Fizz: Prozac cold turkey withdrawal

[Fizz]

Thanks a million Iggy! So grateful for that, have just received your pm. How was your day today, I hope you weren't going through it too much. Sending lots of hugs. Xxxxxxx

[Iggy131313]

thanks for asking, very bad all day with a tiny bit of mild respite now, bad akathisia, oh its bad.

 

let us know everything you find out about the anesthetic. explore every avenue, is it certain now that you need the hysterectomy? 

[Fizz]

Wish I could help you Iggy, make you feel better. Glad you've had a bit of respite anyhow. We have to take that sort of thing when we can get it. Will post as to how I get on, the op is looking likely, this bleeding is all the time since March. I just keep praying to God for a miracle that it might just sort itself out. How happy and relieved I would be. Miracles do happen, maybe for you and I. Thinking of you. Hugs. Xxxxxxxxx

[wantrelief]

Hi there Fizz,

 

I have been reading your posts with interest as I have been having some similar bleeding problems, although not as heavy as you or for as long.  I have had 3 weeks straight of what I'd describe as moderate but consistent bleeding and it doesn't appear to be letting up any time soon.  I have a doctor's appointment in July to evaluate what might be going on.  My body has been quite "out of whack" the last few months with withdrawal symptoms so wonder if my hormones are just all screwed up.  I was wondering if you have had any negative effects from the progesterone you are taking?  I am assuming that is going to be offered to me as well to help stop this bleeding but am scared it might make my depression symptoms worse.  What has your experience been so far with this?  I am really sorry you are going through this awful bleeding - as I said mine has not been for as long nor has it been as heavy but very annoying nonetheless so I can only imagine what you are going through.  You seem to be handling it really well, Fizz and I hope you get some relief soon!

 

Michele

[Fizz]

Wantrelief, I can't believe you're having this aswell, though on a lesser scale, what the hell is going on? So sorry for you cos it's horrible. Yet my hormones were tested, don't look out or menopausal. Have been on Norethisterone 3 x15mg daily for a couple of weeks now. Will have to try and reduce next week, see if it's a disaster. Initially I felt rough, hot, sweaty, not as bad after a few days. Seems to make me more exhausted. It's take them or bleed heavily and be back in hospital. Oh, my hair is coming out, hoping you won't get this if you do have them! Thinking of you, keep posting, I pray for you to feel better. How are you this morning? Hugs and hugs. Xxxxxxx

[Fizz]

Sorry, I meant to put 3 x 5mg, that's the dose! Keep going darling. Xxxxxxxx

[wantrelief]

Thanks for the info.  I know - this bleeding thing is so weird.  It sounds like they found something on your ultrasound that would explain your bleeding (adenomyosis?)  I haven't had any tests yet but am certain will be going through the same as you - biopsy, ultrasound, etc.  You seem to be doing really well despite everything you've been through with WD and now this endless bleeding.  I hope the reduction goes smoothly - please keep us posted.  Hang in there, Fizz!

[Fizz]

Well, doing as well as I can, trying to keep a sense of normality! My eldest kid did point out the bald patch on the top of my head just now, thanks a lot! You may even be offered the Mirena coil, I don't know. Found this hard to tolerate for the first couple of weeks, had fever, chills and nausea, but it's still in man! Lets all keep riding this out, ay. Hugs, healing ones. Xxxxxxxxx

[Meimeiquest]

We'll call that a positive. You've been so strong!

[wantrelief]

I agree with Meimei - your strength is inspiring and you can even maintain a sense of humor through all of this! 

[Fizz]

Well, tried to cut the progesterone down to one 5mg tablet a day, from three. A bloody disaster, literally! Started losing lots of blood again, so have started to increase again this morning. Hope and pray that they work again and start slowing it down. Even if I can get through the kids summer holiday on maybe 2 a day, they finish school next week. Hysterectomy is looking more likely than ever, will speak to my doc about the perils of staying on this med too long. Plus, the falling hair problem is real bad, have just been looking online to order a wig, cos it doesn't look like it's gonna stop coming out! One thing after another ay. Hugs. Xxxxxx

[abir]

did your bleeding slow down Fizz? sorry you keep getting one problem after another... i really hope you will get a break soon...

hugs and healing thoughts to you...

Abir

[Fizz]

Thanks abir, still bleeding quite bad. Have gone back on full strength for the Progesterone tablets, hopefully they'll help again! Sorry for being a bit graphic, but first thing in the morning when I need a poo, the bleeding is worse! This makes me thing that maybe one of the doctors is right, she said the uterus is well enlarged and up against the bowel. (Hope you're not reading and having your breakfast! ). Hoping it will slow enough today to get the kids down to the beach. Have hosp apptment on Weds when I can tell them everything anyhow. It's just not right to bleed since before Easter, ay. Hope everyone gets through their day okay. Hugs. Xxxxxxxxx

[abir]

yes, hopefully they will help again... loosing so much blood must be making your body so weak... is your doctor always watching your iron, b12 levels and whatever other minerals/vitamins are needed to replenish your blood?

[basildev]

Fizz,

 

you poor thing! I'm so sorry you're still suffering.

 

Sending healing hugs your way xx

[Fizz]

Thank you abir and basildev! The tablets do seem to be helping again! Will see what the outcome of the hospital apptment is tomorrow. I would happily stay on these tablets to avoid surgery, but I don't think this will be recommended. Okay they make you sweat like mad, even more tired and possibly bald, still, to avoid the knife! Am getting regular blood checks, still taking iron but supplementing vitamins heightens my symptoms unfortunately. Lets keep going for it. Hugs. Xxxxxxxx

[abir]

how are you doing Fizz??

[Fizz]

Well, haven't been on for a while cos I was making it through the summer hols with the kids, didn't do too badly. Still on the Norethisterone, when I try to cut down bleeding starts again unfortunately. Another hosp apptment next week. They are pushing for an endometrial ablation with gen anaesthetic. Going to tell them that I'd rather die from taking the Progesterone 15mg than go through that, see what they say. Had a reaction to an over the counter sinus rinse kit the other day so I know how sensitive I am. It was a powder of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate that you mixed with water and squirted up your nose. Straight away I had such a rev of symptoms, vibrating, spaced out, anxiety, etc. I do not want any procedure done, the slightest little thing sets me off. However I need to have teeth scaled and cleaned next Sat, dreading it cos I need numbing injections, have asked for the ones they use if you're pregnant. Been struggling along basically, average 3 to 4 hours sleep. Going to order matt samets book now, want to read about his recovery. Hugs. Xxxxxxxxxx

[Fizz]

A wave hit on Saturday night. I'm finding that anxiety, inner vibrations, exhaustion, low mood, DR, etc, are all worse. Disappointing again when things were levelling out a bit. Tomorrow I shall insist I stay on the Progesterone, have managed to cut down to about 3mg, three times a day. Going any lower means bleeding. I could no way face an ablation or hysterectomy, I'm too sensitized and afraid. Desperate to ask this question, will healing still be able to take place whilst I'm on the Progesterone? I'm praying that it will. Hugs to everyone. Xxxxxxxx

[Altostrata]

Stabilizing is the key to healing your nervous system. If you can take that progesterone regimen consistently, that will help.

[Fizz]

Thank you Alto! I will insist on continuing the hormones when I go this afternoon. It's definitely damage limitation at the moment and I couldn't handle any sort of hospital procedure. I had an awful evening last night. I was trying to use a freeze treatment on the two painful verrucas on my left foot. The contents of the can poured onto my legs and feet! I tried to wash it off straight away but the numbness and tingling persisted all night. It has worn off a little this morning. However it sent me into a real panic, what a disaster. I'm hoping it will wear off cos it's really worrying me. I am now going to cancel the dentist appointments for cleaning and a small filling. Definitely want to leave well alone and not have anything done. So pleased for a reply, didn't think I was going to get one! Sending hugs. Xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Fizz]

Well, my birthday today! Feel rough and exhausted, will get out and just make the best of it, resting in between. This time next year hoping for much more improvement ay! No celebratory drinks, just orange juice for me and a banana instead of cake! Xxxxxxxxxxx

[alex]

Happy birthday.....

[Fizz]

Thank you Alex! I did feel a bit conspicuous when we went for a cup of tea this afternoon and I had to lie against the chair with my eyes shut! What the hell, I just don't care what other people think, the fatigue just slams you and you've got to rest. Looking forward to feeling better next birthday. Xxxxxxxx

[Fizz]

This morning I am horrified, outraged, have to vent. Let me explain. I'm at the end of my third year protracted after 20 years Prozac then a c/t. (The doctor said I didn't need it, no advice on weaning or withdrawal). Still symptomatic with constant exhaustion, inner vibrations, very little sleep, anxiety, hypersensitive to meds and foods. Struggling through yet looking forward to Xmas with partner and 3 very excited kids! Things are improving very slowly for me as for many others. Okay, I have just received a letter in the post. My lovely little nine year old boy is quiet and shy, has some difficulty concentrating at school and following instructions. Other than that he's a fantastic normal child. He's had two assessments to see if there were ways we could help at home, memory games, etc. Now, this letter this morning is for an appointment at the Paedeatric Medicine Clinic, to discuss what medications are on offer. He's nine. I am speechless, shocked, so angry. What do others think? This is criminal, what is going on? I am so angry I am seething. Even if I hadn't been going through this withdrawal experience I would be outraged. Lost for words on this one. Please give me your opinions. Xxxxxxx

[lespaul19]

explore every option you have before meds, i was put on at 12-13 and i regret not having a say or being able to learn about these things before deciding to go on. sorry to interrupt but could you explain what your adverse reaction was when reinstating? 

[bubble]

Dear Fizz,

 

I read your incredible story today! It's amazing what you've survived. What happened with the bleeding??? Hope you are better now.

 

Regarding your son, it just confirms what we know all to well: western medcine has turned into pharma retail outlets.

 

I wouldn't fret about it. just disregard it although they deserve to hear a piece of your much more informed mind than theirs.

 

We all go through some hicupps while growing up but pharma again doesn't want to miss an opportunity to cash in on what is natural albeit painful part of being human.

 

Continuing love and support you're giving to your son is the best medicine. At the age of 9 any other 'therapy' might be too intrusive. Maybe something is stressing him in his environment? I'm very reluctant to say this but it can't have been easy for him to see his mom suffer although you did more than possible not to show it.

 

Maybe just talking things through with him. As you get better,he will to. Maybe he will always be on the sensitive side but the world needs us,the sensitive kind as well

 

lots of love,

bubble

[Petunia]

 Now, this letter this morning is for an appointment at the Paedeatric Medicine Clinic, to discuss what medications are on offer. He's nine. I am speechless, shocked, so angry. What do others think? This is criminal, what is going on? I am so angry I am seething. Even if I hadn't been going through this withdrawal experience I would be outraged. Lost for words on this one. Please give me your opinions. Xxxxxxx

 

Hi Fizz,

 

Here is my opinion.  This is what I would do.  Explore with your son, and perhaps a good child psychologist if there is anything which may be causing the problem, past trauma, current worries, unhelpful ways of thinking about things etc.

 

Then if there is nothing significant there, I would just accept that this is his personality and help him learn how to make 'the world' work best for who he is by helping him to discover the kinds of things he enjoys and is naturally good at.  Maybe he is more suited to a career path which doesn't require intense concentration and following someone else's instructions. But realistically, he is nine years old, all of his skills are going to improve with time and practice.

 

Maybe something like taking up a martial art class would help in a way he would enjoy, those are supposed to be good for building up concentration skills along with self confidence.

 

With what I now know about these brain changing drugs, I would never give them to my child, unless it was a matter of life at risk.  I don't know what the laws are there, if you can be forced to medicate your child, if this is what you are asking, perhaps someone else can advise you.

 

Petu

[Fizz]

Thanks everyone for your replies, sorry that I've not posted in a while but have been struggling with all the usual stuff to do for and with the kids, etc. Yes, I will be asking lots of questions at my sons apptment, I'm guessing that it is just to explore options, discuss behaviour. Both myself and partner see no reason for medicating. Xxxxx

[Fizz]

Help! A separate post. This week has seen the worst wave for ages, it grew and grew. The last few nights have felt almost back to acute with akathisia, panic, tripping, pain, horrific anxiety, palpitations, muscle twitching, skin crawling and the rest, plus hardly any sleep. What have I done differently or is it a bad wave? Two things, i ate alot of natural yogurt and raw carrot, trying to be healthy. Then I had a gynae apptment where I was advised to cut back on the progesterone (norethisterone 5mg) I've been taking since last June, to see if the Mirena coil is working and stopping the massive bleeding problem I have had. So I was on just over half a 5 mg tablet, 3 times a day and have cut to a half, 3 times a day. Would this be whats doing it? Yet I've cut before from one whole tablet, 3 daily, down to half in a short space, weeks, had no problem apart from the bleeding returning so I had to go back up to 3/4. There was no worsening of symptoms. Incidentally, at the moment even the slightest bleeding overrides my nervous system so I feel like death if it happens, with mega panic, can't function. Thus I've been staying on these tablets, just had spotting now and again. Fatigue has been worse on them but it was very bad anyway. Other than that I seemed to be fairly stable until now. Asking for help please, I've just been cutting with a normal knife too, I'm clueless about tapering. Could the Prog be causing this awful setback? Also I'm very confused, after a horrific panic ridden night, feeling like in early withdrawal, I had a really good day. Went out with a friend and we didn't stop laughing. Though the anxiety, vibrating, electric feeling in back of neck etc was all still there. So sorry I haven't been posting words of encouragement to others and now I'm asking for help. Hugs to everyone. Xxxxxxxxx

[Rhiannon]

It sounds like the progesterone cut was too much. Progesterone has a strong effect on the nervous system and neurotransmitters. 

 

I would recommend:

Getting a scale so you can measure your doses more accurately.

Going back to the amount you were taking before, stabilizing, and then going with a smaller reduction (for example, reduce only one of your three doses per day, not all three) and see what happens.

[Fizz]

Thanks so much Rhi, can you get the scales online? Would it be better to fractionally reduce all 3 daily doses by same amount, to maintain stability. So worried about having to stay on the Prog, say if bleeding starts again, I know it works on GABA receptors. Scared I won't heal on it. Oh well. We will all keep on going ay. Xxxxxxx

[Fizz]

Help again! I've been looking online, eBay, for scales or pill cutters. Haven't a clue about this, some of the digital ones say they go from 0.01g but are for jewellery and herb. What? The pill cutters just seem to halve a tablet so it's easier to swallow. What do people use, please can I have some advice. Thanks everyone. Xxxxxxxxxx

[Altostrata]

See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1596-using-a-digital-scale-to-measure-doses/

[Fizz]

Thank you Alto. In a really bad way at the moment, things have been getting worse. Another all nighter last night. No way could I sleep with the adrenaline, palpitations, twitching, jerking and continuous looping song from kids tv in my head. So I lay awake all night. Back on the amount of Progesterone I was on before. I think it is making me very ill. Read that after 8 months you can start to feel terrible on it. But no way can I tolerate the bleeding and pain I had when I cut down. A surgical procedure would finish me off, I'm so sick and exhausted. Also, I have every single symptom of ME, down to the last one. Reckon I have ME and a damaged nervous system both. Going to doctors at lunchtime. I would appreciate ANY words of encouragement, feel like back in acute at the moment. Virtual hugs. Xxxxxxxxx

[Petunia]

Hi Fizz,

I'm sorry you are feeling bad again, sleepless nights are awful and make everything else so much worse.  I couldn't tolerate progesterone, I needed it as part of HRT, but being in withdrawal makes me sensitive to everything.

 

I hope your doctors appointment went well.  Do let us know.

 

Hugs

Petu.