Tapering off prozac having major side effects

[MixieIsGettingBetter]

I have been on 20mg of prozac scince may of 2006. 5 weeks ago I decided to taper off taking 20mg and 10mg on alternating days. I was fine until about 3 days ago. now I have uncontrollable crying, a creepy crawling sensation and find my self having a lump in throat and having trouble breathing. I saw a hollistic doctor and he said it is withdrawl symptoms. i was under the impression that prozac isnt that bad especially at such a low dosage. can anyone tell me how long this will last. I want it to get better but it is like i am obbessing about it and it is making it worse. PLEASE HELP

[Kirstie_MHModerator]

Please don't ask for personal contact info within our public forums.  Our private message feature is better for exchanging contact info.

[vallet7806]

whats your email?

[seeking_nirvana]

I was on and off Prozac for more than 10 years and my only apparent side effect was sexual dysfunction. Not a small thing, but compared to the depression, panic attacks, sleeping problems, and anger I experienced without Prozac, I was okay with the dysfunction--for awhile.  Decided to wean off and did it gradually.  I was only on 10mg, but experienced electrical-shock like feelings in my head (brain?) that were very strange.  Years later I found out my depression, anxiety, etc. had nothing to do with my state of mind.  I had Lyme disease coupled with hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload), both very common diseases that usually go undiagnosed (or are misdiagnosed, in the case of Lyme--I tested negative on the standard tests.).  I learned that anger issues are so prevalent in Lymies that it has been given its own name: Lyme rage.  Moral of this story: It is not always in your head.  

[animallover90]

Exactly. I was diagnosed with ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. After years of meds and therapy not doing a thing, I found out I had a protein deficiency causing my symptoms. My levels were that of someone in their 80's and I'm in my 20's. Increasing my protein improved my concentration and stabelized my mood.

[seeking_nirvana]

I was on and off Prozac for more than 10 years and my only apparent side effect was sexual dysfunction. Not a small thing, but compared to the depression, panic attacks, sleeping problems, and anger I experienced without Prozac, I was okay with the dysfunction--for awhile.  Decided to wean off and did it gradually.  I was only on 10mg, but experienced electrical-shock like feelings in my head (brain?) that were very strange.  Years later I found out my depression, anxiety, etc. had nothing to do with my state of mind.  I had Lyme disease coupled with hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload), both very common diseases that usually go undiagnosed (or are misdiagnosed, in the case of Lyme--I tested negative on the standard tests.).  I learned that anger issues are so prevalent in Lymies that it has been given its own name: Lyme rage.  Moral of this story: It is not always in your head.  

[jennydew]

But debaser - you are giving medical advice and you are not a doctor. There are definitely withdrawal symptoms going off any drug like this. Each person reacts differently.

[Camz1982]

Hi everyone! I have recently been able to kick Prozac with the help of some amazing supplements, exercise and eating whole foods. Would love to help anyone interested in trying a different approach to depression, anxiety and also getting off of a antidepressants! Email me - ***@****