Sina: Discontinuation Syndroms after taking Fluoxetine (Prozac)

[Sina]

Hi everyone,

I am new here, so I am not quite sure how this works and how this can help me.

 

I have been on Fluoxetine (I guess thats Prozac) for a year or two now, switching from Citalopram, that I took for around 7 years, in order to make the tapering more successful, since the discontiunuation symptoms under Citalopram were so severe. But it doesn't help, I am getting so strong dizziness, vertigo, nausea, even if I stay for months on a dose and then slowly switch to 0mg. I took 5mg for around 4 month now without any problem at all, then taking it every 2 days, then every three days and so forth. To get a lower dose is not possible were I live as far as I know. I cannot cut the pill any further, as it is already only a little piece.

 

I tried for 5 years now to get of the drug, only to give up when it comes to getting off completly. Every time I suffer under strong withdrawal symptoms, last time I even had cramps, but the doctors from the university clinic would not believe me. As soon as I take the medicine, the symptoms would go away in 2-3 days.

 

I don't know what to do. I was so slow and careful with tapering, but it didn't work again. I am really sad about this, since I think I don't actually need the medicine anymore. What can I do? The doctors I know are not helpful at all, they never heard about this syndrome and don't believe me nor help me. The problem really seems to be to go off completly, since going to a really low dose is not a problem. Thanks for your help!

 

Sina

Edited April 24, 2013 by Karma
Added paragraph breaks for readability and added name to topic title

[lexicon]

Hi Sina, I am saddened for your troubles, but you came to the right place ..

You will find support, advice and encouragement here ..

Someone will come along shortly to help you ..So please hang tight ..

Thinking of you, and wishing you wellness ..xx

Lexicon

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Sina.

 

Skipping doses to taper, as you have, can cause withdrawal symptoms.

 

Please read this Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

You can make a liquid from your tablets for more precise dosing. See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/759-tips-for-tapering-off-prozac-fluoxetine/

 

If I were you, I'd stabilize on 5mg for several months, until withdrawal symptoms go away, then taper by 10% as described above.

[Sina]

Hi,

 

thanks for your fast answers! That really helps me, I guess I was just too fast again. But it is such a hassle that doctors are just not aware of this and since I am in asia at the moment, I cannot cut the drug any smaller. Every time I end up in the clinic in Germany doctors tell me that this is not possible and actually send me to a doctor to check my ears! I have never ever vertigo except fot the four times in my live that I went of antidepressant! And they still don't believe me! Sorry, I am just really angry by their way of totally neglecting that topic.

When I am back in my country I will start tapering of with liquid Prozac, I think I will get that there too as Fluoxetin liquid.

Thanks!

Sina

[Rhiannon]

Hi Sina, I'm glad you found this site.

 

As Alto pointed out, skipping doses actually just makes your symptoms worse. Our brains, as she says, are not made of rubber, and they do much better with a very steady chemical environment which (in tapering) decreases gradually and smoothly. And given your history of previous attempts to get off, I think you will probably need to taper very, very slowly.

 

While you are waiting until you can get the liquid for tapering, I recommend reading the book Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker. It may have been translated into German, I am not sure, but your English seems to be very good.

 

As Alto says, you can make your own liquid to taper. But I agree with her that right now is not the time, you need to stabilize first.

 

At this point it is probably a good idea to stay on one consistent, steady dose of medication to allow your nervous system to stabilize, which takes some time. That will give you time to read and learn about tapering, so that when the right time comes, this time you will be able to do it slowly and carefully--and successfully!

 

Welcome!

 

--Rhi

[Altostrata]

Please read the topics I've pointed to above.

[dunerbug]

Ugh....sorry to hear of your struggle with prozac.

 

I've seen dr.'s and have had many tests done to find out what was wrong. I had to find out (on my own) about discontinuation syndrome.

 

Hang in there.

[basildev]

Hi Sina,

 

welcome to the forum.

 

Most of us have had to find out about discontinuation on our own as most doctors just roll their eyes at us when we describe the symptoms, as if we're making them up.

 

I hope you feel better soon.