Iliveinhope: PPD, polydrugged and benzo withdrawal

[AndreaMC]

I began my time on meds when I had Postpartum depression in 2009. I was prescribed Escitalopram 20 mg and also was given Clonazepam for anxiety and sleep. I took 2 mg doses. I didn’t know benzos were dangerous so continued to take them pretty regularly for the next 14 years, along with the AD. I finally went into tolerance withdrawal in May of 2023 and had insomnia and anxiety. In July I did a rapid taper and was off the benzo in August. I was also switched from Escitalopram to Sertraline 100 mg, then given more meds to try to help the insomnia-Mirtazapine, Quetiapine, and Trazodone. Nothing really worked. I also took Gabapentin for anxiety. I was taken off all these meds and switched to a combination of Zyprexa and Prozac in October 2023. The Zyprexa has helped with sleep, but I am now tapering it since it’s not a good med to be on long term. Currently at 7 mg. 
My doctor switched me from Prozac to Trintellix, telling me I could stop the Prozac abruptly and start the new med. My question is, can Prozac safely be stopped abruptly and a new med started? I’m very discouraged and don’t know where to turn. I want to be off all meds as they are not helping. I actually think that the polydrugging plus benzo withdrawal has increased my depression and anxiety. 

Edited April 26 by Emonda
Name to title

[Erimus]

Hello, and welcome to Surviving Antidepressants. We are a peer support forum to assist in tapering off psychiatric drugs safely, or recovering from psychiatric drug withdrawal.

 

How long has it been since you switched from prozac to trintellix?

[AndreaMC]

It’s been a little less than 2 weeks. I think I’m going to just go back on Prozac and eventually do a proper taper of it. I just don’t feel comfortable switching abruptly and starting all over with a new med. I’ve heard too many stories of awful withdrawals when people suddenly stop a med. Plus I’m already in the process of tapering Zyprexa! What are your thoughts?

[Erimus]

2 hours ago, AndreaMC said:

It’s been a little less than 2 weeks. I think I’m going to just go back on Prozac and eventually do a proper taper of it. I just don’t feel comfortable switching abruptly and starting all over with a new med. I’ve heard too many stories of awful withdrawals when people suddenly stop a med. Plus I’m already in the process of tapering Zyprexa! What are your thoughts?

I think that would be a sensible idea given it has been less than two weeks. The prozac will not have fully left your system due to it's long half-life. Please monitor how you feel over the coming days and weeks. Things may be turbulent for a while. I would give it a good month before trying to taper again. Your brain needs stability.

 

Please explore the site and read as much as you can. Here are some of the most useful links:

 

Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ

 

Micro tapering

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

 

Using a scale to weigh and measure doses

 

We only recommend two supplements. Omega 3 Fish Oil and Magnesium. Both should be introduced separately and increased slowly.

 

Regards

Erimus

[AndreaMC]

Thanks, that is what I plan to do. I took Prozac again this morning and have stopped the Trintellix.