side effects of prozac and getting off

[mcl1031]

I've taken most of the antidepressant drugs out there for 20+ years. I started Prozac 10 mg 2 months ago, seemed to level me off, but developed bad am anxiety , a tightness in my chest and heart palpatations. Started 20 mg and ---whoa!  worse symptoms with agitation and short temper (almost felt out of body). Went back to 10mg and now I have same symptoms, and can't sleep with vivid dreams.  These are the worst side effects I've had on antidepressant drugs. Should I stop cold turkey, taper off, or keep taking 10 mg??? Please advise!!!

[MMahon]

I too have had my share of problems with meds.  Sometimes it was the starting dose.
The doc had to start over with me and begin with a very small dose and build up graduaally.
Other meds, like SSRI's, all impacted me badly.
It's gotta be the toughest part of getting better with this illness.  So many medications, so many variations in the illness and it's symptoms, so many different reactions to medications by different people..  It's quite a challenge.
Keep up the good fight ..you'll be glad you did!!

[mcl1031]

Several years ago I went to a group of docs that my ins covered. During that time I was put on Effexor and Wellbutrin. During my med checks these docs just kept upping my doses to strengths that I could not tollerate( went to ER with chest pains and palpitations, BP went through the roof). So I don't know if I can take these 2 because of being OD by irresponsible docs. Been on Celexa, Cymbalta( sick to tummy 24/7),Zoloft gave me severe diahria(sp?),  Pristiq(headaches), and 1 more I can't recall.  Anyway, I'm a real challenge!  Hopefully, my new doc and I can find a pill for me!  Thanks for your interest. Will let you know.

[MMahon]

Was there an antidepressant you did 'ok' on in the past?
One you could go back to and be better w/o all the trial and error of trying the newer ones?
I'm sure, with your doc, you'll find something that works.
Let us know how you make out.
Mike

[mcl1031]

Thanks to you too for your advice!!  Please read my response to MMahon as to what I decided to do.

[mcl1031]

Thanks for your advice!  I'm not at home so I called a pharmacist and was told to just stop taking it since I have only been on it for almost 6 weeks. Day 3 and I do feel better. I thought about sticking on it, but the side effects are too horrendous!  I felt much better BEFORE Prozac!! My family hates being around me and I even hate myself.  Will see my doc next week and will discuss it with her.  JUst wish I could find something that does not make me miserable!!  Hope you have found success!

[M4Y0U]

Quitting cold turkey should not be done when you have used the drug for more than 2 months and even less. Tapper off is the suggested process but what you need to do is to call you doctor before making any desission.

M4

[MMahon]

I too have a lengthy history with antidepressants.  I take it that the ones you've used in the past just didin'tt cut it for you any longer?  I had bad side effects from all the SSRI's I tried and prozac was one of them.   It's hard to tell if you are experiencing side effects too or just the symptoms of anxiety/depression.  These effects may very well subside with time on the medicine.
The most important thing to do now is CALL YOUR DOCTOR and let him, with your help,
make the call over what to do.
Goood luck..let us know how you make out.