Holeinthesky 19 I think I have PSSD

[Holeinthesky]

I was on 20mg of Prozac for 3 months. While on Prozac I had slight reduction in sex drive. Prozac wasn’t helping my depression so I quit cold turkey after 3 months of being on it. 3 weeks after I quit I started having brain zaps for a few days. Then one day the brain zaps stopped and suddenly I had no libido and ED. This happened 4 months ago and I haven’t improved at all my sexuality is gone and I struggle to get an erection when I never had this problem before. This wasn’t my first time on Prozac either. I was on 20mg in the past with no sexual issues, then I was increased to 40mg and completely lost my libido, couldn’t orgasm, and had severe ED, as well as emotional numbing. However all these symptoms went away after a month of being off the medication. I stayed off Prozac for a few months then went on 20mg again since I didn’t have problems with it previously and that’s when my symptoms started. How ***** am I is this withdrawals or PSSD? What makes me think it’s withdrawals is because my symptoms only started after I stopped the medication, but on the other hand I stopped Prozac 40mg cold turkey before and was back normal within a month so why did I get brain zaps and lose my libido and still haven’t gotten it back after stopping only 20mg of Prozac this time?

[Altostrata]

Welcome, @Holeinthesky

 

Going on and off psychiatric drugs seems to make people more vulnerable to withdrawal symptoms. The brain zaps were withdrawal symptoms. You probably had other withdrawal symptoms but didn't notice them. How's your sleep?

 

Antidepressants are well known for causing sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, this can persist or emerge after you stop them. We have seen PSSD, like withdrawal syndrome, very slowly resolve over months. You'll have to be patient and try not to worry about it.

 

Many people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful, see

 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

You might try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you. Please let us know how you’re doing.

 

 

To help us out, follow these instructions Please summarize your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this.

[Holeinthesky]

My sleep is terrible I can remember tossing and turning most nights because I don't even fully fall asleep I'm only half asleep and the slightest thing wakes me up. I really really hope to god that this is just withdrawal syndrome and not PSSD. About how long should I wait before I conclude my loss of libido is PSSD and not withdrawals? It's good to know that going on and off SSRIs can make me more vulnerable to withdrawals I was really confused why I got brain zaps and my libido still has not returned this time but I fully recovered within a month and didn't get brain zaps last time, it makes me more hopeful that my symptoms will resolve and aren't PSSD. I already take fish oil daily, I have some magnesium I will try taking it at night to help me sleep.

[Altostrata]

Please try not to worry about PSSD and focus on strengthening your sleep. Sleep will help you recover. See

 

 

What is the sleep cycle?

 

Waking with panic or anxiety -- managing the morning cortisol spike

 

Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Path to Better Sleep FREE online for everyone from the US Veterans Administration

 

Music for self-care: Calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

White noise devices for sleep

 

Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful

 

TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep: Bright light signals the brain that it's daytime

 

Light boxes/light therapy for depression and sleep disorders