lalala: Paxil to Prozac

[lalala]

When I reduced  it  got better  each time 

 

 

 

[Altostrata]

It seems you felt okay with just a little bit of Prozac in your system. Maybe even 0.5mg Prozac to start. Please let us know how you're doing.

[lalala]

 As I  understand  I can dissolve prozac pills in water  Eg. 1mg=1ml  ?

 

I can keep it in the  syringe?

 

I don't think they sale bottle containers  and liquid prozac here

 

 

[ChessieCat]

If you have 5mg tablets, you could dissolve in 5mls water and take 1ml (=1mg) or dissolve in 50mls and water and take 10mls of liquid

 

If you have 10mg tablets, dissolve in 10mls water and take 1ml (=1mg) or dissolve in 100mls of water and take 10mls of liquid

 

It would be better to measure the water into a small container, add the tablet to dissolve and extract your dose with the syringe.

 

From:  Tips for tapering off Prozac (fluoxetine)

 

 

On 03/07/2011 at 4:11 AM, Altostrata said:

Making your own Prozac liquid
Prozac is one of the few psychiatric medications with a long history of do-it-yourself dilution in water or juice. Mixed in cranberry juice, it's been called "Cranzac."

My own personal preference would be to dilute it with water, to avoid any degradation that might be caused by sugar or acid in the juice. Also, it will be easier to see how well the Prozac is dissolved in water. (There may be particles swirling around, that's the filler in the Prozac capsule that doesn't dissolve.)

Your Prozac solution may be a little bitter -- just swallow it quickly. You might want to chase it with a little fruit juice.

 

 

Edited February 19, 2018 by ChessieCat

[ChessieCat]

Using an oral syringe and other tapering techniques
How to use oral syringes, gelatin capsules, powdered tablets, and do-it-yourself liquid solutions
 
How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules
General instructions on making a homemade liquid suspension

[lalala]

Thxs...  So I  saw the video  would that be OK? 

[lalala]

On 2/19/2018 at 11:28 AM, ChessieCat said:

Using an oral syringe and other tapering techniques
How to use oral syringes, gelatin capsules, powdered tablets, and do-it-yourself liquid solutions
 
How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules
General instructions on making a homemade liquid suspension

I crushed  10mg  of prozac  in 10ml  of water  I found  in the morning  it was not  completely dissolved  I saw  some residue 

Is that OK? 

[ChessieCat]

4 minutes ago, lalala said:

it was not  completely dissolved  I saw  some residue

 

It is most probably the insoluble filler of the tablet.  As long as you do it the same way every time you should be getting a reasonably consistent dose.

[lalala]

I thought  to do 20ml of water for 10mg 

 

And just take  2ml  from the mix

 

So it's more water... 

 

Is that  OK? 

[lalala]

On 19/02/2018 at 5:06 PM, Altostrata said:

It seems you felt okay with just a little bit of Prozac in your system. Maybe even 0.5mg Prozac to start. Please let us know how you're doing.

 

On 19/02/2018 at 5:06 PM, Altostrata said:

It seems you felt okay with just a little bit of Prozac in your system. Maybe even 0.5mg Prozac to start. Please let us know how you're doing.

 

I'm wondering if I should upper my dose to 1.5mg ... I feel better with the body aches but, I'm not sure if its because time passed or because of the 1mg of Prozac its been 5days.

 

i thought of taking doxylamine succinate 25 mg  its an antihistamine... Because with melatonin I only sleep like 4 hours 

would you recommend cannabis?  heard good things for sleep

thxs for  your advise! 

 

Edited February 24, 2018 by ChessieCat
removed bolding

[ChessieCat]

Please update your signature whenever you make a change:  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

It takes about 4 days for the drug to get to a steady state in the blood and a bit longer for it to register in the brain.  The fact that you are feeling improvement is a good sign.  Unless the symptoms are unbearable I suggest you give it more time.  Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Even though it is less than ideal, you are getting 4 hours sleep.  It could be a lot worse.  I think adding anything new at time will make it difficult to see if the reinstatement is working and whether or not you need to increase the Prozac by a small amount after some more time on your current dose.

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

Keep Notes on Paper

 

Sleep problems - that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Sleep Hypnosis, Guided Meditations, Calming Videos

 

It's also important to learn and use non drug techniques to help with the discomfort:

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

Acceptance

 

Edited February 24, 2018 by ChessieCat

[Altostrata]

I agree with Chessie, please give it a little more time. Could be all you need is 1mg.

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

[lalala]

15 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

Please update your signature whenever you make a change:  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

It takes about 4 days for the drug to get to a steady state in the blood and a bit longer for it to register in the brain.  The fact that you are feeling improvement is a good sign.  Unless the symptoms are unbearable I suggest you give it more time.  Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Even though it is less than ideal, you are getting 4 hours sleep.  It could be a lot worse.  I think adding anything new at time will make it difficult to see if the reinstatement is working and whether or not you need to increase the Prozac by a small amount after some more time on your current dose.

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

Keep Notes on Paper

 

Sleep problems - that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Sleep Hypnosis, Guided Meditations, Calming Videos

 

It's also important to learn and use non drug techniques to help with the discomfort:

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

Acceptance

 

I did take  melatonin and  doxylamine  and a little piece of klonopin , I know its bad but was not able to sleep...(didnt sleep that good )

I feel like zombie all day if I dont sleep well  for days... and I can't sleep during the day either...

I suppose to start a new job and i can be  tired all the time...

can it be the syringe is to big its very little water and sometime its hard to get the right dose

any suggestions?

btw  i did  take 2 ibuprofens, slept well i had  menstrual cramps and also helped with bodyaches 

[lalala]

On 2/24/2018 at 8:59 AM, Altostrata said:

I agree with Chessie, please give it a little more time. Could be all you need is 1mg.

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

I think I can see chances taking the 1mg  but insomnia and anxiety are still there..

 

Can natural supplements really help?  Feeling tired all the time cant sleep during the day

 

is it because I took ssri for so many years?

 

any advise?

[lalala]

On 2/24/2018 at 6:04 PM, lalala said:

I did take  melatonin and  doxylamine  and a little piece of klonopin , I know its bad but was not able to sleep...(didnt sleep that good )

I feel like zombie all day if I dont sleep well  for days... and I can't sleep during the day either...

I suppose to start a new job and i can be  tired all the time...

can it be the syringe is to big its very little water and sometime its hard to get the right dose

any suggestions?

btw  i did  take 2 ibuprofens, slept well i had  menstrual cramps and also helped with bodyaches 

 

On 2/24/2018 at 8:59 AM, Altostrata said:

I agree with Chessie, please give it a little more time. Could be all you need is 1mg.

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

I'm still taking 1mg of prozac should I increase the dose?started feb 18.   the body aches have diminished.. recently have been through alot of stress and feel anxious,shortness of breath, very dizzy at times still with insomnia better  when I dont have to wake up early, heachaches,  difficulty to focus... 

 

also  haven taken ssri for almost 8 years  when can I expect  an improvement ?

 

I appreciate the help!!  thxs

[ChessieCat]

The idea of reinstatement isn't to get rid of withdrawal symptoms completely.  It's to bring the symptoms to a bearable level.

 

8 hours ago, lalala said:

recently have been through alot of stress

 

Added stress, good and bad, can worsen withdrawal symptoms.  It's important not to panic.  It's also advisable to learn and use Non-drug techniques to cope instead of relying on a drug.

 

Q:  Where you experiencing the symptoms you list (feel anxious,shortness of breath, very dizzy at times still with insomnia better  when I dont have to wake up early, heachaches,  difficulty to focus... ) prior to the stress or did it start after the stress happened?

 

If they worsened after the stress it would be better to hold on your current dose.

 

If you had them before the added stress and the symptoms were unbearable, if you want to updose you could try 0.25mg (or less) increase.  We can't make the decision for you, we can only make suggestions.

[Altostrata]

18 hours ago, lalala said:

I'm still taking 1mg of prozac should I increase the dose?started feb 18.   the body aches have diminished.. recently have been through alot of stress and feel anxious,shortness of breath, very dizzy at times still with insomnia better  when I dont have to wake up early,

 

The body aches and insomnia are better? What is your sleep pattern? Do you have any other withdrawal symptoms?

 

What time of day do you take Prozac? Do your symptoms occur in any daily pattern?

[lalala]

19 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

The idea of reinstatement isn't to get rid of withdrawal symptoms completely.  It's to bring the symptoms to a bearable level.

 

 

Added stress, good and bad, can worsen withdrawal symptoms.  It's important not to panic.  It's also advisable to learn and use Non-drug techniques to cope instead of relying on a drug.

 

Q:  Where you experiencing the symptoms you list (feel anxious,shortness of breath, very dizzy at times still with insomnia better  when I dont have to wake up early, heachaches,  difficulty to focus... ) prior to the stress or did it start after the stress happened?

 

If they worsened after the stress it would be better to hold on your current dose.

 

If you had them before the added stress and the symptoms were unbearable, if you want to updose you could try 0.25mg (or less) increase.  We can't make the decision for you, we can only make suggestions.

symptoms worsened with stress...

 

[lalala]

9 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

The body aches and insomnia are better? What is your sleep pattern? Do you have any other withdrawal symptoms?

 

What time of day do you take Prozac? Do your symptoms occur in any daily pattern?

 I take the prozac in the morning,  since I have added stress today, I had   body aches, increased headaches, dizziness anxiety...

withdrawal symptoms: my vision  sometimes cant focus so well and makes me dizzy, tiredness

 

In the morning is the worst: shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, weakness, my head fells heavy

sleep pattern: usually takes the melatonin and after 2 3 hours I wake up it takes me around 1-3 hrs to go back to sleep  depends on the day

                          and in the morning with the light  i wake up and  its hard to fall back to sleep...

so I thought if I increased the dose it would help , as i still feel the withdrawal symptoms  even before the added stress but less of course

[Altostrata]

2 hours ago, lalala said:

In the morning is the worst: shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, weakness, my head fells heavy

 

Are the symptoms worse before or after you take Prozac?

 

 

[lalala]

22 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

Are the symptoms worse before or after you take Prozac?

 

 

I think  it gives  me more anxiety  when  I  take  it and not  taking  it,  brings  me more  dizziness  and light headiness

[Altostrata]

When does this anxiety occur? You will need to keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages.

 

As Chessie said, Keep Notes on Paper

 

We need this information to see if the Prozac is causing problems.

[lalala]

On 3/12/2018 at 11:40 PM, Altostrata said:

When does this anxiety occur? You will need to keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages.

 

As Chessie said, Keep Notes on Paper

 

We need this information to see if the Prozac is causing problems.

The anxiety  is usually  in the morning   and evening  when  I come  home but  going  through  lots of stress,  monetary issues  

[ChessieCat]

This is the best format  for the mods to assess your situation:

 

Keep notes on paper about your drug dosages and daily symptom pattern

 

A symptom pattern that occurs regularly over several days could mean the symptoms are from withdrawal, other adverse effects of drugs, or something else you do on a daily schedule.

 

In the course of discussion in your Introductions forum topic, you may be asked to keep notes on paper of your daily symptom pattern, including when you take your drugs, their dosages, and any symptoms.

 

What we need to see for every individual day over several days is:

- Time and dosage for drugs taken in morning
- Time and description of any symptoms in the morning
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in afternoon
- Time and description of any symptoms in the afternoon
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in evening
- Time and description of any symptoms in the evening
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in middle of the night
- Time and description of any symptoms in the middle of the night (such as waking)
 
And so forth. A diary, in chronological order, such as:
 
6 a.m. Woke and vomited
8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
10 a.m. Had diarrhea
10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast
11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour
12:35 p.m. Ate lunch
4 p.m. Stomachache
5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
6 p.m. Ate dinner
9:20 p.m. Headache
10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel
10:20 p.m. Headache got worse
10:30 p.m. Fell asleep
2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien")
2:45 a.m. Fell asleep
4:30 a.m. Woke with headache

 

An appointments diary is perfect for this and can be bought at stationery stores. 

They have a page for each day with times for appointments which can be filled in with doses, symptoms etc as shown by Alto.

[lalala]

46 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

This is the best format  for the mods to assess your situation:

 

Keep notes on paper about your drug dosages and daily symptom pattern

 

A symptom pattern that occurs regularly over several days could mean the symptoms are from withdrawal, other adverse effects of drugs, or something else you do on a daily schedule.

 

In the course of discussion in your Introductions forum topic, you may be asked to keep notes on paper of your daily symptom pattern, including when you take your drugs, their dosages, and any symptoms.

 

What we need to see for every individual day over several days is:

- Time and dosage for drugs taken in morning
- Time and description of any symptoms in the morning
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in afternoon
- Time and description of any symptoms in the afternoon
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in evening
- Time and description of any symptoms in the evening
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in middle of the night
- Time and description of any symptoms in the middle of the night (such as waking)
 
And so forth. A diary, in chronological order, such as:
 
6 a.m. Woke and vomited
8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
10 a.m. Had diarrhea
10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast
11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour
12:35 p.m. Ate lunch
4 p.m. Stomachache
5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
6 p.m. Ate dinner
9:20 p.m. Headache
10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel
10:20 p.m. Headache got worse
10:30 p.m. Fell asleep
2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien")
2:45 a.m. Fell asleep
4:30 a.m. Woke with headache

 

An appointments diary is perfect for this and can be bought at stationery stores. 

They have a page for each day with times for appointments which can be filled in with doses, symptoms etc as shown by Alto.

OK thank you  for info.  I  will do my  best...  Can tryptophan  be of help?

 

[ChessieCat]

It's important to learn patience and to "sit with" your symptoms instead of looking for a "quick fix" which may cause problems.  Acceptance

 

The only supplements which SA recommends are Magnesium and Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Try a small amount one at a time to see how you react.  It is best to make only 1 change at a time.  It is also better not to start taking a complex vitamin because if you experience issues you will not know what exactly is causing it.  B vitamins can be stimulating especially B6.  hypersensitive-to-b-vitamin-or-b-vitamin-complex  If trying anything new, start with a small amount to see how you react and build up to the recommended amount.  

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

It is best to learn and use Non-drug techniques to cope

 

There are many existing topics and discussions on this site.  You can use the site search function on the main page of the site at the top right, or use a search engine and include survivingantidepressants.org in your search string.

 

5-htp-5-hydroxytryptophan-and-l-tryptophan

[lalala]

Hi, I have been of ssri for 5 months and did a trial of mirtazapine for 2 weeks but it didnt really  with sleep...

 

Still have insomnia and have anxiety that wakes me up in the morning... I have stress in my life

 

Im trying celexa that i once took   and it was fine, taking it because Im depressed from the no sleep and anxiety.

doc. said to take along with clonazapan...

 

Im scared because of addiction but   also taking it  for anxiety anyway.. between .5 to 1mg

 

Can you please send me CBT techniques  to cope.

 

I did have other WD symptoms... no brain zaps.... 

 

could this be a good idea the celexa?

 

[Altostrata]

lalala, I moved your post here. What drugs are you taking now?

 

Also, please answer any questions the staff posts in your Introductions topic. You might not have to take additional drugs.

 

Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems contains suggestions about how to improve sleep broken by withdrawal syndrome.

 

See Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms

 

Please use search in our Symptoms and Self-care forum to see our topics about specific symptoms.

[lalala]

I dont use other drugs  just started  celexa a week ago...

 

[lalala]

10 hours ago, Altostrata said:

lalala, I moved your post here. What drugs are you taking now?

 

Also, please answer any questions the staff posts in your Introductions topic. You might not have to take additional drugs.

 

Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems contains suggestions about how to improve sleep broken by withdrawal syndrome.

 

See Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms

 

Please use search in our Symptoms and Self-care forum to see our topics about specific symptoms.

I wake up often at night I do take sometimes z drugs 7.5mg... waking up alot and then I have the high cortisol at 4 -5am .. Not sleeping enough

 

If I take more klonopin which may help sleep better will   tapper  be difficult....

 

Im desperate  for better sleep... Maybe I should up my   drug to 10mg

[Songbird]

What dose of Celexa are you taking?  When did you stop taking Prozac?  Which z drug are you taking?  How much klonopin are you taking and when?

Please update your signature so it shows your current situation.

[Altostrata]

What times of day do you take each drug, and their dosages?

 

Did you stop sleeping when you started Celexa? What happened to the fluoxetine?

[lalala]

I just updated my signature..  I stoped  fluxetine   in Feb.

 

I havent been sleeping well for  along time , I have alot of anxiety and recently wake up with high cortisal anxiety I

thats why the doc. told me to take klonopin  and because celexa can increase anxiety  ...  

 

I take  10mg of celexa  in the morning 

 

I feel lost with the cortisol that wakes me up  and cant always go back to sleep and scared of taking benzos because of addition as I had wd  fast tapper   

 

I want to try again tryptophen or  5htp , I had bad stomach ache once and another time  palpitations  but once it was ok

[Altostrata]

How did you stop fluoxetine? How did you start Celexa?

 

Do you feel better on Celexa? After you take it in the morning, how do you feel?

 

Please do not take tryptophen or  5-htp, it can make anxiety worse.

[lalala]

9 hours ago, Altostrata said:

How did you stop fluoxetine? How did you start Celexa?

 

Do you feel better on Celexa? After you take it in the morning, how do you feel?

 

Please do not take tryptophen or  5-htp, it can make anxiety worse.

I stopped  it along time  ago,  I  took  paxil  for  4 months  and then straight  switch to  prozac for like 1month  and a half  but stopped  it in a few weeks... 

 

I feel  OK on Celexa  my emotions  have reduced,  just been  on it for  a week... 

I  thought  5htp was to reduce  anxiety? 

 I  take gaba  sometimes  it  works 

[Daisy]

On 11/22/2017 at 3:15 AM, lalala said:

Hi Chessiecat, I got Magnesium citrate  the pills are huge, so I guess I will have to cut them... I took one yesterday it did take the edge off but wasnt able to sleep its been many days I dont sleep well 

Hi. I have a hard time swallowing pills. I have magnesium oil but I think you could crush the magnesium citrate pills and mix it with apple sauce. Just a suggestion. If anyone has tried this and had success or it did not work out well, please chime in.

Daisy🌻