experiences of reducing SSRI's

[spikerusty]

Hi there, in the process of changing my medication regime and attempting to reduce my prozac dosage (60mg). I've been on them for years and was wondering about how long should i attempt to reduce over what time frame, as experienced ssri withdrawl before which was'nt pretty and been attempting to do it myself, by commencing something else (dosulepin) and feel shaky after just reducing my dosage after 2 runs running.

What have other people's experiences of this been??/

[Knowhope]

check out ************.org or theeffexoractivist.org they have some very helpful advice on withdrawal, i know mine was without advice 10 years ago. Today i do not have the anxiety that the med drugs caused. All for situation or circustancial anxiety and to lose several years to doctor prescribed meds. Keep the faith

[dippy1]

I'd give the same advice...you can't do it too slowly. Reduce by the smallest amount ( even half a tablet) and give it at three to four weeks if needed to stabilise then do it again if stable. Remember these guys take up to four weeks to kick in fully so they will take the same time to equilise on reduction.

Slow is safest...write out a plan so you can keep track. Let the weeks pass. If it gets difficult stay at a dose for longer before reducing further.

[LeftCoastChick]

My suggestion is you take it slower, especially since you've been on this drug longterm, it's going to take sometime - all of this class of meds are notorious for the withdrawals. Are you seeing a psychiatrist or a general practioner? What was your diagnosis?

GP's are really not aware of the WD's that these drugs have. You need to go down a small amount a minimum of 5-7 days. It took me 6 weeks to wean off Cymbalta, and I had only been on that drug 2 months. This is only my suggestion being "vet" of these drugs.

All of these drugs attach to your "neuro-transmitters" (i think that's what they are called), but the drug is in all parts of your brain. The slower you do it, the less harsh the WD's will be, regardless you are still going to get some of them, especially if you are moving from one drug class to another like dosulepin and others similar to this one.  I took SSRI's/SNRI's for 15 yrs, and even the smallest drop was completely awful. I was given ativan to cope with the shakes and extra anxiety. it's important to have a plan in place before stopping the med.

I hope this helps you figure out how long you need,
hang in there the WD's will go away,
LCC