Various healthy activities include: exercising, getting sunlight, eating healthy foods, and socializing. I’m on all these emotional rollercoasters and for the most part I’m dealing with it okay. Yes, It will be a year next month that I stopped 40mg of fluoxetine after over 14 years. If it helps, I’m 26, 5’2 and 120lbs. Crying every hour, moods changing within minutes, severe IBS/ constipation, nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, extreme bouts of anger and rage, extreme low self esteem and confidence, panic and anxiety in ANY social situation. P.S. The widespread function of Serotonin helps to explain the extensive list of side effects and the Prozac Discontinuation Syndrome (withdrawal). I have pretty much recovered from the irritability, sweating, aches. Crying, anxiety, foggy, can’t focus, dizzy, walking can feel weird, blurry vision. This has been the most helpful and refreshing article I’ve come across yet. I gained 11kgs so I decided that was quite enough. I didn’t do any of it at all, very much unlike this 3.7 student. I have been on Fluoxetine (Prozac) for about 9 years, and Alprazolam (Xanax) was added about 5 years ago. Since I quit cold turkey, I’ve had some energy return, but I still feel very much unable to start on my homework. All the best to you! I am nearly off it now. Fluoxetine (Prozac) Withdrawal Timeline and Symptom Durations The severity of withdrawal symptoms from fluoxetine can vary. When I get triggered it is intense but it dissipates before long. Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. Fluoxetine (Prozac) Withdrawal Timeline and Symptom Durations, 4. I was fine for about 4 weeks and then it was like a truck hit me! I’m not complaining but at 63 yrs old it can be embarrassing. However, like other SSRI meds, withdrawal symptoms are common occurrences. Prozac is a popular antidepressant drug that is used to treat anxiety and depression. The past week I have been very sick, dizzy, severe anxiety, my head feels so heavy, and I’m crying a lot. Them and the determined voice in my head telling me to fight through it. Everyone is different. It is sometimes hard for me to walk in a straight line even. © MentalHealthDaily.com 2013-2019 | Privacy Policy | Legal Notice | Affiliate Disclosure, Lamictal Withdrawal Symptoms: List Of Possibilities, Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Withdrawal Symptoms + My Personal Experience, Lexapro (Escitalopram) vs. Prozac (Fluoxetine), Prozac vs. Zoloft: Comparison (Similarities & Differences), Ubiquinol Side Effects & Adverse Reactions (List), Zoloft (Sertraline) Withdrawal Symptoms: List + Duration, Pantoprazole (Protonix) vs. Omeprazole (Prilosec), Pregabalin (Lyrica) vs. Gabapentin (Neurontin). Anyone else familiar with this experience? Some people may experience very minimal withdrawal symptoms, while others may be plagued by seemingly everything on this list. Lexapro (Escitalopram) vs Zoloft (Sertraline): Extensive Comparison. I didn’t have a good plan in place for my self-care. I also became impotent due to what they thought was caused by nerve damage. I just want to be back to my normal self. My chiropractor put me on zinc and trace minerals for brain support, he explained how important it is to take certain supplements to help recalibrate your brain. Another thing I forgot to mention is it seems as though I may have vertigo, and I feel drunk or high constantly. After 2 years of freedom, I feel better. withdrawal symptoms due to particularly short half-lives e.g. I’ve been off Prozac 40mg for 5 weeks after 24 years. Glad I found this thread. Erin, Can I ask how you are doing? So glad I have read this, as so many people say it usually happens within the first 2 weeks, glad I’m not on my own. Agitation – a feeling of restlessness or an inability to remain still. Foods that are high in monounsaturated fat like avocados can help your brain receive the serotonin better. It is now the middle of July. Anxiety – anxiety, and nervousness are the two most common withdrawal symptoms. How Long Does Prozac Stay In Your System? I feel more energetic and clear, but the chills set in and it’s uncomfortable as hell at times. You, as a reader of this website, are totally and completely responsible for your own health and healthcare. Foods such as almonds and spinach that are rich in magnesium may help fight anxiety and stress. I am 1 month into stopping a 40mg dose for about 25 years. Hi, I have been on Prozac for 9 years. And if anyone else is, I know, it is hard. What Are Common Fluoxetine (Prozac) Withdrawal Symptoms? Feel dizzy, confused, angry, sad, worthless and for the first time in a long time, feeling it would be better for everyone if I wasn’t around. I didn’t realize how much Prozac left me flat. Almost 3 weeks off cold turkey – it’s been okay. I am 24 years old. Frustrated and feeling impulsive, Cheyanne quit Prozac cold turkey in November, believing that she could ride out the withdrawal for the 4- … I first withdrew from Xanax. Your symptoms and time duration sound just like mine. It’s been a few months since I went off completely, and just a month ago I started getting horrible stomach pains which turned into bad shortness of breath after eating meals. We're here to help you or your loved one. I was on Prozac for nearly four years and have gone cold turkey about two months ago. Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms. It is thought to help with both depression and anxiety, but it is also prescribed for a number of other conditions. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. On average, participants had taken antidepressants for almost 5 years prior to discontinuation. Continue tapering and come off and risk relapse of panic disorder and bad anxiety or go back up to 20mg, but still suffer from similar symptoms. This is the worst gut-wrenching–feels like someone punched you in the stomach–anxiety and panic I have ever experienced. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 16.2 million American adults suffered from at least one major depressive episode in 2016, approximately 6.7% of all adults in America.They project that only about 63% of American adults with a major depressive episode receive treatment. I am now having impromptu erections several times a day. Restless legs at times and am not sleeping like I used too. Rob, I believe wariness can be good. I just wanted to know if this has happened to anyone else. Typically the greater the dosage, the more you will need to focus on a gradual tapering process. I’m glad I’ve got off of the nightmare that was Duloxetine for me and also Prozac, but I’ve been struggling to concentrate really badly. Round and round… If this is going to happen to me (I say if, because perhaps I might be one of the few lucky ones that come off it with minimal problems), surely I’d be better off just tackling my woes with counseling, CBT or life coaching. I took Zoloft for one day and slept the entire day away so I quickly dropped that because I need to work. Fluoxetine (Prozac) Medications and Detox, 6. I have been through most of the listed effects and one or two others for Alprazolam. and found the withdrawal to be socially crippling. I took over a year to slowly wean off Prozac. These Drugs Aren’t Yet Fully Vetted What Are Common Fluoxetine (Prozac) Withdrawal Symptoms? The blow ups are about to cost me my marriage. Early this year I was ready to taper off. I just pray for the day these symptoms subside because it has been hell. Thank you all. Note: The author of this site is not engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. A month ago I stopped Fluoxetine because I didn’t like the way it made me feel. I cut my pain meds to 1/10th of what I was taking about 6 mo ago (my choice) and started on cannabis which really helped. I’ve felt like I’m living in a zombie body. Prozac (Fluoxetine) Addiction Treatment & Rehab, Prozac (Fluoxetine) Signs, Symptoms, & Side Effects, Taking Prozac While Pregnant: What You Need to Know. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7. I didn’t allow enough time for the withdrawals to work themselves out and 2. Assuming you fully quit taking the drug, you may start to notice Prozac withdrawal symptoms slowly emerge within 2 to 4 weeks after discontinuation. I need advice. I consulted with my psychiatrist before I decided to taper. I pray we all can get our brains back to a healthy state. I didn’t wean myself off like you did (good for you!!) I have several medical problems and nerve damage and spinal cord problems have made me a paraplegic. My latest stint, up until 2 months ago, was three years of Prozac (40 mg/day). I feel tired, without the energy to go out and seek the company I know I need. This most probably sounds like a barrage of useless text to some but I feel typing this out may help me a little and hopefully others. Hi Melissa, So exciting to get an email with responses! For a few months, in terms of depression levels, I felt no different than I had when I was on it. I write articles for a side income and currently have the writing ability of a frying pan. I was going through a divorce after 40 yrs of marriage to an abusive jerk. I support you! Doctors will usually recommend a gradual decrease in dosage to help mitigate the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. Would appreciate some feedback. However, I keep promising myself that I can push on without any drugs in my system and just suffer through the symptoms until they subside. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. I will post a follow up after a few months of no Prozac. Weaned for 4 months, which I know now was to short of a time period. I started to taper it off myself a year ago and stopped in February. Mood swings – since Prozac is a mood stabilizer, you’re likely to experience changes in mood as your body tries to adjust to the absence of fluoxetine in your system. Right now the New York Times is running a series on Breaking up with my Meds that is attracting a lot of comment. I decided to taper slowly over the past 6 months to 40 mg thinking I was doing fine. It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Those who suffer from the symptoms may try some of the following methods to help with relief. 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