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

[Fluoxyoyo]

Thank you Libby. You have really been through a lot and now it is your time for some self care.  Let’s keep persevering through this stupid withdrawal thing  🥰🌻

[Fluoxyoyo]

Tuesday - 9 weeks off.    Last week Monday to Thursday no anxiety. Friday morning woke feeling very grumpy.  The poor dog cops it on her morning walk for pulling on the leash too much. Basically my partner is to blame for anything and everything and can’t do anything right.  In reality, he’s not perfect, but supportive. I’m not a nice person.  My thought process is all over the place and continually trying to ‘figure it out’. So hard to turn it off. Alternating between anger and feeling sad/teary.  Lots of body aches and pains.  Need to keep up the exercise but also be kind to my body when it feels exhausted.  

[Libby123]

Hi, fluoxyoyo. It's good to hear your weekly update. This process really does mess with our emotions. It feels like every day, and every night, it's a lottery as to which emotions are going to flare up. 

 

I am pleased to hear that you have a supportive partner, and, annoying as they can be, a dog can be so supportive.  Mine is an elderly,  mixed breed, and she helps me to keep moving forward. 

 

I hope that the next week shows a bit of an improvement for you. Take care.

[Fluoxyoyo]

I have had a very steady week, quiet and generally no mood swings.  I’m keeping busy with exercise which makes me very tired, a good thing.  I try to get plenty of sunshine and taking vit D as well. Social engagements slightly better this week.  I’m absolutely terrified as approaching the 3 month mark as  I know that this is when it can get bad.  I think my plan is that if my symptoms become bad (more than 6/10) for more than a week then I will reinstate at 1mg fluoxetine.  I can’t stand the thought of suffering too much.  But will see how it goes.  X

[Libby123]

Good to hear that you have had a steady week, but that you have a realistic outlook on what could possibly be around the corner. And a plan to deal with it. It really is all about taking as much control as we can, in an,albeit, uncertain situation. 

 

Keep enjoying the sun and the exercise.  We actually had a few dry and sunny days in the UK,  but are back to rain. It does make such a difference, doesn't it?

 

Take care, and keep moving forwards.

[Fluoxyoyo]

Oops must have forgotten to post last week.  So now 12 weeks off, however last week I decided to reinstate 1mg Fluoxetine.  I was not getting a significant increase in symptoms but after much reading and more research I decided it might be better to take a preventative approach.  The 1mg reinstatement has not affected me too much either so far, just bit of a headache now and then.  I also purchased the book ‘Describing Guidelines’ and will follow the tapering guidelines for Fluoxetine suggested in that from now on. 

[Libby123]

Hello @Fluoxyoyo. How are you doing with the reinstatement? I'm hoping that it is proving to be a positive move. It does often feel, I think, that a confident move to change something can be beneficial,  whatever the change may be.

 

Best wishes, Libby. 

[Emonda]

On 5/30/2024 at 4:22 PM, Fluoxyoyo said:

I also purchased the book ‘Describing Guidelines’

 

It's a wonderful resource.

 

On 5/30/2024 at 4:22 PM, Fluoxyoyo said:

last week I decided to reinstate 1mg Fluoxetine.

 

Please remember to update your signature 👍

[Fluoxyoyo]

On 5/30/2024 at 2:22 PM, Fluoxyoyo said:

I have been feeling steadily worse this week, all over the place with my moods until finally today, panic🥲 (3 months to the  day since I went to 0mg Fluox). Feel so awful.  I really must have a very low tolerance to feeling crap.  There is nothing else in my life to cause stress, just this withdrawal.   I feel ashamed and embarrassed to have done this to myself again, I have short memory. 
 

I have the book ‘’Describing Guidlines” Mark Horowitz. So my plan (which changes every hour) is to slowly titrate back up to 12.5mg (the last level where I felt sort of ok).  

[Fluoxyoyo]

On 5/31/2024 at 6:03 PM, Emonda said:

Please remember to update your signature 👍

Sorry I can’t remember how to do this.  
 

I may stay off this site for a while as I find it can make me panic even more about my recovery.  

[Fluoxyoyo]

Please someone help me 🥲🥲🥲

im in ER waiting to be seen by a doctor.  My akathesia and suicidal thoughts were severe.   I can’t see a way out.  If they talk me into going back on fluoxetine, then I will have 3 months of hell with no garantee of it working.  If I continue off medication how do I cope with the akathesia and SI.  

[Onmyway]

Hi @Fluoxyoyo

I am so sorry you are going through this. Have you had worse akathisia and SI with reinstatement before? 

 

[Onmyway]

@Fluoxyoyo, the most important thing for all of us is to be safe and to remember that every single one of these symptoms will eventually pass - we have seen it over and over again. Our job is to bear things as much as we can to allow the body to fix itself. Do you have any tools that you can use that make you feel better when you are in the midst of a crisis like this? 

 

It is really hard and heart breaking to have to live through this and my heart is with you @Fluoxyoyo. Please take deep breaths. Notice your environment. Who is sitting across from you? What do you think brought them to the ER? What color clothes are they wearing? Focus on your immediate surroundings. Check what shoes people are wearing?

 

OMW

[Fluoxyoyo]

Yes I’ve had it before in the past.  

[Fluoxyoyo]

Thank you @Onmyway . They gave me Ativan which I feel is the only I got through the night. If I stay off the Fluox I just don’t know how I’m going to cope without an ‘aid’ like that 🥲

[Fluoxyoyo]

Unfortunately I’m a bit pathetic and don’t have much fight in me 🥲

[Dahlia50]

@Fluoxyoyo During akathisia I have also had SI. My acute phase started after around 3 months off, including insomnia. You are probably in an acute phase. You are not pathetic.
I can’t fight it either, rather just in bed get through minutes and days. I don't even know how I got to 8 months off.

You need support, from this site, and no demands on yourself.
💛

[Emonda]

6 hours ago, Fluoxyoyo said:

Please someone help me 🥲🥲🥲

 

I'm sorry to read things are difficult at the moment, @Fluoxyoyo.

 

How you are feeling now is temporary. Better days are definitely ahead.

 

On 5/30/2024 at 4:22 PM, Fluoxyoyo said:

So now 12 weeks off, however last week I decided to reinstate 1mg Fluoxetine

 

Did you end up doing this?

 

6 hours ago, Onmyway said:

Please take deep breaths. Notice your environment. Who is sitting across from you? What do you think brought them to the ER? What color clothes are they wearing? Focus on your immediate surroundings. Check what shoes people are wearing?

 

I like this! I read last week (from Ariel, I think), that what we focus on expands. I took away from that the importance of seeking distractions when you're in a bad place.

 

Are you feeling any more settled than you were 6 hours ago?

 

Please keep us posted if you are up to it.

 

 

[Fluoxyoyo]

Thank you everyone.  I’m still in hospital as they are going to put me on to a new antidepressant.  At this point, I don’t care I just don’t want to ever have those dark dark thoughts again. 

[Libby123]

@Fluoxyoyo. I am so terribly sorry to hear what an absolutely horrible time you are having. I do hope that you are getting good treatment in hospital. 

 

Please keep us informed as to how you are doing. My thoughts are with you.

[ShantyO7]

22 hours ago, Fluoxyoyo said:

Unfortunately I’m a bit pathetic and don’t have much fight in me

You are not pathetic! I'm sure we have all felt that way at some point in this hellish journey. I know I have felt it MANY times!

[ShantyO7]

Did you stay reinstated at 1mg or did you stop? 

[Fluoxyoyo]

2 hours ago, ShantyO7 said:

 

Did you stay reinstated at 1mg or did you stop?

 

I stopped, began to calm a bit and then it came back🥲.  To be honest I think it’s all just from stopping too fast and having a very low threshold for feeling sh*tty. Wishing you all the best on your journey.  

[ShantyO7]

1 minute ago, Fluoxyoyo said:

having a very low threshold for feeling sh*tty

I am the same way so don't feel bad about it!

[ShantyO7]

2 minutes ago, Fluoxyoyo said:

Wishing you all the best on your journey

To you as well! Praying we both make it through this and come out on the other side stronger than ever before!

[Onmyway]

@Fluoxyoyo, I just gave you a friendly warning to update the signature - I did it as a warning because it already has the link and is automatic so pls don't take it as being reproached. 

We need to know how you came off your fluoxetine - i.e. 

 

December 5th 15mg 

December 25th 10mg 

....

 

We also need to know when and at what dose you reinstated and when and how you stopped that. 

We also need to know what new drugs you were given and at what dosages. 

 

Please do not change drugs up and down a lot, this can destabilize your nervous system further. 

 

Once you update the signature we can provide you with better advice. 

OMW

[Fluoxyoyo]

I’m sorry I don’t have the brain power to do this at the moment. I’ve tried to figure it out a few times.  When I’m feeling a bit stronger I will do it.  

[Onmyway]

When you can, you need to click on the link and fill in the form that opens up. Nothing more to it. Just remember to be as exact and thorough as possible. 

 

Omw