Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
1636357 tn?1300254494

Prozac Withdrawal

I've titled this as such, since I believe "SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome" is a much too sugar-coated term for what this entails...

I stopped taking Prozac (cold turkey) about three months ago without consulting my doctor.  Bad move, I know, but I longer have health insurance, hence the reason I stopped taking it.  I was fine for a couple of weeks, as Prozac had a long half-life.  The the brain zaps began...and still continue.

My question is this:  Is it possible that I may have brain zaps indefinitely?  They are seriously driving me mad and I am at my wits end...I don't know what to do.  I don't want to be a slave to this medication.  The only thing I've found that helps is hydrocodone (which I was initially prescribed after falling off of a ladder).  Have I traded one evil for another?  Is it dangerous to take hydrocodone indefinitely?  (I don't exceed the instructed dosage.)  Is there any other medication which will treat brain zaps?  Again, I have no health insurance at the moment and cannot afford an expensive med.

Please help...I'm desperate...thanks in advance for any advice/guidance.
Best Answer
1128565 tn?1316721143
Hi Jules
Your brain zaps are symptoms of going cold turkey your brain does not like sudden change look at it that your body is trying to get back to normal. Try not to be frightened
I know it's not nice I had body jerks after coming cold turkey off effexor as well as nausea, IBS, palpitations etc. We are addicted to these drugs after 8 weeks and they actually damage our bodies so withdrawals are the brain trying to get back to normal it has been switched off for how ever long.
Don't swop one addiction for another are those painkillers as they are very addictive.
Take care
Lorraine xx
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1563685 tn?1310402354
I used to be on Prozac when I was on suidical thoughts for like a month but then stopped it altogether. You really have to have what I call as "psychological reengineering". You'll still have trouble getting through your thoughts initially and your brain will tell that, but such thoughts will subside in 1-2 years time.

What's your depression trigger?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Depression Community

Top Mood Disorders Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.