[ZolaB]

I began to experience extreme irritability and anger when I went through menopause. My bipolar has been well controlled with lithium since 1992 until I hit this snag. First went on HRT which helped immensely, but had too many side effects. Psych doc put me on Prozac, 40 mg, and I still had a daily snap, usually at work, in the afternoon. He took me off of Prozac 6 weeks ago, and my irritability increased. Every day, it takes any stress or frustration to pitch me into a state in which I sometimes hit my head with my fists, feel like throwing things, start slamming things around, feel out of control. I try to nip these in the bud by going out for a walk, leaving my desk at work, but most of the time I am mentally banging my head against the wall.

Has anyone felt such extreme effects from discontinuing Prozac? I have asked my doctor to consider resuming the Prozac or another SSRI uptake inhibitor. I cannot go on this way. I feel like a crazed person every day.

[Victoria'smom]

Are you on an anti psychotic or a benzo PRN? both those are suppose to help with agitation.

[pirilin]

Hi ZolaB: I'm sorry to read about your situation. Maybe the dose of Prozac should have been reduced in a longer period of time. Phyc meds take a long time to leave the body.
Prozac is known for having a long 1/2 life. Check into that. Meantime I hope you feel better and post as much as necessary. (((HUGS))).

[Wanderlust90]

ADs increased my irritability & agitation. APs & benzos helped the most & to less extent lithium.

Hope your feeling better soon.