Anyone else told Prozac was not addictive years ago and now cannot get off it?

Question

I was told it would work short term for my post natal depression..ten years on, still on it. Every time I try to come off (slowly, petering out the tablets not sudden withdrawal) I get odd symptoms...brain 'zaps', and feeling even more depressed than I remember being before I went on the tablets. It is almost like Prozac has created the problem by changing the brain chemicals so much that I my brain can't remember how I used to feel. I dread the thought of being reliant on this drug for the rest of my life in order to feel 'normal'.

Answer 1

Yes i was told it was NOT addictive, i have been in venlofaxine foe 6 years now and like you i have tried to come off of them and suffered llike i did before i went on them, i cant ever see myself ever getting off of them i think we are 1 of millions that have been told the same.......like me you are not alone..........best of luck

Answer 2

To fulfil the definition of an addictive substance 2 criteria are needed, firstly that symptoms are produced by withdrawing and second that the effect reduces with time, resulting in a need to increase the dose to maintain effect. Strictly speaking since Prozac does not fulfil the second criteria it is not a drug of addiction.

However I have had a number of patients who suffer from rebound anxiety or less frequently depression. It is difficult to be sure though which of these patients still have their underlying problem, which just uncovers again as the dose is reduced.

It was my practise to switch the patient to a liquid version of Prozac and reduce more slowly at a rate of perhaps 2mgs per month or even occasionally 2 mgs every 2 months. In virtually 100% of patients this was slow, but very successful. ( Unless their depression was still active underneath.)

Answer 3

Hi,

i have been on Prozac for about 6 months and have been told i will be on them at least another year. The prozac hasn't caused your problems, they helped you in a bad time, which could have lead to anything if left untreated. There is always a risk of becoming dependant on drugs. My doctor has never told me that I will get aaddicted but i did come off them after a short period at the start and had to be weened off them as they are one of the few anti-depressants that you have to do that with apparently.

Have you discussed this with your gp? maybe you could try coming off them slower if its definately what you want, however, whats the fear in needing them, lots of people need medication to live, peple with heart problems take tablets to regulate their heart beat so that they stay alive, whats the problem in taking a tablet that helps you from feeling depressed, worthless or even suicidal?

I understand what you are saying though, it would be great to feel normal without them and that is possible and many people have come off them successfully...perhaps the fact that when you try to come off them you sink back into depression is showing that you still have issues that need to be sorted out and the prozac is just covering them up slightly....

its something you should definately discuss with your gp for more information!

best of luck

xxx

Answer 4

I was on it for 5 years, and came off with no real problems. I don't think it's physically addictive at all, I've been addicted to both alcohol and valium. You want to try coming off them.

Answer 5

No, i was absolutely terrified of coming off though, was convinced I'd slide back down.
I didn't, every now again I get bad days, but I'm better equipped to deal with these now and go out and try to enjoy myself, and ......TALK, that helps loads.

Answer 6

thats not a physical addiction

your problem is a mental addiction and down to you to resolve, you just have a habit, dont blame the drug