Fluoxetine (Prozac) _ How to get off it

Posted by amira @amira, Oct 23, 2018

I want to go off Fluoxetine (40 MG per day). Can I just stop talking this medicine?

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@kdo0827

I just had DNA testing done through my psychiatrist. It’s really eye opening. It tells you so much about your body, what drugs work and don’t work plus so many other things. I’d definitely look into it.

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Can you provide more information on the DNA test - was it sent away, what was the name of the company who completed the testing?

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@bobbiekc

Can you provide more information on the DNA test - was it sent away, what was the name of the company who completed the testing?

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Hi, @bobbiekc - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You mentioned you'd like more information on the DNA test for what drugs work and don't work - perhaps @kdo0827 @anniegk or @gailb may have some information to share about this.

@bobbiekc - have you taken fluoxetine (Prozac) or another antidepressant?

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I have not taken Prozac, but I have experience withdrawing from Tramadol. I worked with my pharmacist to develop a schedule for slow withdrawal. During my withdrawal process, I found that using CBD orally helped my anxiety. I used CBD Living Water, which can be found online. I also now use CBD:THC in a 3:1 combination and it gives me pain relief. If I need additional relief from pain, I take 1 or 2 acetaminophen. I don't take any of it everyday, only occasionally. I find it helpful for arthritic pain.

Actually, I haven't personally had a DNA test regarding what medications will work best for me. But, I've read so many people who say it has helped them when changing medications, particularly antidepressants, I highly recommend it. You need to ask your physician or psychiatrist to give you the order for the test. Then your doctor will work with you to review the results. Now that this testing is available, it's a great addition to the diagnostic information doctors use. I am happy with my antidepressant right now, but if I ever need to chanel it, I'll get the DNA test.I hope this has been helpful.

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@parus

@hopeful33250 Why I remain. I have done my share of criticizing medications and it is only what I have experienced. Taking a medication for the “correct” reasons and under the supervision of a physician can be helpful. Going off of them w/o the help of a physician I do not recommend. I did so because of fear of physicians and others. At that time things were more than even I can express.
It is so important to have people in one’s life that are safe.
I hear others sharing about brain zaps, etc and it can be scary,etc.
Off topic...Had a play-day w/ my grandson. Our imaginations soar together. What fun!!
Think I finally found a profile pic I like too!!

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@parus

I'm so happy to read your posts now Parus. Sounds like you are doing well and I know how you love having your grandson with you. I wanted you to know that I have started the oil painting class now. I'm working on my first oil painting in years and I'm truly enjoying it! I'll post a photo of it when I'm finished. I'm going to start a second drawing of 2 pears in a bowl using "craypas." This will be a first for me, but I already know how I want to use the craypas and what the drawing will look like. Your work has inspired me to take the risk of criticism of my artwork, although that's somewhat scary for me. The older I get, the less I care about other people critiquing my work. I like what I'm doing and that's what counts.
Thanks Parus!

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@bobbiekc

Can you provide more information on the DNA test - was it sent away, what was the name of the company who completed the testing?

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My psychiatrist ordered it. They literally took 2 swabs from my mouth and that was it. It came back about a week later it’s 45 pages long! It lists all kinds of drugs and other things. I can’t recommend it enough.

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@kdo0827

My psychiatrist ordered it. They literally took 2 swabs from my mouth and that was it. It came back about a week later it’s 45 pages long! It lists all kinds of drugs and other things. I can’t recommend it enough.

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The company was AEON

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@gailb

@parus

I'm so happy to read your posts now Parus. Sounds like you are doing well and I know how you love having your grandson with you. I wanted you to know that I have started the oil painting class now. I'm working on my first oil painting in years and I'm truly enjoying it! I'll post a photo of it when I'm finished. I'm going to start a second drawing of 2 pears in a bowl using "craypas." This will be a first for me, but I already know how I want to use the craypas and what the drawing will look like. Your work has inspired me to take the risk of criticism of my artwork, although that's somewhat scary for me. The older I get, the less I care about other people critiquing my work. I like what I'm doing and that's what counts.
Thanks Parus!

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@gailb Sitting here smiling ear to ear when I hear as I read your words. In some ways aging is a growing process. One of which is unique to each of us. Anticipating the unveiling of your first oil painting in years. I am so happy for you! I have been working in pencil lately-returning to my roots. I have not used "craypas" so also anxious to hear how this is for you. There are always those "critics" around. I have learned that positive criticism is helpful and critiquing can be a learning experience as well.
Thank you for letting me know my work inspired you. Happy, happy, happy for you.
Yes I do enjoy my little scamp. Priceless.

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Hi! I weened off Prozac about 6 weeks ago. I was on 10 mg for at least 3 years and others before. My psychiatrist just had me do 5 mg for 4 days then off and I did great but slowly I started getting panic attacks just waking up and now I have started to have debilitating anxiety/panic for days. I’m literally going nuts from this and my eye won’t stop twitching either. I had also weened off topamax at the same time. Can anyone help? I see regular dr on Tuesday. My psychiatrist was useless and spent 5 min and 37 seconds on my phone appointment and left me in this state just to get worse and worse. I was super depressed and suicidal so I wanted off as those are side effects of both meds and I’m no longer depressed and I take 3 mg of klonopin a day which barely helps. Please I’d love some input. Thank you.

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@sunshinestacy

Hi! I weened off Prozac about 6 weeks ago. I was on 10 mg for at least 3 years and others before. My psychiatrist just had me do 5 mg for 4 days then off and I did great but slowly I started getting panic attacks just waking up and now I have started to have debilitating anxiety/panic for days. I’m literally going nuts from this and my eye won’t stop twitching either. I had also weened off topamax at the same time. Can anyone help? I see regular dr on Tuesday. My psychiatrist was useless and spent 5 min and 37 seconds on my phone appointment and left me in this state just to get worse and worse. I was super depressed and suicidal so I wanted off as those are side effects of both meds and I’m no longer depressed and I take 3 mg of klonopin a day which barely helps. Please I’d love some input. Thank you.

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That taper was ridiculously fast. These doctors are crazy. You need to someone ASAP, reinstate and start over at a nice slow pace. It could take months or longer. Prozac is usually one of the easiest to taper if done correctly.

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@sears

That taper was ridiculously fast. These doctors are crazy. You need to someone ASAP, reinstate and start over at a nice slow pace. It could take months or longer. Prozac is usually one of the easiest to taper if done correctly.

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I had to go off of prozac and adderall at the same time and I am going nuts. Headaches, anger outburst, depression ☹️

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