Tminus: I need answers

[Tminus]

I took prozac 20mg (actually it was fluoxetine) for 30 days and had a terrible reaction to it, one that landed me in the hospital two days in a row.  I was told by my psych to stop taking the meds and was prescribed celexa 10mg.  I am afraid to take the celexa and I am now 7 days without the prozac, I do not believe I am going to start on another ssri.   My anxiety has been known to mimic several things so I want to know should I expect withdrawls from the prozac that I took for 30 days?  Or was it not long enough?  Am I going to go insane?

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Tminus.  

 

You had an adverse reaction to the Prozac, and it's good you stopped taking it.  It's possible that you will experience withdrawal symptoms based on the adverse reaction.  Also, anyone who has been on an antidepressant for longer than 30 days may be subject to withdrawal.

 

How are you feeling now?  I see that in your tag you list anxiety, which is one of the most common symptoms of withdrawal (symptoms that result from adverse reaction are very similar to withdrawal symptoms).  You will heal, but unfortunately we can't tell you how long it will take.  Some recover fairly quickly, while others take longer.  You will not go insane.  However, it's good to have some knowledge of withdrawal so you can recognize that's what you're experiencing is normal and not insanity.  

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

Here are some techniques for coping with anxiety.

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

VIDEO:  Peace from Nervous Suffering - Claire Weekes (1 hour) (http://sendvid.com/vgquc1dg)
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help …

 

10 minute Restorative Yoga for Relaxation | Up the wall

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do 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 

 

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.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

Edited November 25, 2019 by Gridley

[Tminus]

I went to my talk therapy today.  I failed to mention that I suffer with PTSD.  I do feel better but I am having weird pains "zip" through my skull every now and then, an abnormal ekg and chest pains.  All caused by the prozac.  My therapist told me that it probably traumatized me and that's why my anxiety went through the roof.  Today is day 9 without the prozac and my mood and everything has improved.  Still, my psych wants me to take the celexa, but after that experience I am very weary of taking another ssri.  Thank you so much for your reply

[Altostrata]

Hello, Tminus.

 

It sounds to me like 20mg Prozac was too strong for you (possible serotonergic toxicity) and shook up your nervous system. Your therapist is full of it.

 

It will take some time for your nervous system to settle down, maybe months. Please be patient.

 

As Gridley mentioned, a lot of people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful. Magnesium can be calming.

 

It's possible that your nervous system is now sensitized to SSRIs and other psychiatric drugs, to which you might react badly, at least until your nervous system recovers. Can you work on managing your symptoms with non-drug methods? You might need a different therapist, one that's more clueful.

[Tminus]

Thank you. I knew something was wrong.  It has been a really scary ride.  I'm working on looking into CBD oils, Magnesium, and omega 3s almost with CBT.