Patient2022: Fluoxetine taper - Breaking free, building me

[Patient2022]

Hi all,

Newbie alert 🚨 

 

I have lurked around this forum for well over a year, looking for advise and understanding. Today on my millionth AD tapering journey i’ve decided to register and introduce myself. 

A lot of the times I just want to ask “has anyone else experienced this?”, “how did it go for you”. Because the truth is, the doctors look at us as robots, or they just don’t understand and it becomes increasingly frustrating when you’re patronised - you know the ringing in my ear since tapering has nothing to do with that but rather “you’re not becoming any younger…with ageing a lot of things happen”. While yes that may be so, please don’t tell me you know my body better than me. Otherwise my doctor is quite ok. 
 

Most recently I asked him for liquid fluoxetine so I could taper slowly. He’s been with me a while and so knows that tapering fast is not for me. So I’m grateful he’s prescribed it. I saw another doctor just a week ago and she told me “you’re already taking 20mg fluoxetine every other day so you’re ready to just stop now”. Obviously I know better and on her part it has to be ignorance. 
 

Anyhow digress… I have been on and off AD since 2015 when at the age of 27, I was divorced, homeless and a single mother with my family having just moved away. That’s putting it in a concise and pretty way but I won’t get into the ugly…As the years have gone on I’ve made so much progress and so many changes in the way I think and approach things. So I must remember to give myself credit. However the times I decided to come off AD, the advise of the doctors was not great and I always rushed or went cold turkey. The problem was, I felt great the month or 2 after stopping. It’s about 5 months down the line when I either crash and feel extremely low or my emotions just scatter, so many feelings flood me. 
 

I have had counselling but I realise the latter, was probably due to issues not being addressed and the AD numbing those very real emotions. So this time, I’ve decided to move with patience. Go slow. Most recently I’ve taken the lower dose of 20mg fluoxetine from july2021 to Dec2021- this was after stopping cold turkey a few months before (when I was on 40mg). Since the new year I’m on 20mg every other day. I have the liquid which will be taken @ 10mg every other day. I haven’t yet started that dose as I still feel my body is still getting familiar with the 20mg every other day. 
 

One of the most annoying new symptoms of tapering is this ear ringing/vibrating. It feels very weird. I’ve never had it before in my ears but over the years experienced similar vibrations and spasms in my jaw so I guess it’s just different this time. It’s been about 5/6weeks since lowering 20mg every other day and I’ve just started feeling very tired, under the weather like I’m coming down with something. Not sure if that bit is related but we’ll see. Lastly the dreams! Omg the dreams, im having soo many very odd and random dreams. Didn’t think it was a thing when tapering because I always have the dreams when starting an AD. Weird stuff. If anyone can make it make sense, I’m happy for your input 😊

 

Any support, advise, words of encouragement, sharing experiences etc all welcome 🤗 

Patient2022 x

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  You have come to the right place.  We can help you to do a slow and careful taper.  

Thank you for providing your drug signature!  I totally understand about doctors treating us like robots and not listening - welcome to the club!  Many of us here have had these same experiences.  I'm very sorry about your past circumstances - I certainly hope things are better for you now.  Kudos to you for changing your approach and attitude.  I've done the same thing, and it really helps!  

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.   This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly and carefully, and be very cautious about changing our doses: 

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

What is Happening in Your Brain

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

Tapering is best done extremely slowly, and we generally taper by 10% of the current dose no more than once every 4 weeks, so that the taper becomes exponentially smaller.

 

 Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage  

 

Tips for Tapering Off Prozac

 

I suggest that you do not dose the fluoxetine every other day. Instead of taking 20 mg every other day on Monday Wednesday and Friday, if it were me, I would take 8.6 mg of Prozac every single day, at the same time of the day.  Take this precise dose, and don't skip or miss or vary the dose.  Skipping doses is very hard on the nervous system, and is a sure way to destabilize it, and cause major problems with withdrawal symptoms.  Please read the link below. 

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

Because your system is probably destabilized from the every other day schedule, I would suggest you hold on the 8.6 mg dose for at least 3 - 4 months, to give your system a rest, and a chance to heal, and find equilibrium.  Believe me, you will have a much easier time in your future taper if you do this.  Once you feel you have stabilized, you could resume your taper.  

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I hope all this makes sense to you.  If not, feel free to ask questions!  Please let us know how you are doing. 

Edited February 6, 2022 by getofflex

[Patient2022]

@getofflexthank you so much for the warm welcome and for taking the time to reply with such useful information. It’s helped give me more direction, as I didn’t know taking every other day would cause an unsettled system! It’s all important information!

I’ve decided to start with 8mg today, taking daily. Will be interesting to see if it helps stabilise and reduce the symptoms/withdrawal. 
 

Once again thank you so much. Will update as I go along

 

[Patient2022]

The taste was awful ! I’m thinking maybe orange juice would help. Anyone else use something to mask the long lasting bitter taste??

[Patient2022]

Why aren’t my posts being allowed?

[getofflex]

9 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

I’ve decided to start with 8mg today, taking daily.

If it were me, I would take 8.5 or 8.6, not 8.0.  You system needs stability right now, and dropping your dose again may further upset and destabilize your nervous system.  Since you are using the liquid, it will be easy to dose this amount.  

 

This forum requires mod approval for a member's first 2 posts.  From now on, you should be able to post with no mod approval.  

 

It's fine to mix your fluoxetine with orange juice.  

 

[Patient2022]

@getofflexthank you once again. 
 

im not sure how to measure so specifically. 2.2mls = 8.8mg which is too much. And 2.1 = 8.4mg so I have stuck with the latter, as I’m able to consistently measure that using the lines on the syringe. 
 

Third day of taking 8.4mg fluoxetine daily, bit of loose bowel movement and a headache on first day. But I’ve noticed my energy level is up, which is odd because it usually drop at this time in my cycle. Hope my body readjust well to the daily doses ! 

[getofflex]

Good, I think you will gradually feel better as you are taking your dose daily, at the same time each day.  Please give it time - it may take several weeks or even a few months to stabilize.  Don't forget there may be windows and waves.  ( feeling good, and not feeling  good), as recovery tends to be non linear.  Keep us posted.  

[Patient2022]

First week update…

It’s been a week since dosing 8.4mg of fluoxetine daily. (Previously I was taking 20mg every other day). 
 

I’ve noticed the weird ringing and vibrating feeling in my ears/head has gone. I definitely feel more positive about taking the meds daily as opposed to missing days. 
 

Reflections/Questions…

1- Tapering Anxiety - I get worried when I feel ok during a taper because of my history of stopping anti depressants (what seems) successfully, then few months later, crashing; incontrollable emotions/feeling very low. So at this moment in time, it creates an anxiety in me when I do feel good. I have to constantly remind myself to be in the moment and do my best.

 

2- Huge Weight Gain - I feel sad about the effects the anti depressants have had on the physical side of my body. I’ve put on 4 stones since starting AD a few years back. Never ever have I been as big as I am (even after having 3 children) And it doesn’t feel good. I’ve noticed AD causes an increased appetite. At the beginning of taking fluoxetine, I would wake up at night thinking of food, and getting a snack. Which is totally not me at all. That doesn’t happen anymore, but my relationship with food has become real bad. It’s like an addiction. Prior to this I was always able to eat healthier if I saw myself slipping, but now it seems so impossible! I keep thinking I should do something about it but also aware that putting too much stress on my body during this time of stabilising may not be good. At the same time i think eating better and working out can only be a good thing? Not sure what to think/do. 

 

3- Sexual dysfunction - I’ve seen men speak about it on here but not many woman (perhaps I’ve missed those posts?), but I surely do hope women are caring about their sexual health as well. I completely lost the ability to orgasm when I was taking sertraline a few years back, when I stopped, it returned. Since then, taking fluoxetine and sertraline on and off, I have the ability to orgasm but it’s somewhat numbed compared to my normal orgasm. I wondered if anyone experienced this? And wondered if there were any threads where people (including women) share their experience while tapering and stopping. Ie whether full sensation comes back after stopping ?

 

4- Fish oil/other supplements - Over the weekend I purchased cod liver oil, which I’m sure has omega 3 as well as vitamin A and D. Is this the correct one to use ? I also bought magnesium with calcium and vitamin D. Is it best to take these together ? And/or at different times to my Antidepressant (which I take in the morning)?

Patient2022 x

[Patient2022]

Feeling crappy today. Been reflecting, maybe in the wrong way. Reflecting can be both a curse and a blessing. Today it’s a curse.
 

The  overwhelming feeling is peeping in. I feel like I have so much to overcome. And I can’t just get up and do it. The AD affects everything, the reason I took AD sometimes get in the way too….The degree I want to go study, the job I want to have, the energy I want, the healthy lifestyle I want to adopt that I once had. Why does having ambition overwhelm me. Perhaps my circumstances are different at the moment,  Parenting 3 children and managing my needs is in itself an accomplishment. 
 

I'm going to try turn this around and remind myself that things are possible. Perhaps for me though, it’ll take a while longer than others who have support/the other parent involved. I’m blessed with having 3 children; 2 teens and one approaching teens, so they’re independent to a certain extent, I’m able to speak and laugh with them. 

I have an appointment later today but had to cancel because I can’t face it. I just feel to be away from everything. I’ll pick up soon.🙏 

[Patient2022]

@getofflexif you have any insight into these I’d be grateful  

@Altostrata

22 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

First week update…

It’s been a week since dosing 8.4mg of fluoxetine daily. (Previously I was taking 20mg every other day). 
 

I’ve noticed the weird ringing and vibrating feeling in my ears/head has gone. I definitely feel more positive about taking the meds daily as opposed to missing days. 
 

Reflections/Questions…

1- Tapering Anxiety - I get worried when I feel ok during a taper because of my history of stopping anti depressants (what seems) successfully, then few months later, crashing; incontrollable emotions/feeling very low. So at this moment in time, it creates an anxiety in me when I do feel good. I have to constantly remind myself to be in the moment and do my best.

 

2- Huge Weight Gain - I feel sad about the effects the anti depressants have had on the physical side of my body. I’ve put on 4 stones since starting AD a few years back. Never ever have I been as big as I am (even after having 3 children) And it doesn’t feel good. I’ve noticed AD causes an increased appetite. At the beginning of taking fluoxetine, I would wake up at night thinking of food, and getting a snack. Which is totally not me at all. That doesn’t happen anymore, but my relationship with food has become real bad. It’s like an addiction. Prior to this I was always able to eat healthier if I saw myself slipping, but now it seems so impossible! I keep thinking I should do something about it but also aware that putting too much stress on my body during this time of stabilising may not be good. At the same time i think eating better and working out can only be a good thing? Not sure what to think/do. 

 

3- Sexual dysfunction - I’ve seen men speak about it on here but not many woman (perhaps I’ve missed those posts?), but I surely do hope women are caring about their sexual health as well. I completely lost the ability to orgasm when I was taking sertraline a few years back, when I stopped, it returned. Since then, taking fluoxetine and sertraline on and off, I have the ability to orgasm but it’s somewhat numbed compared to my normal orgasm. I wondered if anyone experienced this? And wondered if there were any threads where people (including women) share their experience while tapering and stopping. Ie whether full sensation comes back after stopping ?

 

4- Fish oil/other supplements - Over the weekend I purchased cod liver oil, which I’m sure has omega 3 as well as vitamin A and D. Is this the correct one to use ? I also bought magnesium with calcium and vitamin D. Is it best to take these together ? And/or at different times to my Antidepressant (which I take in the morning)?

Patient2022 x

 

[getofflex]

3 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

1- Tapering Anxiety - I get worried when I feel ok during a taper because of my history of stopping anti depressants (what seems) successfully, then few months later, crashing; incontrollable emotions/feeling very low. So at this moment in time, it creates an anxiety in me when I do feel good. I have to constantly remind myself to be in the moment and do my best.

If you taper your fluoxetine very cautiously and slowly, then you stand a very good chance of getting off without crashing.  It looks as though you have a history of cold turkeys and fast tapers, which put people at risk of crashing.  Since you tried to stop fluoxetine cold turkey only last July, your nervous system is probably pretty sensitive and needs some time to adjust.  My previous post said 

On 2/6/2022 at 3:10 PM, getofflex said:

Because your system is probably destabilized from the every other day schedule, I would suggest you hold on the 8.6 mg dose for at least 3 - 4 months, to give your system a rest, and a chance to heal, and find equilibrium.

Since you tried a cold turkey in July 2021, you may consider holding even longer, say 6 - 8 months.  The slower you taper off, the less likely you are to crash your nervous system.  

 

3 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

2- Huge Weight Gain - I feel sad about the effects the anti depressants have had on the physical side of my body. I’ve put on 4 stones since starting AD a few years back.

I would not go on a strict weight loss diet as this point.  Let's tackle one thing at a time.  However, you could consider getting gentle exercise each day, such as walking, and cutting back just a little on your eating.  There are resources out there to help with weight loss.  That is outside the scope of this forum.  

 

3 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

3- Sexual dysfunction - I’ve seen men speak about it on here but not many woman (perhaps I’ve missed those posts?), but I surely do hope women are caring about their sexual health as well.

This link lists resources on the internet for people dealing with PSDD, which stands for post SSRI sexual dysfunction.  The second link in there sends you to a forum which looks to be currently active.  

 

Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction

 

3 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

4- Fish oil/other supplements - Over the weekend I purchased cod liver oil, which I’m sure has omega 3 as well as vitamin A and D. Is this the correct one to use ? I also bought magnesium with calcium and vitamin D. Is it best to take these together ? And/or at different times to my Antidepressant (which I take in the morning)?

The last 2 links in my first post go into how and when to use omega 3 fish oil and magnesium.  Please refer to these.  I think it's OK to take them at the same time as the SSRI.  I take them only 1/2 hour after mine.  

Edited February 15, 2022 by getofflex

[Patient2022]

Thank you again @getofflex

[ChessieCat]

8 hours ago, getofflex said:

Since you tried to stop fluoxetine cold turkey only last July, your nervous system is probably pretty sensitive and needs some time to adjust.

 

See:

 

Stability

 

WDnormal

 

And Brassmonkey talks more about it here:

 

tao-of-the-brassmonkey

[Patient2022]

On 2/16/2022 at 1:06 AM, ChessieCat said:

 

See:

 

Stability

 

WDnormal

 

And Brassmonkey talks more about it here:

 

tao-of-the-brassmonkey

Thanks so much @ChessieCati fell asleep reading through these last night. Very informative. 
 

Headaches are becoming a daily thing, won’t go away with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Just have to ride it out ? Or is there some relief 😩?

[getofflex]

Try doing a site search on "headache" or "headaches".  

 

How to do a Site Search

[Patient2022]

5 weeks since taking the liquid dose 8.4mg daily. I lowered to 8mg a week ago and plan to stay here for a while.
 

I’ve mostly been ok (I think?). I’ve been tired some of the days, mostly when I’m near my period. Other days I seem to have energy and some motivation to do new things. I worry that I may be feeling good to only then crash. It’s worrying. My brain feels like it’s running so fast - so many things to remember and to do. Not sure how to read that but I hope to feel calmer and not like everything’s a race against time. 
 

I’ve found that I’ve been thinking about the situation that got me here in the first place, the divorce, the injustice etc. my mindset has definitely changed over the years but I genuinely think tapering or completely coming off will definitely stop the numbing affect… so yeh I’m just taking each day as it comes. I’ve joined the gym, just to build healthy habits (and I need to lose weight), but listening to my body to make sure I’m not over exerting myself. 
 

Physical effects… not sure if it’s related but I was in my bed on my phone scrolling as you sometimes do before going to sleep, and as I turned over I felt extremely dizzy, everything was spinning, I couldn’t focus, it was horrible. Felt as if I was going to faint. Called my children to my room just in case. Couldn’t walk well, ate something sweet, refreshed my face. I couldn’t lay down or put my head down or I’d get verrry dizzy. Eyes couldn’t focus , felt like the room was spinning! Eventually it went. It hasn’t come back since and I hope it stays that way.

Also I created  a social media account after being off of it for a while. I rejoined trying to spread mental health awareness, but noticed that it easily ends up being a comparison site. Many people there are competing , wanting likes etc etc. that bit really isn’t me and I hate that aspect of it. I feel like maybe I’m getting stuck in that again. I’m wondering if this mean my behaviour is somewhat impulsive as I feel I’m making a next step in life by tapering AD. A lot of questioning going on tonight. 

 

 

[Patient2022]

Forgot to add I used the holistic therapy, cupping, to help with headaches! it’s the only thing that worked !!!

[getofflex]

On 3/16/2022 at 4:31 PM, Patient2022 said:

5 weeks since taking the liquid dose 8.4mg daily. I lowered to 8mg a week ago and plan to stay here for a while.

I'm glad you switched to daily dosing.  Can you please update your drug sig with this information, with the specific dates?  Thank you.  

 

I'm glad your headaches are improving.  I don't know what to tell you about the dizziness.  Has it only happened that one time?  Try not to worry about crashing - this will tend to cause anxiety, and if you taper properly and slowly, you should not crash.  The best way to avoid a crash is to stay on your 8 mg for a nice long while, and give your system a chance to rest.  

[Patient2022]

On 3/21/2022 at 4:57 PM, getofflex said:

I'm glad you switched to daily dosing.  Can you please update your drug sig with this information, with the specific dates?  Thank you.  

 

I'm glad your headaches are improving.  I don't know what to tell you about the dizziness.  Has it only happened that one time?  Try not to worry about crashing - this will tend to cause anxiety, and if you taper properly and slowly, you should not crash.  The best way to avoid a crash is to stay on your 8 mg for a nice long while, and give your system a chance to rest.  

@getofflex Yes the dizzy episode hasn’t happened since so fingers crossed it was just a one off ! 
 

That’s so true about the worry inducing anxiety! I’m trying to live by enjoying when times are good fully rather than worry about when they potentially might not be.
 

I’ve had quite a good week. I’m on day 6 of a 7 day juice fast and feel amazing. Really enjoying adopting healthier ways into my life, I feel after I’ve stopped completely it’s important I have some healthy habits to manage through life. 

[getofflex]

15 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

I’ve had quite a good week.

Excellent news!  I'm glad to hear it. 

[PsychologicalSafe15]

Are you still on fluoxetine??

[PsychologicalSafe15]

Are you getting bloating from fluoxetine withdrawal? How long are you off the drug?? Usually bloating takes 6 months to appear after stopping fluoxetine.

[Patient2022]

2 hours ago, PsychologicalSafe15 said:

Are you still on fluoxetine??

Yes I’m taking 8ml at the moment. Need to update my signature. 

[Patient2022]

2 hours ago, PsychologicalSafe15 said:

Are you getting bloating from fluoxetine withdrawal? How long are you off the drug?? Usually bloating takes 6 months to appear after stopping fluoxetine.

I haven’t experienced bloating in the past or now when I’ve tried stopping. I’m still on 8ml and will be staying on this a while. 
 

I lowered dose end of December21 and then regulated it in January/Feb by taking it every day rather than every other day. It helped get rid of certain side effects. I’m just taking each day as it comes. And of course trying to put other coping strategies in place. 

[Patient2022]

12 hours ago, getofflex said:

Excellent news!  I'm glad to hear it. 

Thank you 🤗 

[PsychologicalSafe15]

How long were you on 40 mg fluoxetine? I seriously need to talk to you. I got severe sexual dysfunction from fluoxetine.

[Patient2022]

15 hours ago, PsychologicalSafe15 said:

How long were you on 40 mg fluoxetine? I seriously need to talk to you. I got severe sexual dysfunction from fluoxetine.

I’ve been on and off, so it’s hard to say (check my signature). I reinstated august 2021 on 20mg then started tapering end of December 2021. 
 

Tbh fluoxetine was the better AD for me when it comes to sexual function. I am able to orgasm on it, just isnt as intense. It’s not made a difference being on 40mg to the now 8mg…

 

Sertraline on the other hand made it very frustrating, wasn’t able to reach orgasm. Everyone reacts differently to these drugs, I’m just focused on trying to heal. No use beating myself up because I don’t have intense orgasm. Though I understand how horrible it must be of you can’t get anything working - I think best thing is trial and error. Maybe some natural remedies may help, ginseng ? Maca root etc? Research, I’m not sure

[PsychologicalSafe15]

I got sexual dysfunction after stopping fluoxetine like after 2 months 

[PsychologicalSafe15]

9 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

I’ve been on and off, so it’s hard to say (check my signature). I reinstated august 2021 on 20mg then started tapering end of December 2021. 
 

Tbh fluoxetine was the better AD for me when it comes to sexual function. I am able to orgasm on it, just isnt as intense. It’s not made a difference being on 40mg to the now 8mg…

 

Sertraline on the other hand made it very frustrating, wasn’t able to reach orgasm. Everyone reacts differently to these drugs, I’m just focused on trying to heal. No use beating myself up because I don’t have intense orgasm. Though I understand how horrible it must be of you can’t get anything working - I think best thing is trial and error. Maybe some natural remedies may help, ginseng ? Maca root etc? Research, I’m not sure

Thanks. Nothing works against withdrawal. Only magnesium and fish oil. Else we take any other things, it delays and worsens. This is the greatest lesson I have learn.

 

None knows what damage this drug do. If it was receptor related problems.. we don't know.

[Patient2022]

On 3/26/2022 at 5:49 PM, PsychologicalSafe15 said:

Thanks. Nothing works against withdrawal. Only magnesium and fish oil. Else we take any other things, it delays and worsens. This is the greatest lesson I have learn.

 

None knows what damage this drug do. If it was receptor related problems.. we don't know.

I guess persevere with the fish oil and magnesium and hope for the best. We have to try. 
 

 

[Patient2022]

Week 11 Quick update… I’ve been feeling quite ok in terms of mood, I feel in control knowing that if I have low energy/down days before my period, they’ll pass. It’s a mindset, understanding my body, being ok with not being 100% and riding through it. I’m trying to be more conscious with adopting a healthier lifestyle in the full sense of the word; moving, eating well, socialising etc… all to a degree I can manage. I know I can’t be too strict with my self, with diet for example but being mindful does make a difference.
 

I’m still on 8mg fluoxetine (need to update my signature, but I don’t know how 🤔)

 

In other news, i had surgery, under general anaesthetic to remove a growth. That was almost 2 weeks ago, I was worried because I had one dose of morphine after. Not sure how much that may cause havoc to my nervous system. I've been taking  each day as it comes but not found any noticeable side effects other than the night after surgery and following day (wasn’t able to sleep!!!).

 

I haven’t been to the gym for about 2/3 weeks. Creating a bit of anxiety in me, thinking have I just failed myself. But no, I’m healing after surgery… and generally I’ve become more aware of my anxiety or my anxiety has come more alive ? 🧐 Probably had it before but was more focused on the depression… a current example, so there’s a family reunion coming up, I want to do everything nicely and get all the children gifts etc, but I’m stressing because money is tight. I’m wondering what is a healthy way to manage this considering it’s causing this much panic? I don’t want to get into debt because I know that just feels like being buried alive. But I really want to be able to buy, just as others will for my children. I know my situation isn’t the same as theirs - I have to remind myself this and think of a way to move forward from this and be ok. Just a bump in the road. I’ll figure it out. I’m up awake at 01:27am unable to sleep because of it. I’ll try some meditation as I haven’t done that in a while.

 

Anyhow I’ve totally veered off track haha. I hope everyone is doing ok on their journey and if you’re having a tough time, remember things don’t stay the same. You’re not alone and I wish you healing and happiness ❤️

[ChessieCat]

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[Patient2022]

Thank you, all done

[Patient2022]

Week 14 of liquid fluoxetine taper 

I’m still on 8mg, and this past 2/3 weeks I’ve become soo tired it’s unbelievable! I was lacking energy generally but it really is bad now. Had a blood test to check iron and few other things. Results should be back next week. I also bought some iron and continue taking magnesium, vitamin d and fish oil. Not noticed a difference with the vits tbh. My doc suggested increasing my fluoxetine dose the 10 days before my period to help with my energy (he advised to do this if my bloods are normal and there’s no obvious cause). Has anyone had to do this before ? Increasing doses before periods while tapering - Is this a thing ?

 

Also generally been feeling slight low mood and feeling quite very irritable, things are annoying me more. yesterday I just wanted to be away from everything and everyone. I’m telling myself this will pass, and hopefully is just the low I usually get before my period, but it feels somewhat severe and I don’t feel it’s normal to live every month before period being so depleted of energy that I can’t normally function!

 

I started tapering in January22 this year so this is usually the time after I’ve tapered that I experience mental/emotional withdrawal symptoms. Literally 5/6 months after it would feel like all my emotions are wack (but usually I’ve gone cold turkey so this time may not be the same but I’m feeling similarities - to a lesser degree)

 

Any advise, support or sharing of your story if similar will be really appreciated. 

😢❤️

 

[ChessieCat]

16 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

My doc suggested increasing my fluoxetine dose the 10 days before my period to help with my energy (he advised to do this if my bloods are normal and there’s no obvious cause).

 

Please carefully read the following and note the length of time.  When you reduce the opposite would be the case:

 

  

On 7/3/2011 at 4:11 AM, Altostrata said:

Prozac has the longest half-life of any SSRI. After you take it for a few days, half-life is about 16 days. Fluoxetine itself has a half-life of 2-4 days, but as it is processed, your body creates an active antidepressant metabolite, norfluoxetine, which has a half-life of 7-15 days. So Prozac keeps on extending its half-life as it is metabolized.

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoxetine , fluoxetine and norfluoxetine inhibit each other's metabolism, extending the half-life of the drug. Because the half-lives are so long, the full effect of Prozac on the brain may not be felt for several weeks.

fluoxetine (1-6 days) ---> norfluoxetine (up to 16 days) ---> other metabolites

 

 

The brain likes consistency.  This following topic is also applicable to the doctor's suggestion:

 

NEVER SKIP DOSES TO TAPER

 

16 hours ago, Patient2022 said:

Has anyone had to do this before ? Increasing doses before periods while tapering - Is this a thing ?

 

We have a few other members taking different drugs whose doctors have suggested increasing their dose leading up to their period to relieve premenstrual syndrome, not because of tapering.  I think it is a stupid idea.  It's possible that the pharmaceutical companies, which is where the doctors get their information about drugs from, have come up with the idea.

 

Edited May 22, 2022 by ChessieCat
corrected typo: not > note