Effexor to Prozac? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Shellslove · 03-23-2009, 01:47 PM

Hi All... I posted this to the Substance Abuse Forum, as that's where I usually post, but I'm looking for as much insight as possible, So I wanted to post here as well: Anyone have experience w/Prozac?

Some of you know my story, but just a super quick background, as what I'm looking for is anyone's experience w/Prozac.

I am currently rx'ed 16 mg subutex/daily which I am beginning to taper off of as of today. Starting with cutting back 2mg; down to 14 mg for the next 3 wks to a month -- we'll see how that goes. The subutex was rx'ed after a 10 yr on/off opiate habit; with the last 2 yrs becoming a full blown physical addiction (w/several relapses after going c/t.)

I am also on 150 mg Effexor/daily...this is my first time taking an a/d and I started in March 2008 on 75mg/daily; quickly going up to 150mg. In the past I have been dx'ed w/depression and anxiety but have been reluctant to use meds. I have taken benzos in the past, which worked, but I no longer take them as I am on subutex (interactions) and also due to the abuse potential of benzos. I've also taken Lexapro (didn't seem to do much but make me sleepy) and Zoloft which I hated with a passion- increased my anxiety and I was basically a shut in for 2 mos.

The Effexor, which I've been on for a yr + doesn't seem to be doing much- (either never did or it has come to a plateau.) I told my doctor a few mos ago and he wanted to give it some time....now that time has come. His suggestions were to go up in dose, which I was reluctant to do, or to try a new med. At first he said Cymbalta - but decided it is much like Effexor and would probably effect me the same...the he decided on Prozac. I think technically a predecessor to Effexor (which is a SNRI, and I think Prozac is an SSRI) - but my dr thinks it may be the right thing for me. He feels it's trial and error.

SO I will ween down to 37.5 mg Effexor quickly and begin on the Prozac. I know we can't give medical advice here, but does anyone have experience w/Prozac? If so, how long have you been on it? Have you ever taken other a/ds? What is your experience with Prozac and has it helped you? Any negative side effects or positive outcomes? Thanks in advance for sharing! Please PM me if you're more comfortable with that!

***Freedom1990*** · 03-23-2009, 02:06 PM

I just couldn't tolerate the Prozac. Once I got over the initial dizziness (took about 3-4 weeks), I always felt jittery on it. I'm currently on Cymbalta for depression, and it's been the best A/D so far with the least side effects.

Shellslove · 03-23-2009, 02:37 PM

Thanks Freedom - Cymbalta was the other we were considering, but my doc seems to think it is too similar to Effexor...have you ever tried Effexor, and if so, had results similar to the Cymbalta? I think he also mentioned Celexa...all the messing around w/these is somewhat infuriating at times!

historyteach · 03-23-2009, 04:55 PM

Hi, shellslove!
And welcome to the MH forum of Sr!

I haven't been on those meds at all.
Just wanted say "hi" and to let you know there will be others around too.
Glad you came by!

Shalom!

Shellslove · 03-24-2009, 08:35 AM

thanks history teach - hello, goodbye, and peace to you =)

Rediscovering · 04-30-2009, 12:33 AM

I was on Prozac and felt fantastic for a week, after which I began hallucinating and my depression increased SUBSTANTIALLY. It was dangerous for me and I stopped taking it. Zoloft increased my anxiety to the point where I couldn't function. Cymbalta did nothing for me. I've been terrified to try anything else because of these negative experiences. My doctor wants to try me on Effexor but I'm afraid to try.

I will say that I have intense reactions to medication and everyone is different.... good luck.

03-23-2009, 01:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Shellslove Friend Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: East Coast, Killa Posts: 260	Effexor to Prozac? Hi All... I posted this to the Substance Abuse Forum, as that's where I usually post, but I'm looking for as much insight as possible, So I wanted to post here as well: Anyone have experience w/Prozac? Some of you know my story, but just a super quick background, as what I'm looking for is anyone's experience w/Prozac. I am currently rx'ed 16 mg subutex/daily which I am beginning to taper off of as of today. Starting with cutting back 2mg; down to 14 mg for the next 3 wks to a month -- we'll see how that goes. The subutex was rx'ed after a 10 yr on/off opiate habit; with the last 2 yrs becoming a full blown physical addiction (w/several relapses after going c/t.) I am also on 150 mg Effexor/daily...this is my first time taking an a/d and I started in March 2008 on 75mg/daily; quickly going up to 150mg. In the past I have been dx'ed w/depression and anxiety but have been reluctant to use meds. I have taken benzos in the past, which worked, but I no longer take them as I am on subutex (interactions) and also due to the abuse potential of benzos. I've also taken Lexapro (didn't seem to do much but make me sleepy) and Zoloft which I hated with a passion- increased my anxiety and I was basically a shut in for 2 mos. The Effexor, which I've been on for a yr + doesn't seem to be doing much- (either never did or it has come to a plateau.) I told my doctor a few mos ago and he wanted to give it some time....now that time has come. His suggestions were to go up in dose, which I was reluctant to do, or to try a new med. At first he said Cymbalta - but decided it is much like Effexor and would probably effect me the same...the he decided on Prozac. I think technically a predecessor to Effexor (which is a SNRI, and I think Prozac is an SSRI) - but my dr thinks it may be the right thing for me. He feels it's trial and error. SO I will ween down to 37.5 mg Effexor quickly and begin on the Prozac. I know we can't give medical advice here, but does anyone have experience w/Prozac? If so, how long have you been on it? Have you ever taken other a/ds? What is your experience with Prozac and has it helped you? Any negative side effects or positive outcomes? Thanks in advance for sharing! Please PM me if you're more comfortable with that! __________________ fyi - that's drunk frog in bear suit - not me. "When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set Yourself on fire." ---Torquil Campbell

03-23-2009, 02:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
*Freedom1990* College Student Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 4,931	I just couldn't tolerate the Prozac. Once I got over the initial dizziness (took about 3-4 weeks), I always felt jittery on it. I'm currently on Cymbalta for depression, and it's been the best A/D so far with the least side effects. __________________ DeVon & the Zoo Crew

03-23-2009, 02:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Shellslove Friend Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: East Coast, Killa Posts: 260	Thanks Freedom - Cymbalta was the other we were considering, but my doc seems to think it is too similar to Effexor...have you ever tried Effexor, and if so, had results similar to the Cymbalta? I think he also mentioned Celexa...all the messing around w/these is somewhat infuriating at times! __________________ fyi - that's drunk frog in bear suit - not me. "When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set Yourself on fire." ---Torquil Campbell

03-23-2009, 04:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,882	Hi, shellslove! And welcome to the MH forum of Sr! I haven't been on those meds at all. Just wanted say "hi" and to let you know there will be others around too. Glad you came by! Shalom! __________________ IMAGINE

03-24-2009, 08:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
Shellslove Friend Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: East Coast, Killa Posts: 260	thanks history teach - hello, goodbye, and peace to you =) __________________ fyi - that's drunk frog in bear suit - not me. "When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set Yourself on fire." ---Torquil Campbell

04-30-2009, 12:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
Rediscovering Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 27	I was on Prozac and felt fantastic for a week, after which I began hallucinating and my depression increased SUBSTANTIALLY. It was dangerous for me and I stopped taking it. Zoloft increased my anxiety to the point where I couldn't function. Cymbalta did nothing for me. I've been terrified to try anything else because of these negative experiences. My doctor wants to try me on Effexor but I'm afraid to try. I will say that I have intense reactions to medication and everyone is different.... good luck.

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