Since you don't often read positive stories about withdrawing from SSRI's, I thought you might like to know how I have been getting on. Over the last decade I have been on & off fluoxetine, initially taking it for depression & subsequently taking it over winter because of SAD. Each Spring I'd gradually come off it, knowing that if things got tough over Winter, I had something to fall back on.
Last year I didn't take a break from it because I had a lot going on, much of it not good so this time round I wanted to come off it now that Spring is here. I didn't really want to come off since it really helps keep my mood even, especially as I am plagued with PMT which can make me feel very angry & change my mindset totally. The downside of coming off it is that my PMT gets worse bit I am doing other things to help with that. They seem to be helping.
Well I am now 100% off it, having spent several weeks slowly cutting down. I have been so busy at work I kept forgetting to take it so in the end I decided the time was right for a break. I prefer not to stay on it more than a year if possible & less than that if I can manage it.
In terms if withdrawal, I get a bit of a funny head. I describe it as I turn my head and then my brain catches up a few seconds later. It's not dizziness. It's not light-headedness either. I find this only lasts a couple of weeks & is made worse if I am tired but really it is a very small price to pay when you consider how fluoxetine helps me through the Winter & with other things.
So, on the face of it .... Fluoxetine is my friend. It gives me a lift when I really need it and in terms if side-effects, they are minor, so you can take heart from my story because it is one of success.