ssri withdrawal syndrom full details in post.

[DangerProne]

hello friends, ive been for about 7 months on a combo of prozac and favoxil, 20mg and 50mg accordingly, once a day - total of 70mg.

ive stopped taking them altogether due to personal reasons - side effects - which I do not wish to discuss openly, about two months ago.

first two weeks were abominally horrible, if I had mental issues [Im severe OCD but nothing else] I doubt i'd be able to go through it, I pity those who do, but on topic, the second month I got symtpoms in waves, and now I get it in days per two weeks.

I wonder how long will it go, if I have any permanent damage [comparativly - how high was my dosage and length of treatment?] - I still suffer from even the SIDE EFFECTs 2 months after stopping but just like the withdrawal symtpoms they come in waves..

any input would be highly appreciated

Best regards,

Jo.

[nursegirl6572]

I'm sorry you perceived my reply as a lecture, it certainly wasn't meant that way.  We get these kinds of questions all of the time, you'd be surprised how many people don't know about stopping these medications abruptly.  You didn't go into detail in your initial post about why you made the decision to just stop taking the meds without a taper, other than you had side effects.  

As you may know, everyone reacts very differently to these medications.  Some people will have a horrible experience after only two doses, and some can be on an SSRI for decades with seemingly little problems.

I know it's frustrating, and not very helpful, but it truly is just one of those things that you'll have to give some time.  The vast majority of people who suffer with an SSRI related discontinuation syndrome DO eventually feel better and get back to their norm.  

I understand the concern about "permanent damage", it's a valid worry, but for you, not at this point IMO.  Try not to over think this too much, this is all fairly recent.  Two months may SEEM like a long time, but being that you didn't do a taper, it's really not.  People who have stopped taking antidepressants abruptly seem to have a longer "recovery" period if you will.

I hope you and your doctor figure out a plan to get you feeling better.  And, like I said, I know it's easier said than done, but try not to catastrophize this...you'll only make yourself feel worse.

Best to you!

[DangerProne]

I appreciate the input but if I may, while I understand your cautioning, I and probably many before me don't need the lecture and (at least I) know the risks of their actions.

Actually I wouldn't be bothered by the seemingly legal disclaimer you posted if you'd addressed what I've asked...

Before I'll reiterate the main questions I will address your concerns

The reasons that brought me to stop abruptly are medical and worsened gradually, not taking that route could've spelled permanent damage which only time will tell if I don't already have. So no, I won't be turning back to any ssri. I and my MD are considering alternatives but my main concern is getting through the withdrawal.

Now back to what I've originally asked, how would you rate my dosage and length of treatment statistically? I mean, was it high or low? Long or short? And using the data I gave, can you assume my withdrawal syndrome severity? And most important maybe.. Assess the chance of long term neural damage?

I'm sorry if some of my post sound like I'm picking an argument, I truly don't and do appreciate your input.

Thanks,
Jo

[nursegirl6572]

Hello there Jo, welcome!

I can certainly understand why people would decide to discontinue their medications, especially when they're experiencing unpleasant side effects, but I don't understand, with the information that is readily available, why anyone would stop taking these medications abruptly?  That's just a huge no no!  These medications need to be slowly tapered, to avoid or minimize the discontinuation syndrome.  Some people still have issues, even with tapering, so stopping suddenly is never a good idea, unless there was some kind of medical emergency caused/exacerbated by the medications.

It's really impossible to say how long you will experience symptoms, especially being that you cold turkeyed off not ONE SSRI, but two (which is odd also, that you were Rx'ed two SSRIs together).  If the symptoms are still bothersome, I would recommend talking to your doctor.  A lot of times, it's recommended to resume the medication at a lower (or the last) dose, and slowly taper from there.  Prozac especially is often used to help combat the withdrawal like symptoms of stopping an antidepressant.

If you don't go that route, I'm afraid you just have to wait it out, it's going to take some time, and stopping the meds suddenly was an insult to your body.  It's a shock to your system, especially your brain.

Hang in there...hope you feel better soon, keep in touch with your doctor for sure!