Stopping SSRI - withdrawal?

[qfskies18]

Hey all,

So after two different attempts, I’m stopping my SSRI for anxiety in favour of therapy. I did not like how sick I felt all the time.

I started on one SSRI but after four weeks was still sick, so switched to another. The changeover was very easy. After three weeks on this new one, I’m now stopping altogether (on doctor’s advice). Considering I’m on the lowest dose possible, am I likely to experience much of a withdrawal? I’m supposed to be flying in two days and the thought of flying while feeling sick terrifies me.

has anyone stopped a low dose SSRI cold turkey? Or experienced withdrawal?

thanks in advance!

[Buzz71]

Great to hear your withdrawal went well. Obviously everyone hs different experiences and I don't wish to be the voice of negativity but my experience was much different. Dizziness, a woolly-headed almost out of body type feeling, and most of all strong rage issues were withdrawal symptoms for me that lasted months. I'm just about clear now I think having ceased my SSRI in late March-early April via a doctor-supervised weaning process.

Again, don't want to rain on any parades but I think it important for people struggling to withdraw to know that if it takes time and has side effects that (a) it is not uncommon, but (b) you can get off them in time.

[geoff]

Hello Qfskies, I'm sorry I missed your reply but pleased it went OK.

How are you feeling now?

Geoff.

[White_Rose]

Hello qfskies

It's good you had few side effects after ceasing your SSRI. Sorry to hear about the nausea and the gagging reaction. Hopefully that will die down soon. Have you discussed these with your GP? It may be useful to return to your GP and check about these problems fairly soon.

It's also great that you going to see a psychologist soon. I hope all goes well.

Mary

[qfskies18]

Thanks everyone for the support. The nausea and gagging is quite persistent. I’m not sure what’s causing it but it is extremely disheartening and frustrating and it is feeding my anxiety even further. I’m giving it another few days to see if it improves and if not, I’ll be going back to see my GP again. I’m sure he’s sick of seeing me lately 😕

[blondguy]

Hi qfskies18

You are very strong and good on you for being so proactive with your health too!

Just my humble opinion....Your GP would be very proud of you for how much you have accomplished even if you see him again...and again! Its harder for the people that dont go back for an another appointment

you are amazing 🙂

Paul

[qfskies18]

Thanks Paul,

I ended up dropping into the practice when I was at the shop today and booking an appointment for tomorrow morning. This one nagging side effect is driving me nuts, so figure it can’t hurt to get on top of it now. It could be anxiety based, but probably best to rule out physical causes before I see the psych in August.

[blondguy]

No worries and thankyou for replying...(not that we expect a response of course!)

Just a note re any anxiety symptoms from my own experience if thats okay.....Anxiety (if any) usually effects the digestive system first (including the throat...esophagus...nausea etc) as its the most sympathetic to anxiety

I have attached a link from a member like yourself....Annabay who wrote an excellent thread asking about physical symptoms of anxiety....Its a huge thread yet you will see people with similar symptoms as yourself discussing same

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/what-physical-feelings-of-anxiety-do-you-get

Good on you for making the appointment for tomorrow!

Paul

[geoff]

Hello Qfskies, I just wanted to say well done and we are always here for you.

Take care.

Geoff.