Why I stopped taking Fluoxetine (Prozac).
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About a year ago I was prescribed Fluoxetine (Prozac) to help with my anxiety and depression problems. I began on a dosage of 20mg (one capsule) per day and in recent weeks had this dosage increased to 40mg (two capsules) per day after I explained to my Doctor that the 20mg dosage hadn't really seemed to make much difference to my problems. It was shortly after this dosage increase I began to notice various side effects that had been less obvious beforehand and so I had simply tolerated them, now they were starting to become a problem. It wasn't long afterwards I found out that Fluoxetine contains Fluoride, and at a higher level than I was comfortable with ingesting.
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Charles Elliot Perkins, the research scientist sent by the US government to take charge of I.G. Farben chemical plants in Germany discovered that " The real purpose behind water fluoridation is to reduce the resistance of the masses to domination, control and loss of liberty." In his report to the Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research in October of 1954, he said, "Repeated doses of infinitesimal amounts of fluoride will in time reduce an individual's power to resist domination, by slowly poisoning and narcotizing a certain area of the brain, thus making him submissive to the will of those who wish to govern him."
Toxicologist Phyllis Mullenix demonstrated in the mid-1980's that rats given fluoride as youngsters or adults became passive, underactive and lethargic.
Those of you who read my recent hub on the Dangers of Fluoride will understand why I found this very alarming and immediately made the decision to stop taking the Fluoxetine and to speak to my Doctor about an alternative fluoride free option instead.
The Side Effects I Experienced on Fluoxetine.
Brand Names: Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem, Selfemra, Oxactin, Ranflutin, Prozep, Prozit
As I mentioned earlier I experienced various side effects whilst on the Fluoxetine (Prozac), and these got worse once my dosage was increased, plus they rapidly reduced once I stopped taking them. I wonder if anyone reading this who is already on, or has previously been on, Fluoxetine will recognise the following side effects:
1) decreased sexual desire
2) drowsiness
3) exaggerated reflexes
4) memory loss
5) tremor, trembling or shaking
6) abnormal dreams
7) constipation
8) acne/skin rashes
9) joint pain (especially in my knees)
10) reduced appetite
Personally I found the worst and most annoying side-effect was the constant jerking of my limbs, especially when I was trying to sleep. For no good reason I would find my legs twitching and kicking or my arm suddenly flinging itself out of the bed, often colliding with the bedside cabinet en-route.
Other known side effects of Fluoxetine (Prozac).
Of course my side effects may be specific to me, but the facts remain that there are many side effects associated with Prozac, and most of these I have not experienced. Additionally it is worth considering the side effects of Fluoride, as this forms a significant percentage of Fluoxetine, therefore the side effects of Fluoride are also relevant when you consider if you are comfortable taking Fluoxetine / Prozac.
Other side effects of Fluoxetine / Prozac include:
Anxiety; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flu-like symptoms e.g. fever, chills, muscle aches, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, runny nose, sore throat, stomach upset, trouble sleeping and weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Fluoxetine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue and unusual hoarseness), bizarre behavior, black or bloody stools, chest pain, confusion, decreased concentration, decreased coordination, exaggerated reflexes, excessive sweating, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat, hallucinations, increased hunger, thirst, or urination, joint or wrist aches or pain, memory loss, new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still, persistent or severe ringing in the ears, persistent, painful erection, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe or persistent anxiety, trouble sleeping, or weakness, severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache, significant weight loss, stomach pain, suicidal thoughts or attempts, tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual hoarseness, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, unusual swelling, unusual weakness, vision changes, worsening of depression.
Relevant hubs written by mistyhorizon2003
- How to Recognise the Symptoms of Depression
Over the years I have suffered from depression on and off, largely due to my pretty horrendous life experiences. There are a number of danger signs to look out for, especially if you haven't suffered from... - Why is Fluoride Bad for You?
If someone told you that every time you turn on your tap to get a drink of water you are pouring poison into your glass you probably wouldn't be so keen on drinking the resulting fluid. If you were told that...
Research Sources
- Fluoxetine Side Effects | Drugs.com
Comprehensive and accurate Fluoxetine side effects information for consumers and healthcare professionals.
Although I stopped taking Fluoxetine / Prozac immediately and completely with no negative side-effects, please consult your Doctor before you do the same.
CommentsLoading...
Misty, I really respect you for your openness on this topic - many of us have gotten hooked on antidepressants - they are the legalized drug of choice by many and big pharma is making out like the bandits they are pushing them on the masses! And these drugs are great for keeping the public placid so we can just take on more stress and put up with more craziness!
And, diogenes, anxiety and depression affects the young beautiful and sexy and people who count their blessings and is no respecter of persons!
Hi Bob, sadly I have suffered on and off with depression for many years now although it isn't obvious on the surface. Although in many ways I am blessed, if you take into consideration my overall life experiences you probably wouldn't be too surprised as to how this could have come about. Thanks for the kind compliments though :)
Hi Kartika, thanks so much for your wise comment, I truly appreciate it :)
You would have been better off sparkin a doobe daily or eating it... if I may be so bold. Better on your body and head. Or don't you care?
Hi Misty...I was prescribed Prozac once, years ago. I only took it for one day because the effects on me were extreme irritation and thoughts of horrendous violence.
This is a good informative hub. Thanks.
Hi Johnwindbell, Do you mean a "spliff" when you say "a doobe" (it is a new word for one to me)? If so, you might be right but over here the use of Cannabis etc carries serious jail terms. I have used it in the past when living away from the island, but only found it a temporary way of numbing the symptoms of depression, as well as actually contributing to the problem if used too often. Thanks for commenting though.
Hi Tom, Sounds like it was a very good thing you didn't perservere with it. Thanks for the feedback too :)
I personally find that makiing time for meditation, rather than medication, is the best treatment I have ever had for managing the symptoms of my bipolar disorder. Much safer on the body and mind as well. 90% of the medications I've had pushed on me since I was 16 only made me suicidal when I hadn't been before.
Doctors should be open with their patients..."Chances are you don't need this pill, let's try checking in once a week, call me if there is an emergency. Make time for yourself for one hour every day and let me know how you're doing. We will talk about drugs if things continue to be unduly difficult."
Instead they say "Take this pill, and don't think for yourself. If all goes well, you will soon be free from independant thought, anyway."
Hi Suiiki, very good advice and good points. Thanks for the comment :)
A lovely lady like you should'nt get depressed, its a crime.
Awwww, cheers paintdec, I just wish it was as straightforward as that :)
A medicine has a good effect as well as a bad effect. Every action has a reaction. I am not a doctor my dear, but I am fully sympathizes with you and wish to express that a routine discipline activity throughout the day would make our body system normal when the relaxed brain would do its normal function otherwise a fatigue brain would lead us to depression. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks H P, always nice to get feedback from someone like yourself :)
Hey!!!
I am very excited about this page. Thanks for writing your experiences.
I am looking for proof that Prozac is 94% fluoride. Do you have any link that can prove it?
Please write back to me in my name at gmail dot com. (My real name, not the two words, "my name". :) )
Thanks,
Yael
The info is all readily available on the Internet Yael and this is how I found it. I am guessing it may well also be on the actual paperwork they enclose in each box of Fluoxetine too. Hope this helps but if not email me using the link at the top of this hub on the right hand side (under my profile picture).
Hi misty,
I have been taking Prozac for the past 2 months and it's really working well for me. I'm much happier and never better than before even though i feel easily tired and it takes a longer while for me to sleep in.
I guess it really depends on your condition. If Prozac is really that bad, then the doctors would not have prescribe it.
I guess it really depends on case to case basis.
=)
Thanks for your comment Tiara, yes it will vary person to person, but the Fluoride content in Prozac is alarming (read my Fluoride hub and be prepared to be shocked). Also bear in mind 2 months is not really long enough to experience the majority of side effects, (I was on it far longer before the twitching etc became unbearable).
Certainly many Doctors are not even aware of the problems, or remain sceptical, but don't be fooled into thinking that if something is 'that bad' Doctors won't give it to you, as there are countless cases of when Doctors have done exactly that if you look into and research the subject, (albeit they did it unaware of the harm it would cause the patient).
I wish you well though and hope your experience with Prozac continues to remain a positive one.
Hi there,
I'm from New Zealand, and I've just been prescribed Fluox (Fluoxtine) 20 mg, once a day.
Over the past year I have had increased anxiety, which affects my confidence and has made me feel like I'm living in a 'grey world'(atleast it's not black). I've had some bad experiences in the last three years, which may have triggered some type of depression.
I've been a marijuana / spliff smoker for the last four years (hard not to be in this green country, NZ), however the doctor has told me to quit smoking (I'm two weeks deep now, going okay), and not to drink (I'm only a casual drinker anyways).
I really want to get better, I feel nervous when out in public, and it's so uncomfortable, I can't relax. Does anyone have any suggestions other than medication? I'm looking into talking to a therapist...
I hate the thought of becoming a zombie, and being submissive. The doctor's told me I should try this for a month, and if it works, take it for six months and then come off. What do you guys think?
I miss smoking marijuana, but I'm not sure if it helps or does the opposite.
I used to smoke marijuana too Dylan, and am not so sure that this may have contributed to the problems that lead me to Prozac / Fluoxetine. I know I no longer miss Fluoxetine or Prozac, but have found smoking the occasional Shisha / Hookah pipe with purely legal and herbal tobacco in (usually fruit based), has been very relaxing. All of htese pipes and tobacco's (nicotine, tar and tobacco free), are easily and affordably available on ebay if you want to give them a try.
Thanks for your reply Misty, but I can't stand straight tobacco, and not looking to pick up that habit.
I do miss smoking green, but I'll be alright, I'm just having a break for now, and see how that goes.
Do you know of any natural remedies / anything other than Fluoxetine to help treat my anxiety / social paranoia?
I would love to attend my friends parties / go out at night, and have the confidence I use to have. I just feel nervous for what seems no reason.
The doctor said these feelings most likely occur because of a few bad things that have happened over the last couple years, and that may have triggered these feelings...
I want to feel great tomorrow, and be back to my old self...
Hi again Dylan, the tobacco used in Shisha or Hookah pipes is not true tobacco and tastes nothing like it. It is not made from the tobacco leaf. In fact so much so that if my Hubby tries a puff on my Shisha pipe I can taste the fact he is a smoker as soon as I take my next puff, (and it tastes horrible but wears off after a couple of puffs). If you really don't want to try a shisha pipe then I can only suggest that something like Amitryptiline (prescription only), might help you to relax, works for me. I used to smoke up to 7 joints a day of cannabis, yet I no longer need it, and the cigarettes are long gone for me now too. I hope one of my suggestions might help, but only you can decide what you are willing to try. I sincerely wish you luck and believe you can beat this.
Thanks, I appreciate that...
Last night, I had a spliff and a beer. Which usually makes me feel great.
But afterwards I began having this really bad headache, and ringing in my ears. Which I woke up with this morning too.
Since I've been taking the Fluox, I feel like my jaw is clenched, and now my jaw / head is so sore.
I don't want to sound like a hypercondriac or anything, just wondering if anyone's experienced anything similar?
I quit taking this stuff this past winter after being on it for a year. I should probably be on SOMETHING, but after spending 7 years in a clouded fog on various medications, I have decided to stop taking any kind of anxiety meds for the time being.
Thanks for the feedback Richard, I have pretty much done the same as you, and simply take an Amitryptiline each night before bed in order to get a relaxed night's sleep, (although the dreaming is more frequent).
hi ...am a person who look for an answer of what if i stoped taking fluoxetine? i got the answer my self by having some changes on my body.i have a pain in my chaset and feel my heart run faster than befor.i feel really good and happy about my life and i feel i don't need the medicin anymore so i desided to stop taken it.now i need your help if you can tell me how to get red of this pain with out going back to take fluoxetine again which i don't wish to do.thank you for your time and hope you have an answer for my qustion.
I wish I could help you on this Shahad, but I never experienced any side effects or any pain when I stopped taking Fluoxetine, actually stopping it was what got rid of the side effects. I would consult your Doctor and ask if the two might be connected, or if it is possible the pain you are experiencing is unique and nothing to do with the Fluoxetine at all.
I really wish you the best of luck and hope this pain goes away on its own once you have been off the Fluoxetine for a few weeks or so, or when you find out the real cause of the pain, (whichever applies).
Thank you very much for your help and for your wishes to me.I need to find another Dr. as the Dr. who wrote me the PRS. he did a big misstake as i do not need to even take Fluoxetine i just had a bad days and they goen away.he went too far by helping me with the wrong way wich i consederd its a stuped action from him.i need to get over it and keep going in my life hopping i will never need a Dr or any medicin to make me live free and feel happy.thank you again for being inspiering person to me.wish you best what can be wish.
Thank you Shahad, Good Luck for the future.
I'm 17, and I was recently on prozac, and this information is very shocking. I had entered a youth eating disorder day program [ I used to be heavier and I dropped 60lbs in a very short period of time, and i've had anxiety/depression for as long as i can remember ] after my doctor prescribed me prozac for anxiety and they started me on 20mg and I was on it for 2 months, and I could not stop trembling with no change in my mood, so they raised it to 40 mg. I had strange dreams, random muscle twitching, it's like I was happy, but numb and I didn't really care about anything anymore.
I did not know about the fluoride. I've always been skeptical about pharmaceutical drugs and psychology/psychiatry. I'm sure that it could be beneficial to some, but I felt like I was being brainwashed, and I discharged myself for that reason.
I felt like they were trying to make me think exactly like them, finding any reason to prove my oppinions, whether or not they were based on emotion or fact. I consider myself a very bright girl, and I always look at the bigger picture of things, and I went into the ED program looking for advice on how to maintain a healthy body weight, and a better way to deal with my anxiety. I did learn how to eat enough to sustain myself, but I walked in there thinking I had a couple of problems, and once they got to know me they made me feel like I had 10
[ "Repeated doses of infinitesimal amounts of fluoride will in time reduce an individual's power to resist domination, by slowly poisoning and narcotizing a certain area of the brain, thus making him submissive to the will of those who wish to govern him." ] After my experience at the hospital, I've lost complete faith in psychiatry/psychology and pharmaceutical drugs, It's mind control, nothing more, and while that might work for some people, I believe in growing from experience and learning from my mistakes, and apparantly I'm crazy for thinking that.
Thanks for that feedback Sam, it is very useful to others reading this article to get actual testimony from people such as yourself who have experienced this first hand. Based on the fluoride issue alone you might also enjoy my article on the dangers of Fluoride in general:
No problem, thanks for the information, it's nice to hear the truth for once. I guess they kind of figure that if they use it to treat psychological disorders it will just dumb us down enough so we won't know how to be depressed. The only thing that has worked for me so far is marijuana, and I'm a frequent smoker, but some day I hope to not be reliant on anything to make me feel good.
I do wish you every bit of luck Sam. Thanks for popping back.
Prozac is a stimulant, just like all anti-depressants. I've reaserached and read it is similar to "speed" on the brain.Hence its side effects mimic what stimulants do on the nervous system.
Being a little blue, occassionally and suffering with a condition called major depression can be two different things. I would not reccommend if one is suffering with feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and suicidial tendencies to put out a "mind over matter attitude" once they are in that state. There is, however, things one can do to stay out of this state and that is eating a diet rich in the B vitamins, keeping the ammune system up and getting lots of rest, every night, but one thing is to cut down on stressors. Many things one would never believe is a stressor is. Weddings, funerals, births, divorces, are all major stressors and without the proper diet and plenty of rest, daily, for a person who suffers with depression, these things can put them into a state of depression. Those who become depressed easily must watch their anxiety levels and when they have signs of anxiety that desturbs diet and rest habits, such as disturbed dreams they can benefit changing something in their lives to releave this. So with the proper dos and donts one can manage depression without medication, however, once in this state, temporary medication with behavior modification can be very beneficial. Today, the insurance companies do not support this happening so until we can make a change to this, there are going to be people who depend on the medication, only, to keep them leveled out to function without depression.
Thank you very much for your well thought out response Melba Vaughn. You make many very valid points.
Wow! I didn't know it had fluoride in it, let alone mostly made up of it--shock! A few months ago I started the loooong process of going off 20mg/day of Fluoxetine. It is taking so long because I was put on it 13 years ago for perimenopause. Ugh! I'm told by a nutritionist that the very hard withdrawal symptoms are due to how long I've been on it. What were my own side effects while on it? Your numbers 1, 2, 4, 7 and weight gain and very hard to lose weight. I'm down to 5mg/day now and starting to gradually to go down until I am off it completely. Can't wait!
Hi Ms Dee, I am glad this provided you with some new information about Fluoxetine. Sounds like you are having a tough time of it on the stuff. I hope you manage to get off it completely soon. Thanks for sharing your own experiences here.
Thanks for your good wishes. Yes, I'm fully determined and will be completely off it soon.
Good luck Ms Dee, I am sure you will cope just fine :)
Very interesting hub. I was prescribed prozac a number of years ago and like yourself stopped taking them. I was very interested to note that you developed 'jerky' limbs - I developed RLS (restless leg syndrome)and it was not only painful but sleep was impossible. Within 24 hours of stopping prozac I had no more problems.
Many thanks for sharing this hub as I'm sure many people will not only find it interesting but it will be a relief to know that they are not alone in suffering side effects from this awful drug.
Hi Seeker7, thanks for commenting here, and for sharing that you experienced the same side effects. My problems also stopped soon after I stopped taking it.
Very interesting comments for me. I just had a problem getting my prescription refilled because I was acceidentally taking an extra 40 milligrams. I have now gone off of them cold turkey because of the confusion, and I still seem to be OK. I'm considering not going back to them, but am worried about a "crash" after being on them for 10 years. I can't decide if I should take them again and slowly get off or ride this out. The limb jerking is a big side effect for me!!
I would speak to your Doctor and see what he/she recommends. Personally I came off them 'cold turkey' and had no problems, (all the side effects went away too). You could trial it for a few weeks and see how you get on without them, after all, if you do get a problem you can always go back on them again and wean yourself off gradually.
Hey Misty just read your page and your findings, I too live in New Zealand like Dylan, My question misty is, what do you know about Olazapiine? I am trying to come of it because of the side effects I am experiencing, e.g. Horrible nightmares, weight gain, sleep deprivation,etc, etc,Since I've stopped taking Olanzapine, my life as improved by far, now it's just those residual effects of the drug, that has me doubting my decision, please Misty if you have any facts about OLanzapine and It's effects, or any advice please let me know, FYI are their any support groups for those of us who stopped taking mental health drugs online?.
Sorry gogolola, I have only got experience of Fluoxetine, and that is my own experience, plus the comments posted here by others. I have no experience of Olanzapine or its effects, nor am I aware of any groups online that any of us can join, although I am sure they must exist. I wish I could offer more help or a useful reply on this, but sadly I can't.
I have been taking Prozac for almost three years now, right now I'm on 40mg, but I've been on any amount from 60 to 20. I was, like you, prescribed Prozac for major anxiety and depression, as well as having pretty stong OCD and other issues. Most of my conditions have never really been aparent to the "general public", if you will, more just like incesant, pounding thoughts and feelings, so I don't really seem like the totally screwed up person I am. I was quite surprised to read this hub, and after reading it, I realize that a lot of the things I thought were just "me" were on your side affect list - I'm twitchy and shaky, and sometimes have random muscle spasms that last about the blink of an eye. I also noticed an increased desire for sleep/more fatigue after going on Prozac. UNfortunatly, I don't really know if I have another option but to take the drug, since without it I have panic and OCD attacks and am not the happy, cheerful person I find myself to be while taking Prozac. When I tried to lower my dose this summer, for example, I plunged back into "OCD fits" (my shrink's nickname for really bad onsets of my OCD) and thoughts of self harm, so my shrink bumped me back up to 40, which is where I am now. I like the person I am mentally whenI am on Prozac, but I am now skeptical of the flourine stuff you brought to light. I may bring this up with my doc, to see if there's something I can take that won't make my nerves spas out or turn my brain to mush. Thanks for the informative hub!
I am very glad you found this hub Anna, so at least you know it isn't 'just you'. Ask your GP if there is anything you can take as an alternative to Prozac because the side effects are bothering you. He may suggest a better alternative.
Good Luck.
Thanks a lot Misty. You are truly a gift and an inspiration!
You are welcome Anna, and thanks for the lovely compliment :)
I've been on Prozac for about two months now, and while I cannot say surely that this is the Prozac, I definitely feel a stupor having come over me and my speech (I have started to begin many sentences with "but-like-um....")Prozac has helped me a lot, as I've stopped sleeping during the day and I even stopped smoking (cigars). I feel ok, BUT I don't like that bit about IG Farben. Nope. I think the effect is definitely real.
Hi 'Guest', well see how you get on, and then weigh up whether or not the side effects you experience are a better or worse alternative to what you experience when not on it at all. Remember you can always ask your Doctor for alternatives, and Prozac is not your only option.
i just wanted to share my opinion, i too am taking fluoxetine 20mg 1pil a day, and also I found several experience clips on youtube and other info on this medication which exists of 94% of fluoride. It al started with fluorized water, toothpaste which contains fluoride, just like anti-depressiva named prozac/fluoxetine. If you search on internet for fluoride, prozac, fluorized water etc you will be confronted with info which is being kept secret from the common people. It's seems to be the fact that Nazi Germans would fluorize water just to brainwash the people, just to reduce their rebellious behaviour.
I also would like to note that my little brother was prescribed Ritalin/Concerta (=kind of amfetamine) against its ADHD behaviour problem, this is also a antidepressiva medication of the same kind which is used to influence the neurotransmitment, except that the effective product is not FLUORIDE (such as in prozac,fluoxetine, fluorized water and toothpaste) but in this case it is called METHYLFENIDATE, which latter was used in the Second WW by soldiers just to keep on going fighting without feeling any pain.
My advice: I am stopping with this FLuoxetine right now, I see the bigger picture now where everthing fits in it. The only institute in wording that is benefiting from me using this stuff is the New World Order (FreeMasonery), which is after depopulation. Every info is on youtube. So, help yourself by searching after information on internet. Good luck.
Thanks justme for sharing that information. I didn't know about the New World Order part or the Ritalin stuff, but I did read about the Nazi German stuff before. You should enjoy my other hub on the subject of Fluoride http://mistyhorizon2003.hubpages.com/hub/Why-is-Fl
hi misty i am 19yrs of age ive been going through depression and shortness of breath so my doctor pfescibed fluoxetine 4 me, i have been taking these pills for 4 days now and on the second day of taking them i realised that my chest started to pain me, i am watching it but every time i take it my chest pains me more, but the pain wears off by a hour later....i am thinking about consulting my doctor about this
Hi Tanisha, If they are the cause of the problem he can switch you to another antidepressant instead. Assuming the problem goes away you will know the Fluoxetine was the cause of it.
Good Luck
Hey Misty,
I've been on fluoxetine for only 4 days. Im on a capsule of 20g once a day. Im 18. But I'm haveing a horrid side effect of a sore throat and dry mouth, makeing me drink more. But I have a week bladder so after I drink I need to go to the bathroom right afterwoods. Should I ask to be put off it or what? Cause I cant deal with feeling ill if anything that makes me depressed even more.
I would advise you have a chat with your Doctor and tell him the side effects you are experiencing. Ask him if these are likely to wear off in a few weeks, or if there is an alternative anti-depressant he can try you on that won't have these side effects.
Hi Misty n Co. I've only one thing to say to you all and that is ''exercise'' and lots of it! . A balanced diet with fresh fruit and veg. Let your hair down before bedtime, have a drink, smoke some cannabis (but only when drinking and only on night times before bed) . I now feel like a rock star!. I had been on prozac for years and had a paranoid social phobia. But now I feel great. Make sure you do it evey day though, even a sunday. Exercise is great for battling social fear. Hope this helps.
I have heard this too Craig, although the cannabis thing I tried some years back and it was ultimately not a good thing to do if I was to also get exercise (just couldn't be bothered LOL). I stopped the Cannabis, and now in the summer I do a lot of gardening, and in the evening I have a few cans or a glass or two of wine. I eat loads of veg because I grow them myself. I feel better than I did on Prozac that is for certain, although not 100% as 'normal' as I was when in my 20's.
I'm kind of a skeptic about this mind control stuff, but whatever; my main point in writing is to describe what side effects one CAN suffer in going cold turkey off Prozac. I've also done it, and for me it was horrendous. I did it by accident, having gone on 10-hour drive to go camping for 4 days and discovering the next morning that I had forgotten my Prozac. I decided to tough it out rather than drive all the way back home, but if I had had the opportunity to redo that decision I would definitely have driven back home. For three nights in a row I had the most horrendous nightmares of my life - dreams that are still vivid enough in my memory to make me cringe and shudder now, 8 years later. What is most upsetting about those dreams is that my own brain could even have created such monstrous thoughts and visions. The third night was somewhat less horrendous, so I'm not sure how long it would have continued if I hadn't gotten back home to my Prozac supply. The next time I quit Prozac (on purpose), I followed my doctor's directions and dissolved the contents of the capsule into a cup of orange juice and drank half at a time, refrigerating the other half. After one week I halved it again, and after two weeks I quit. That approach was very easy and caused no sides.
Thanks for the tip ceanothus, that is worth knowing :)
Hello Misty,
I'm 18 and i've been on/off Fluoxetine for a couple months now, due to going back and forth between my doctor and psychiatrist. So far I haven't noticed any differences with my mood however my boyfriend is convinced i'm acting stranger than normal.
My only concern really is that i smoked some marijuana a couple days ago, first time since i was put on Fluoxetine and blacked out, was extremely disorientated, hot/cold sweats and experienced all 1-6 symptoms. Smoking it isn't new to me i have done for a couple years and also it was definitely no more than i usually would, and by far this is the worst i have been affected.
I don't have an appointment till mid January with my psychiatrist, i'm a bit unsure about taking Fluoxetine after all the research recently I've done.
Hi Alice, we often don't notice differences in our own behaviour that people who know us DO notice, for instance when we have had a few drinks, when we have PMT or when we are pregnant. I can't speak for any connection between your marijuana use and your problems because although I have used marijuana in my past, it has been a number of years since I did, and the Fluoxetine was some years after I stopped using marijuana too. I guess it is possible the two clashed badly from what you describe.
In your position I would stop taking it (as long as I was sensible in not suddenly stopping it after taking it regularly for some time, in other words I would advise you wean yourself off it under the advice of a doctor). Hopefully your boyfriend can then confirm if you go back to what he considers 'normal' behaviour for you. When you do see your Doctor ask him what other alternatives you could try instead.
Dear Cindy:
Another well-written and informative essay. Thank you!
It is my firm contention that we are all made of mind, spirit, and body. When one of these 3 elements are out of balance, weakened, diseased or injured, one can experience manifestations of pain or distress in one form or another within our thought life, spiritual life, or within one's physical body.
It is often impossible to tell how an imbalance or injury will manifest itself and which elements will be effected because they are all inter-related. This is to say that a psychosomatic disorder can manifest itself in the body, when the real cause is in the mind. In the same likeness, spiritual disorders can also manifest themselves in the mind or within the physical body.
I understand that medications are very popular in this day and age, but I do not think that depression should be considered the bane of our existence or the villain that big pharma says it is.
It is my personal belief that depression is one's psycho-physiological barometer that tells one if something is out of balance, is weak, or injured, etc.
Depression could, therefore, be likened to a smoke alarm that sounds-off when trouble is in the air. To over-ride this alarm system by sedating oneself is tantamount to taking the smoke-detector off-line by removing the batteries.
Although some may see this as a tempory solution to an annoying situation, it also allows for a potential fire to smolder and ignite into flames while giving the user a false sense of security, while affording one a temporary respite of mind.
I believe this is why so many people commit suicide after coming off these mind-altering drugs; the drugs didn't correct the problem, they just let the smoke build and smolder until it ignites into flames sometime later.
Please keep in mind that I am not a medical doctor nor am I a trained psychologist. Having said that, I think there may be a need for medications of this sort in some cases, but they are over prescribed and are used more as a first response than as a last resort.
Best wishes to all - L.R.
I totally agree L.R. I have suffered with both anxiety and depression for many years, but never found medications to be particularly helpful. To be honest I seem far better when I am not on them than when I am. I like your comparison to the smoke detector and removing the batteries, it describes the use of antidepressants (for many), very well.
Thanks
Cindy
Umm....Misty....obveously u cant eat spliffs....
other than that i agree cuz i had schitzo-disorder and anxiety paranoia and depression so i know how u feel
Hi UncleDaMacMurda, did I miss something? I don't recall stating you could eat spliffs!!! I was referring to Fluoxetine when I said to alice about weaning herself off it. Having said that, you can eat Cannabis in cakes etc as they do it in Amsterdam all the time.
Sorry you have been through the other stuff, as I have been through the anxiety and depression myself.
Hi Misty,
Thank you for your information.
i'm watching all the comments here and I see myself in these stories.
I take Fluoxetine since a few months, at the beginning I had a dry mouth, and much headache.
Now I take 30mg a day (not a capsule as with you, I can break them), and I feel horrified, i'm shaking even tho nobody see it, I feel like puking, I cry really a lot, I feel tired, my body can't anymore, and I have suicidale thoughts. I'm scared of myself in one big sentence, I don't see a life possible, but sometimes I have a little happiness and I get hope again. I have a Panic Disorder and Depression. What scare me the most, is that I feel like a zombie, like I don't excist, if I walk somewhere, I know how to walk to come somewhere, but it feels like i'm not on earth, like everything goes automatic. My brain is sleeping or whatever. I want my normal feeling at least back cuz I have the feeling i'm loosing it.
Tomorrow I will call and ask if I can quit, cuz this is horrible!! I would NEVER recommend it to others, better be a bit depressed or have anxiety problems, before you really think you get out of your mind and become crazy!
Sorry if I made some mistakes, I come from the Netherlands
Hi Cee11, I really hope you can get off this without a problem or can find another alternative that works better for you. By the sound of things you have experienced some of the worst side effects I have heard of from Fluoxetine usage. Speak to your Doctor about weaning yourself off the drug gradually as opposed to going 'cold turkey'. This will be safer than trying to come off it suddenly,and then ask him about other options.
Thank you! it's not a pleasure to live like this.
I hope that things will get better soon, I will come back here when I figured out how the side-effects are to get away from fluoxetine and how it is without them. I guess much better.I hope everybody get healthy here,God bless you all.
That information would be very helpful Cee11, it might help others to know what to expect if they decide to stop taking Fluoxetine gradually. Thanks.
Good Luck.
how can make fluoride in fluoxetine problems to the body????
fluoride is not getting free... and you egesting steadily fluoxetine and the metabolist norfluoxetine out, the fluorides goes out bounded from the body, so it cannot accumulate in body
oh sorry.. my mistake
i have found now:
The primary route of elimination is largely through oxidative metabolism and conjugation, but more than half of the metabolic end products are unknown (7935707). Fluoxetine is mainly excreted in urine with less than 10% excreted unchanged or as fluoxetine glucuronide (2878798).
I FIND I CAN NOT EJACULATE WHILE TAKING PROZAC
If you speak to your Doctor he may be able to prescribe you an alternative to Prozac that will not cause this problem for you D R A.
well ive been on fluoxetine 20 mg for 3 months now for depression / anxiety and noticed some of the side effects listed above but having said that im gona stop taking them as they dont cure you they only cover up the feelings etc its a way to make us feel our problems has gone when it actually hasn't so i recommend not to take any sort of prozac aint worth the risk ...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences on Prozac zafeena. I tend to agree that they just cover up the problem rather than curing it, which applies to all anti-depressants sadly. In certain cases it may be the only option as a last resort (when other treatments have failed), perhaps to avoid a person committing suicide etc. Personally I think in general other avenues such as counseling should be explored thoroughly first, and only then should tablets be considered or attempted.
Good luck and just be careful when you come off them to only do it gradually, and under the guidance of your Doctor.
Hi mistyhorizon,
I saw you on the forum and congrats on your high number of hits on your hubs! My brother was on prozac, and he had a number of bad experiences and feels worse on it. He also uses marijuana, and it seems to calm him down. He says when on the prozac, he feels like he's stuck in a pool of sludge. Normally he has mood swings, but is up much of the time, and keeps to himself when depressed and drinks. Unsure how alcohol and prozac mix, but probably not well. I wish you good health, and think meditation is good for anything that ails you.
Hi Jean, thanks for the congrats on my viewing figures. I am delighted about it too.
Sorry to hear about your Brother and his situation. I for one am glad I came off Prozac, and I now cope without the use of antidepressants at all. I used to use marijuana for some years, but to be honest in the long run it tends to make you depressed, and I only realised it was doing this when I stopped using it altogether some years back. Alcohol, not good either, not least because of the damage it does to your body, and the various other less obvious ways it can kill you, (you might find my latest article on this interesting) http://mistyhorizon2003.hubpages.com/hub/The-Many-
Like you I believe meditation can be very helpful for many things, and my sister does a lot of this since she had a stroke when she was 28. I have always struggled to manage it though as I have an 'ever wandering' mind which makes it hard to focus on the meditation and the relaxing.
Thanks again for visiting and commenting :)
Yes, it is clear you 'are fine' on Prozac based on the totally aggressive and angry comment you posted that therefore had to be deleted 'Everhard Member'. It seems to be failing miserably in your case, whereas since coming off of it I am far more relaxed and no longer enduring any of the side effects, (not that I ever wanted to throw myself off buildings or kill anyone when I was on it, I listed the side effects I experienced in the article if you care to read it fully, and not just the first paragraph or so).
Oh of course, everyone is going to understand that equation,... not. I suggest if you want to prove your case to the masses you quote sources, links etc that show the breakdown of Fluoxetine in layman's terms. The old 'baffle them with science' way of doing things will not convince many people who just want to see the figures and information in easy to understand terms.
Another comment I have had to deny Everhard. You really need to find a more polite way of making your point, and as this is my hub, you are the one who is apparently 'Trolling' me, not the other way around. It might come as a surprise to you to know that what you call 'simple maths' is not so simple for everyone. No need to resort to insults inferring anyone who can't grasp such an equation must 'need some Prozac'. The 94% figure is quoted at other sources online too. Do you give them all such a hard time?
I have a great idea. Now you have signed up for this site why don't you write an article on this subject and cover it in depth. That way you might make some income out of it too, (seriously).
Okay Everhard, enough is enough, and clearly you are absolute evidence of what Prozac does to people. Jeez, personal insults, unwilling to cite sources, incapable of writing an article backing up their case. Actually your last comment is laughable in its insults, especially as I actually have done bookkeeping for many businesses and very successfully at that. I don't tolerate Trolls on my articles, so no further comments from you will be shown, so toddle off and wind up someone else, but before you do, can I recommend you go back to your doctor and get yourself taken off the Prozac and put on to a drug that doesn't turn you into some kind of venomous weirdo.
Am guessing your book is vanity published by the way. Strange how you can't write a simple article based on a suggestion though hmmmmmm!! (rolls eyes).
Edit: I see now that you must be very old as the book was first published in 1899 LOL. Clearly not your work as you implied then.
PS Everhard,
You really need to look urgently at the 'severe side effects' of Fluoxetine listed in this hub. You are exhibiting a number of them which are alarming enough that the manufacturers recommend you see a doctor if you experience these, for example:
bizarre behavior
new or worsening agitation
aggressiveness
irritability
hostility
unusual or severe mental or mood changes
I urge you to go back to your doctor and tell him about these severe side effects, as I am sure he won't want you to stay on them based on this.
diogenes Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago
Hi Misty; This world has become such a frightening place. I once had a friend who couldn't stand it any more so he went to live in a cave in Baja, he may still be there. It seems everything man does makes life worse in one way or another. You depressed? How dare you! Young, beautiful, personable, sexy. Cummon, Misty, count the blessings! Bob x