☼ O2bhappy: 9 months off Prozac - does it get any better?

[O2bhappy]

4 hours ago, Carmie said:

Hi O2bhappy, 

 

So you celebrated being off Prozac for 3 1/2 years on Friday. Were there balloons involved? I love balloons.🎈🎈🎈😁

 

I was just wondering if you’re on a low histamine diet for the hives and itching? Have you ever been on one? Has it helped if you have?

 

Wishing you all the best with your continued healing.💚

 

Carmie -

 

I did not really do anything to celebrate the milestone.  Maybe I should buy myself something as a reminder of my achievement.  

 

I have not tried a low histamine diet, but it would probably be a smart thing to do.  Maybe it would help me.  

 

Thank you for the well wishes on my continued healing.  

[Frogie]

On 2/28/2019 at 1:38 PM, O2bhappy said:

Today I celebrate being off Prozac for 3 ½ years (42 months).  Every month on the 28^th day I quietly celebrate my accomplishment.  My husband will ask me why and I say because it was a journey to get to this moment in time and it deserves to be celebrated. 

 

I still suffer with withdrawal symptoms.  The two that are currently bothering me the most are the olfactory hallucinations and the itching/hives I get.  I have noticed that the olfactory hallucinations are worse when I am stressed or anxious. The phantom smell is not pleasant at all.  It wouldn’t be bad if my brain was processing the smell as a baked apple pie, but instead it smells like sewage.  I do my best to allow the smell, but it is difficult when the smell makes you nauseous.  The itching/hives are still the same as when I got them 1 ½ years ago.  I do take an antihistamine when the itching is really bad.  I end up having to take one every couple of days.  I do have other W/D symptoms pop up and I just deal with them.  It amazes me that after so many months off Prozac that I can still be dealing with withdrawal.  Sometimes I get very angry when I have the awful “smell” in my nose or the other symptoms because it reminds me that I took the “poison” for so many years. 

 

I am in a better place now and have learned a tremendous amount about myself going through withdrawal.  I remember in the beginning of my withdrawal, when I was at my lowest I would reach out to this forum and ask for help.  I can remember all I wanted was to feel better.  I wanted someone or something to make it all go away.  I remember getting advice telling me to “allow” these symptoms I was feeling and I remember thinking that was terrible advice.  I have come to find out that was some of the best advice that was given to me.  ALLOW.  You may not like the things that you are feeling, but allow them. 

I just got an email that you posted (sorry, don’t check my email like I should). Congratulations!  3 1/2 years is a HUGE accomplishment! Especially for CT.  I remember when we first started talking you were in a really bad place. Every WD symptom imaginable. I remember you telling me you had so much anxiety sitting in the parking lot of the grocery store or Target and you would drive away. You couldn’t go into the store. It would make you nauseous just thinking about it. Now look at you. Out enjoying life😊

 

I’m sorry you are still going through the smell thing and the itching/hives stuff. That does have to be frustrating. But like you said, you get the smell more when you get anxious. I’m sure it will go away in time. Just like all your other symptoms. It’s a work in progress. Just accept, acknowledge, and float through it. That’s what my therapist tells me on things. And it does help. You are strong and will get through it.

 

I just wanted to say you are amazing after all you’ve been through and I hope everyone on this forum will read your story and stop by and congratulate you. You deserve it! You did it!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊 

 

Not much longer and I would love to read your success story. 🤗🤗🤗

 

Now wish me luck, I’m on my last taper of lexapro. Holding until March 31st, then I’m done.  Hope I can do as well as you.🤞🏻

 

Just wanted to stop by and say hi and congratulations. Like I said, it’s well deserved 🎈🎈🎈

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Carmie]

22 hours ago, O2bhappy said:

 

Carmie -

 

I did not really do anything to celebrate the milestone.  Maybe I should buy myself something as a reminder of my achievement.  

 

I have not tried a low histamine diet, but it would probably be a smart thing to do.  Maybe it would help me.  

 

Thank you for the well wishes on my continued healing.  

 

Hi O2bhappy, 

 

If you go on a low histamine diet let me know how you go. Hope you’re having a good day 💚

[O2bhappy]

On 3/3/2019 at 2:03 PM, Frogie said:

I just got an email that you posted (sorry, don’t check my email like I should). Congratulations!  3 1/2 years is a HUGE accomplishment! Especially for CT.  I remember when we first started talking you were in a really bad place. Every WD symptom imaginable. I remember you telling me you had so much anxiety sitting in the parking lot of the grocery store or Target and you would drive away. You couldn’t go into the store. It would make you nauseous just thinking about it. Now look at you. Out enjoying life😊

 

I’m sorry you are still going through the smell thing and the itching/hives stuff. That does have to be frustrating. But like you said, you get the smell more when you get anxious. I’m sure it will go away in time. Just like all your other symptoms. It’s a work in progress. Just accept, acknowledge, and float through it. That’s what my therapist tells me on things. And it does help. You are strong and will get through it.

 

I just wanted to say you are amazing after all you’ve been through and I hope everyone on this forum will read your story and stop by and congratulate you. You deserve it! You did it!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊 

 

Not much longer and I would love to read your success story. 🤗🤗🤗

 

Now wish me luck, I’m on my last taper of lexapro. Holding until March 31st, then I’m done.  Hope I can do as well as you.🤞🏻

 

Just wanted to stop by and say hi and congratulations. Like I said, it’s well deserved 🎈🎈🎈

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

Frogie -

 

Thank you very much for the congratulations.  I greatly appreciate your support.  It has been a long and difficult journey.  I am so blessed that I have had symptoms go away.  There were days that I would think I would have every WD symptom for the rest of my life and it was very scary.  I do remember those days of pushing myself to do a small errand only to leave because I felt so bad.  

 

"A work in progress"...that is a great way to think of withdrawal.  Our brains are a work in progress as we withdrawal from these medications.  Accept, acknowledge and float is an excellent thing to do when you are having anxiety or WD symptoms, but it isn't always easy.  I guess that is what makes us stronger is getting through those times.

 

It would be wonderful to write a success story.  I would like to be able to give hope to someone going through withdrawal.  

 

Congratulations on your last taper of lexapro.   That is awesome!!!  

 

Thank you again for your kind words.  I greatly appreciate them.

[O2bhappy]

On 3/3/2019 at 8:29 PM, Carmie said:

 

Hi O2bhappy, 

 

If you go on a low histamine diet let me know how you go. Hope you’re having a good day 💚

 

Carmie -

 

I am going to look into a low histamine diet.   I will keep you posted.

[O2bhappy]

Today I celebrate 4 years being off Prozac.  What a journey it has been.  When I first started my withdrawal I never thought that I would come so far.  I remember feeling so sick that I couldn’t manage to do anything.  I never thought I would get better, but I have.  There is hope to all those who are suffering.   It does get better, but it is a very long journey. 

 

I still do have some withdrawal symptoms but they are manageable.  I still have the olfactory hallucinations and the skin itching.  I am at a place of accepting them, doesn’t mean I like them but I accept them. 

 

One of the biggest things that has helped me, besides this forum is Acceptance and Commitment therapy.  I have learned that when a symptom arises or any anxiety arises that I accept it and allow it.  I remember I posted something on the forum when I first joined and someone told me you have to allow the symptoms.  I remember the comment angered me.  I didn’t want to allow or accept the symptoms.  I wanted them to go away.  But the person that made that comment to me was correct.  You have to accept and allow. 

 

I want to thank the administrators and members of this community for your help throughout my journey. 

[ChessieCat]

Because you're feeling better, I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

[Carmie]

Hi O2bhappy, 

 

I’m so happy to read you’re doing so well, sending hugs🤗

[Cocopuffz17]

whoop whoop! That is awesome! I'm 7 months off and this gives me great hope. Thank you very much for sharing your experience. 

[O2bhappy]

ChessieCat -

 

Thank you very much for adding a cheerful sun to the title of my intro page.  I think every milestone during withdrawal should be celebrated.  

 

I will continue to provide updates.  My want and hope is to give someone who is struggling hope that it will get better.  

 

One of these days I will write my recovery success story. 

 

[O2bhappy]

Carmie -

 

Thank you so much!!! 

[O2bhappy]

Cocopuffz17 -

 

I am glad that I am able to give you hope.  That was one of the reasons that I posted on my page today.  When I was in the throws of withdrawal all I wanted was hope, and to feel better.  Withdrawal has honestly been the hardest thing I have ever been through.  It is hard for me to believe that I have reached the 4 year milestone.  

[Longroadhome]

O2bhappy

how are you now do you still have hives/itchy skin as I have started to suffer with this recently ? 

What helps?

 

[Longroadhome]

14 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

O2bhappy

how are you now do you still have hives/itchy skin as I have started to suffer with this recently ? 

What helps?

 

Also well done you have come a long way . All that suffer understand the strength and courage that is needed during WD. 

I am happy for you. May your progress continue . 

[O2bhappy]

Longroadhome -

 

Yes, I do still continue to have the itchy skin and I will break out in welts.  The only thing that I found that has helped me is taking an antihistamine.  I have tried them all.  I found that I can take 1/4 of a Zyrtec and it helps stop the itching.  The problem I have with it is that it causes me to be extremely fatigued the day after taking it.  I take it at night.  I can go a couple of days between dosages.  I am thinking about retrying Allegra at a low dose and see if that helps.  If I don't take anything the itching gets very bad and if I rub against anything I get welts.  Since developing the itching the longest I have been able to go without taking a antihistamine is 1 week and near the end of that week it was awful.  

 

Thank you for the positive comments.  Going through withdrawal has been an incredible challenge.  I hit some incredibly dark times in withdrawal.  I believe I have come through them a stronger person.  

[JoJo90]

On 5/27/2016 at 9:01 PM, O2bhappy said:

In December I had a gastric emptying study done due to the nausea and lack of appetite.  I discovered I now have delayed gastric emptying. To date I have lost 44 pounds from the nausea and not being able to eat. 

Hi O2behappy 

 

Did your GI issues get better eventually?

 

I’ve been struggling ever since I started Mirtazapine. Now 4 months off and still on going. I’ve had endoscopy, nothing found. No appetite, weight loss, extreme pressure in top abdomen, burping, breathing issues. Full quickly Nothing seems to help. 
 

Be good to hear from you. Hope you’re doing okay.

 

Jo 

[Longroadhome]

On 10/18/2019 at 4:19 PM, O2bhappy said:

Longroadhome -

 

Yes, I do still continue to have the itchy skin and I will break out in welts.  The only thing that I found that has helped me is taking an antihistamine.  I have tried them all.  I found that I can take 1/4 of a Zyrtec and it helps stop the itching.  The problem I have with it is that it causes me to be extremely fatigued the day after taking it.  I take it at night.  I can go a couple of days between dosages.  I am thinking about retrying Allegra at a low dose and see if that helps.  If I don't take anything the itching gets very bad and if I rub against anything I get welts.  Since developing the itching the longest I have been able to go without taking a antihistamine is 1 week and near the end of that week it was awful.  

 

Thank you for the positive comments.  Going through withdrawal has been an incredible challenge.  I hit some incredibly dark times in withdrawal.  I believe I have come through them a stronger person.  

@02bhappy

how is the itching now any better?

[O2bhappy]

On 12/18/2019 at 2:01 PM, JoJo90 said:

Hi O2behappy 

 

Did your GI issues get better eventually?

 

I’ve been struggling ever since I started Mirtazapine. Now 4 months off and still on going. I’ve had endoscopy, nothing found. No appetite, weight loss, extreme pressure in top abdomen, burping, breathing issues. Full quickly Nothing seems to help. 
 

Be good to hear from you. Hope you’re doing okay.

 

Jo 

 

JoJo90 -

 

I am sorry that I am just getting back with you.  I don't get on the forum very much. Yes, my GI issues did get better but it took about 18 months.  I hope that you are doing better now since you are off the Mirtazapine.  What helped me was trying to eat small meals, but honestly the biggest thing to help was time.   

[O2bhappy]

23 minutes ago, Longroadhome said:

@02bhappy

how is the itching now any better?

 

Longroadhone,

 

I still have the itching.  When it flares up I take the smallest amount of Zyrtec and that seems to help me for a couple of days.  It isn't as bad as when it first started.  

[Cocopuffz17]

27 minutes ago, O2bhappy said:

 

Longroadhone,

 

I still have the itching.  When it flares up I take the smallest amount of Zyrtec and that seems to help me for a couple of days.  It isn't as bad as when it first started.  

Have you tried low inflammation diets? I follow the Dr.G lifestyle and it is the only reason I was able to get off my medication as well it reversed a ton of health conditions I had been dealing with! Glad you hear you are doing better than the start  

[Longroadhome]

On 4/9/2020 at 12:23 AM, Cocopuffz17 said:

Have you tried low inflammation diets? I follow the Dr.G lifestyle and it is the only reason I was able to get off my medication as well it reversed a ton of health conditions I had been dealing with! Glad you hear you are doing better than the start  

hi Coco 

another Paxil survivor !

how are your wd symptoms and what symptoms have you had / still have ?

did you have hives when you cane off this med?? 

LRH

 

[Longroadhome]

On 4/8/2020 at 11:57 PM, O2bhappy said:

 

Longroadhone,

 

I still have the itching.  When it flares up I take the smallest amount of Zyrtec and that seems to help me for a couple of days.  It isn't as bad as when it first started.  

Thank you for your reply. I still have hives though more manageable eight  months out. It was truly unbearable at first but it’s very slowly improving . 
Is this what happened to you ?

[Cocopuffz17]

4 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

hi Coco 

another Paxil survivor !

how are your wd symptoms and what symptoms have you had / still have ?

did you have hives when you cane off this med?? 

LRH

 

Hey, I get minor headaches and aches. But for the most part almost all of my withdrawal symptoms have gone away. I had everything on the list minus brain zaps, I never got those.

No, but I did shed my skin like a snake. I know it was from WDs it messed with the regeneration of my skin and I believe it accelerated the natural shedding process. I did develop erythema multiforme while on the medication around 9 years ago. Looking back that was the first sign that this medication was destroying my body. If you go to the last page of my thread you will see pictures of it. It is full body hives. 

 

All the best. Remember everyday that passes is one day closer to being healed. I never thought I would get to the spot I am currently at. It felt like it would be impossible when I was in the worst of acute and post acute withdrawals. I am so thankful for this website and people sharing their experiences they are the only thing that kept me going.

[JoJo90]

On 4/8/2020 at 11:54 PM, O2bhappy said:

 

JoJo90 -

 

I am sorry that I am just getting back with you.  I don't get on the forum very much. Yes, my GI issues did get better but it took about 18 months.  I hope that you are doing better now since you are off the Mirtazapine.  What helped me was trying to eat small meals, but honestly the biggest thing to help was time.   

that’s okay. I am glad you have improved so much, hoping you can get past the remaining niggling issues. 
 

It’s had been 8 months now since I stopped. Many things have improved. Symptoms come and go, the GI issues are still with me they come and go too and change in severity. Struggled a lot this week with appetite, bloated, and all the other wonderful symptoms that go with it. It seems to be worse around the time of my menstrual cycle. I can only give it more time I suppose.

 

I am currently doing a low histamine diet for a couple of weeks as a lot of my current issues point to histamine. It’s defo messed up since stopping Mirtazapine as I didn’t have any allergies type symptoms at all while on it.

 

sending happiness and healing 

 

 

[Altostrata]

@O2bhappy, how are you?

[arbor]

Hi @O2bhappy  I sure hope you're doing well.

Arbor

[PsychologicalSafe15]

@O2bhappy HOw are you  ? how is your fatigue after being long time off it ? How are your vivid dreams ?