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Fox: Prozac Withdrawal


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Fox -

 

I am sorry to hear that you had a set back after a wonderful month.  It could be a combination of increasing your Synthroid and withdrawal.  I am 14 months off Prozac and I am still dealing with a lot of withdrawal symptoms.  Anxiety is one of the worst.  I was put on Prozac for panic attacks and the anxiety is making those "old" feelings surface again.  It is very frustrating.  My anxiety is constant.  Nothing relieves this internal shaking feeling that is with me 24/7.  I have tried mindfulness and meditation but nothing really helps.  I am also in menopause and I know that you can have anxiety during menopause.  I have the double whammy.  I hope that you have found a way to get relief from your anxiety.

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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Update......

 

So the anxiety that I experienced last week was a set back for sure. It has gottent better in the intensity but still comes and goes. But followed by it was heart pals, evn while sleeping would wake up to it. This happened a few times. And I wouldn't get set off into anxiety so I thought perhaps it was my Synthroid. So I stopped it on saturday. I called my endo and she requested lab work to see if I was perhaps getting too much. Got the results today, TSH 13.9 which indicates I'm getting too little. havent spoke with her about the next move yet.

 

I have a few questions I hope someone can help me with. Do I assume this anxiety is just a new symptom in my withdrawal and is presenting itself differently than before? Or do I assume that Synthroid is no longer working and I should try something else? Is it safe to try a new drug in month 8 of withdrawal? I'm so confused and worried and scared.

 

I'm still having the wired eye thing where sometimes it feels as though it takes my eyes longer than it should to look at something else. But it's not bad. I still have occasional anxiety throughout the day but it is nothing like it was last week when I wanted to crawl out of my skin.

 

Someone please help! TIA

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Intensifying of anxiety can be, and probably is, related to your thyroid levels. That TSH level is WAYYY out of range. Working with your endocrinologist is the right place to start.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Fox-

 

I hope they can regulate your Synthroid.  I know that having hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety and heart palpitation, but I am not sure about hypothyroidism.  When I was in the hyperthyroidism range I couldn't sit still and my anxiety was bad.  Are you experience any hypo symptoms besides your numbers being out of whack?  After coming off Prozac my TSH level kept dropping and I believe it is finally within the normal range.  I hope that you have a good appointment at the endocrinologist and that they are able to help you. 

 

I know my anxiety has been really bad lately.  It is an awful feeling to have constant anxiety.  At least with situational anxiety it goes away.  Sometimes I wonder just how much my body can take being in a constant state of anxiety and nervousness. 

 

Hang in there!

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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Thanks Scally and O2b....

 

So my Endo called and said to lower the dose (weird because my TSH is elevated which means I need more) and to repeat labs in 2 weeks (which is also weird because it takes at least 6 weeks to take effect). Basically said he is not sure what is going on and why this is happening but he wants to try a new thyroid drug but not until I'm stable. HELLO I'm not stable and haven't been in a year! so it may be time to find a new endo but for now I'm gonna do what he suggested and see if I get any results.

 

To answer your question O2b as of now, maybe just fatigue every so often and very dry skin are my only symptoms of hypo, everything else is hyper feeling. But, when I was first diagnosed with hypo, my major symptom was severe anxiety and panic attacks and hair loss. Anxiety is both a symptom of hypo and hyper so it gets tricky in cases like this. Joy joy.

 

So I took 149.5 of synthroid this am and will play the waiting game. Prayers are appreciated and I'll keep you all updated. Sending prayers and healing vibes to you all!

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Have you looked at the topic on Thyroid symptoms?
 
Several people have found this website informative and helpful: stopthethyroidmadness.com

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Fox -

 

I agree.  It is weird to have you lower your Synthroid when your numbers are high.  I always go back for follow ups after three months on a new dosage.  I wondering what his reason is for only a two week follow up. 

 

When I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism I was having panic attacks.  I thought they were cause by a viral inner ear infection I had.  Maybe if I had gotten my thyroid levels regulated sooner I would have never gone on Prozac.  It is weird how anxiety can be a symptom of both hypo and hyper. 

 

I pray that they can get your levels regulated very soon.  I am sure that will help you feel better. 

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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Just a quick update. Still taking the 149.5 and so far so good. Anxiety comes and goes but nothing intense and no heart palps PTL! Will repeat labs next week so fingers crossed.

 

Hoping everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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Quick update......anxiety still there but no sudden intensity surges like before. Oh how I wish this would all go away. Even more so I wish if this was still withdrawal or my thyroid levels. Because this has never happened before the Prozac my gut feeling says withddrawal. Ughhhhh

 

So labs again Friday or Monday next week so I will update again with those results.

 

Hoping all of you are well!

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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Fox -

 

Glad to hear that you are not getting the sudden surges of anxiety.  I hope it continues.

 

I am going at the end of this month to get my thyroid levels rechecked.  It has been six months since my levels were last checked.  It will be interesting to see if they have changed.

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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O2B,

 

Please let me know what your labs show. I'm curious too!

 

My 2 week labels, after DECREASING synthroid went down to 6.06 from 13.9. Makes no sense but waiting to hear from the endo to hear his plan. I have already put in for another referral for a different and local endo for 2nd opinion as hearing the words " I'm not sure what is going on" from your Dr. Is never good.

 

Ughhh keeping on keeping on I guess.

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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Fox -

 

Did you hear from your endo about your plan?  When do you go for a 2nd opinion?

 

My doctor told me that she didn't understand why my thyroid levels were out of whack.  I said it had to do with coming off Prozac, but she didn't believe me.  That was the only thing different that I was doing.  When I was on Prozac I kept having to increase my Synthroid so it makes sense if I am off Prozac that my Synthroid levels would need to be lower. 

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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Hello O2!

 

Yes, Right now the plan is to stay at currecnt dose, 149.5 for another 4 weeks and repeat labs. If they are in the same range he want me to try the new drurg Tirosint. It is supposed to be Synthroid but without any fillers and comes in a gel cap. He thinks I may be having an absortion problem. I think my problem is still Prozac. Im so scared to introduce my body to any new drug at this point.

 

This weekend another wave hit me. Driving home from work Friday evening and anxiety, depression, racing thoughts, a little of everything hit me and hit me hard, It was very very scary. The thoughts took over me and I couldn't help but think that I was literally going Psychotic and would need to be hospitalized. Nothing I did or thought would make it go away or make it better. I went to bed at 8:30 and woke up Saturday morning with the same feelings although the intensity lessened as the day went on until it eventually went away later in the day. Completely fine Sunday and Monday and today feeling a little out of it but nothing too bad.

 

I swear none of this makes sense and I guess it never will. Lord knows I have tried to make reason as to what triggers it and when to expect it to happen again and there is just no logical answer. And that is the scary part. The fear of the fear. When this first started 13 months ago I though for sure it would be just a memory by now. But it is now part of my daily life and it sucks. It sucks a lot! 9 months today since I ingested that poison and the problems are still lingering today.

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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Fox -

 

I can understand being scared to start a new medicine.  But think of it not as a "new" medicine but a different type of Synthroid.  I do agree with you thinking your problem is still from coming off the Prozac.  Hopefully it will resolve itself.

 

I am sorry you had another wave.  It is awful when they just hit you and there is nothing you can do about them.  If you had a headache you would take an Advil, with this you just suffer through and it is awful.  I wish there was a "magic" fix.  I hope you are feeling better today.

 

I would have never thought that 15 months later I would still be feeling bad.  It is awful to not be able to remember the last time you felt good.  I don't want to accept that this is how it always is going to be but sometime I feel like I damaged my brain by being on Prozac for so long.  That little "happy" pill has certainly made me less then happy. 

 

I am also in menopause so sometimes I don't know if the feelings I am having are from withdrawal or menopause.  I have hot flashes and right before them I get this weird feeling.  Sometimes it is a surge of anxiety other times is sadness that comes over me and then I get hit with the hot flashes.  All my symptoms are part of withdrawal and menopause.

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Fox -

 

Happy New Year!

 

I went to the doctor last week and had my thyroid levels retested.  My levels should be between 0.045 - 4.5.  In June they were 0.082 (normal) and now my level is 11. My level has never been this high before.  So my GP wants me to take 75 mcg of Synthroid everyday, but on Monday and Friday she wants me to take 88 mcg.  Even my doctor doesn't know what is going on with my body.  I have been complaining about my fatigue but I figured that was from my insomnia and not drinking caffeine.  I am going back at the end of March to get my levels rechecked. 

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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I'm sorry O2B! That is the exact thing with me. Yesterday I finally got to see a new specialist for my thyroid and she right away said that I was having an absorption problem and changed my synthroid to a new drug called Tirosent. I reluctantly started it this morning. My labs last week were 3.9 and that was AFTER decreasing my synthroid, which it should have gone up but instead came down 9 points. I'm like you, at this point I don't know what is withdrawal and what is thyroid related. I'm so over it though.

 

As of right now, the dizziness is back, almost more lightheaded than dizzy now, and the anxiety that comes and goes.

 

Praying they get your levels regulated soon!

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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BTW, has anyone heard from downtongirl? I've noticed she hasn't posted anything in a while. I hope that means she is no longer in withdrawal and doing better!

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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Fox -

 

I would love to hear how you do on your new medicine.  I am wondering if I am having an absorption problem because I have delayed gastric emptying.  I really should ask my GP if I should see an endo doctor.  I have had thyroid problems since 1999 and have never seen an endo doctor.  I am wondering if I should go back to her sooner then the end of March to get my levels checked.  I don't understand how you lowering your medicine cause your levels to drop.  It just doesn't make any sense.  I can understand being over it.  Kind of like been there done that. 

 

Sorry to hear that your dizziness is back.  How is your anxiety?  Mine has been awful lately and I am wondering if it has something to do with my thyroid levels being so off.  I remember you mentioned that your anxiety was bad when you were hypo.  I always associated the anxiety with being hyper.  I am hoping that when my thyroid levels finally get regulated again that my anxiety will lessen.  One can only hope. 

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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It's funny, but I have been on this med for 3 days and all of my symptoms, anxiety and dizziness has subsided. Wouldn't it be something if that were my problem all along? I do know it's too early to tell and it may be just coincidence so I will wait and see.

 

The way the new doc described it, I wasn't absorbing the synthroid because it has so many fillers and my body was getting different doses at different times, depending on my absorption. So this new med has three ingredients, water, jello, and levothyrixne. So fingers crossed it continues to work.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that the Prozac played a part in this. I have been on thyroid meds for 15 years and had no problems. It wouldn't make sense that it started at the same time my dose of Prozac was increased.

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Well, we all knew, at least I did, my new Thyroid med was not the magic pill. My anxiety and dizziness still here! Each day is a new one so fingers crossed this will end soon.

 

 

Hope every one is doing well! Will update again soon.

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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Fox -

 

I wanted to check in and see how you are feeling.

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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Fox -

 

I am beginning to wonder if some of my sleep issues are related to my thyroid levels being out of whack.  I can fall asleep easily but I cannot stay asleep.  I wake up almost every 30 minutes.  Have you had this issue with your thyroid not being regulated correctly? 

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Sorry for the late response and update.

 

To be honest, I thought at this point, 11.5 months into this that I would be able to write a recovery story. Not the case. Not at all.

 

So I started having an increase in dizziness and anxiety leading up to a major event 8 days ago. I was sitting at my computer and the dizziness overcame me. Dizziness that I haven't experienced up until now. I stood up and could hardly walk. It lasted about 10 minutes. And of course anxiety followed as I was scared as hell. At this point all I could think was this is the new thyroid med and perhaps I'm getting way too much. So I went to my endo doc the following morning and she agreed. Told me to stop the med and did lab work. The following Monday got the labs back and they showed very little reason for me to be having these symptoms, high end of normal on FT3 so she lowered my dose. But over the weekend I started having heart palps to the point of waking me up from my sleep. She told me that because I hadnt had the medicine in at that point 5 days that it was not the medicine and I should get my heart checked and get something for anxiety. That's not something anyone wants to hear, I did my own EKG at work which showed PVCs and went to my pcp the following day where I was told my heart was fine and wrote and rx for hydroxyzine. I have not used this yet.

 

I will add that in the events leading up to this point my first born left for basic training and I took it pretty hard. But it got to the point where I questioned why it was so hard that I shouldn't cry at any and everything. I could just be riding in the car with my husband and start balling and make him take me home. Thats not normal.

 

Going to be totally honest with this. At no point while this was happening did I think this was withdrawal and still not sure. As its the same symptoms as the last 11.5 months but wayyyy more intense and lasting wayyyyy longer. I can't sit still. My mind is constantly thinking what if what is and what now. The dizziness comes out if no where and is constant for hours. Then all the sudden clears up and I think I'm normal again. But that only lasts for a little while. And depression has showered its ugly head too, but it's usually after the mind racing and then eventually subsides too. At my worst I considered asking for another SSRI. That's what got me here. I think, anyway.

 

So a few questions for an admin or anyone who can help. Is this still withdrawal after 11.5 months? Is it normal for the symptoms to be worse than they were ever throughout the whole withdrawal? Should I have an MRI or ct scan to find out about this dizziness? Should I try the hydroxyzine to see if it helps?

 

So confused and so scared. Looking forward to all replies.

 

It has and is slowly improving from a week ago. Today marks 9 days no thyroid meds so I will start the new dose at some point this weekend.

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Have you tried Magnesium?

 

I had been taking it for leg cramps which I get when I walk but recently missed a few doses.  One morning I was feeling on edge and remembered that I hadn't been taking the magnesium.  Luckily I carry some with me so I took one and later that day I was feeling less anxious.  By the way, the legs cramps also came back so I am now making sure I take my magnesium.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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I haven't tried magnesium. What dose should I try?

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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Hi Fox. You are probably still having withdrawal symptoms which is to be expected at this point . You have the added complication of coming off the thyroid meds as well as some additional stress so it can be difficult to tease out exactly what is causing symptoms but I would guess that the majority of symptoms are withdrawal related.

 

It's perfectly normal to be having symptoms after 11.5 months.They may be more intense for any of the reasons mentioned or perhaps you are going through a stronger wave. It's only my theory but I like to think that also means stronger healing is occurring.

 

It is unlikely you need an MRI for your dizziness but if it helps to calm your mind it may be worth it. Many here have had them done and they usually show nothing unusual. I experienced dizziness for 18 months and then it just disappeared.

 

There is a discussion on the topic here :

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3953-brain-scans-fmri-qeeg-pet-or-spect-for-psychiatric-problems/

 

Hydroxyzine seems to be contraindicated with thyroid conditions and dizziness is one of the side effects so I would suggest not taking it if you can avoid it. What was it prescribed for ? Anxiety?

 

As suggested Magnesium could be beneficial and help with your heart palpitations and anxiety. It's calming and great for winding down at night thereby inducing restful sleep.

 

It's best to start with 25 mg and work your way up slowly if you find it helpful. Magnesium Citrate is gentle and absorbs well . You could even dissolve in water and sip through the day.

 

The other useful method is to try an epsom salts ( magnesium sulfate) bath. It's immediately absorbed and very relaxing.

 

You can read about Magnesium here :

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

Many find omega 3 fish oil to be beneficial in withdrawal :

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

Ali

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Thank you Ali!

 

Yes they gave me hydroxyzine for anxiety. I have not used it yet and won't unless I feel it necessary. The heart pals are now gone it is just the dizziness and anxiety with the dizziness being the worst. And to take a med that causes dizziness wouldn't make sense.

 

Perhaps this is my "12 month" wave. I know I had one at 8.5 months and then again 9.5 months.

 

I may try magnesium.

 

Thank you for your help. It does feel better knowing this is more than likely withdrawal and not some new disease. Will update again soon.

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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  • Mentor

Hi Fox,
it's probably nothing, but you might want to ask the cardiologist what he/she thinks about doing a holter monitor test on you. Dizziness that comes and goes like that *can* be caused by a very common irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. It's very common in the elderly (who usually have a persistent form) and in ppl who are not elderly, it's common to have an episodic form, where your heart goes in and out of it.

It's often triggered by certain things, but not always. It can be triggered by strong emotion, eating too much, exercise, rolling over in bed (!! I know, suprising eh) Anyway, a google search of atrial fibrillation will tell you all you need to know.

Many ppl do not have the classic "fish flopping in the chest" feeling, and some have it some times and not other times. I have atrial fibrillation and have had it for about 20 yrs now, however I have very few episodes as mine have always been triggered by specific things that I am able to avoid.

 

Your dizziness is probably *not* atrial fibrillation, but it might be worth checking out. A-fib can also make you feel very tired and out of breath.

 

You can only be accurately diagnosed with afib by an EKG (also called ECG I think) or by a portable EKG like the holter monitor and others (there are newer devices now that can detect afib)

 

anyway, it's an easily treatable condition, but if you have it, they may recommend blood thinners, as going in and out of afib raises your risk of having a stroke. Again, not trying to alarm you, just letting you know there could be a non WD reason for the dizzy spells, esp  if they are episodic.

 

I have not had an afib episode in about 4 yrs now and have declined to go on blood thinners, as I am able to avoid the things that triggered an episode (so far) If it at some time in the future I have another episode, I will have to re visit the blood thinner decision.

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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  • Mentor

I had an EKG and it looked okay

atrial fibrillation only shows up when you are actually *in* it, if you have episodes of afib that come and go, unless the EKG is being done at just the "right" time, they will miss it, as your heart goes back to normal between episodes. Episodes can be as short as must minutes and as long as several days or more, which is why they will often order a monitor you wear for a day or several days, sometimes as long as a month, if they think you may have afib.

 

http://www.hrsonline.org/Patient-Resources/Heart-Diseases-Disorders/Atrial-Fibrillation-AFib

 

but as I said, I just mentioned it because feeling dizzy is a common symptom.

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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Thank you catnapt. Luckily I was able to do one on myself when it happened and it only showed PVCs. I haven't had any more since which leads me to believe that it was too mcg thyroid meds. But I will keep that info in mind.thanks for reaching out, I really appreciate it and need all the help I can get.

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

So I have reached my 1 year mark with o drugs! Wish I could say that the withdrawal is over but it's not.

 

So to update....stopped taking the tirosint and 9 days later felt wonderful. This new doc was a nightmare and wanted me to take Paxil or something else for my anxiety. Once I refused I was no longer a priority because she was convinced my thyroid was normal. So I. Waiting to see my pcp and not taking anything my TSH shot up to 54.2 and I was a basket case. This was also around the same time as my peroid. Depression and anxiety like never before. I immediately started my old synthroid and have been doing so since. I felt better after about a week and even better after 2 weeks. But as of yesterday I'm in a funk with the dizziness and anxiety. But it is due for my period in 6 days and this always seems to happen then. I'm sure my synthroid will have to be adjusted too as I can tell I'm still hypo.

 

I still don't know if it was the medicine, my withdrawal, or both. Perhaps I never will know for sure. I have been told on this site that a bad wave hits around 8 months and then again at 12 months so perhaps that's what it was? I sure hope so but I will still continue to fight.

 

Sending prayers to everyone still suffering. We will beat this!

Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15.

Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15.

Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16.

Last Prozac 03-14-16.

 

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Fox -

 

Congratulations on reaching your one year mark.  You should be very proud of your accomplishment. 

 

Wow I can't believe your thyroid went up to 54.2.  I am surprise you had enough energy to post your comments.  I went today to get a recheck.  She is actually going to test my TSH, T3 and T4.  Normally she just test for TSH.  I told her numerous times how tired I am and that I have no energy.  I will let you know my results. 

 

I wonder why going off Prozac has caused such an issue with our thyroids.

 

Stay strong.

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Fox -

 

I got my latest blood work and my TSH is still elevated, but not as bad as it was in December.  My doctor increased my medicine to 88mcg.  I have been on the increased dose now for three weeks.  I have noticed since increasing my Synthroid that my anxiety seems much worse.  I am hoping that my body will adjust to the new levels of Synthroid.

 

How are you feeling?

Discontinued Fluoxetine cold turkey after taking it for 12 years. Stopped taking Fluoxetine in August 2015.

My current withdrawal symptoms: Itchy skin, smell hallucination, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Synthroid for hypothyroidism.

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