Re: Help! How do I get off Prozac?

[Guest guest]

Dear List Members,

The following excerpt pretty much sums up withdrawal. It is from the

post made by Liz (from Healy's site):

" There are three ways to distinguish withdrawal from SSRIs from

the nervous problems that the SSRI might have been used to treat

in the first instance.

First if the problem begins immediately on reducing or halting a

dose or begins within hours or days or perhaps even weeks of so

doing then it is more likely to be a withdrawal problem. If the

original problem has been treated and you are doing well, then on

discontinuing treatment no new problems should show up for

several months.

Second if the nervousness or other odd feelings that appear on

reducing or halting the SSRI (sometimes after just missing a

dose) clear up when you are put back on the SSRI or the dose is

put back up, then this also points towards a withdrawal problem

rather than a return of the original illness. When original

illnesses return, they take a long time to respond to treatment.

The relatively immediate response of symptoms on discontinuation

to the reinstitution of treatment points towards a withdrawal

problem.

Third the features of withdrawal may overlap with features of the

nervous problem for which you were first treated - both may

contain elements of anxiety and of depression. However withdrawal

will also often contain new features not in the original state

such as pins and needles, tingling sensations, electric shock

sensations, pain and a general flu-like feeling.

Before starting to withdraw, it should be noted that many people

will have no problems. Some will have minimal problems, which may

peak after a few days before diminishing. Symptoms can remain for

some weeks or months. Others will have greater problems but these

can be helped by the management plan outlined below... "

** I disagree with this part of the post. The recommendation for a

reduction schedule is far too aggressive. Also, the chart for conversion of

doses when switching drugs is theoretical; therefore, not very useful. In

practice, the dose conversion depends on each individual's ability to

metabolize that particular drug. I suggest ignoring this entire section.

Regards,

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all who responded to my post. I appreciate you help.

Jessie

>

> Hello All! I have been a member for a short time, but this is my

> first post. I desparately want to get off Prozac (I have been on

> this drug about 3 yrs) and would appreciate any help. There seems

to

> be such a mountain of info here, I am having a hard time putting

> together a plan to eliminate the Prozac. Any information or

pointing

> me towards the right info would be great. Thanks!