20 years ago I went through a lot of different trycyclic AD's until my doc tried Prozac,
I have since had what I would consider a normal life in that time and have done quite well. I did try to quit Prozac several times but felt signs of sliding each time. Each time I resumed my regular dose of 20mg I went through a cycle of heightened anxiety for days 5 to 20 after resuming medication but received relief of depressive symptoms in week 4 or 5. I recently foolishly quit cold turkey 8 weeks ago and in the 5th week I crashed. I am now going though morning anxiety with better evenings and good nights. I am lucky I do not have other major side effects though the anxiety is enough. I just have to learn PATIENCE. Yes, thoughts have no logic when one is depressed but they sure seem real.
My doc says take the meds once a day. I take them just before bedtime. I find reading supportive stories by people like me helps in the dark days. There is a lot of negativity about antidepressants on the web so a safe supportive place is vital. Good luck and good health, JE55LEW!
J
Hi again
do you take 40mg all at once or in x2 20mg and what time of day?
I've been taking 20mg Pozac for years and felt like it had quit working. I feel much better on 40mg and my depression has lifted which feels like a miracle. I was soooo depressed for months starting last October until this August. Since I am bipolar 2 I hope this good feeling isn't just mild mania and I don't crash again.
I'm glad you are here for support to get you through just remember "this too shall pass" It just doesn't seem that way when you are in the pit of depression.
When I came off effexor back in 2009 i had no withdrawal effects at all that i noticed as i was just glad to be feeling better and not so down and depressed and anxious. Yeah the sysmptoms are horrid in the morning and tend to get a little better as the day goes on. Lorraine what did you switch to after effexor?? Monique how long was you on 20mg of prozac for before your doc upped your dose mine wants to wait at least 6 weeks. thanks for your comments ladies it means so much that i can come on here and have support and advice while i get through this ruff time. x
When I came off effexor back in 2009 i had no withdrawal effects at all that i noticed as i was just glad to be feeling better and not so down and depressed and anxious. Yeah the sysmptoms are horrid in the morning and tend to get a little better as the day goes on. Lorraine what did you switch to after effexor?? Monique how long was you on 20mg of prozac for before your doc upped your dose mine wants to wait at least 6 weeks. thanks for your comments ladies it means so much that i can come on here and have support and advice while i get through this ruff time. x
My Dr. just upped my prozac from 20mg to 40mg and it took at least 6 weeks before I started feeling better and the depression has lifted. I've never taken Effexor but have read the withdrawal is pretty bad. The Effexor needs to get out of your system first to start feeling better and you may possibly feel more depressed before the Prozac kicks in.
Hi Jess
You could ring my support group CITA they help peolpe come off anti-depressants, tranquillisers, drugs they know all about withdrawal when I came off effexor they were my life line their number is 0151 932 0102. They are wonderful people who are experts on the drugs.
As for me I had symptoms of IBS for about three months at least mornings are the worst
and it may help to avaoid caffeine, sweet things and alcohol as withdrawal is to do with adrennaline.
Take care tell me how your getting on !!
Love
Lorraine xx
weather I need an Increase in prozac now its in my system and have felt good but need more to feel good. thanks for ur comment x
yeah was on effexor and switched to prozac iv been off the effexor 16days now and today had a down day not had one of them for 3/4weeks. how long did ur diahrrea last iv had it for a few weeks now I thought it might have been a prozac side effect. I'm just wondering now wrathet
Hi Jess
It would help to know what you've come off to go on prosac, Dr's don't believe in withdrawal symptoms but boy are they real !!
I had diarrhea, IBS coming off effexor is that what you were on ? I believe prosac is a good swop for effexor. However the shakes could be withdrawal as we are addicted to these drugs after 2 months, infact it's worse than coming off drugs because it alters our brain chemistry and receptors in our brain.
Take care
Love
Lorraine xx