vincent: prescribed Prozac with no prior history of mental illness

[vincent]

Back to feeling crap again! I know it only been a week but it feels longer.

All down to a 5% drop!

[ChessieCat]

7 hours ago, vincent said:

Back to feeling crap again! I know it only been a week but it feels longer.

All down to a 5% drop!

 

 

Q:  Is your drug signature up to date?  It doesn't look like you have added your latest reduction.

 

You might want to do a longer hold, eg 6 weeks and then make a small % reduction next time.

[vincent]

Q:  Is your drug signature up to date?  It doesn't look like you have added your latest reduction.

 

Hi Chessiecat

Yes,  my signature is up to date. My last drop (less than 5%) was on June 15th. I must be very sensitive to changes. 

As I said previously I assume the late withdrawal must be down to the long half-life of Prozac. Withdrawals can appear up to 3 months later

Still feeling the withdrawal.

[ChessieCat]

Well it is good that you know the pattern.

 

You might find that if you make a smaller % reduction you might be able to reduce monthly.  You could start by trying only 1% each month for 3 months and see how that goes and if that works you could try increasing to 2% reductions.

 

Obviously you would not make another reduction until you are stable.

 

Edited July 27, 2022 by ChessieCat

[vincent]

Hi Chessie,

I am definitely feeling myself again. I have a short break with my wife coming up in early December which I don't want to spoil by being low and moody. I will be staying on 16mg until at least after, then I may take up your suggestion of 1% per month. Even with the liquid for this will be difficult but I'm sure there will be a way explained on this site.

Thank you again for your support.

[vincent]

The last few days I have suffered depression, anxiety, tinitus, IBS and fatigue. Worry about everything and demotivated.

Almost 2months since last <5% drop Prozac

[ChessieCat]

10 hours ago, vincent said:

I have suffered depression

 

I find it better not to use the word depression this way.

 

I prefer to say it differently:  I have been feeling depressed.

 

Using the expression "I suffer depression" is a condition that you have, not what you feel.  The difference is that a condition is thought of as being more permanent or lasting longer (even if subconsciously) and that you cannot do anything about it, whereas feelings change.

 

Everybody, even people who have never taken an AD, get times during their lives when their mood is lower or they or feel depressed.

 

The way we talk and think about things can make a big difference.

 

Edited August 10, 2022 by ChessieCat

[vincent]

12 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

I find it better not to use the word depression this way.

 

I prefer to say it differently:  I have been feeling depressed.

 

Using the expression "I suffer depression" is a condition that you have, not what you feel.  The difference is that a condition is thought of as being more permanent or lasting longer (even if subconsciously) and that you cannot do anything about it, whereas feelings change.

 

Everybody, even people who have never taken an AD, get times during their lives when their mood is lower or they or feel depressed.

 

The way we talk and think about things can make a big difference.

 

Good point. Semantics.

[Shmalan]

Hi Vincent. How are things going. I hope you are doing well.

[vincent]

On 10/8/2022 at 8:14 PM, Shmalan said:

Hi Vincent. How are things going. I hope you are doing well.

Thank you for your concern. Apologies for my delay.

My last drop was June and I did not expect any more withdrawal, but a couple of weeks ago symptoms appeared. 

They have cleared up now but I didn't expect withdrawal 3 months after a 5% drop.

!

I am staying on 16 mg for the foreseeable future. I feel fine.

Thanks again

[vincent]

Last week or so

dizzy buzzy feeling in head (typical withdrawal for me)

vivid disturbing dreams

fatigue sleepiness depressed 

neurotic anxiety impatience 

not happy at all

 

[methuselah]

@vincent hello fellow Prozac taperer.  I’m not sure if you’ve seen the table below or know it, but the majority of the drugs action on the brain appears to occur at 10mg and below…with a nearly 50% action at 2.5mg and below which is mind boggling.  The docs say 10mg is a child’s dose, morons!

 

For me personally, it’s been more difficult below 10mg so don’t be afraid to slow down.  I’m currently holding hoping to feel better soon so I can resume taper.  May try a micro taper of some sort, not sure yet.  Maybe 2% per month, but hit the 2% with weekly .05% cuts or something.  Sorta lost at the moment on how to best proceed tbh.  
 

Prozac is supposed to be the easier ssri drug to taper due to half life, but I’m not buying that at this point.  The long half life, I’d argue, makes it more difficult to taper, in a way, due to delayed withdrawal reactions.  Anyway, Good luck to you sir!

 

[littlebird]

@methuselahThank you for posting this, I needed to see it. My doctor just prescribed Prozac to bridge a taper off something else, and was talking about doubling the dose to 20mg a week in. Hearing how tough it is to taper 10mg and below, I’m going to see if I can stick to 10mg to get through the bridging process. Appreciate the info, thank you!

[methuselah]

@littlebird my pleasure.  I don’t want to hijack OP’s thread here and I’m not a mod and don’t know your history and it looks like you’re on a bit of a cocktail, etc., but, and keeping in mind that the sert occupancy numbers are an average, maybe even try 5mg as that’s still significant occupancy.  I’d kill to be at 5mg right now.  Check with the mods for advice before making changes.

[vincent]

On 1/15/2023 at 12:26 AM, methuselah said:

@vincent hello fellow Prozac taperer.  I’m not sure if you’ve seen the table below or know it, but the majority of the drugs action on the brain appears to occur at 10mg and below…with a nearly 50% action at 2.5mg and below which is mind boggling.  The docs say 10mg is a child’s dose, morons!

 

For me personally, it’s been more difficult below 10mg so don’t be afraid to slow down.  I’m currently holding hoping to feel better soon so I can resume taper.  May try a micro taper of some sort, not sure yet.  Maybe 2% per month, but hit the 2% with weekly .05% cuts or something.  Sorta lost at the moment on how to best proceed tbh.  
 

Prozac is supposed to be the easier ssri drug to taper due to half life, but I’m not buying that at this point.  The long half life, I’d argue, makes it more difficult to taper, in a way, due to delayed withdrawal reactions.  Anyway, Good luck to you sir!

 

 

 

This seems to suggest that a reduction from 20 to 10mg should be safe?

[vincent]

I am from the UK. My doctor is now unable to supply me with liquid Prozac and has prescribed 20mg tablets. I am back to using mini scales.

[vincent]

16th March  15.5mg Prozac

[vincent]

decided to remain on 16

[vincent]

Reduced to 15.5mg from today

[vincent]

Reduced to 15mg today

No withdrawals from previous reduction

[WeLiveInHope]

Vincent, I am so confused as to how you are being prescribed the Prozac brand from the UK. Any and use you can offer how your GP is doing this I would be lost grateful.