![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kamikimai on March 9, 2006, at 7:24:51
I just started taking 10mg Prozac for depression and had no problems. After 2 months I felt I needed to increase my dosage and started taking 20mg. One week later I suffered a bizarre episode where my left wrist started aching in the joint area. Within an hour I was having a severe muscle spasm in my left palm and wrist area. Not knowing what was happening I went to the emergency room. The ER doctor had no idea what happened and tried to make me believe I had injured my wrist even though I insisted I had not. I was put in a wrist brace and sent home. The next morning I woke up and my palm and wrist were very swollen and somewhat discolored. One day later, my wrist and palm are blue and brown, indicating bleeding (bruising). This morning I thought to go online and see if muscle spasms are a side effect of Prozac. I was shocked to learn that they are. I am now wanting to get off this medication but am concerned about withdrawal symptoms. Any suggestions/feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 9, 2006, at 13:12:27
In reply to Prozac-Severe Muscle Spasm with Bruising, posted by kamikimai on March 9, 2006, at 7:24:51
Hello! Welcome to pbabble!
Well, as far as withdrawing from prozac goes, its one of the easier ones to come off from. I would taper down gradually, after talking to my doc. In fact, I would make an appointment to see your pdoc/gp whoever prescribed the prozac in the first place ASAP. I'm no expert but it sounds like you had one of the more exotic side effects/reactions, so there may be things s/he needs to check.
As for the taper, I can't remember what mine was in terms of dosages etc, but it is quite easy to taper off. But seriously speak to your doc first.
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by kamikimai on March 9, 2006, at 13:26:56
In reply to Re: Prozac-Severe Muscle Spasm with Bruising, posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 9, 2006, at 13:12:27
Thank you for responding. I've called the doctor and am waiting for a call back. I read on the internet that you should get liquid Prozac and reduce it in 1mg increments for 3-4 days at a time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 9, 2006, at 14:15:48
In reply to Re: Prozac-Severe Muscle Spasm with Bruising, posted by kamikimai on March 9, 2006, at 13:26:56
Hey there again -- I'm glad you have contacted the doc. And yes, the liquid prozac is a smart move.
Keep us posted on how you're doing and what the doc says!
Meri
Posted by Cairo on March 9, 2006, at 19:43:35
In reply to Prozac-Severe Muscle Spasm with Bruising, posted by kamikimai on March 9, 2006, at 7:24:51
If tapering off Prozac is difficult, ask your doctor for something to ease the withdrawal effects. I tapered off Prozac VERY slowly, but still had two months of hell due to continued muscle spasms, neck stiffness, sleep disturbance, anxiety, hot flashes, etc. I wish I hadn't toughed it out and asked for something. I know Prozac is long acting and the taper shouldn't be difficult, but it was for me.
Cairo
Posted by Phillipa on March 9, 2006, at 22:55:08
In reply to Re: Prozac-Severe Muscle Spasm with Bruising, posted by Cairo on March 9, 2006, at 19:43:35
Would an added benzo help for a while? Fondly, Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.