DIDN'T ANSWER SPECIFIC QUESTION IN LAST POST

[13tiger]

Dr. Dr. Although I appreciate and always have been grateful for your suggestions and help I am disappointed you skipped over my specific need for an answer to my question about evolving from my Prozac withdrawal. I need to know if I will emerge from this withdrawal or will I be stuck here for life.  I HAD a therapist for many months.  Trying to see a therapist on a regular basis other than every 4/5 weeks at Kaiser is impossible. I went to an outside therapist and paid for it myself so I could go 2/3 times a week. I mentioned IOP in my post to you and left out the therapist as the focus of my question; besides describing what happended to me; was WILL THESE SYPMPTOMS OF WITHDRAWAL SUBSIDE. ARE THEY NORMAL?  I HAVE NEVER HAD DEPRESSION IN MY LIFE UNTIL KAISER THREW 8 DRUGS AT ME  WHILE I WAS STILL ON 10MG. PROZAC (AND THEY ALL HAD ADVERSE REACTIONS). AFTER TELLING ME THE FEW 3/4 ANXIETY ATTACKS I HAD WERE DUE TO PROZAC POOPOUT. I TRUSTED THEM! THEY HAVE MADE ME TERRIFIED NOW.  That would depress anyone that coupled with life situations brought me down. Now in researching I find Prozac can intensify other medications, that speaks volumns. It seems to me the Dr.s should have known that. I know therapy is important I have not neglected this side of my treatment; BUT I WOULD REALLY APPRECAITE AN EDUCATED AND CONCERNED ANSWER; I FELT YOUR ANSWER WAS HARSH AND NOT VERY THOUGHTFUL. IS IT NORMAL TO HAVE SOME REBOUND SYMPTOMS AFTER STOPPING PROZAC? IS IT NOT TRUE ATIVAN CAN INHIBIT PROZACS DISSAPATION FROM THE BODY. I SAW MY PHYCHIATRIST (OUTSIDE AT MY EXPENSE) TODAY; I discussed this with him as I was there for a weaning schedule off of Ativan as I feel it is what is making me depressed now. I would be interested in hearing your comments. I know I am only paying
$5 for this question; but I would appreciate an answer to the concern I have most at this time. It is difficult enough to put this in writing. There are several questions in the body of this letter I would appreciate answers to this time.  I thought that was the reason for this forum - help not just a short criptic comment. If you feel I am focused on meds.if you read my letters carefully, I would think you would understand why. Meds are what have done this to me. I want off; they have not helped me.  Now I am the victum asking for help from a professional is it too much to ask for a detailed answer. I would like some peace of mind. I have been through hell. I know I am not the only person writing; but if it is a matter of your not having enough time then I would rather not have an answer like the one I just received. I hope you understand how important this is.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I understand your frustration but I do not think you are hearing what I am trying to tell you so let me try again. You can get rebound effects from going off prozac...that is true, but they don't last more than a few week to  a month at most. Secondly, other medications effect the same neurotransmitters in the brain and there can increase or decrease the effect of prozac. All of the chemical subtrates in the brain are interconnected so all of the psychotropic medications you are, and have taken, are potentially interactive, some strongly and some weakly.   I can not sort out for you what you and your doctors have not been able to sort out. I can only tell you that the drug effects, adn the underlying psychological depression, sometimes create the same symptoms and you can only sort that out and come to good treatment decisions by talking to someone about what is going on in your thinking and your medication and doing that on a moment to moment observational basis.  There is no other way that I know of to help you.

[goldiealg]

Don't kill the messanger.  "Yeh, buts..." will not help you at all.

[Baby123]

No to change the subject, but I was wondering how you are doing on your weaning off your meds.  I read your earlier posts and was just curious how things are going.   Are you off the klonopin yet.  I was particularly interested in that one because I am weaning of klonopin and having a terrible time with withdrawals and I am going very slow.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[goldiealg]

Hey Baby, I am doing pretty well with the taper off of Klonipin and Zoloft.  It hasnt been easy, but I am doing it.  I am only taking .25 mg of klonipin before bed right now and am down to 25 mg of Zoloft and am ready to decrease the Zoloft again this weekend so I will be taking it every other day.  
Exercise has helped me.  I have been running and doing some pilates...I dont think it matters what you do, but burning off steam really helps!
Also, deep breathing when I have momentary feelings of stress or anxiety.
Talking to friends more and reading more also are helpful because it distracts me and gets me outside of myself.  A little repression wont hurt me.  
I think the biggest hurdle is psychological at this point.  The ability to tolerate some negative emotions is important.  stress is normal and so is anger and sometimes, we all get blue.  I think that coping without meds has increased my self esteem and so I am therefore feeling less need for the pills.  Also, it felt great to call the shrink I was seeing (and who was over medicating me) and tell her that I feel better without the drugs!  That was the icing on the cake.  I didnt want to be a patient anymore! Obviously, I do not have a depression or panic disorder cause I dont think I would feel better coming off the meds...My depression and anxiety were caused by the meds.....side effects...I might have needed some meds in the beginning of this nightmare when I was in a situation that was really pissing me off, but now I know there is no need for all of this dope!!!
Be patient and continue a slow taper as you build some skills to cope.  It is well worth the struggle.  You are young and you dont want to get addicted. It will ruin your life.  How is that for motivation??  Hang in there and find an outlet.  Goldie