Jill28: Prozac severe anxiety

[Jill28]

Moderator note: link to benzo forum thread - Jill28: Klonopin adverse reaction

 

Hi everyone- I’m desperate and was hoping for advice... I had been on Zoloft for 4 months and decided to taper off. Did way too quickly (1 week) and has serious anxiety and panic attacks from it. After about 6 weeks, my brain finally bounced back and I was almost back to normal. My psychiatrist convinced me to get back on my old trusty Prozac (10mg) justto keep my depression at bay. On the third day of taking Prozac, I had the most severe anxiety of my life... and I had never had anxiety other than when I came off the Zoloft. I’m at day 9 of being off and the anxiety hasn’t let up even a tad. I am miserable and can’t live this way. My face titles constantly and I can’t eat or think clearly. Any thoughts or advice is deeply welcomed.😢

Edited November 11, 2018 by Shep
added link to benzo forum thread and tags

[SkyBlue]

Dear Jill,

 

Welcome to SA. I'm glad you found us.

 

On 9/3/2018 at 5:09 PM, Jill28 said:

My psychiatrist convinced me to get back on my old trusty Prozac (10mg) justto keep my depression at bay.

 

First things first, can you let us know your timelines for taking the Zoloft and Prozac (how recently had you been taking the Prozac?) by filling out a signature using these instructions: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/18343-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

Also, please enter *all* the drugs you are taking into this interactions checker and paste the results into this thread. https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

 

Was your doctor wanting to switch you over from Zoloft to Prozac? 

 

[Jill28]

I hope I did it right. I fixed the signature and wasn’t sure how to copy and past the drug interaction so did it below:

 

Using clonazePAM together with eszopiclonemay increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitaminsand herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

[Jill28]

I forgot that I’ve taken Cyproheptadine too so added it to the list per below:

 

Using clonazePAM together with cyproheptadine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitaminsand herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

[Jill28]

Also, my doctor wasn’t wanting me to switch. I just decided to get off the Zoloft on my own and then when I went to the psychiatrist, she suggested get back on Prozac to keep depression at bay. Help...😢

[SkyBlue]

Hi Jill,

 

Please list your clonazepam to your signature, showing how often you've taken it and for how long. 

 

Please use this, your introductory thread, to post questions, instead of using personal messages.

Although I was the moderator who responded first on this thread, any moderator (or member) will see posts on this thread and can/will respond as they're able. 

 

You mentioned that you're having significant anxiety. In the Symptoms and Self-Care section, there is a thread on coping with the emotional effects of withdrawal: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1112-non-drug-techniques-to-cope-with-emotional-symptoms/

 

 

4 hours ago, Jill28 said:

Also, my doctor wasn’t wanting me to switch. I just decided to get off the Zoloft on my own and then when I went to the psychiatrist, she suggested get back on Prozac to keep depression at bay. Help...😢

 

Your doctor isn't wanting you to switch? Didn't she recommend Prozac? 

[Jill28]

here’s my full story:

was on zoloft for 4 mo. Decided to get off of it. Did it cold turkey with horrific side effects. After about 6 weeks I was finally feeling better but still hypervigalent with some anxiety here and there... not bad at all really. Sleeping was an issue as I’d jerk awake after almost drifting off to sleep. Finally went to a psychiatrist instead of a GP and she suggested I get on Prozac (10mg) and stay on it. I had only been off zoloft 2 mo and after the third dose of Prozac, all hell began. Severe anxiety, agitation, can’t eat, can’t sleep, and in terrible agony. Today is day 16 off Prozac. I desperately need advice on helping get through this. I have windows of good hours now. Help😢

[Jill28]

Any help anyone?

i am desperate....😢

[SkyBlue]

Hi Jill,

 

What did you think about the coping techniques page? Have you been able to try coping techniques to help with your anxiety?

 

Also, you may find this information useful on reinstatement (some people find they can reinstate a small dose, then taper off very slowly):

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/7562-about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-reduce-withdrawal-symptoms/

 

Let us know what you think of it.

 

Withdrawal can be difficult and we encourage people to explore the Symptoms and Self-Care section https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/. There is lots of useful information there. 

 

[Rabe]

hi Jill...I just wanted to say while tapering Clonazepam my GP convinced me to try Lexapro...took 3 tablets and woke up with racing heart and horrible anxiety and feeling like my whole nervous system had collapsed...I could not move for 24 hours.  I wanted you to know that it passed ... am hoping yours will do the same.  

Welcome and take care!  The techniques are good...a challenge with the anxiety we can get but would be helpful I think.💜

[Leo1983]

Jill are you in the UK?

 

My best advice if you can is taper all drugs and ride the waves. It may take months, but at least you wont continue damaging your brain for years with these drugs.

[Jill28]

Seeing a new psychiatrist today. I’m desperate for relief. I think the Prozac triggered something and I don’t know how to make it stop. The waves I have will last 6-7 hrs most days. Is this normal?

[Jill28]

I’m in Texas. 

[Jill28]

Rave- how long did it take for the Lexapro issue to pass?

[Jill28]

Rabe- not Rave.... sorry!!! Spellcheck 

[Rabe]

Hi Jill...it took a few weeks.  If the waves last 6-7 hour and you get some relief that is great.  I know the hours are hard, but I have been in one where it is present nearly all the time.  I would be leery of any more doctors...

[Rabe]

Well leery would be an understatement...if you wish to go get his thoughts and bring them here to the moderators...but  I sure would not act on anything without passing it by the people here.  Wish I had known about this a long long time ago!!!

[Rabe]

It looks like both the Prozac and the Clonazepam are new? How do you know which is doing what?

[Rabe]

Does the clonazepam seem to help?

[Jill28]

Rabe- thank you sooooo much for your help. I’m on day 17- almost 3 weeks. What did you do to survive the waves? I have SEVERE restlessness and burning on my face. How much longer do you think I have? What were your waves like?

[Jill28]

Also, The klonopin was given after the severe anxiety started. It does help calm me down. 

You are helping me sooo much.

[Rabe]

I was tapering my clonazepam on my own at home not knowing at all what i was doing...my dr had doubled the dose and it had made me sick.  The rapid taper caused very bad anxiety and when I came here they started and AD which I am now trying to taper.  

The waves vary.  At home they were there most of the time...some days were better than others and some parts of days better than others.  Used to be mornings were better for me, then night, and now seems mid day a bit...changes all the time now seems.  Hard to plan.

Yes the anxiety and all I find so hard to deal with...I am sorry you are having to deal with that.  Lately I have been just too tired to do much.  Last night I felt absolutely exhausted but was still anxious.  This morning unsettled.  Hard to say.  Sometimes a gentle walk help, a little yoga, a meditation to get my mind off it...

[Rabe]

I get burning in my chest and forehead mainly...but many many other symptoms.  My ears ring constantly, my joints and muscles are better so long as I dont overdue, my heart goes out of rhythm, my vision is affected, hard to think, emotions are odd...lots of things

[Rabe]

Lately wake with bad headache each day which thinking is clonazepam cause used to get similar ones when on it

[Leo1983]

Rabe. You say it took a few weeks? Are you recovered or still in withdrawal?

[Rabe]

Im hoping that you will get better soon if you can just leave your system alone and allow it to readjust.  The more you try to do the more unstable it can become.

Can you start keeping a journal of the your symptoms and medications?  What symptoms you have and when and what meds you take and when...that would help the moderators a lot and would help you as well

[Rabe]

Hi Leo...it didnt take long for the horrible part of the Lexapro to leave...days...but who knows what part it has played in long run with everything else.

I really dont know.  I felt much better when I came here 2 years ago to the treatment center and when I got out with no tapering...but the Viibryd was added and I reacted to that but they kept me on it anyway.  When I tapered half the viibryd last fall and then started on the conazepam and then the rapid clonazepam taper in Sept everything fell apart and things have not been the same since.  Everytime I taper thing flare quite rapidly and though I have held for almost 3 months I still feel unstable...each day is different.

[Rabe]

@Leo Sorry ...forgot to tag the above...going to go for now...just not feeling real well...talke later

[Gridley]

Jill,

 

Two supplements that we recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker   Magnesium glycinate is a excellent form of magnesium.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

Also, there is a simple yoga pose that I've found helpful for anxiety.  Lie on the floor with your legs up on the wall at 90 degrees (or as close to 90 as you can manage).  If this is too difficult, you can lie on the floor with your lower legs on a chair.  For either, support your head and lower back as needed.

 

Epsom salt baths can also help with anxiety.

Edited September 11, 2018 by Gridley

[Jill28]

So helpful. Thank you!!

im deathly afraid that I’ve developed akathisia from the ssri. Any advise for that?😢

[Gridley]

You might find the information in these links helpful regarding akathisia:

 

Weighted blankets & Bed Tents for restlessness, akathisia, insomnia and anxiety

 

Blog: My Akathisia Experience by akathisiainfo contains many reports of drug-induced akathisia and recovery from it

 

Akathisia survivors?

 

If you Google "SurvivingAntidepressants akathisia" you will find a useful discussion.  

[Altostrata]

Hello, Jill.

 

Please stay as calm as possible. 10mg Prozac was too strong for you. It has a long half-life, much longer than Zoloft or Lexapro, and it's wearing off now. The adverse effects should be slowly getting weaker and weaker.

 

You might try the magnesium first, it can be calming. Try the fish oil in a few weeks.

[Jill28]

Thank you sooo much Altostrata...went to psychiatrist today and due to the severe restlessness and inter turmoil, they told me I’d sounds like akastasia. I read everything on it and it seems to fit. Taking .5 Cyproheptadine and .5 klonopin and there seems to be relief...

only took prozac for 3 days. I’m on day 17 off. How much longer of this torture? I can’t eat, think, or sit still for 2 min. 

 

Also, there’s burning at back of head at times. Thoughts?😢

[Rabe]

Hi Jill...thinking about you and glad to read "there seems to be some relief".  I just wanted you to know that if you want contact someone if you put @ in the box and then start typing their name all names similar will appear in a box and you can click on the one you want which will come up in black and white...that tags the message to them.

Take care.  So sorry this happened but you sound some better!💜

[Jill28]

@Rabe

thank you so much!!! Got it!!

[Jill28]

@Altostrata

Thank you sooo much Altostrata...went to psychiatrist today and due to the severe restlessness and inter turmoil, they told me It sounds like akastasia. I read everything on it and it seems to fit. Taking .5 Cyproheptadine and .5 klonopin 2x a day and there seems to be relief...

only took prozac for 3 days. I’m on day 17 off. How much longer of this torture? I can’t eat, think, or sit still for 2 min. 

 

Also, there’s burning at back of head at times. Thoughts?😢