BN80904: Tapered off Prozac too quickly and reinstated

[BN80904]

Hi all,

 

I had been on Prozac 40mg for approx.4 years and Trazadone 50 mg for close to the same. In March of 2017, I decided to start weaning off both. I had attempted weaning off Prozac in the past with terrible withdrawal symptoms, and tried to take it slower this time. I tapered off by initially starting to take the meds every other day, then every 3 days, etc. over a 3 month period. About two months after being off both medications completely, I started having severe nausea and diarrhea, to the point where I was not able to go out in public during the morning when it was the worst. After doing some research, I decided to reinstate the prozac at 20 mg last week. Now I am having bad anxiety and light headedness, to the point where I am not comfortable driving. I am wondering since I was off the prozac for approx. 3 months, if I waited too long to reinstate and now I am having a bad reaction to the prozac or if I did not reinstate at the proper dosage. I should note I have not started taking the trazadone again as it was initially prescribed for insomnia issues, which have been better.

 

My prescribing Dr. was the one who told me I could taper off by taking every other day and doesn't seem to acknowledge the severe withdrawal symptoms so her opinion on this matter is not helpful. I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has. I am supposed to travel this weekend and as of right now, the thought of being on a plane, let alone away from my home, is terrifying.

 

Thanks,

Beth

[mammaP]

Hi Beth, welcome to SA, When people have been off a drug for a time they become sensitive to it and often can't tolerate the same dose as before. We recommend much lower doses for reinstating. You could try reducing the dose and see if it makes a difference. after just a week you might be better with 10mg.  Hopefully you will be better with that. Normally we recommend very low doses for reinstating, sometimes as little as 1mg of liquid that can be made from tablets or from the doctor. If you try that, let us know how you get on. It will take around 4 days to get to a steady level and then will take time to stabilise. Once you are stable, hold the dose for a few months for your brain  to fully recover then you could start a slow taper. Sadly doctors haven't a clue about tapering and some believe that prozac doesn't even need tapering because of it's long half life!   I will get some links for you to topics that will explain things. 

 

We ask all our members to fill in their signature, we need the drugs and doses, start and stop dates if possible. The link goes to the signatiure box, just fill it in and click save. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/settings/signature/

 

About withdrawal syndrome

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/603-what-is-withdrawal-syndrome/

 

Reinstating to stabilise

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7562-about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-reduce-withdrawal-symptoms/

 

Tapering prozac

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/759-tips-for-tapering-off-prozac-fluoxetine/

 

Lots of us here find that fish oil and magnesium help with withdrawal

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/?view=findpost&p=100596&hl=magnesium

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/?view=findpost&p=100596&hl=magnesium

 

[nz11]

BN are you able to update us on how you are going?