Stopped Prozac after 5 days and 2 weeks still suffering

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi everyone, 

So quick intro I used to take Prozac and it worked really really well for me. But with changing of insurance I ended up coming off and being off for 7 months. I tried back up in July and it didn’t feel right. So I tried again the end of August and only tried for 5 days or a week and had to stop. However this time the anxiety from it has been so bad. At times it feels like a train is running through my head, the panic attacks have been worse and I feel out of it. I have moments where nothing feels real or I can’t mentally imagine how the world works and everything gives me anxiety. It’s been 2 weeks since I stopped and I still feel these sensation throughout the day. My psychiatrist no long can see me due to insurance change and my next appt isn’t until mid October. My anxiety was way better before this. Just wondering if anyone had any input or help to the situation. Thank you everyone. 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Mark

    Did you taper off it or quit cold turkey? I was on it several years back and stopped without tapering off. My anxiety was through the roof! My psychiatrist prescribed a tranquilizer to take to help me get through the rough periods. sounds like withdrawal symptoms from coming off Prozac. Call your doc and see if he can prescribe you something till you see him. I kow exactly how your feeling. Hang in there. Do you have a primary care physician you can see. He or she might order you something. It really is no fun.

    • Posted

      Hi Celia

      I first just want to say thank you so much for responding it means seriously so much.   I did quit cold turkey but it was only after a little less than a week of being on them that I thought it would be alright? I suppose I’m a bit worried that it hit on the 5th day of taking the Prozac when this new irrational thought pattern and panic set in? It couldn’t be serotonin syndrome could it? You think like a benzo could help if they would prescribe them like klonopin? Just for the time being. I can try a primary care but I don’t technically have one situated for me and not sure what I would tell them to get me in. Thank you again. 

      Mark 

    • Posted

      Mark

      Taking Prozac for only a shirt tome can cause withdrawal because it stayz in your blood for a long time. NOT Serotonin Syndrome! That usually happens at high doses or sudden bump up to high doses. Haa other symptoms also. Don't google them! LOL. A benzo would definitely help as when you go back on it or another antidepressant your anxiety symptoms could or may not get worse. This is typical. Make an appointment with your primary care physician and tell them anything to get in. Can you call your psychiatrist and ask him? Laat resort go to the ED. They understand anxiety and sll it's symptoms! I know how you ate feeling. Take one day at a time. Try doing a relaxation meditation. Sounds silly but helps. Also breathing is important. Deep breath in. Hold for 3 seconds. Out slowly throug mouth

      Do 5 times. Keep me posted. You are not alone!

    • Posted

      How long do these symptoms persist? It’s awful last week when on them and then stopping it was really really bad for like 4 days then sorta gave me a brake and came back a few days later and hasn’t really let up all that much. I’ve been trying to drink water and kombucha to flush my system out and attempting to distract myself in the mean time. I know everyone’s different I just want it to be out of me and feel back to where I was before. Thank you for your feedback honestly!
    • Posted

      Hi i saw your other discussion, I had derealization with my first ever episode, with anti depressants over the years it went away. I was stable for years, now i tried getting off venlafaxine (tapered off slowly) 7 months ago and the horrible anxiety feelings still persist (similar to yours). I cant tell you how long it will go on for as we are on completely different drugs.

      Meditation really helps, its not long term at first but i guess itll happen over time.

  • Posted

    I realise this post was from a couple of years ago, but I was just wondering how you are feeling now? I hope you are feeling better.

    I took fluoxetine for 5 days and literally could not take anymore. it has been horrendous. Panic attacks, insomnia, no appetite, palpitations, shakes and then it's continuing even though I have been off 2 days now. I feel like I've ruined my mind by taking this medication. NEVER again!

    How long did it take you to feel better?

    Thank you

  • Posted

    i hope you are doing well now. i am going through the same thing. it's been three weeks since I stopped the pill but i am not getting better. i dont know how long it would take but it is so scary.

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