Getting off of Prozac

[Nina Twin]

Okay, so I've been taking antidepressants for a long time - since I was a sophomore in high school. I've tried to get off of them (and I weaned off, like you're supposed to). I was fine for a while without them, but then I started feeling upset again.

I want to stop taking it now. Well, not just STOP taking it, but wean off of it. I don't like being dependent upon pills. Anyway, I've heard that Saint John's Wort can be good as a natural alternative. Does anyone else have any suggestions? They would be short term - I would wean off of Prozac and onto something natural, then wean off of the natural stuff.

Any advice would be super. =]

[Ghost On The Highway]

How much P are you on? I was on 30mg and it "fucked me up" for lack of a better term. I've reduced the dosage to 10mg without any notable side effects, but these things vary for most people. Are you seeing a psychiatrist or a GP?

[Nina Twin]

I am on 20 mg. I used to see therapists all the time, but I haven't been to one in about two years. Perhaps I could talk to my doctor about reducing my next prescription to 10, then lower.

[Ghost On The Highway]

20's not too high, but it may be an issue if you've been on it for a while. I was only on 30 for a month and a half, which made it easy to reduce the dose. Prozac is known for being relatively easy to discontinue, primarily because of its long half life (~13 days), your dr. should have some better insights about this though.

-James

[bitesize]

I agree with James, I think it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about reducing the dose ~ even going down to 15 or 10. If you still feel ok with those you can think about progressing further. You could maybe talk to him about gonig on a milder type of medication?? And I ahev heard some positive things about St. John's Wort, (although it doesn't mix well with birth control pills.) I think it's really great that you want to come off them though, good luck (: xox

[Ghost On The Highway]

I've actually decided to eliminate Prozac completely, basically since I haven't seen any improvement with it and am afraid to be on 3 medications at once. If you want, I can keep you posted on any weird side effects that may arise.

--James

[WillO'Wisp]

I think it's great that you want to get over your sadness on your own, naturally without the benefit of pills. I think it's definitely the best way to go. I never went on anti-depressants, although back in the day I sure was tempted dealing with alot of negative, painful memories and feelings I won't get into. But you can get over your sadness naturally, if you give it a good shot! I did, so I know you can too.
What I would suggest, I know it sounds practical and just not very helpful, but if I'm upset I buy myself a chocolate bar or any kinds of chocolates and somehow it boosts my happiness level, it makes me feel better. Chocolate truly is a comfort food, and friends are always great to have around because they make you laugh and make you happy, let you know you are not alone and people care about you. So also, surrounding yourself with people who make you happy is a great thing too! Hope that helped.