use a 10 mg tablet and cut it in half. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted September 19, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 19, 2020 32 minutes ago, NEEDMOREHOPE said: I just made it 2 weeks ago I understand. 2 hours ago, NEEDMOREHOPE said: Is it "normal" to lose your sleep again after a dose reduction? Yes, it can be "normal" to have symptoms after a dose reduction, particularly, as in your case, when your system is sensitized from previous dose and drug changes. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted September 19, 2020 Author Share Posted September 19, 2020 Thank you - I know everyone deals with this in some form or another, but man, those nights of no sleep are killers! Thank you for the reassurance. I just need to give it time. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted October 19, 2020 Author Share Posted October 19, 2020 Hello, Need advice... I just picked up my refill prescription and noticed that they changed manufacturers for my Prozac - I'm currently on 5 mg - splitting a 10 mg tablet. Will this have any adverse effects? I am still struggling from the change about 7 weeks ago from 6 mg to 5 mg. But my sleep is finally getting better. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted October 29, 2020 Author Share Posted October 29, 2020 Hello, I am getting more discouraged.... I'm right at around 2 months since I reduced from 6 mg to 5 mg of Prozac, the last med that I have to taper in this nearly 3 year nightmare. This has been the worst reaction I've had in over a year to a dose reduction - I seem to be getting worse, except for my sleep which thankfully is staying steady, even if choppy. My anxiety and depression are so much worse, and just cycle back and forth and my body is "sizzling". I've probably only had 1/2 day window in that time period (and I felt great for a few hours!). I am so scared I will never get better. Is it expected to have such symptoms and a reaction this far from a dose change? 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Erell Posted October 29, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 29, 2020 On 10/19/2020 at 7:32 PM, NeedMoreHope said: I just picked up my refill prescription and noticed that they changed manufacturers for my Prozac Hello, I'm sorry to read you're struggling. I'm not saying it is the case, but it is possible that a change in manufacturer destabilise your CNS. You might find this thread interesting : change-in-drug-manufacturer-or-generic-substituted-for-brand-name-drug/ 20 minutes ago, NeedMoreHope said: Is it expected to have such symptoms and a reaction this far from a dose change? Unfortunately, no one can predict how somebody will react to a drop. A drop from 6mg to 5mg is quite high, almost a 17% drop: it is possible that your CNS needs more time to stabilise. Please see : why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/ Plus, a lot of people notice that the lower they get with their doses, the slower they need to taper. Take care ☀️ 2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam. 2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg. 2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg). 25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details : topic/21457 Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil Current medication : * 7pm Diazepam : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020) * 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)/ 6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21) I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share Posted November 1, 2020 One more question... I am experiencing the worst akathesia and burning/pins and needles than I ever have since I have lowered to 5 mg. How do I know if I'm having a bad reaction to switching from capsule to a pill, vs, just having a bad withdrawal action in general? I'm wondering if the pill itself is causing this? If so, should I just stop it.... but I know that danger.... that's what got me in this shape in the first place... stopping too soon. Just getting scared that I'm doing more damage by continuing to take this every morning? I think I know the answer... just more time, but just checking in with those that have been through this to make sure I'm not continuing harm to my CNS. Quote 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 19, 2020 Author Share Posted November 19, 2020 Hi, It's been 11 wks since I reduced my dose from 6 mg to 5 mg. It's been one of the worst waves I think I've had since this whole thing started. I did get a window day Saturday, however, where I felt 100% normal! but it didn't last... My lingering question is how do you know if the med is making you sick vs whether this is just withdrawal? Somehow, when I switched from capsule to tablet, it just seemed to get so much worse and I've had symptoms I haven't had before (with greater intensity on the others). I don't want to keep taking something that is making me sick, but how do you balance that with a slow taper? Or do I just need to give this more time for my CNS to settle? I just am so desperate for relief. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
bijay Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 @NeedMoreHope. I am in the same boat, the drug side effects are hurting me, though speeding up the taper is dangerous. But I went way too fast the first time and don’t want to repeat that mistake. You may want to tag one of the moderators to see if updosing back to 6 mg., or maybe lower, is a good idea after 11 weeks. I do not have the experience to counsel you on that. If you are concerned the drug manufacturer switch is a problem, see if your druggist can get your previous pill; sometimes the big pharmacies won’t do that but the independent ones will. Call around and ask. You can explain the situation to your doc and get a new prescription or transfer your current one. Wishing you the best. Started .25 mg. clonazapam Oct. 2016 Started 10 mg. Celexa Dec. 2016 Started 10 mg. amitriptyline January 2017 Also took 60 mg. Dexilant Oct. 2016 through April 2017, successfully tapered off Stopped Celexa successfully Oct. 2017 Fast taper of amitriptyline Dec. 2017, had major WD symptoms and reinstated at 10 mg. Jan. 2018 Slow amitryptyline taper started Mar. 2019, reduced from 10 mg. to 0.93 mg. currently Also still taking .25 mg. clonazapam daily in late evening Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted November 20, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 20, 2020 8 hours ago, NeedMoreHope said: It's been 11 wks since I reduced my dose from 6 mg to 5 mg. It's been one of the worst waves I think I've had since this whole thing started. I did get a window day Saturday, however, where I felt 100% normal! As Erell said that was a large reduction. Prozac is a different drug to most other ADs because of it's long half life: On 7/3/2011 at 4:11 AM, Altostrata said: Prozac has the longest half-life of any SSRI. After you take it for a few days, half-life is about 16 days. Fluoxetine itself has a half-life of 2-4 days, but as it is processed, your body creates an active antidepressant metabolite, norfluoxetine, which has a half-life of 7-15 days. So Prozac keeps on extending its half-life as it is metabolized. According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoxetine , fluoxetine and norfluoxetine inhibit each other's metabolism, extending the half-life of the drug. Because the half-lives are so long, the full effect of Prozac on the brain may not be felt for several weeks. fluoxetine (1-6 days) ---> norfluoxetine (up to 16 days) ---> other metabolites You have had a window and it wasn't just a sort of window, it was 100% feeling normal window which is a really good sign. I think after 11 weeks AND an excellent window, that it might be silly to risk things and updose. The best thing to do is to just keep holding until you reach withdrawal normal. Stability WDnormal AND when you do taper again taper NO MORE than 10% of the CURRENT dose. 5mg x 0.9 = 4.5mg OR less. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 20, 2020 Author Share Posted November 20, 2020 Thank you for your replies. I will hold on a good while longer. I've been here before... where you feel so desperate you want to grab on to anything (including more pills) to get better, but then you remember you tried that before.... and it didn't work... and it's why you're here... My sister said the only way through the briar patch is forward - you can go back to where you started and keep getting scratched both ways again, or you can just keep going forward and get scratched once! 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 27, 2020 Author Share Posted November 27, 2020 Quote Hello, Can I get some help/support? I am getting worse.. the akathesia has not let up except that one day I had, and I just feel like I am going insane. Should I keep taking the 5 mg Prozac or just stop - is this withdrawal or reaction? I'm so scared today. Any help or advice would be appreciated. My last 3 months have been the worst and there's just no improvement. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 27, 2020 Administrator Share Posted November 27, 2020 On 11/19/2020 at 10:10 AM, NeedMoreHope said: Hi, It's been 11 wks since I reduced my dose from 6 mg to 5 mg. It's been one of the worst waves I think I've had since this whole thing started. I did get a window day Saturday, however, where I felt 100% normal! but it didn't last... My lingering question is how do you know if the med is making you sick vs whether this is just withdrawal? Somehow, when I switched from capsule to tablet, it just seemed to get so much worse and I've had symptoms I haven't had before (with greater intensity on the others). I don't want to keep taking something that is making me sick, but how do you balance that with a slow taper? Or do I just need to give this more time for my CNS to settle? I just am so desperate for relief. Hello, NMH. You had said your sleep was stabilizing prior to your reduction from 6mg to 5mg. After the reduction, you had a period of withdrawal insomnia (a common result from dosage reductions), which seemed to gradually improve as you held at 5mg. When did this "akathisia" start? What does it feel like? Is it worse at any particular times of day? How do you feel before and after taking Prozac? Are you taking any other drugs? If so, what is your daily drug schedule, with dosages? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 27, 2020 Author Share Posted November 27, 2020 The akathesia started the 1st week after I started taking the 5 mg tablet - and it has not let up except for a few hours. The terror is there too... I've never had that before either. I've been battling this for 2 1/2 years, and I can say this has been the worst 3 months, so just started to wonder about a reaction vs withdrawal. I take 5 mg at 7:00 am. The symptoms are their worst during the day and let up a bit in the evening. No other drugs. My sleep has been 4 hrs or less a night, but that's good for me. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 27, 2020 Author Share Posted November 27, 2020 Oh, and when I said I've been battling this 2 1/2 years, I just meant when this whole poly-drugging nightmare started. With the akathesia that started 3 months ago, I also have an intense "boredom without motivation" along with the agitation that just makes the day almost unbearable. I've never felt that before. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 29, 2020 Author Share Posted November 29, 2020 Oh, someone please... the akathesia is just continuing and seems worse - I can hardly stand it. Should I stop taking the Prozac, or just keep going at the 5 mg and hope for stabilization. I haven't had a break from this in 3 months. I don't know what to do.. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 29, 2020 Administrator Share Posted November 29, 2020 Is this symptom better or worse after you take the 5mg Prozac every day? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 29, 2020 Author Share Posted November 29, 2020 Not really - it's bad all the time. I was getting a few hours of relief in the evening but even that has stopped. This just all started the same week I switched from the capsule to the tablet. It's been horrible ever since. I am so scared and don't want to keep taking something that is hurting me, but equally scared to come off too fast because this is why I'm here now.... 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 29, 2020 Administrator Share Posted November 29, 2020 You might increase to 5.25mg. A little bit can make a difference. Prozac comes in a prescription liquid so you can take small amounts, or you can make your own liquid with tablets and water. I would add 0.25mg liquid to the 5mg tablet. See Tips for tapering off fluoxetine (Prozac) This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted November 29, 2020 Author Share Posted November 29, 2020 So you think it's the withdraw too fast and not the actual tablet that is causing the adverse symptoms? Thank you for your help. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 (edited) Altostrata, I am getting worse... do you think the 5 mg tablet switch is causing this? I have NEVER felt this bad - I was up all night with adreniline rushing through my body, my legs are popping, my mind is just on hyper drive to where I can't do anything. I sure don't want things to get worse by jumping off, but I've never had these kinds of symptoms. Am I having an adverse reaction? I am terrified, and I can take a lot, but this is becoming unbearable. Edited December 2, 2020 by ChessieCat removed blank quote 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted December 2, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 2, 2020 Quoting this here for NeedMoreHope's history: 3 hours ago, NeedMoreHope said: This is EXACTLY what I am feeling after I started 5 mg of Prozac (but I didn't reinstate - I switched from a capsule 6 mg to a tablet 5 mg). It just seems everything got worse and has been this way for over 3 months. So we can heal even if we are reacting to the change/reinstatement? I want to just jump off again, but I think that would not be wise, but it seems to have made me sicker. Thank you Chels for describing this so well. 5 hours ago, Chels said: @Altostrata hi i get it pretty consistently throughout the day, its a heavy feeling of agitation, wanting to rip my skin open, throbbing and burning throughout my body, heart palp, terror so bad, and very suicidal i have never felt that before i reinstated two months ago. i am able to sleep some if i go to bed around 11:30-12:00 some nights im able to sleep all the way through the night and some nights im jolted awake by a nightmare or feeling of restlessness. i always wake up soaked in sweat no matter how well or not well i slept. @Colonial thank you for your words. i agree that reading into to things can make matters worse. and i try not to but i am extremely uncomfortable with these symptoms of akathisia. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 Please someone, can you help give me hope? I have had a few hours here and there, but for the most part, I am still experiencing the worst symptoms of this whole journey - I'm not getting any better and now I've lost my sleep. I updosed to 5.25, as suggested. Should I go higher? I am so afraid I will not get through this. The akathesia and burning skin with no sleep is almost unbearable. Can someone give me hope? It has been 4 months since this round of symptoms started. Am I doomed? 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted December 18, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 18, 2020 (edited) Hi NeedMoreHope, When did you updose? What day(date)? And then how are you doing your doses now.....are you still using a 1/2 of a 10 mg tablet, or have you been weighing, or making your own liquid, or added in the small updose with prescription liquid? Can you add in the date of your updose to your signature: AccountSettings/signature And no, you are not doomed. I too, did everything wrong for a good while, as I did not know any better. Some of the more acute symptoms with my last WD were very uncomfortable, but did let up, once I got really regular with everything. And am doing really quite well now, at this point in time, 4 years off them all. Many good and lengthy windows along the way too, for me. I rarely think in terms of withdrawal anymore. So it can and will get better for you too! Are you on any other medications, or have you recently taken anything in the way of new supplements? 3 hours ago, NeedMoreHope said: I am still experiencing the worst symptoms of this whole journey - I'm not getting any better and now I've lost my sleep. Oh my. And sleep is so important. How much sleep are you averaging each night? Some helps: Tips to help sleep: so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia Early morning waking- managing the morning cortisol spike And for the agitation, anxiety, burning skin: Akathisia vs restlessness, anxiety, agitation Weighted blankets and bed tents for restlessness, akathisia, insomnia, and anxiety Burning skin NeedMoreHope, you are not doomed. Do let us know when you updosed from 5 mg to 5.25 mg of Prozac. And then when you take it, as well as when your symptoms are occurring throughout the day and night. Try to do a simple note format and note the time on the left, then all drugs and supplements by name, and dose, on the right. As well as symptoms on the right, as they occur and peak throughout the day and night. Note sleep on the right as well. Sending buckets and basketfuls of hope too. L, P, H, and G, mmt Edited December 18, 2020 by manymoretodays Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 Hi, I updosed on Dec 15, so not that long ago. I take it in the morning, and I don't take any other meds. I take a fish oil and that's it. I am weighing out the tablets. I have probably only got 1 hour sleep the last 3 nights - I had been getting 4-6 - so not sure why it stopped. My symptoms are pretty much constant through the day - my legs "pop", I have adreniline rushes throughout, shaking, and I cry all day. My depression comes back sometimes in the evening, and it was present last night as well when I couldn't sleep. I am just losing hope... My family all says I need to go back on meds, but with my history, it frightens me. Thank you for helping me. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted December 18, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 18, 2020 So just the 3 days so far with the updose. I think if it was me, I would want to observe a bit longer, before changing anything, with the Prozac. It can take a bit longer to see if it helps, due to it's longer half life. Other than the sleep, are your symptoms notably worse since the 15th, when you reinstated? And how are you faring with the holiday season this year? Is it all feeling intensely stressful? Helping family understand And then for you, as you sound to be really hard on yourself right now, Shame, guilt, regret and self criticism Try and keep your inner voice or voice to yourself very gentle and kind. You deserve that. And have been through a lot to date. Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 Can I heal from this? 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted December 18, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 18, 2020 Of course. I think what often gets so hard is the time involved sometimes in healing. Or it did surprise me, when I was told that the couple of weeks or months, that I anticipated to heal would probably be longer. You've had a fairly long time on medications too. It doesn't mean necessarily that you WILL take longer to heal. I mean keep in mind that everyone is different. And you will learn invaluable practices for coping along the way too, you'll see. Don't forget Windows either. That Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization. I'm guessing, but maybe you were having a nice Window in the last couple of weeks? You had not posted for a bit. Anyway, Windows will get more frequent, or you will begin to figure out your own pattern of Windows and Waves too, which can be helpful, around tapering. Right now though, you are just aiming for some good WDstability(and more about this): Stability ( you can scroll up from that post too and look at more in the Are We There Yet? A nice essay, and explanation of lots of observations, after working with many in WD, for a long time) Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 No, I've only had one short window in the past few weeks - Saturday evening I was perfect from 3-7 pm, then no breaks since then - it's been pretty relentless for 4 months. Oh, and I did get COVID too - about the time I tapered to the 5 mg in Sept, so I'm sure that didn't help things... 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
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