Fluoxyoyo: Quitting fluoxetine

[Fluoxyoyo]

I have been tapering Fluoxetine since December 2023 and stopped fully last month.  I had been steady on it for 7 years but decided to stop this year as I’m not working and life is relatively stress free.  I do not like feeling ‘dead’ inside and was worried about long term consequences of staying on it.  I’m worried about withdrawal but also determined to do this.  So far there’s been only a few teary days but I know it can take ages with fluoxetine. I’ve quit before in the past.  

Edited April 17 by Emonda
name added to title

[Emonda]

Welcome @Fluoxyoyo

 

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28 minutes ago, Fluoxyoyo said:

I have been tapering Fluoxetine since December 2023 and stopped fully last month.

 

That sounds like a very rapid taper. The approach taken here can be found at this link: Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

You should keep this list of possible WD symptoms on hand: Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

Two links to read if reinstating and then slowly tapering crosses your mind:

 

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Kindling

 

A few other helpful links:

 

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Non-drug coping strategies

 

Melatonin for sleep

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but two that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. Add one at a time and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

Avoid alcohol. 

 

This is your own Introduction topic.  Each member has only ONE Introduction topic.  Your own Introduction topic is the best place to ask questions and the place to journal your progress.  This keeps your history in one place and means you do not have to repeat your story. 

 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

 

Emonda

[Libby123]

Hello, Fluoxyoyo.

 

I just wanted to hi, as it seems that we are in a very similar position. 

 

Like you, I decided to stop fluoxetine,  plus quetiapine,  as I was in a much better place with regards to stress and not working. 

 

Unfortunately for me, I did it CT, so I am really pleased to hear that you are doing well, despite some tearful days. I have had some good windows, between November and now, but am back in another wave.

 

I remain determined,  and wish you all the best in your journey. 

 

 

 

 

[Fluoxyoyo]

Hi Libby123

 

Thank you! I came on this site specifically for this reason, peer group support and encouragement 😊.  I don’t want to be judged.  
 

I didn’t cold turkey but admittedly a fast taper out of pure frustration. Fluoxetine is so weird to taper as the effects sometimes take up to 3 months to appear and then having to wait for those symptoms to settle might take another 3 months so I do feel it is quite different to the other SSRI’s. I have successfully come off it CT in the past but who knows what will happen this time.  
 

Well done for speaking out.  I really hope your wave passes soon, stay strong, we can do this 😊

[Libby123]

Hello fluoxyoyo. 

 

How are you doing today? I hope, very much that you haven't been hit by any new symptoms.  As you said, fluoxetine does seem to be an odd drug.

 

Like you, I have stopped and started fluoxetine several times over the past 20 plus years. I don't think I had any issues.  But I also can't say that that it helped me very much, whilst taking it.

 

I think that the quetiapine withdrawal is responsible for more of my symptoms. I only took this after a very difficult time for my family.  A divorce after thirty years, but husband had a very aggressive brain tumour. I looked after him, but he died within six months.  

 

On a positive note, I had been suffering badly with TMJD. I had resorted to botox , which helped. Despite the time since the treatment, my jaw feels much better. 

 

We can definitely do this!

 

[Fluoxyoyo]

Hello Libby123

 

Sorry for the horrible time you went through with your husband, must have been awful.  
 

Yes I also took Quetiapine (and a number of other drugs, Mirtazapine, and a Benzo) in 2016 after a marriage breakup. All prescribed by a psychiatrist, absolutely dreadful, had all the worst reactions and withdrawal symptoms.  I think it was only settling back on Fluoxetine that saved me really.  
 

Now after 7 years it is time to try and be drug free completely (well apart from HRT, but that stays for now). 

 

I’m doing ‘OK’.  Realised socialising is a big stress inducer for me at the moment, with panic beforehand.  However I forced myself to ‘face it’ and it turned out better than expected so this was a good lesson for me. That ‘feeling’ of anxiety is just hideous, but luckily it is manageable atm.  

 

Yes, let’s do this ! Please include any symptoms, and winge all you want ☺️👍
 

 

[Fluoxyoyo]

I’m going to try to update this thread weekly as a way of ‘journalling’ this journey. I am now 8 weeks free of Fluoxetine. I’m very grateful not be working as I realise a lot of socialising and ‘performance’ pressure are a huge trigger for me. Keeping all stress to a minimum definitely helps.  I’m exercising daily, I take a B complex, Lipronol, magnesium at night and sometimes other vitamins.  If I have trouble sleeping sometimes, paracetamol seems to help (although I realise this should not be taken a lot). All in all, doing well at this stage, with the just the occasional anxiety attacks due to social engagements. 

[Libby123]

Hi Fluoxyoyo. 

 

I'm pleased to hear that you sound as if you are coping well.  I absolutely agree that all of this would be so much more difficult if we had to work. Especially with the challenges of dealing with the stresses of work relationships. 

 

I have accepted that I am not a naturally sociable person, and lead a very quiet life. Looking back, getting involved with antidepressants was the result of me trying to be someone that I wasn't.  First for my parents,  then my husband and then my children. It's just me and my dog now, although I do live with my autistic adult son. We rub along quite nicely. 

 

I hope you have a good week,  and that your gentle progress continues.

 

Libby