need help getting off Prozac

[pieczarka]

hello, can someone, please, help me, give some advice...anything...

I've been on 40mg of Prozac for 4 years (depression and bulimia) and decided to stop just to see if I can live without it and because I got tired of having my life blurred.
I've been off for 4 weeks, but I'm going crazy. I'll be fine for a few days, and then I just start freaking out: my mood swings are horrible, I can't control my anger, I cry and cry and hate myself. It's like I'm turning into this animal, a monster I can't control comes out of me. I'm also getting anxiety attacks (never had those before) I can't deal with anything that cames up during my day. Dropping a glass in the kitchen may make me go crazy.

Can anyone tell me if those are normal withdrawal symptoms, how long can they last? After 4 weeks should I just give up and get back on Prozac or should I keep waiting, what are the chances that I'll get better and when?

I need help, can't live like that. Thanks.

[Phinneas]

pieczarka-- The only one who should be advising you about getting off your anti-depressant is your doctor. Most anti-depressants, if not all, require a tapering process which should be undertaken with medical supervision. Please contact your doctor as soon as possible and explain your symptoms. He or she can advise you on the best course of action.

Hang in there.

jojo

[pieczarka]

Thanks Phinneas, I'm going to see a doc on Monday. Prozac was given to me by a family doctor. I talked to him before I stopped and he said that if I wanted to stop taking it, I should try, no taperig needed. He said that I might be feeling shaky for a few days but this should be all as far as withdrawal symptoms. yeah, right.
Thanks for your advice. maggie

[Wolfstarr]

Hi Maggie,

Hello and I am glad you are going to see a Doc on Monday. I have been taking PROZAC for nearly 20 years. (Ever since this "miracle drug" came on the market.)
I have gone off and on over the years and now, it seems, it doesn't help me as it used to.
Anyway, Prozac has a very long half-life. It can stay in your system for a long time and getting it out of your system I would guess would take quite a while. I think you may be suffering from the effects of prozac slowly leaving your system and then you have to deal with the depressive symptoms once it is gone.
I am currently taking 20mg every other day and this is ok for now...

Your DR. may suggest another anti-depressant or maybe not even returning to any at all if you choose. I am just glad you are going to discuss this with her/him.
Good luck to you and hang in there...let us know what happens.
Hugs,
Wolfstarr

[pieczarka]

Thanks, Wolfstarr. I appreciate your help.