☼ amg2012: New Beginnings

[amg2012]

Amg, what does the Prozac feel like compared with the Effexor? More or less stimulating?

 

 

Your question is something I have not actually thought about in that way. Maybe because I don't want meds to "do" something to me. I have hated that I have been so tired so much of the time on Effexor.... feel like it has been a waste of precious time. At my time of life - more years behind me than ahead of me - time is too precious to waste.

 

See my next note to Astro --

[amg2012]

Alto,

 

Five good days and now on second day of increasing fatigue. Today so very tired and my brain is sluggish.... I find this so unacceptable.... I feel time slipping through my fingers, and it makes me so and !

 

So, can anyone out there tell me if is this a normal part of the withdrawal or am I simply back to where I was with the Efexor which made me so darn tired all the time anyway. Not sure, maybe I should turn my capsules into liquid and start tapering Prozac; maybe I would feel better on less.

 

I have been on Prozac over a month now and over 6 weeks since I cut from 112.5 mg of Effexor to 75mg... I believe my 20 mg. of Prozac is about the same as 20 mg. Prozac. ????

 

Any thoughts from anyone experienced with this would be most welcome

 

I would like to start tapering as these drugs defintely make me tired.... (no smiley for that?)

[amg2012]

Alto et al

 

It is actually 2 months since I cut from 112 mg of Effrexor to 75 mg... as I said, brain sluggish.

[Skyler]

I would like to start tapering as these drugs defintely make me tired.... (no smiley for that?)

 

[amg2012]

 

I would like to start tapering as these drugs defintely make me tired.... (no smiley for that?)

 

 

 

Well, so there is a smiley. Clicked to link but the site has a poor reputation by WOT. darn.

[Skyler]

 

 

I would like to start tapering as these drugs defintely make me tired.... (no smiley for that?)

 

 

 

Well, so there is a smiley. Clicked to link but the site has a poor reputation by WOT. darn.

 

Has a poor reputation? I've been using the site for months, and my browser/antivirus give no such warning.. ? What means Wot.darn?

 

hehehe, just found this one

[amg2012]

 

 

 

I would like to start tapering as these drugs defintely make me tired.... (no smiley for that?)

 

 

 

Well, so there is a smiley. Clicked to link but the site has a poor reputation by WOT. darn.

 

Has a poor reputation? I've been using the site for months, and my browser/antivirus give no such warning.. ? What means Wot.darn?

 

hehehe, just found this one

 

 

That one is so cute too. WOT is a web site that I have downloaded and it helps to find safe and unsafe web sites.

http://www.mywot.com/

I added Darn after I was informed the link to your cute smilies was a "not trusted" site. You may want to check out this link I sent you and download it... these days, I'd rather be safer than sorry.

[Skyler]

That one is so cute too. WOT is a web site that I have downloaded and it helps to find safe and unsafe web sites.

http://www.mywot.com/

I added Darn after I was informed the link to your cute smilies was a "not trusted" site. You may want to check out this link I sent you and download it... these days, I'd rather be safer than sorry.

 

Thanks.. and I will check it out, but for this site really is tried and true.. I've used it prolly a hundred times or better. No problemos. Some of the warning software seems to pick up on unorthodox website 'configurations' that are harmless so I usually steer clear.

[amg2012]

Alto

 

Hi again. Wondering if you saw my Post #74 ?

[Altostrata]

Very cute smilies.

 

I don't know why you're fatigued, amg. Your withdrawal history is a little irregular!

 

Personally, I think sleeping a lot is a good sign and much better than not being able to sleep at all, which is a frequent withdrawal symptom.

 

You might try reducing the Prozac, maybe by 2mg (10%), and see what happens.

 

PS I deleted your duplicate post in the Prozac bridge topic. Sorry I didn't see your question earlier. I always look in the Intro forum first for new posts, but I'm not online all the time.

[amg2012]

Very cute smilies.

 

I don't know why you're fatigued, amg. Your withdrawal history is a little irregular!

 

Personally, I think sleeping a lot is a good sign and much better than not being able to sleep at all, which is a frequent withdrawal symptom.

 

You might try reducing the Prozac, maybe by 2mg (10%), and see what happens.

 

 

Thanks, Alto. Yes, I realize you aren't on-site 24/7

 

I agree that sleeping a lot is much better than not sleeping at all. BTW I believe I have become more light-sensitive since withdrawal? Any one else report this symptom? Also saw on this site (more to read here than I have time/energy at least for now)information about Ultraspec 2000 blue light blocker glasses. I need this for sure.... I will try finding them locally.

 

About reducing the Prozac - this is really what my gut tells me I need to do. As I have said, I have been experiencing extreme fatigue most of the time I have been on Effexor... I believe I will be much better off them and replace with exercise.

 

So, in liquid this is 5 ML less 10% = 4.5 ML and I will try this for ___ not sure.

[Altostrata]

Try it for a week, at least. It will take Prozac a while to reduce in your bloodstream.

[amg2012]

Try it for a week, at least. It will take Prozac a while to reduce in your bloodstream.

 

 

Alto, your suggestion has been duly noted... in that these drugs make me so tired; I am anxious to see if I improve in this regard by taking less or none. Thanks, as always.

[amg2012]

Alto

 

Hi. Just checking in to report on my progress. It has been 8 days since my first reduction of Prozac in liquid form which I am making in water - I do not find the taste that bad at all, actually I found the Prozac purchased in liquid form to be too sweet.

 

I have been feeling better and starting to function again. Glad to see glimmers of the old grey brain cells.

 

I know I need to spend more time reading here but I am so very far behind in all life's demands : Too little time, so much to do! I plan on listening to my body so today, I will take 1 gram less and see how I do.

 

BTW, I sent you a personal message a couple of days ago.... did it get to you?

 

We are on the shorter end of summer - I hope you are enjoying it!

 

AMG

[Altostrata]

That's good news, amg.

 

I am swamped with just keeping up with the site, it takes me a while to get to pms.

[amg2012]

Altostrata,

 

I posted this under Tapering but that thread seems to now be about brain games and my post is amid, so here it is again:

 

Tapering:

 

I am wondering if tapering Fluoxetine by 1 mg per week is considered acceptable?

Although I have had an occasional day of extreme fatigue, I feel like I am doing much better; less is best for me it seems.

 

My thinking is that I should keep trying this weekly adjustment of 1 mg unless I have a very negative response. This would mean 17 more weeks if all goes well.

 

Any opinions on this would be welcome.

 

Just did an aerobic class - first one in ages, and ages. A challenge, but I feel good.

[Altostrata]

Yes, you might try 1mg reduction per week. Do that twice. If you get any withdrawal symptoms, you'll know that's too fast, if no symptoms, you could try reducing 1mg every 4 days.

[amg2012]

Yes, you might try 1mg reduction per week. Do that twice. If you get any withdrawal symptoms, you'll know that's too fast, if no symptoms, you could try reducing 1mg every 4 days.

 

 

Thanks for the suggestion, Alto... much appreciated. Will take your NON-advice

[Altostrata]

Okay, 1mg per week is fine!

[amg2012]

Okay, reduced 1 mg. again today. Hooray! Fingers crossed that I will not have withdrawal reaction.

Worked out again at the Gym yesterday - could not keep up, but since at 68 I am (almost always) the oldest in the Aerobics Class, it is expected anyway.

 

This morning I got up and got going - recognize my old self! Yesterday I started getting creative again. I am a Home & Garden person and making both beautiful is my passion.... good to see that coming back too.

[amg2012]

Alto,

 

Hi! An update on my progress.... it has been a week since my last 1 mg. reduction if Prozac. A couple of days after I did this last taper, I started getting the W.D. symptoms back and they have worsened all week. I am quite sure I have put my neck out (literally) at the computer, which is causing a lot of body pain; quite sure that is the cause.

 

BUT, also so dragged out, so very tired with little energy. And this makes me upset because I was so much enjoying seeing a little of my old self back. My question: Are these current withdrawal symptoms a result of Effexor Withdrawal or tapering to quickly off of the Prozac. I sense that it is the absence of Effexor, but I would like your experienced feedback on this? Can withdrawal from Effexor haunt one for a long time? Also, should I stay at the 16 mg. of Prozac for now?

[Altostrata]

Yes, the Effexor withdrawal can last a long time, even if you're taking Prozac.

 

Perhaps that last decrease was too much, too soon?

 

If you felt better before dropping 1mg, add the 1mg back and hold for a good while, a few weeks. You might have to make much smaller decreases if you want to decrease every week.

[amg2012]

Alto

 

Thanks yet again for you comments and support. I really think it is still the Efexor that has caused my problems the last few days, but poor sleep due to pain emanating from the neck to my arms and even one hand may be contributing to fatigue. I did some neck exercises yesterday, slept better last night and had more energy most of the day.

 

So, I decided to cut back one more mg. of Prozac and am hopeful that all will be well. One thing I find odd is that when I stopped Efexor, my intenstinal system which was so very good, changed for the worse and has yet to recover... and it's been about 3 months since this process started. Odd.

[strawberry17]

Hi

 

Just read your thread, you're doing so well. I'm tapering liquid Prozac too but my progress has been very long drawn out, almost ridiculously so LOL

 

Alto is right, hold where you are now until you feel really good again and then make the next cut.

 

Liked your comment about Canadians always saying thank you, I'm a Brit and we're always saying sorry!!!

 

Strawberry

[amg2012]

Hi

 

Just read your thread, you're doing so well. I'm tapering liquid Prozac too but my progress has been very long drawn out, almost ridiculously so LOL

 

Alto is right, hold where you are now until you feel really good again and then make the next cut.

 

Liked your comment about Canadians always saying thank you, I'm a Brit and we're always saying sorry!!!

 

Strawberry

 

Strawberry,

 

Well, thank you re "doing so well." I am now down to 15 mg. of liquid Fluoxetine. I believe I am doing okay, on this... I have had the odd rough day but that's acceptable to me... I really want off of this stuff. I have not been feeling great for over a week but am sure this is to do with a "pain in the neck" The pain goes down my arms, across shoulders, etc. etc. and makes me cranky and has been disrupting my sleep. So, I think this is the problem at the moment.

 

Overall, I really feel like I'm getting my mojo back. I really think that eating very healthy food 90% of the time (my only junk food is home made popcorn done in a little canola oil) helps a lot. Also I eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, with smallish portions of protein - no processed food. I am back exercising when I can - went to a cardio kickbox class today in spite of the pain... came home and crashed and remembered that I am 69 this month and cannot keep up with these younger ladies.

 

I am seeing a social worker to sort out my dull and boring life. There is a poster in the waiting room that says -

 

Attitude is contagious! Is yours worth catching?

 

Trying to focus on that!

 

Strawberry, (so sweet a name) I do hope you progress at whatever speed is comfortable for you and find peace with that.

 

Speaking of Brits, I just watched the film from 1989? Shirley Valentine again. Love that film and am thinking of running away - Greece should be pretty cheap these days I think my husband is worried.

 

I'm tired and rattling - tis after midnight.

[amg2012]

Alto

 

Hi and how are you? What's it like in beautiful San Francisco?

 

I went down to 14 mg of Flueoxitine this week, and I have noticed that I am breaking out into a sweat now and again - more often than usual and in a manner that I don't think is familiar (done a lot of sweating being 68 due to usual femal problems plus effexor). Can this be withdrawal? If so, is this the withdrawal from Effexor or from the Prozac taper? How can one know? Just broke into a sweat while writing now.

 

I do not know where to find the daily checklist of withdrawal symptoms - can you guide me please?

 

Other than the sweats I am a little tired. I am still fighting pain from being out of alignment, but other than that I am function okay.

[Altostrata]

It's beautiful here, thanks!

 

Yep, strange sweating is a withdrawal symptom.

 

Click on this link to find Important topics in the Tapering forum, including the symptoms checklist.

[amg2012]

Alto

 

Thanks for replying and affirming the sweat source! Also for the link. Not sure if I am going too fast... I may stay where I am now until the sweats settle down. Perhaps from here when I taper again it will be by half a ml rather than a whole one.

[amg2012]

Alto,

 

Oops, I meant mg not ml.

[amg2012]

Alto

 

I am still experiencing a great deal of body pain due to spinal alignment problems... working on finding the right help for this. Meantime, the pain challenges my daily life.

 

I am not sweating so much and will cut back my Prozac dosage again today. I wanted to ask your help in locating the information on magnesium that tells me why I need it during withdrawal (what is happening to the body during W.D. to the magnesium - and how much to take. Searching "magnesium" brings up so much information. I cannot spend much time at the computer because sitting for long hurts - so if you cnnoarrow this for me I would be happy.

 

I am experiencing leg cramping and I am taking some magnesium.

[Altostrata]

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2871-healing-bath-for-anyone-who-hurts-or-simply-needs-to-relax-httpwpmep5nnb-7wj/

[amg2012]

Hello Alto,

 

Just to thank you for the above links which I checked out. I now know "why" and "how much." I was taking too much magnesium citrate and have cut back.

 

Still have huge issues with overall pain from alignment problems and am getting help forthwith!

 

Still gradually tapering the Flueoxetine .. with the "alignment issues" it is a little bit of a challenge to know what is causing what symptom. For sure I get sweats when I taper. They disapated, I cut down a little, and they reappeared.

 

I try and come on this board now and again (as I have said, I am behind in my life) but I want to help and "pay back" when I can.

[Altostrata]

I have a bad back myself, I've found Pilates and occasional chiro to help immensely.

[amg2012]

Altostrata

 

Well, I am now on zilch mg. of any anti-depressant. I just checked the date I started to withdraw and it was the 5th of June and here I am at the 5th of November; 5 months later and FREE. So far so good, I think. Because I have another problem, it is somewhat difficult to know if I am having any withdrawal symptoms. I am terribly out of alignment which causes a lot of body ache - mostly in my arms but really pretty well all-over... also get short lived little electric-like sensations which are brief and are mostly in my left leg, knee and foot. Also experiencing a lot of head ache, ear ache - oh, it goes, on and on. I'm not sure if I mentioned that x-rays show that I now have stage 4 degeneration (arthritis) in C1 and C2 vertebrae. I am working on getting help for this problem, of course.

 

Meantime, I do think I am free of anti-depressants and would like to say YIPPEE.

 

However, I know I have to be very careful as the aches and pains are creating too much isolation and the days are getting way too short. Also, I have taken a sleep aid for a couple of nights... one is always more aware of pain when in bed trying to sleep.

 

I know depression lurks in the wings,

And that drugs can be addictive things,

So I must be on guard and take my stance,

healthy food, some sunshine and daily dance!

AMG

[strawberry17]

Well done and I love the little poem, I might steal it

[amg2012]

Well done and I love the little poem, I might steal it

 

Thank you Strawberry... just hope I can hold on as this is a difficult time.

 

You may use the poem (just put my initials at the bottom, please)

The first 2 lines just came to me as I was writing and thinking, I had to work a little on the last 2 lines. Daily Dance is, of course, a euphemism for exercise... but if I could, I would dance my way to a perfect 69 year old body! ha ha ha ha!

 

I will be posting my little poem on my bathroom mirror, above my computer and on the fridge door!!! Reminders!

 

I have an appointment with an Osteopath tomorrow and the very idea of at least reducing pain is, well, hope in hand!