Patient2022: Fluoxetine taper - Breaking free, building me

[Ariel]

@Patient2022

 

1 hour ago, Patient2022 said:

Also generally been feeling slight low mood and feeling quite very irritable, things are annoying me more. yesterday I just wanted to be away from everything and everyone. I’m telling myself this will pass, and hopefully is just the low I usually get before my period, but it feels somewhat severe and I don’t feel it’s normal to live every month before period being so depleted of energy that I can’t normally function!

 

You are correct: this will indeed pass. 

 

For those of us who menstruate, it is common to experience intensified withdrawal symptoms at times in our cycle. For me, during withdrawal, my usual "PMS" symptoms have been amplified, and any withdrawal symptoms I've been dealing with at the time have also been magnified leading up to and during my period. A few of those symptoms are fatigue, irritability, not wanting to be around other people, not being to able to "function normally" -- everything you have mentioned. 

 

There are some things that have helped me with this:

 

a) I accept that this is just how it is in withdrawal; and try to be extra gentle with myself in the weeks when withdrawal/premenstrual symptoms exacerbate each other. 

 

b) I supplement with magnesium powder, which I sip in water throughout the day. Not only is this generally calming, I find that it has had a beneficial effect on easing a wide variety of premenstrual symptoms. I wish I had known about this years ago!

 

c) I don't have "proof" but I believe that the changes I've made to my diet in order to better manage withdrawal-related GI symptoms also help with hormonal fluctuations and cycle-related instability. 

 

1 hour ago, Patient2022 said:

My doc suggested increasing my fluoxetine dose the 10 days before my period to help with my energy (he advised to do this if my bloods are normal and there’s no obvious cause). Has anyone had to do this before ? Increasing doses before periods while tapering - Is this a thing ?

 

49 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

We have a few other members taking different drugs whose doctors have suggested increasing their dose leading up to their period to relieve premenstrual syndrome, not because of tapering.  I think it is a stupid idea. 

 

Unfortunately I have also heard from numerous other menstruating people that doctors suggest this. 

I am neither a mod nor a doctor, but I agree with ChessieCat that this sounds like a bad idea -- especially for someone who is actively in withdrawal and tapering off of medication.

 

Have you seen these help topics? 

 

 

 

 

[Ariel]

There is also one more thread, from which I will quote Altostrata: 

 

On 11/26/2012 at 11:50 PM, Altostrata said:

Hello, BetheChange.

 

Prescribing antidepressants for PMDD might work for some people because antidepressants are hormonal disruptors. For some, the disruption -- which can cause sexual dysfunction, too -- seems to work.

 

For others, not so good. That you get withdrawal symptoms demonstrates this treatment is not for you. Each time you get withdrawal symptoms, you stress your nervous system. Eventually, this will make your life significantly worse.

 

Do try non-drug means to deal with your PMDD. There are many that do not have the risks of Prozac.

 

Quote taken from this help topic:

 

 

[Patient2022]

On 5/22/2022 at 8:23 AM, ChessieCat said:

 

Please carefully read the following and note the length of time.  When you reduce the opposite would be the case:

 

  

 

 

The brain likes consistency.  This following topic is also applicable to the doctor's suggestion:

 

NEVER SKIP DOSES TO TAPER

 

 

We have a few other members taking different drugs whose doctors have suggested increasing their dose leading up to their period to relieve premenstrual syndrome, not because of tapering.  I think it is a stupid idea.  It's possible that the pharmaceutical companies, which is where the doctors get their information about drugs from, have come up with the idea.

 

Thank you so much for sharing. I was naturally very sceptical to do this. if I understand correctly, using the AD also affects our hormones so would make sense that the fluctuation is quite affected when tapering ?

[Patient2022]

On 5/22/2022 at 9:21 AM, Ariel said:

There is also one more thread, from which I will quote Altostrata: 

 

 

Quote taken from this help topic:

 

 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and the links to other threads. Really helps to know it’s not just me and is normal while tapering. I’m going through the links now.  

 

I’ve not seen powder magnesium, how do you find it helps you to sip through the day? Do you feel instant relief from symptoms ? 
 

The extreme fatigue has gone now as the period had arrived! But still not 100% still  tired, just not as bad - one day at a time 🙏🏾 

[Ariel]

Hi @Patient2022

 

1 hour ago, Patient2022 said:

I’ve not seen powder magnesium, how do you find it helps you to sip through the day? Do you feel instant relief from symptoms ? 

 

The reason I space magnesium doses throughout the day is that if you ingest a high dose all at once it can cause rapid-onset diarrhea. 

There may be other reasons to space doses that I don't know of. It could also have to do with the body's ability to absorb magnesium (but I'm guessing). 

 

I tried many different kinds of capsules and tablets before finding the powdered magnesium I use.  

Because it's a powder it's easy to split up into multiple doses and has no bad taste. I actually enjoy the slightly tangy flavor (from the citric acid, I think). 

 

It is not an effect of "instant relief from symptoms". It's some sort of cumulative effect. I consume at least one full serving a day, every day, and somehow this has a positive influence on menstrual symptoms when they arrive. There have been times when I ran out of magnesium and didn't take it regularly for a month or weeks leading up to my period, and the menstrual symptoms were worse. So I don't believe it works as well for that purpose when it's only taken occasionally. But I don't know. 

 

In regards to positive effect on withdrawal symptoms, it's more subtle. I'd say overall it's slightly relaxing. This is more or less noticeable. The more agitated I am, the more clearly I will register a mild anxiolytic effect upon ingesting a substantial dose (within an hour or less, I'd say). Sometimes it can help me fall back asleep when I wake up with a cortisol rush. 

 

Magnesium is by no means a cure-all -- just to manage expectations -- but it can be helpful in withdrawal and, when used responsibly, can be safe for sensitized systems. I've read that some members do not react well to it, so please be careful and try a very low dose to begin with. If it agrees with you (or doesn't disagree with you), go very slowly with any increases. 

I'm not a mod --  merely paraphrasing what I've read elsewhere on SA. You might want to check out the magnesium topic beforehand. 

 

 

[Patient2022]

Thank you once again @Ariel I really appreciate you sharing what helps. I will have a look into the powder.

 

At the moment though I’m keeping everything the same because I just received my blood test results, things are looking ok apart from my platelet count being low. So obviously I’ve done a quick Google search to see if that could be causing my tiredness and i stumble on some stuff that is consistent with some of  symptoms I’m experiencing- easy bruising, fatigue.

it said that one of the causes of low platelets can be due to taking certain medications. So I searched if there was a link between AD and blood platelets being affected. And guess what, it can contribute to developing this!!! Doctors are meant to check our history prior to prescribing; in case it causes internal bleeding. stated to happen in the stomach when on AD and susceptible. Also mentions the danger of having a brain haemorrhage because well with low platelets the blood can’t adequately clot.

 

ugh too much! I’ve been asked to retest in 2 weeks. I just feel like stopping the AD, just want it out of my system to remember who I am/what my body should be behaving like. 
 

I won’t go cold turkey though, I know that doesn’t work well for me. I’ve been on the lower dose since Jan22 (taking daily since Feb22). I’m wondering whether I should wait to see if the fatigue settles before moving onto the next dose taper (and how much longer to stay on it)? Or if lowering may help with the tiredness? 
 

 

[Patient2022]

Any advise with the above ?

[Patient2022]

Haven’t posted in a while, but here I am. I feel like no one cares for me. I’m having to always look out and adapt to others but who cares for me. I feel like life for me is mostly a battle. 
 

I was doing ok, riding the waves but I’m currently in one that feels bit heavier than usual. People annoy me. I want to be alone and away from everyone. I don’t want to do anything. And I feel guilty for it ( I have children, although they don’t want to go out I feel guilty as a parent for not doing anything but also fed up that everything is always on me!). I’ve not done much but feel exhausted. 
 

Anxiety is super high and my sleep is awful. Can’t get to sleep at night - racing thoughts, unable to relax! 

 

I’m telling myself this will pass. It’s period time (which is usually a low time), I also drank a few days ago. And I’m wondering if there’s a correlation! I’ve drank before and been ok. So bit all over the place. 
 

Don’t want to speak to the family member I usually speak to because she  jumps to the wrong conclusion, acts like I’m unreasonable/stupid and then panics. So I’ve come here. Which I’m also not sure why, it doesn’t seem to have many people who respond. 
 

Hope I get through this. It’s all so tiring!

[Crepe]

Hi @Patient2022 how are you going?

 

I found your thread after doing a site search for "blood clots". Glad I found you so I can say hi and maybe be a bit of support if you need it.

 

I was curious if people had experienced blood thinning/clotting issues because I had a bit of a scare earlier this year. A few months after ceasing fluoxetine my blood showed elevated D-dimer (indicator of clotting). I got onto it in time so thankfully it resolved. Like you, I did my research to find that fluoxetine interferes with platelet forming and therefore can thin the blood. So it occurs to me that coming off fluoxetine could potentially have the opposite effect?

 

So many ways these chemicals change our bodies, we have to be so careful.

 

I hope you're doing ok.

 

C.

[Patient2022]

On 9/17/2022 at 10:18 AM, Crepe said:

Hi @Patient2022 how are you going?

 

I found your thread after doing a site search for "blood clots". Glad I found you so I can say hi and maybe be a bit of support if you need it.

 

I was curious if people had experienced blood thinning/clotting issues because I had a bit of a scare earlier this year. A few months after ceasing fluoxetine my blood showed elevated D-dimer (indicator of clotting). I got onto it in time so thankfully it resolved. Like you, I did my research to find that fluoxetine interferes with platelet forming and therefore can thin the blood. So it occurs to me that coming off fluoxetine could potentially have the opposite effect?

 

So many ways these chemicals change our bodies, we have to be so careful.

 

I hope you're doing ok.

 

C.

God I haven’t been on here for ages! I really appreciate you passing by and leaving a message @Crepe How’s things for you? 

 

Quick update - I’ve generally been managing. Riding the waves, which seems to have a pattern that coincides with my period. I always worry that the dip in mood just before my period means I’m back to square one.

 

Life has thrown some difficult things at me recently so it’s been a little turbulent but not to the point of break down. I listen to my body and ride it through - if I need to rest and not socialise, so be it. 
 

Although if I’m honest, the ups and downs do get annoying. Especially when I’m in a lower mood. 
 

The other thing is I’ve been experiencing insomnia… it’s crazy because I’ve not really had it this bad ever! I just can’t get to sleep some nights. Racing thoughts, can’t relax etc, so I do some colour by numbers, browse the net thinking I’ll get sleepy but here I am at 03:37am unable to sleep with an early start  I need to do a site search to see what others experience of this is. Wondering if it is actually related to the tapering. 
 

Lastly, I’m currently on 6.4mg, been tapering slowly still, I mostly stay on the dose change for around 3 months. Sometimes it’s been 1 month I’ve tapered but it’s always to the next decimal point. So in mls 1.7, 1.6, 1.5 etc etc. 

 

Patient 2022 ✌️

[Patient2022]

Im now on 6mg and wondering what the general advice is with the time to stay on one dose? I’ve seen some people do weeks and maybe a month. 
 

I’ve stayed on doses somewhat longer mostly 2/3 months on the same dose

and wondering if this hinders tapering… is it too slow? 

Still having the symptoms before period. It’s so debilitating and more noticeable, to the point my normal life is affected. So wanting to hear others advise on length of dosage and whether it changes these side effects. 
 

 

[Patient2022]

I’m not sure where to post this but I’ll put it in my diary for now… so since tapering I haven’t found the type of magnesium recommended on the forum. I’m in the U.K. and wondered if anyone could give some recommendations.

 

holland and barratts mostly have magnesium oxide and citrate. I tried a natural source from a new company called together, however didn’t see any difference and wasn’t sure the type of magnesium it was.

 

the most recent one I’ve tried is the floradix magnesium which says it’s gluconate (I’m guessing this isn’t the same as recommended glycinate), but it says it supports nervous system etc so thought I’d give it a try. I’ve had the worse stomach upset and constantly running to the toilet with full on diarrhea zzz… please can can someone recommend a good make easy on the stomach that I can get in the U.K. (London). Please. 

[Leyla]

Hello Patient2022,

I just read your forum and I would like to express my support. I'm starting my journey similar to yours.. I was taking 20mg Prozac every other day following doctors advice and it was horrible. Then I stumbled upon this site and I switched taking 10mg everyday.

I admire your patience and taking your time to stabilize. It is very hard and so tempting to just quit to get rid of the drug side effects. Youre doing great keep going ❤️. 
Regarding Magnesium supplements, I've tried Doctor's Best high absorption Magnesium. It personally suits me however i don't take it every day because it makes me sleep very long hours.

 

Take Care,

Leyla

[Patient2022]

2 hours ago, Leyla said:

Hello Patient2022,

I just read your forum and I would like to express my support. I'm starting my journey similar to yours.. I was taking 20mg Prozac every other day following doctors advice and it was horrible. Then I stumbled upon this site and I switched taking 10mg everyday.

I admire your patience and taking your time to stabilize. It is very hard and so tempting to just quit to get rid of the drug side effects. Youre doing great keep going ❤️. 
Regarding Magnesium supplements, I've tried Doctor's Best high absorption Magnesium. It personally suits me however i don't take it every day because it makes me sleep very long hours.

 

Take Care,

Leyla

Hey Leyla thanks for your message, it’s always lovely receiving some support  

you’re right it’s best not to go cold turkey and take each moment one step at a time. 
 

I didn’t know doctors best was in the U.K. I’ve just ordered some ok British supplements which is meant to be very pure/natural. So I’ll see how I get along with those first. Thank you for the recommendation. 
 

and all the best on your journey, it does help to have to forum to express what we’re going through, hope to see you around

[Patient2022]

I’ve managed to figure out a dose of the liquid magnesium that works for me. The bottle says take 20ml (equivalent to 250mg), I’m managing taking 5ml (62.5mg) for now. And using the magnesium spray at bed time. I will try to build up the

dose gradually and see how it goes. 
 

I stopped caffeine about 2 weeks but have had the occasional chai latte when I’m at the cafe (just learnt it has a small amount of caffeine), had one today so that explains why I can’t get to sleep - past midnight right now. Herbal teas it is!
 

With the magnesium, I’m taking omega3 fish oil, zinc and vitamin d. This combo seems to be working with no horrible side effects, which is great! It’s only been a week so will have to report back on any benefits in a few weeks. Though I can say with the trial and error dosing with magnesium, it definitely helps with sleep - more so when I was taking the full dose (20ml/250mg), the 5ml/62.5mg not as strong but sure it helps (without caffeine!!)

[Altostrata]

Hello, @Patient2022 how are you doing? 

[Patient2022]

5 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Hello, @Patient2022 how are you doing? 

Hi I’m not too bad at all thank you. Still on the same dose - 6mg.
 

I’ve eliminated zinc from my supplements because I’ve noticed some neck pains when I take it (maybe too many different supplements?). Still on 5ml magnesium and fish oil 😊

[Patient2022]

So I’ve decided to stop the magnesium because I noticed it was making me quite dizzy despite taking the smallest dose. I’ve found in general I’m quite sensitive to supplements 
 

I’ve recently lowered to 5.2mg fluoxetine. Think I’ll just take the AD alone and maybe try add the magnesium once I’m off it. 

[Addax]

Hi @Patient2022.

Just read your thread. Congratulations on getting where you are! I know it’s out a cake walk, but remaining persistent is tough while tapering.

I am also tapering fluoxetine. Currently at 6.5mg and recently decided to slow my roll, which was slow to begin with. 
 

I try to find others who are tapering fluoxetine… something about the shared experience with the same med is reassuring, I guess.  Glad to have found you, but it sucks that we both have reason to be here. 
 

[Patient2022]

On 6/13/2023 at 2:30 AM, Addax said:

Hi @Patient2022.

Just read your thread. Congratulations on getting where you are! I know it’s out a cake walk, but remaining persistent is tough while tapering.

I am also tapering fluoxetine. Currently at 6.5mg and recently decided to slow my roll, which was slow to begin with. 
 

I try to find others who are tapering fluoxetine… something about the shared experience with the same med is reassuring, I guess.  Glad to have found you, but it sucks that we both have reason to be here. 
 

Thanks so much for reaching out, it really does help to see others in similar situation, tapering the same drug. We’re on similar doses too, are you getting many side effects at this dose? Of recent it’s been fairly gentle for me (other than when I was taking the magnesium- the dizziness was not good!)
 

 

[Addax]

36 minutes ago, Patient2022 said:

are you getting many side effects at this dose?

I don’t think I’’ve experienced side effects from the fluoxetine in quite sometime. However, I have been on the drug for about 35 years, so it maybe hard to recognize whether something is a side effect. At higher doses, side effects were more obvious.  As for withdrawal - I have had to slow down considerably at this point after some symptoms became more intense and so uncomfortable that they were beginning to interfere with life and work in a way that was becoming more difficult to manage. I was fully functional and except for my husband, no one was able to tell, but I felt pretty awful for about 12 days. It helps to know that the negative thoughts and emotional lability are related to withdrawal and not “real” or rational.  Luckily, I’m currently at WD baseline. I’ll likely hold for awhile being that I have some high-stress work related things coming up this month and next. I don’t want to rock any boats during that time because, although I’m in a good place right now, I’m hypersensitive to stressors.
 

50 minutes ago, Patient2022 said:

Of recent it’s been fairly gentle for me

This is great to read. I hope that remains the case as you continue to taper! 
 

Do you have a taper schedule you’re going by so far as amount and timeline?  I was trying to stick to a schedule and amount, but have found it’s a bit of a wait and see, then drop by 0.1mg when “the coast is clear.”

 

[Patient2022]

On 6/19/2023 at 3:22 PM, Addax said:

I don’t think I’’ve experienced side effects from the fluoxetine in quite sometime. However, I have been on the drug for about 35 years, so it maybe hard to recognize whether something is a side effect. At higher doses, side effects were more obvious.  As for withdrawal - I have had to slow down considerably at this point after some symptoms became more intense and so uncomfortable that they were beginning to interfere with life and work in a way that was becoming more difficult to manage. I was fully functional and except for my husband, no one was able to tell, but I felt pretty awful for about 12 days. It helps to know that the negative thoughts and emotional lability are related to withdrawal and not “real” or rational.  Luckily, I’m currently at WD baseline. I’ll likely hold for awhile being that I have some high-stress work related things coming up this month and next. I don’t want to rock any boats during that time because, although I’m in a good place right now, I’m hypersensitive to stressors.
 

This is great to read. I hope that remains the case as you continue to taper! 
 

Do you have a taper schedule you’re going by so far as amount and timeline?  I was trying to stick to a schedule and amount, but have found it’s a bit of a wait and see, then drop by 0.1mg when “the coast is clear.”

 

@Addax glad to hear you’ve reached a stable dose for now - aim assuming that’s what WD baseline is? Sorry not sure with all the lingo. It definitely makes sense to hold out on a dose if you know you have some stressors which may trigger. 
 

as for the my schedule of tapering, it’s go with the flow. Some doses I hold for a longer time depending how I feel or what’s going on around me. Others it’s been a month and I’ve been fine. 
 

Recently I’ve had more migraines, feeling tired…And felt dizzy (vertigo) this evening and a little yesterday. It’s always tough to decide whether it’s a symptom of lowering the dose or something else to worry about. I think I’ll hold at my current dose for at least 2 months. Maybe longer. And maybe I should do a site search on dizziness as a symptom when tapering! Hoping it passes. 

[Addax]

On 7/12/2023 at 6:22 PM, Patient2022 said:

assuming that’s what WD baseline is?

Yes. WD baseline. Which is a comfortable place to be and hangout. It helps me to feel more confident about making the next cut, but I also don’t like the risk of losing feeling well that goes a long with a cut.

 

On 7/12/2023 at 6:22 PM, Patient2022 said:

as for the my schedule of tapering, it’s go with the flow. Some doses I hold for a longer time depending how I feel or what’s going on around me. Others it’s been a month and I’ve been fine. 

This is seems like a good way to go. I use the 4-6 week plan as a scaffolding of sorts, but it really is about what’s going on in my environment and how I’m feeling that will dictate the taper.  
 

Headache and dizziness are symptoms I’ve seen others report, but yeah, sometimes it’s hard to know what’s withdrawal and what is something else. For me, it can become, “Is it withdrawal or perimenopause?” Or “is it withdrawal or PMS?” And one or two others. It can get maddening. 
 

I’m sorry you’re hitting some bumps. Since you’re holding, I bet you’ll find they pass.

[Patient2022]

Quick update - 

 

I’ve been on 4mg since beginning of July (8 weeks exact) and I’m continuing on it. 

 

I’ve been feeling really awful for the last week! Ive had a head ache on and off which feels like liquids in my head are imbalanced, that’s only way to describe it, and I’m having  sinus issues - my eyes, temples and top sides of my nose are all very sensitive, hurt and are sore 😩

 

i have been going to bed very late as been 
working on a project. That’s definitely contributed but I just know this feeling in my head is from the fluoxetine/withdrawal. Been having the very small dizzy/zaps in my brain in the morning. 
 

I haven’t felt like this in a while, only when I go cold turkey. Not sure whether to wait, catch up on sleep etc or increase my dose again….

[Patient2022]

Period is due in a week, been a bit overwhelmed with making life decisions and so caught up in wanting to “get it right” moving towards my career goals. Ironically it’s in the well-being sector. I feel burnt out from all the thinking of what direction to take. I also received some feedback about myself from my son. And while I know feedback is good for growth, I think the combo of being burnt out, with period due, is making me doubt myself and feel not so good. Feeling absolutely tired too. Really not feeling like I want to go out also. 

 

The question is-do I worry that this is the return of low mood etc. or is it just a wave. It’s hard to feel positive when I’ve generally felt so under the weather (as my prior post says - continuous headaches etc). 
 

Guess I’ve just come on to let it out and document. 
 

Actually  it’s proving great at helping me organise my thoughts. I realise my living situation with 2 terrible neighbours is also contributing to my depleting wellbeing. 
 

God sometimes there’s just so much! I’ve curled in bed at 16:55. I feel like being away from the world for some quiet from all the noise. But I still want my children & loved ones with me. That’s something positive. They’re my safe space. 
 

But the world doesn’t work like that. Especially fast paced London. It’s go go go. Hustle culture. You want to achieve yet you have limits - I’ve overworked myself and now look. 
 

I guess rest but don’t quit, comes to mind. 
 

This monologue has been weirdly therapeutic. Off to nap. 

[Patient2022]

Update… im now on 3.2mg and feeling symptoms a lot more as the dose nears the end. 
 

wondering if anyone else experiences this…

 

 

[Patient2022]

A day to new years and I’m on 1.2mg. Feeling fairly ok, the usual ups and down dictated by my cycle. 
 

I really want to focus on my physical health : exercise & what I’m eating. Need to lose weight and feel better too. 

[Patient2022]

Hi all, I’ve tried to search for threads on similar topic to no avail. 
 

I’m particularly interested in the symptoms people experience when they are near the end of tapering or just after finishing a taper. 
 

I’ve noticed a pain in my nose linked to headache (feels like sinuses but very distracting). The insomnia has increased too. 
 

Last question: does anyone

notice the symptoms of being on AD lessen as the dose decreases or when fully off ? (excessive sweating, weight gain, sexual dysfunction etc)
 

 

[Patient2022]

So I just want to document the symptoms that I have while I’ve been on the AD so I can compare it to when I’m off and can distinguish withdrawal symptoms too.

 

- Body is unable to regulate heat
On a hot day I will always get extremely ill. I’ve been to the sauna and was extremely ill (I avoid now). I’m pretty sure it’s because my body cannot regulate heat. I feel extreme nausea, very bad headache with motion issues, dizzy, I cannot move or do normal activity, my eyes shut down and vision blurry. If I push myself it feels I will pass out. My body feels like it’s shutting down. The instinct is the lay down/rest. Takes a long while to get back to normal. 

- Sweating (probably linked to the last point)

I sweat very easily and quite a bit. I never sweat like this before. At night I notice it a bit too. Any movement and I’m overheating sweating, even in the cold weather. 

 

- Weight gain / ballooning

I’ve said ballooning because that’s what I’ve noticed in myself and others - it’s this swelling effect. Again these symptoms are ones that stay over time, or worsen over time. I’ve put on 3 stones since being on anti depressants. 
 

- Some sexual dysfunction 

Like I said before in one of my posts, I haven’t found posts where women speak about this much. I guess perhaps because many women have difficulty orgasming anyway ? Personally I was always able to and even I started sertraline about 7 years ago, I just wasn’t able to get there during intercourse or with myself. Since changing to fluoxetine a few years later I was able to feel more and now can orgasm only once with intensity. My usual would be multiple times, intensely. So I feel like this isn’t the worse now that I’m able to feel. 
 

- Cognition/brain fog ?

I have difficulty recalling words. And if I’m trying to explain something detailed, my sentence formulation loses track, sometimes worse than others. 

- Skin problems

Never had issues before such as eczema or blistering. I randomly get outbreaks of what doctors say looks like eczema, sometimes looks more like blistering.  
 

If anyone passes by, reads this and has similar symptom, please let me know your experience. Wishing us all the best

[getofflex]

Hello, how are your symptoms as you are reducing your fluoxetine? I was just looking at your taper schedule and it looks like your tapering faster than the recommended 10% every 4 to 6 week of current dose suggestion.   I assume that you know we do the 10% based on the current dose not the original dose? I see from previous post you were saying you’re insomnia has increased and you’re feeling more symptoms. Personally, if if it were me, I would hold for a little while and then slow down my taper.  These drugs are especially powerful at the very low doses.   You don’t want to crash after you jump off and then have to reinstate.   

Edited January 6 by getofflex

[Patient2022]

3 minutes ago, getofflex said:

Hello, how are your symptoms as you are reducing your fluoxetine? I was just looking at your taper schedule and it looks like your tapering faster than the recommended 10% every 4 to 6 week of current dose suggestion.   I assume that you know we do the 10% based on the current dose not the original dose? I see from previous post you were saying you’re insomnia has increased and you’re feeling more symptoms. Personally, if if it were me, I would hold for a little while and then slow down my taper.  These drugs are especially powerful at the very low doses.   You don’t want to crash after you jump off and then have to reinstate.   

Yes initially I was tapering between 1 to 3 months, more recent I started tapering every 2 weeks as I was feeling fairly ok. It’s only with this last decrease that the insomnia is worse as well as experiencing daily headaches! 
 

I intend to hold at the current 1.2mg for at least 6 weeks, depending on how I feel (maybe longer). 
 

When you say slow the taper, do you mean hold longer for each 10% reduction ? 

[getofflex]

14 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

I intend to hold at the current 1.2mg for at least 6 weeks, depending on how I feel (maybe longer). 

That sounds very prudent.  Listening to our bodies and brains, and not reducing until we have had a couple of weeks of stability, is the best way to go. 

 

Stability

 

WD Normal

 

14 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

When you say slow the taper, do you mean hold longer for each 10% reduction ? 

Reduce by less, and hold longer.  It's best, especially as you near the end to be extra cautious in your taper.  Your last decrease was from 1.6 mg to 1.2.  That is a 25% decrease, not a 10% decrease.  And, you only waited 2 weeks between the reductions.  When you dropped from 2.4 mg to 2.0, that was a 17% decrease.  I looks as though you are doing a linear taper, and not the exponential one that we suggest as a harm reduction approach.  And there was also only 2 weeks between decreases.  Here is a thread that talks about how to taper in the end game. It requires great patience, but it is well worth it.  

 

When you are ready to do your next reduction, us this formula to calculate the 10% current dose reduction:  

 

current dose x 0.9 = new dose.  1.2 x 0.9 = 1.08, or 1.1 mg (we round up) 

 

Please take a look at the chart in the first post of this thread.  It shows that at the very low doses, the curve is almost vertical, which means that the lower doses of the drug have a disproportionately larger effect on our brains. 

 

SERT Occupancy

 

Edited January 6 by getofflex

[Patient2022]

On 1/6/2024 at 3:39 PM, getofflex said:

That sounds very prudent.  Listening to our bodies and brains, and not reducing until we have had a couple of weeks of stability, is the best way to go. 

 

Stability

 

WD Normal

 

Reduce by less, and hold longer.  It's best, especially as you near the end to be extra cautious in your taper.  Your last decrease was from 1.6 mg to 1.2.  That is a 25% decrease, not a 10% decrease.  And, you only waited 2 weeks between the reductions.  When you dropped from 2.4 mg to 2.0, that was a 17% decrease.  I looks as though you are doing a linear taper, and not the exponential one that we suggest as a harm reduction approach.  And there was also only 2 weeks between decreases.  Here is a thread that talks about how to taper in the end game. It requires great patience, but it is well worth it.  

 

When you are ready to do your next reduction, us this formula to calculate the 10% current dose reduction:  

 

current dose x 0.9 = new dose.  1.2 x 0.9 = 1.08, or 1.1 mg (we round up) 

 

Please take a look at the chart in the first post of this thread.  It shows that at the very low doses, the curve is almost vertical, which means that the lower doses of the drug have a disproportionately larger effect on our brains. 

 

SERT Occupancy

 

@getofflex thanks for that! It seems I’ve been measuring wrong. And I think my syringe doesn’t allow me to less, but will have to visit the chemist and see if I can find one with smaller increments.

 

still on 1.2mg and feel like I’m stabilising, though I won’t be reducing any time soon.

 

update - I had keyhole surgery yesterday and I remember coming across things saying that GA can have an effect with tapering ? Also the same for anti biotics which I  also have to take after a mistake they made in surgery ! What is that advice ? I’ll try do a site search but always find it difficult to find the proper topic.

 

any experiences or guidance would be helpful. 

[getofflex]

11 minutes ago, Patient2022 said:

Also the same for anti biotics which I  also have to take after a mistake they made in surgery ! What is that advice ? I’ll try do a site search but always find it difficult to find the proper topic.

Some antibiotics are OK, others can be neurotoxic.  Please do a site search to read our topic on antibiotics.  

 

How to do a Site Search

 

 

[Patient2022]

So I’ve not had any physical side effects since I’ve continued on the dose 1.2mg (maybe been a week). But because I had surgery I have a really weird curiosity.
 

Since general anaesthesia stops the brain (and other bodily functions), wouldn’t it in a way reset the brain ? After general, the brain is slowly coming around, so it’s already trying to find its way back to functioning. Why would we then reintroduce anti depressants? Wouldn’t it be better to let the brain find its way again without it? Or does it still remember some dependency on the AD hmm

 

just thinking out loud…trying to do some research to understand it better. 

[getofflex]

 

2 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

Since general anaesthesia stops the brain (and other bodily functions), wouldn’t it in a way reset the brain ?

I doubt that.  It doesn't stop the brain, otherwise we would be dead.  Our brain and bodily functioning is till happening (breathing, heart beating, etc).  

 

When we have been on antidepressants, our brains adapt to function in the presence of the drugs, and make actual changes to work in their presence.  It takes a very long time for the brain to reverse those changes.  Going through surgery and general anesthesia will not reset the brain - we still need to continue our taper as we have been doing.  I don't suggest you jump off your antidepressants at this time.  It is very important that you read educate yourself about this:  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

Edited January 20 by getofflex