justme93: Help with Tapering Fluoxetine, Abilify, and Amisulpride – What’s the Best Approach?

[justme93]

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for advice and support on tapering my medications, as I’ve been struggling to find the right approach.

My Story:
In 2012, I experienced a cannabis-induced psychosis and managed to live without medication until 2017. During that time, I developed significant personality changes and depression. Due to obsessive-compulsive tendencies, I sought help from a psychiatrist in Turkey, who diagnosed me with severe depression and psychosis.

In Germany, I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2017. However, I wasn’t able to take medications consistently at the time. In August 2021, I underwent 10 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Turkey and started a medication regimen.

 

For the past 3 years, I’ve been taking the following medications:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac): 60 mg
• Abilify (Aripiprazole): 15 mg
• Amisulpride: 400 mg

 

The medications have helped stabilize my condition, but the side effects are significant. For example, I’ve been experiencing erectile dysfunction for the past 3 years.

 

My Issue:
My doctors in Germany recommend tapering Fluoxetine first, but the tapering plan they proposed is too abrupt for me. They reduced the dose from 60 mg to 40 mg within a week, which led to symptoms like restlessness and mood swings returning. I couldn’t tolerate it, so I stopped and am currently taking 55 mg.

My Questions to the Community:

1. Which medication should I taper first?
   Is there a recommended order for tapering Fluoxetine, Abilify, and Amisulpride?

2. Can multiple medications be tapered at the same time?
   Or should I focus on tapering one medication at a time?

3. Is reducing Fluoxetine by 5 mg too much?
   If not, how long should I stay on this dose before reducing further?

 

I want to make this process as gentle and safe as possible. I would greatly appreciate any tips or shared experiences from others who have been through this. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and help me!

Best regards,

[FireflyFyte]

Hi justme93,

 

Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants. Can you update your signature to reflect recent changes to your medication?

 

On 12/15/2024 at 4:05 PM, justme93 said:

Which medication should I taper first?

 

We have resources regarding which medication to taper first at Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?. Generally speaking, we recommend tapering the activating medication first so, in your case, would recommend with the Prozac or Abilify.

 

On 12/15/2024 at 4:05 PM, justme93 said:

Can multiple medications be tapered at the same time?

 

We do not recommend this because if you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms, you will not be able to determine which drop is causing the problems.

 

On 12/15/2024 at 4:05 PM, justme93 said:

Is reducing Fluoxetine by 5 mg too much?

 

Our harm reduction method of tapering focuses on dropping no more than 10% of your previous dose per month. You can read more at Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

[justme93]

So I've now completed day 5 and I'm constantly tired and lacking motivation, I also have a bit of inner restlessness, sometimes I understand the people who say it's hell

 

I really only reduced my dosage by 5mg from 60mg.

 

Does anyone know if these are really withdrawal symptoms that I'm having?

[FireflyFyte]

On 12/19/2024 at 11:23 AM, justme93 said:

Does anyone know if these are really withdrawal symptoms that I'm having?

 

Yes, everything you have listed are fairly common withdrawal symptoms. Some people can tolerate larger drops but others need to make smaller ones so it is important to listen to your body throughout the tapering process.

[dixit2109]

Hello @justme93,

I am on 600mg Amisulpride and will be starting my tapering soon. I request you to keep us updated about your tapering journey. Also, please go slow in your tapering. Some withdrawals will surely come. Don't loose hope. Life beyond these poisonous drugs is wonderful. I will also keep updating from next month. 

Thanks 

dixit2109