4 weeks off Prozac and I can't stop crying and having mood swings :-(

[addictedtolatte]

I have withdrawn myself slowly off Prozac. I had my final dose 4 weeks ago. I have been doing really well no black cloud or anxiety but bang all of a sudden I can't stop crying and having mood swings. I don't know if this is normal. This isn't my normal personality and I feel like I've lost myself.

I am considering taking St. John's wort to help me through as I just feel helpless. Anyone have a similar experience and will it get better?

Thankyou

Oh poor you. I have been on citalopram for years because every time I have attempted to wean myself off I crash horribly.

Can you see your GP again? He/she might recommend that you take it on an intermittent basis for the time being, or perhaps give you something else. I've no idea really but please don't suffer unnecessarily.

I do sympathise with you.

Thank you twerking for your kind words. It must awful for you not being able to come off. When I am on Prozac it dulls my depression but takes away my emotions. It feels like I've had a lobotomy.

Think I will speak to my gp and see if these feelings are normal

No, it's fine really. I've been on ADs for coming on 15 years so I'm in no hurry to stop. I'd like to think I will one day but everything else would have to be rosy first.

The lack of emotions is an unpleasant side-effect long term. You need it at first but once you're in control of the tears it can make you feel like a robot.

Please do see your GP; don't put yourself at the bottom of your list of things to do - so easy when you're feeling low.

[hugs]

Oh, and keep posting because there must be loads of MNers who've been where you are and would like to share.

Have you been on any other ad's addictedtolatte?

Wow, well done for getting off them! It is tough, and very tough to do without being anxious about it. You are very brave and very strong, and don't let anything you think tell you different!

Prozac has a really long half life and the drug and the chemicals it creates in you will actually have stayed in your system for quite a while, possibly even the whole month. Slowly depleting obviously, but there. It could just be a blip as you finally clear them all out. It could just be a blip of returning to normality. Could it be hormones? They can have a serious effect on your mood, especially if it's your first unmedicated cycle.

I took St. John's Wort before I had kids and it helped balance out my depression/anxiety issues. But it is better for the more mild to moderate states. I understand it has similar effects on seratonin as the SSRI ADs, just gentler. If the prozac works well with you (to a certain extent, not counting the lobotomy!) you might do well on a different AD, but of a similar sort. Another SSRI, possibly. I would definitely talk to your doctor.

Wow, my first post in years and I'm totally waffling. Sorry!

Thanks twerking for the much needed hug. Am feeling a bit less manic today just lightheaded and still tearful. No mood swings which us good.

Lasting light I was on citalapram years ago but it made permanently tired which is no good when you have children

Mrsnoggin it feels like when I 1st started them so I am kind of hoping it is still withdrawal symptoms a month on. I was thinking it could be hormones. I have pcos but strangely my cycle went regular whilst on Prozac. I am 42 so it could passably be early menopause. I will attend the gp and see what they say.