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Toolong: Prozac 25+ years


Toolong

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Hi Everyone

 

Started off on 20 mg Prozac (Fluoxetine) more than 25 years ago. Now on 60mg daily for more than 10 years. Prior to Prozac, I was on and off Valium for sometime.  I lived in South Africa at that time, but was put on Prozac when the "sunshine" drug was available in SA. Struggled with Severe Depression as a result of childhood abuse. I have also been diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and Eating Disorder not Otherwise Specified.

 

In talking with my son about a friend of his who has gained a lot of weight, he told me that (she lives in USA) says if the stops the meds her anxiety and associated problems would return, so she just has to basically live with the extra weight. She did extensive research into weight gain and anti - depressants and discovered that this was a serious side effect. As I struggle with my weight and have Diabetes Type 2, I thought I would like to stop the anti-depressants after hearing her story.

 

Then on  BBC Panorama I watched a documentary where Adele also featured and realised that this is a really bad drug and having been on it for so long, I want to stop. This has all happened in the last 2 weeks. I am seeing my GP on Thursday and I am going to tell her I want to stop. I do have the feeling that she may not know (perhaps she does) how to wean someone who has been taking Prozac for the last 25 years off this horrendous drug. I would like to go to this appointment "armed" with as much information as I can to stop, so if anyone has any advice I would really appreciate hearing from you.

 

Furthermore my husband of 63 was  diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia Alzheimer's last year. He is also on Prozac for depression for more than 10 years- 40mg dosage. I am wondering if the Prozac led to this Early Alzheimer's as I have read that it can affect memory. Unfortunately My husband is on Donepezil for the Alzheimer's and we have an appointment first week July (still waiting for actual date) he will be weaning off the DOnepezil as the side affects are bothering him. He then wants to stop the Prozac too but we don't want to do both at once. Again any advice would be appreciated.

 

Just reading this back and I'm thinking to myself " you are in for one helluva ride! " Really scary situation to be in.

 

Love to all

Toolong

 Current - Fluoxetine 60mg (more than 25 years)

29/6/2023 starting 12.5ml Fluoxetine liquid as per GP instructions

25/7/2023 started 40mg (2 x 20mg)

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  • manymoretodays changed the title to Toolong: Prozac 25+ years

Post not yet approved? Can someone let me know how long it usually takes? 

 Current - Fluoxetine 60mg (more than 25 years)

29/6/2023 starting 12.5ml Fluoxetine liquid as per GP instructions

25/7/2023 started 40mg (2 x 20mg)

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  • Moderator Emeritus

We are a bit understaffed lately Toolong.  Hopefully soon.

Meantime, you might work on:  How to summarize your drug history in your signature

(thank you for your patience)

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, and again finally 5/25/24.  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

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Toolong.  I have also been taking Prozac/Fluoxetine long term. Since 1988.  I am not a current moderator, but thought I’d post here as you wait for a current moderator or administrator to swing by, and for your posts to be approved. As Manymoretoday mentioned, it’s a good idea to get your signature done as soon as possible. It serves as an important resource for moderators and members who will be offering guidance and such.  
 

Tapering can be quite a ride. For sure. But it’s considerably less bumpy when you follow the guidelines outlined on this site, and are mindful of how you are feeding and adjust accordingly, which may mean slowing down or holding at a dose for awhile. 
 

It would seem your appointment already passed. But if you want to forward some literature to your doctor here’s one thread with the link for a journal article specific to advice to primary care physicians:  For primary care physician

 

There are a number of other in this forum: From Journals and Scientific Sources that your prescriber might find helpful.
 

Welcome to SA!
 

 

 

1988-2012: Prozac @ 60mg (with a few stops and starts)

Fall 2012: Returned to 40mg after discontinuing and horrid withdrawal 

Fall 2013: 40mg Fluoxetine, added 150mg Wellbutrin to treat fatigue 

Winter 2014: Attempting to taper both (too fast)

April 2014: 9mg Fluoxetine + 37.5 Wellbutrin 

Summer 2014: 8 mg Fluoxetine + 0 Wellbutrin (way too fast a drop)

Late summer/Early Fall 2014: Debilitating Withdrawal symptoms 

Fall 2014 - Wellbutrin successfully kicked to the curb but…

Oct- Dec 2014: Panicked reinstatement of Fluoxetine ->30mg - held for 5yrs

Jan 2021: taper to 20mg Fluoxetine  then tapering by 1mg every 2-3 months

Fall 2022 - held at 10mg->December 2022: 9mg->Feb 2023: 8mg ->March 2023: brassmonkey slide begins: 7.8mg -> 7.6 -> 7.4->2 week hold (April)->7.2->7mg->6.8->2 week hold->6.6-> 1-month hold ->(June)-6.5->4-week hold-> (July)-6.4 (discontinued brassmonkey slide and slowed taper)-> (Aug)-6.2->(Sept)-6.0->(Oct)-5.9->(Nov)-5.8->(Dec)-5.7->wave!->(Jan)-5.8->(Feb)-6mg and holding.

 

My 2014 withdrawal experience: https://rxisk.org/antidepressant-withdrawal-a-prozac-story/

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you Addax!  And no, not too late, we have not gotten into July yet.......at least for the husband's appointment.

 

@Toolong  I am going to get you approved and started today.  Do, as soon as you can, get to the signature, use the link I gave you to see the instructions for doing one.  I would encourage that you just do your own signature, and treat this as your topic.  I do see loved ones mentioned as well.  You may find you learn enough to help them, once you get grounded here. 

 

I'll give you some of the standard topics now, as far as tapering and WD(withdrawal) goes, and you may find more there too, to share with your husbands doctor.  And then your own, with your next appointment.   Then, keep us updated, tell us more, ask questions around your case right here- in your Introduction too.  Welcome aboard.

 

The 10% taper recommendation is a harm reduction approach to going off psychiatric drugs.  I believe there is more in this topic too, that is suitable for sharing with doctors:
 
 
 
 
 

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made.  The CNS likes stability. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms may occur.   Hopefully we can minimize WD, with a well planned and careful taper.
 
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.  

 

 

Welcome Toolong, and apologies it took so long to get you approved and going here.  Looking forward to your questions, posts, and updates.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

manymoretodays(mmt)

 

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, and again finally 5/25/24.  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

 

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