The problem is the side effects. 2 main side effects are short patience--I get very angry over very small things. Very mean and hurtful--but I can't turn it off easily. And I can't sit still. I go to bed tired but I get tingliness in my toes and other areas.. and it makes me insane! I have to get up and move around. The dr. gave me xanax. How long will these side effects last? He's suggesting Lexapro. But I don't want to take anything. Help!
2006-10-07 16:29:25 · 2 answers · asked by Marci F 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I guess there would be some questions about this issue...
Why were you on the Luvox (fluvoxamine) for 10 years? What symptoms did you have that led you to go on Luvox? And why did you discontinue its use?
But, in any event, the typical starting dose of Luvox is 50mg/day. The maximum dose is 300 mg/day. Therefore, what I can say is that you were on a fairly healthy dose of Luvox, which is an "SSRI" - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.
It is well known that such medications must be weaned very slowly to avoid discontinuation effects, sometimes referred to as "discontinuation syndrome". The hallmarks of this is that it happens typically in the first few days of abruptly stopping an SSRI and include such symptoms as:
Dizziness, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, chills, anxiety, and irritability.
These symptoms are not dangerous and typically dissipate over one to two weeks, though they can be quite distressing and uncomfortable.
Therefore, I would say that you have symptoms of this, but it has only been 12 days...and you were on a high dose for a LONG time (10 years). I would give it another couple of weeks...and see if the symptoms completely resolve (hopefully!)...
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I would caution you heavily on the use of xanax - it is very addictive...and you can easily become dependent upon it. It is definitely a short-term solution for you, and should NOT be used for more than a couple of weeks.
If symptoms persist, it may be very difficult to discern whether these symptoms are from discontinuation of the Luvox, or if underlying depression with anxiety is again rearing its head (after being possibly held more at bay for 10 years on Luvox)?
In any event, Lexapro was an excellent suggestion. There are many other SSRI's that would also be excellent choices for you, if symptoms persist for more than 2 more weeks.
I KNOW you don't want to take anything....however, please do not willingly accept "xanax" when there are other much better and suitable alternatives that aren't as habit-forming.
Consider: you were on a very high SSRI for 10 years! Give yourself a break, don't condemn yourself, don't put yourself down, and don't be discouraged!
You may just need a very SMALL dose of a different SSRI for a little awhile....with later hopes to wean from it! Perhaps another 3-6 months, is all...or even less!
It is NOT as though you would go back to a high dose, like you were before....and considering the alternatives of dealing with the anger outbursts and restlessness, it seems like quite a healthy choice.
Of course, talk this over with your doctor.
If you are really opposed to medication, then consider a short period of counseling....which is very effective.
I hope and pray your fears/anxieties/restlessness quickly disappear in the coming days, and this issue be a thing of the past for you.
Grace and peace,
yachadhoo
;)
2006-10-08 15:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by yachadhoo 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Weaning Off Luvox
2016-12-13 05:50:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋