Goldenmango: Struggling

[Goldenmango]

Hi all, I’m new to this site. Just looking for some support because I’m feeling really low. I quit Prozac 20 mg cold turkey in April 2021. I know now I should have tapered. I feel foolish, but I didn’t know the serious effects of cold turkey (doctor never mentioned it) and I just wanted to be off the meds. 
 

I was also on lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac on and off for 2-3 years previously. 
 

I have been dealing with vibrating/humming noise in my ears (daily on and off), anhedonia, and brain fog. I don’t experience pleasure like I used to. Alcohol and marijuana aren’t pleasurable. I feel like my emotions are numbed. I used to be able to *feel* music. I no longer feel “good vibes.” Now everything feels the same. I’m not the same anymore.
 

I can cry and do so pretty easily, which gives me some hope. I feel I have lost a part of my self and a very important part of life. I’m scared I’ll never recover and this will be my life. 

 

I just want to be able to feel good again. I tell myself over and over I will recover and I will feel better and normal again but I’m scared I won’t. Every day is a battle. I told my doctor and she said I “shouldn’t” still be experiencing withdrawal symptoms since it’s been 8 months. 

I started a probiotic a few weeks ago and it has helped a little with my brain fog. Im thinking about doing a microbiome test next but I need to do more research.

Any advice welcome. 

 

[Kiasofia]

Welcome @Goldenmango

I'm glad you found us now at least. You are not alone. I also quit cold turkey (doctor said I could). It took a year for me to feel better again, but I did. It is common that doctors do not understand.

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

What is withdrawal syndrome?

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

When did the vibrating/humming noise start? Is it tinnitus?

Tinnitus -- What does all that noise mean?

 

As there are common misconceptions about how these drugs work I found this post helpful to understand what is going on:

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain 

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization  

 

Aside from a high quality fish oil and magnesium, be careful with supplements. Your central nervous system (CNS) has become sensitized from psychiatric drug use and can react unpredictably. Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other mind altering substances can make the condition worse.

Important topics about tests, supplements, treatments, diet

 

Here is our symptoms and self care section, you may find some useful ideas to help manage symptoms as you recover. 

Symptoms and self care topics 

Apathy, anhedonia, emotional numbness, emotional anesthesia

 

So it’s easy for anyone reading your posts to get a quick overview of your situation we ask members to summarize their medication history in a signature following these instructions:

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

This is your Introductory topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We in this forum understand first hand the pain and discomfort you are going through. Please know that the brain is amazing in it's healing abilities. It takes time, but healing can and will happen. 

Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Edited January 19, 2022 by Kiasofia

[UserMan1775]

just keep holding, after a year you may feel slightly better read some of the guides above