Tarheel109: another fluoxetine adventure

[Tarheel109]

Hello all,

 

Im not planning on giving my name (although kudos to all of you who do!). I came here looking for experiential data about SSRI discontinuation and was inspired by all of your honest accounts.

 

I’ll try to keep this short and sweet, but forgive me if I ramble. I’m finding myself a bit isolated so it’s nice to communicate (even virtually). Here’s my story:

 

Until 1 April, 2018, I had been prescribed and was taking 60 mg Fluoxetine for approximately 18 years. I began taking 50 mg on 2 April, 2018 and lowered to 40 mg on 15 April, 2018. I’m planning on staying here for at least a month. I’m not noticing any major side effects at this point, but I’m a bit apprehensive; I can’t fathom how my brain could possibly not need to make adjustments so I’m anticipating a meltdown.

 

Thanks for reading.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Tarheel.

 

Because fluoxetine has such a long half-life, your system may not have recognized the decrease in dosage yet.

 

You've decreased by 33.33% in a month. If I were you, I'd coast at 40mg for at least 2 months, to see how your system reacts.

 

To be on the safe side, we recommend much smaller decreases, see Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Also see Tips for tapering off Prozac (fluoxetine)

 

There is no reason to risk withdrawal symptoms, which are not at all trivial. However, you might have gotten away with an initial big decrease. Please let us know how you're doing.

[Tarheel109]

Thank you for your response. It’s funny... I’m already going lot slower than my doctor initially suggested. It just goes to show the lack of consensus within the medical community with regards to discontinuation of SSRIs. I’m grateful I happened to come across this website.

 

Prior to coming here, I had never heard of the 10% taper but it makes a lot of sense. I’ve actually already ordered supplies to make the next steps waaaaaay more gradual. I was planning on holding out at 40 mg through mid-May, but after reading that link I think I’ll hold off on the next decrease for another month.

 

So far I’m not experiencing any major symptoms. I’m insanely active (running, yoga, spinning) and a workaholic so I try to distract myself from feelings of worthlessness and loneliness. I DID start taking 5-HTP on Tuesday... I hope that’s not a bad thing...

 

I’ll definitely keep you guys posted on my experience... It definitely helps me reading about all y’alls.

 

Thanks again for reading/responding, Altostrata. You really seem to know what you’re talking about.

[Tarheel109]

Ok well I just read about 5HTP and it looks like I will no longer be taking THAT... It looks like I’ve got a lot to learn 😫

[Altostrata]

You're welcome. Very few doctors know anything about tapering. That's why this site exists!

[Tarheel109]

I kinda feel guilty saying this, but I’m actually feeling pretty great today. I know that the feeling is likely temporary, but I’m not feeling worthless at all. The only thing I’m really noticing is LOT of anxiety related to the thought of delayed-onset withdrawal. It’s definitely distracting me today. Luckily, my work day is not overly busy.

 

Today (4/5/18) was the first day since Tuesday (1/5/18) that I did not take 100mg of 5-HTP an hour before lunch. I guess it was only three days that I did take it, so I’m hoping that I don’t go into one of those serotonin situations.

 

I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed right now... I had no idea going into this that the process would take so much longer than I was initially told by my doctor. I don’t blame her, but you can’t know what you don’t know. So many aspects of our modern lifestyles offer instant gratification, so I’ve almost forgotten how to be patient...

 

Apologies again for rambling... Thanks for reading/skimming.

 

 

Edited July 5, 2018 by Songbird
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[Tarheel109]

So far no side effects that I’m aware of. Hung out with friends this weekend and felt ok. Went for a couple of runs and did yoga as well.

 

Im not sure if it’s related to my lack of symptoms, but since I’m doing relatively well (for now) I figured I’d share the supplements I’m taking:

 

Vitamin A - 250,000 IU

Acidophilous pearl - one per day

Zinc Picolinate - 50 mg

Biotin - 10,000 mcg every other day

B12/Folic Acid - 1000/400 mcg every other day

 

Ive been taking these since before I started my taper so I really have no idea if they’re helping, but since I’m feeling pretty decent, I want to share.

 

I really hope I’m not coming across as patronising. I know it’s only a matter of time before I get hit with some degree of symptoms... I’m so inspired by all of the stories I’ve read on here though and I’m really happy I found this community.

 

[Tarheel109]

Wanted to do another update... So far, no major upsets resulting from my initial 33% decrease last month... I’m cautiously optimistic because I realise that my body has likely not recognised it. Part of me thinks “ok let’s try another drop” but the rational part is trying to hold off until I get a better idea of how my system is handling the previous one.

 

i stopped taking the B12/folic acid, as they were making me break out, but will continue with the zinc, probiotics and vitamin A.

 

thanks for reading!

[Carmie]

28 minutes ago, Tarheel109 said:

Wanted to do another update... So far, no major upsets resulting from my initial 33% decrease last month... I’m cautiously optimistic because I realise that my body has likely not recognised it. Part of me thinks “ok let’s try another drop” but the rational part is trying to hold off until I get a better idea of how my system is handling the previous one.

 

i stopped taking the B12/folic acid, as they were making me break out, but will continue with the zinc, probiotics and vitamin A.

 

thanks for reading!

 

Hi Tarheel, 

 

Please leave it at least another month before you taper. Alto recommended two months before you even begin to taper again because of the rapid drop you made.

 

It’s better to be safe than sorry as the withdrawals don’t always hit straight away. I’m still affected from a small taper I made over two months ago. I tapered too soon. Tapering is accumulative. 

 

I’m glad you’re doing so well so far though. 

 

All the best in your recovery xx

 

 

 

 

[Carmie]

P.s. If in a month or so you do get withdrawals hold even longer.

 

 

[Songbird]

Hello Tarheel, it would be very helpful if you could add your med history to your signature, including drugs, doses and dates - this gives us a clearer picture of your situation without having to read the whole topic from the top every time.

 

There are a couple of reasons you may not be feeling much change yet.  Some people do find the higher doses easier to taper, and then find things get more difficult as their dose gets lower.  Another reason is that Prozac has a very long half-life, so it may take quite some time for your system to "notice" a change in dose.  It's a good idea to be cautious with tapering - better to go slowly and carefully rather than rush it and have it all catch up with you later.

 

[Gridley]

Tarheel,

 

You have gotten some good advise about taking it slowly.

 

Please also be aware that sometime withdrawal symptoms don't appear immediately after a too-fast taper.

 

Delayed onset of withdrawal symptoms

 

[Tarheel109]

I’m truly honoured to see everyone providing valuable input. I absolutely plan on staying at 40 mg for another month... And then doing the 10% taper after that.

 

I’ve not experienced any notable symptoms at this point, other than anxiety. Trouble is I’ve been on the meds so long, it’s difficult to differentiate what is baseline and what is not.

 

My diary was quite full this weekend, so I was unable to exercise to the same degree that I normally do. I did yoga on Saturday and went for a run this morning, so hopefully my endorphins are in check.

 

It is rather difficult for me to do these updates, as I’m ordinarily extremely private, but I’m hoping that at some point they’ll be useful to someone else down the road.

 

As an aside, can someone assist me with putting the tag for “fluoxetine” with my thread?

 

Thank you.

[Tarheel109]

And I’m not opposed to holding out for longer before tapering again. I want to do this right... It is frustrating though.

[Tarheel109]

Well a month and a half in and I’m definitely starting to feel “down.”

So far nothing physically (ie: “brain zaps” or lethargy) I just feel disconnected from my life.

 

I’m hoping it’s a side effect of the withdrawal... I know that everyone is different so there’s no concrete answer, but I’m hoping that this isn’t par for the course with every decrease. In case folks don’t feel like reading my ramblings, in early April I made a mistake by reducing my dose by 33% after nearly 18 years on fluoxetine... I felt great for a while but now I think it’s starting to hit me.

[Carmie]

On 5/19/2018 at 3:07 AM, Tarheel109 said:

Well a month and a half in and I’m definitely starting to feel “down.”

So far nothing physically (ie: “brain zaps” or lethargy) I just feel disconnected from my life.

 

I’m hoping it’s a side effect of the withdrawal... I know that everyone is different so there’s no concrete answer, but I’m hoping that this isn’t par for the course with every decrease. In case folks don’t feel like reading my ramblings, in early April I made a mistake by reducing my dose by 33% after nearly 18 years on fluoxetine... I felt great for a while but now I think it’s starting to hit me.

 

Hi Tarheel, 

 

Just checking in to see how you’re doing. 

 

Yes, the feeling down is probably from withdrawals. Our moods are constantly up n down with withdrawals.

 

Tapering by 33% is definitely way too high for me. I can only taper by about 4% or so every time. Everyone is different though, and the 10% reduction is always a good way to go and if it’s too much you can go down slower the next time. 

 

Hope that you stabilise from your big reductions. Good to hear from your last post you hadn’t had any physical symptoms yet.

 

All the best with your tapering 💚

[Tarheel109]

Thanks for checking in!

 

I’m doing alright. Definitely ups and downs. Of course after years of meaningless relationships, I’ve a person where there’s mutual respect and attraction between us... While I’m going through discontinuation. I haven’t really addressed it with this person yet because I’m not sure how to say “Hey, there’s a chance I might be a total nightmare over the next three years because I no longer want to be on antidepressants, even though you seem to appreciate me as I am.”

 

I’m feeling kind of like I’ve stabilized at this point and am wondering when I should take the next step, which would be dropping from 40 mg to 36 mg. Would it be two months from Alto’s recommendation to slow it down?

 

I purchased a bunch of clear capsules, a scale and one of those things with the holes in it to put capsules in while you fill them. I tried it once and had some difficulty getting the pills to be exactly 16 mg. Does this matter? Also, if it does, can anyone offer recommendations on how to fill them accurately (especially for an extreme klutz).

 

Thanks all for reading my Fluoxetine/Prozac saga!!!

 

[Lolita]

Hi Tarheel!

 

I think you are doing pretty good so far!

Maybe wait for the next step when you really feel stabilise!?

 

You were on the same ad for 18 years....wow! I never been able to stay more than 2-3 years on the same!

 

I am also on prozac ( recently switch to fluoxetine liquid for the taper).

 

Hope you continue to do good and most of all FEEL good!

[Songbird]

8 hours ago, Tarheel109 said:

I purchased a bunch of clear capsules, a scale and one of those things with the holes in it to put capsules in while you fill them. I tried it once and had some difficulty getting the pills to be exactly 16 mg. Does this matter? Also, if it does, can anyone offer recommendations on how to fill them accurately (especially for an extreme klutz).

 

You might find these topics helpful:

 

using a digital scale to measure doses

 

how to calculate doses and dilutions - spreadsheets and calculators

[Tarheel109]

12 minutes ago, Songbird said:

 

You might find these topics helpful:

 

using a digital scale to measure doses

 

how to calculate doses and dilutions - spreadsheets and calculators

 Thank you for the response, songbird!

 

I did not see any advice as to transferring the powder from the scale into the capsules... When I try to do that, it gets EVERYWHERE 😖

[Songbird]

If you look further down the thread, there is some discussion (and images) about using a mini-funnel to fill capsules.  Another option if you have pills, is to cut and/or file the pills.

[Tarheel109]

Alas, my mini-funneling skills are sub-par and ended up making a mess... I was hoping there was a super-secret foolproof method, but unfortunately it appears that I am out of luck 😩

[Tarheel109]

So... I’ve decided that I’m going to take the next plunge on 1 July down to 36 mg (from 40). It seems that I’ve reached a point of stability. I’m not certain that I’ve experienced a full-blown “wave” at this point, but I definitely have experienced momentary feelings of hopelessness and sadness that can last for a few hours... I’m hoping that these feelings are just a side effect of the meds working their way out of my system; however am willing to accept that they may just be a side effect of life...

 

I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that as an individual who suffers from depression and anxiety, I’m always going to have to work a little harder to find the “equilibrium” that seems to come so easily to others. It would be amazing if a person really could take a pill and his/her depression and anxiety would just disappear. I used to believe that it could... Now I’m not so certain.

 

I’m eagerly anticipating the day that I can finally be without Prozac/Fluoxetine. I wish there was an easier way that didn’t involve waiting, but reading some of the horror stories on here reminds me that tapering is the way to go.

 

It is really helpful for me to be reading people’s musings and I truly hope that individuals are at some point able to benefit from mine. Please let me know if there is any information that I should be including or that I should be leaving out.

 

Thanks!

[Carmie]

Hi Tarheel, 

 

It’s great you’re feeling stable, all the best with this latest taper. You’re doing good going 10%. I can’t tolerate that percentage myself anymore, I’ve been doing about 4% to 5% but have been on a break for a little while.

 

I’m sure people will definitely benefit from your musings, keep them coming and keep us informed about how your next taper goes.

 

Sending hugs🤗

 

[Tarheel109]

Thanks so much, Carmie!!! So far I’m tolerating the drop; however I don’t think that my body/brain has registered it yet due to the long half life of Prozac/Fluoxetine.

 

As for the 10% vs. four or five, I figure that because I’m still at a pretty high dosage (36 mg) I can get away with the larger drop. After all, it’s gotta be better than my last drop (60 mg to 50 mg to 40 mg in a month). I really dodged a bullet there but I don’t want to tempt fate. I’m starting to wonder if those 20 extra milligrams even did anything...

 

Cheers to all who are also on this journey!

[Tarheel109]

So maybe I haven’t stabilised... Lately I’ve found myself sabotaging stable friendships and relationships because I hate myself so much that I can’t believe anyone else wouldn’t. I find myself questioning the intentions of people who want to be around me... I really hope that this is the medicine because it’s awful.

[Tarheel109]

Well I think this is a wave. I feel like I’m being crushed. I can’t bring myself to go to any of the social gatherings that I had planned for today. I was in the beginning of a fulfilling relationship and I got too needy - thinking that someone else could fill the emptiness that I’m feeling. Now I’ve pushed that person away and all that I want to do is be in that person’s presence.

 

The paint isn’t even dry and I find myself seeking out the next “target.” I am so scared of being alone but at the same time it’s all that I want. Finding someone isn’t the problem but keeping up the illusion of someone who has his/her sh*t together is... I feel so hopeless and disappointed in myself. I’m typically active and can’t even get out of bed or clean my home.

 

What would reinstating look like for me?

[Songbird]

I would hold for a good while until the withdrawal wave settles.  Next time you could try a smaller drop - 10% drops are too much for some people, many do 5% or even 2.5%.  There are also other more gradual tapering options, such as "microtapering" and the "Brassmonkey Slide".

 

micro-taper instead of 10% or 5% decreases

the Brassmonkey slide method of micro-tapering

 

Try to be kind to yourself and don't beat yourself up over every little thing.  Withdrawal isn't easy and you're doing the best you can.

[RealMe]

6 hours ago, Tarheel109 said:

Well I think this is a wave. I feel like I’m being crushed. I can’t bring myself to go to any of the social gatherings that I had planned for today.

Hi Tarheel109,

 

I've been reading your thread, and I think you are doing so well asking questions, listening to the voices of experience, and learning to taper safely and slowly.  I found measuring dosages to be a lot easier when I changed to liquid. I have been tapering from fluoxetine liquid for some months now, and I can attest to the experience of tapering getting more prickly in the lesser amounts.  I was up to 80 mg of prozac and was on it for over 20 years, way long after I had gained over 60 lbs. and way long after it stopped having any good effects.  Then I was prescribed other combinations of ADs until some really difficult side effects showed up, like diarrhea, dystonia, tremors, forgetfulness, blunted emotions, and tinnitus to name a few.

 

I have trouble with dark, depressing thoughts and brain fog especially in the mornings, lethargy, anxiety, tinnitus, dystonia, tremors especially in my hands, occasional stomach distress, anhedonia, crying, and social isolation; but every single symptom has improved.  I lost the 60 pounds, and even my hair is shiny again.  The symptoms flare up in waves and sometimes seem to disappear only to return with a vengeance; but the overall picture is one of general improvement, especially if I look at my behavior.  I force myself to do things that healthy people do, and that really helps me.  I tend to over-react emotionally to things, but I am starting to feel genuine emotions instead of that blunted, flat emotion I had on ADs.  Before I went to "psychiatry land," I had a tendency to either over-react or to run away from feelings.  So that is something I will have to work on even after withdrawal.

 

Keep journaling your symptoms and learning from the moderators.  Slow and steady.  I find the thread on coping with symptoms very helpful.

Best wishes and healing thoughts,

RM

 

[Tarheel109]

Songbird and RealMe, thank you both for responding to me during my wave yesterday. I’m actually feeling much better today. These windows and waves are so unpredictable!

 

Songbird, thank you for sending the microtapering links. I think that my withdrawals are likely protracted from the big drop I took back in April. I guess I just have to remind myself that those low points mean my brain is repairing the damage done by the antidepressants.

 

RealMe, thank you for sharing your experience. I’m a little nervous about my emotions not being blunted as even with antidepressants I’m prettttttty emotional. That’s great that you have embraced a healthful mindset! I feel like exercise is my saviour through all of this.

 

Thanks again for responding and to anyone who is reading this!

[Tarheel109]

Perhaps this is uncommon, but I’m wondering if anyone else experiences windows and waves based upon how they are treated by others... I know that I shouldn’t care what people think or try to read minds/project my thoughts/opinions onto others, but I’ve been having a really difficult time catching myself recently.

 

 I’m telling myself that it’s the medicine, but is there a chance that it isn’t?

 

Thanks for reading!

[Carmie]

26 minutes ago, Tarheel109 said:

Perhaps this is uncommon, but I’m wondering if anyone else experiences windows and waves based upon how they are treated by others... I know that I shouldn’t care what people think or try to read minds/project my thoughts/opinions onto others, but I’ve been having a really difficult time catching myself recently.

 

 I’m telling myself that it’s the medicine, but is there a chance that it isn’t?

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Hi Tarheel, 

 

I find that any kind of stress can affect withdrawals, whether it’s from doing too much, from reactions to food, emotional stressors and the like. The brain and body are very much connected. 

 

Dealing with people when going through withdrawals can affect our nervous systems too. If they cause us too much stress, that can ramp up our symptoms. You can’t always choose who you are around, but you can try and limit the time with certain people that cause you a lot of stress, and with some people it’s better to cut off all ties. 

 

Yes, and the meds in themselves can cause us to overthink things and ruminate too. Sometimes we can make things a lot worse in our minds than they really are. When I’m in a bad wave everything seems a lot more catastrophic. 

 

I love being with my friends but I find I need lots of time on my own too to regroup myself. I’m an extrovert but need my alone time, I love doing creative things on my own. I actually love exploring places on my own too because I can go at my own pace, and it gives me opportunity to take a lot more photos. 

 

Sending you hugs Tarheel🤗

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tarheel109]

Hey all, wanted to do an update. I think I’m going to hold at 36 mg for another month before making my next drop. I’m going through some personal drama right now and although I want to get off this medication as quickly as possible, I don’t want to set myself up for failure.

 

I find myself getting angry that I’m in this situation and hate that I am so powerless against these chemicals. I’m also so incredibly sick of the cognitive distortions that caused me to be put on them in the first place.

 

Thanks all for reading.

[Altostrata]

Wise decision, Tarheel.

 

Are you working with a Cognitive Behavior Therapy coach? Sounds like you're observing your thought patterns, which can be very helpful to keep emotional balance. You might also look into meditation -- it can slow you down before you leap to conclusions that can get you into trouble.

[bubbles]

Hello @Tarheel109

 

I have been tapering for a long time and I have made it a policy never to drop in a time of stress. Slow and steady wins the race.

[Tarheel109]

Thank you, guys. I’m truly grateful that I found this website. The guidance and insight that you provide is invaluable.

On 7/28/2018 at 2:47 PM, Altostrata said:

You might also look into meditation -- it can slow you down before you leap to conclusions that can get you into trouble.

 

Alto, one of my friends recently (ok really recently - Saturday night!) told me about an app called “Simple Habit” that so far is free. It offers guided five-minute meditations. I’ve used it the past couple of days, and although I haven’t noticed results yet, I plan on continuing to use it.

 

Cheers to all!