Date:  Thu Mar 1, 2001 2:49pm

Hi, 
I just joined the group. I have been taking Prozac for 7 yrs. My rx is for 
60mg a day. I am trying to stop myself now...my Dr does not know. I have cut 
back to 40mg a day for the last week. Can anyone give me a head ups as to 
what to expect? 
Thanks, 

Laurie  

Date:  Fri Mar 2, 2001 3:40pm

Hi again, this is my second posting. I am still taking Prozac but would like 
to stop. I am in my mid 30's and trying to get pregnant. I dont want to be on 
Prozac anymore. I have a ton of medical issues that have cropped up since 
taking Prozac. Here are a few, can anyone relate? I am being tested for Auto 
Immune Disease. I have a positive ANA and test slightly positive for 
Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have hives that appear on my feet and hands if I 
don't take 2 Claritin a day. I am being tested for TMJ, I grind my teeth 
something terrible. I have extreme mood swings, one day I can be doing fine 
and the next I don't want to leave my house/answer the phone/or talk to 
anyone. Scattered ability to remember simple things, like a phone number or 
what I was doing next? Dry eyes, blurred vision...you get the picture..I feel 
a mess!! 
The reason I started Prozac 7 years ago was for OCD. I've been through 
extensive therapy and have it under control-for the most part..but am very 
scarred that it will come back if I stop Prozac. Does that make sense? It was 
a very painful and exhausting time in my life..but now I wonder if things are 
worse? Thanks for listening! 

Laurie

Date:  Fri Mar 2, 2001 12:32pm

Response1: 
I guess you need to ask yourself what is worse, the OCD or your current 
problems. I would very much take my problems before these drugs instead of 
that what I ended up with.

Patrick

Date:  Fri Mar 2, 2001 4:00pm

Response2:
Yep, you have all the classic signs of Prozac toxicity.  One of the specific 
warnings is that if you experience a rash or hives, YOU MUST GET OFF THE DRUG 
IMMEDIATELY!!!  But they gave you Claritin to mask the symptoms of being 
poisoned?  You need a new doctor.  And yes, ALL of the things you are 
experiencing are caused by Prozac.  I applaud you for wanting to get off this 
drug before you get pregnant.  There are no studies on pregnant women who 
stayed on the drug, but we do know that neonates will experience withdrawal.  
You will need to wean off this drug very slowly.  Wishing you the best of 
luck.

Trisha

Date:  Sat Mar 3, 2001 5:30pm

Response3:
I just wanted to comment on the SSRI- TMJ connection. I've only recently 
begun to realize that the severe TMJ that my son's had for the past two years 
is yet another Prozac related problem. Although he's been off the Prozac for 
a year, the TMJ developed while he was on it, and has worsened since.  
He also has a mouth device which helps some, but really hasn't solved the 
problem. If you've done anything else that works, I'd appreciate knowing 
about it. He's only 19, and I hate to se him suffer with this.  Thanks, 

Patti