quilter14: Getting off Luvox and Prozac

[quilter14]

Hi all!

 

I am here to get help for the withdrawal symptoms I am currently experiencing. My signature explains my prescription information. Currently I am attempting to get off of Luvox and started a tapering schedule with my doctor back in December of 2022. This looks like (2 weeks on 37.5mg 3/4 of table) —> (2 weeks on 25mg 1/2 of tablet) —> (2 weeks on 12.5mg 1/4 of tablet (currently here).

 

With each reduction in mg I have experienced about 3 days of mild depression/mood swing/terrible dreams/night sweat (all of which was to be expected). However about 6-7 days ago when starting the 12.5 mg dose I started having constant and urgent diarrhea. Stool is almost straight liquid, no blood just a light brown. My stomach is constantly tumbling and rolling. I am making sure to drink extra water. This has also came with an increase in acid reflux symptoms. I am really struggling and need help with this persistent diarrhea and stomach upset!

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, quilter14.  Thanks for completing your signature.

 

You're tapering much, much faster than we recommend, which is no more than 10% of current dose every 4 weeks. 

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Too-fast tapers commonly result in withdrawal symptoms.  Digestive problems are typical.  Please see #s 35-39 in the following checklist of common withdrawal symptoms.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

Here is some further information on withdrawal:

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

I'd suggest you continue to hold for quite a while (months) to allow your nervous system to stabilize from your rapid taper.  Once you've stabilized, if you wish you can begin a 10% taper.  The following link is specifically about tapering Luvox, including how to get the nonstandard doses needed for a 10% taper.

 

Tips for tapering off fluvoxamine (Luvox)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'd suggest you continue to hold whether you are on the Luvox for quite some time (months) to allow your nervous system to destabilize from your rapid taper.  Once you've stabilized, you could if you wish begin a 10% taper off the Luvox.  The same 10% rule would apply to any future taper of Prozac, but we are talking about a point quite a way in the future.  If at that time you would like information about a 10% taper of Prozac, please let us know.

 

Dehydration due to persistent diarrhea is a potentially dangerous condition.  Consult a doctor.  In addition to drinking water, it is highly advisable to drink a solution such as Pedialyte to replace electrolytes lost through diarrhea.

 

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 (glycinate is a good form) 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 -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.  I hope you’ll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation.  I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but I am glad that you found us.