Please help - serious advice needed?

Question

I stopped taking fluoxetine (prozac) 1 week ago and since then have been feeling really ill.

I have a really bad headache (have had headache since day 1 of taking med but has become worse since stopping), feel confused, vivid nightmares have become worse, panic and anxiety are worse, jaw hurts.

My psychiatrist said to just stop taking the fluoxetine, you don't need to be weaned off.

What should I do?

Will all this go away?

Or is this serious?

Answer 1

You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways when you take fluoxetine or other antidepressants even if you are an adult over age 24. You may become suicidal, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor when you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

SSRI discontinuation syndrome, also known as SSRI withdrawal syndrome or SSRI cessation syndrome, is a withdrawal syndrome that can occur during or following the interruption, lowering of dose or discontinuation of regular SSRI or SNRI antidepressant drug usage. The condition often begins between 24 hours to one week after reduction in dosage or complete discontinuation, depending on the elimination half-life of the drug. The prescribing labels of SSRIs acknowledge the possibility of "intolerable" discontinuation reactions, and some patients have extreme difficulty discontinuing use from SSRI drugs.

Answer 2

You need to be weaned off, just like with the other SSRI antidepressants, despite the longer half-life of the drug.

Google for the following to get some withdrawal information

a) MIND withdrawing psychiatric - should get you to a booklet on the subject

b) MIND Healy Halting SSRIS - document on SSRI withdrawal

c) Icarus Project Coming off - booklet on coming off psychiatric medcation

and d) consider getting a copy of the book on coming off SSRI antidepressants called ´´The Antidepressant Solution´´ by Joseph Glenmullen from a library... it will explain why Prozac cold turkey isn´t recommended, despite the longer half-life of the drug.

Liquid Prozac is available, so tapered withdrawal is easy to manage.

Answer 3

I was on Fluoxetine for 6 years and when I got off of it I had to be weaned off. I think this is serious....I'm not sure about your psychiatrist....Maybe he's a little nuts him self because you should NEVER NEVER just STOP taking that sort of medication. It can cause suicide and many other side effects when you just abruptly stop taking it like that. If you have some left..Continue taking it and then slack off a little at a time. I'm not a doctor but I suggest you start taking it again and then consult an M.D. and get his opinion. Don't ever ever stop taking something like that. I would serious consult your family physician...Seriously. Good Luck.

-Cindy

Answer 4

I have often see these kinds of withdrawal symptoms in other people suddenly stopping SSRI antidepressants. It's unusual with Prozac but can still happen. I suggest you buy a relaxation CD or MP3 download and use it a couple of times a day to help reduce your symptoms. If they're no better in a week, see your doctor again

Answer 5

see a doctor.

Answer 6

I can't help you, but i would advise you to go to your doctor. That way you will get a straight and reliable answer.

Hope you feel better soon.

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