Hi everyone,

 

Here is my SA Thread:

 

I’m looking for insight from others who have experience tapering long‑term antidepressants.

 

I’ve been on Prozac since 2004 and Wellbutrin XL since 2014.

 

At the time, my TSH was undetectable, and my only mental health symptom was that while away at college, I sometimes didn’t want to leave my room or apartment for a couple of days. I received I‑131 treatment in 2005, and my depression and anxiety were considered secondary to hyper‑ and hypothyroidism.

 

In 2019, I asked my psychiatrist about tapering off these medications but was told I would need to stay on them for life, without a clear explanation. Not knowing any better, I abruptly stopped Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Adderall. This triggered intense suicidal ideation, which resolved after reinstating Prozac and Wellbutrin. From 2019 to 2025, I remained stable on Prozac 40 mg and Wellbutrin XL 450 mg.

 

Despite being “stable,” I continued to experience emotional numbing, rage, irritability, and noticeable personality changes. That’s why I want—and need—to come off these medications. Outside of medication effects, I am not an angry or irritable person.

 

In January 2025, under my psychiatrist’s guidance, I began tapering Prozac and Wellbutrin XL using a linear approach, which I now understand was too aggressive. Over about eight months, I reduced Prozac from 40 → 10 mg and Wellbutrin XL from 450 → 150 mg, which initially went smoothly.

 

Problems began when I was instructed to take Prozac 10 mg every other day and cut Wellbutrin XL 150 mg in half. At that point, panic attacks and intrusive thoughts emerged. I updosed and adjusted doses several times, not realizing my nervous system had become destabilized and that other medications may have contributed.

 

I’ve now been holding for several months. As of today, I’m at Prozac 10 mg (Day 81) and Wellbutrin XL 150 mg (Day 105). I’m also taking metformin 500 mg twice daily (Day 23), have reduced magnesium citrate to two gummies, and it’s been 23 days since taking a very small dose of Xanax. I still experience brief, fleeting suicidal thoughts every couple of days, but overall I am improving.

 

My concern is that I’m still on commercially available doses and unsure whether I can taper safely from here. I want to live, and avoiding intrusive suicidal ideation is my highest priority—even though the process has been frightening and exhausting.

 

Despite extensive research, I still don’t know which medication would be safer to taper first. The other symptoms I can manage.

I’m currently holding at Prozac 10 mg daily and Wellbutrin XL 150 mg. If anyone has had a similar experience or insight into tapering Prozac vs. Wellbutrin after long‑term use, I’d really appreciate hearing from you.

Hey Healthyagain

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Thank you for posting your introduction Topic.

 

I have found you on SA and linked your thread above for you.

 

Im sorry for the problems you have had from long term use of Wellbutrin and Prozac. CTs and fast tapers are not kind to our nervous systems and I know you are aware.

 

Sounds like your hold is working well for you. It can take some time to stabilise and be ready to start tapering.

 

I assume you have read all the guides on SA already about taper speeds and so on?

 

28 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

been 23 days since taking a very small dose of Xanax.

I wouldn't touch any more of this or any Psychoactive substance if I was you, other than your current medications.

 

28 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

My concern is that I’m still on commercially available doses and unsure whether I can taper safely from here.

There are a number of ways to reduce your doses in increasing smaller ways.

 

There is no right answer you just need to pick one that suits your circumstances. Many dry cut till lower doses and then switch to liquids. Transitioning from pills to liquid

 

Have a read:

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

How to calculate dosages and dilutions. Spreadsheets and calculators.

 

28 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Despite extensive research, I still don’t know which medication would be safer to taper first.

There isnt really a right answer here in your situation.

 

But have a read of this: Polydrugged? Which drug to taper off first?

 

Main thing is go slow and be patient. It can take a long time get off all your drugs so you want to do this right. 

 

You look to be stabilising well atm from what I can read. Keep this up. It will be solid platform for you to begin your taper.

 

If you want access to taper plans I can give you some hyperbolic examples for you to look at.

 

Thanks for joining the forum. Its great to have you here!

 

Chippy

Thank you for crossing over.

 

I agree with @Chippy, intermittent use of benzos is very risky and in the UK the medical profession is becoming more reluctant to use them in non emergency situations.

11 hours ago, Chippy said:

Sounds like your hold is working well for you. It can take some time to stabilise and be ready to start tapering.

 

in your experience or what you have seen with other people, do you have any idea how long does it take to stabilize? 

Hello!

 

I wanted to congratulate you on your thorough and measured approach to tapering.   

 

Nobody ever got hurt by asking too many questions or reading too much about tapering.  

 

 

6 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

in your experience or what you have seen with other people, do you have any idea how long does it take to stabilize? 

It really does seem to vary from person to person. I haven't tapered myself so I dont have personal experience of this. But I know it can take quite some time and some have some very long holds.

15 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

in your experience or what you have seen with other people, do you have any idea how long does it take to stabilize? 

 

As @Chippy it is extremely variable person to person, drug to drug and so on. None of this is an exact science unfortunately.

I just wanted to share an update.

I’m still holding Prozac 10 mg and Wellbutrin XL 150 mg. I also stopped my supplements — surprisingly, coming off omega-3 and vitamin D has made me feel much better, at least today. My doctor has also reduced my levothyroxine (Tirosint) further in an effort to finally bring my TSH into range, since it’s been undetectable for years.

I’m still having episodes of brain fog, though. For example, today I was writing and suddenly couldn’t remember how to spell a simple word, or I’ll be talking and completely lose the word I’m trying to say. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think it’s more likely from Prozac or Wellbutrin?

4 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

I just wanted to share an update.

I’m still holding Prozac 10 mg and Wellbutrin XL 150 mg. I also stopped my supplements — surprisingly, coming off omega-3 and vitamin D has made me feel much better, at least today. My doctor has also reduced my levothyroxine (Tirosint) further in an effort to finally bring my TSH into range, since it’s been undetectable for years.

I’m still having episodes of brain fog, though. For example, today I was writing and suddenly couldn’t remember how to spell a simple word, or I’ll be talking and completely lose the word I’m trying to say. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think it’s more likely from Prozac or Wellbutrin?

You sound like you are doing well relatively. 😀

it’s interesting you feel better having stopped your supplements. I’ve seen many do better without. 
 

Brain fog is a common symptom I couldn’t blame one drug or the other. It’s all part of the bigger picture in my view. 
 

I hope this trend continues for you. 

4 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

For example, today I was writing and suddenly couldn’t remember how to spell a simple word, or I’ll be talking and completely lose the word I’m trying to say. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think it’s more likely from Prozac or Wellbutrin?

@Healthyagain I've taken both of those in the past and am now on a different cocktail. The things you describe are very familiar to me and it's almost daily occurrences. Sometimes words don't sound right, and word searching is frequent. For example we had a arborist take down a tree and I asked him about the root removal and used the word maceration - it was all I could think of although I knew it wasn't the right term. He said 'yes I'll organise a stump grinder'. It's the correct term and one I've used many times but it just wouldn't come to me.

7 hours ago, Chippy said:

You sound like you are doing well relatively. 😀

it’s interesting you feel better having stopped your supplements. I’ve seen many do better without. 
 

Brain fog is a common symptom I couldn’t blame one drug or the other. It’s all part of the bigger picture in my view. 
 

I hope this trend continues for you. 

Thank you, but my days are still full of symptoms, so I hold onto any slightly better day when it comes. I can’t find the fluoxetine manufacturer I’ve used for 6 years and today is my last 10 mg tablet, so I’m using leftover crumbs from my summer every-other-day doses until a pharmacy can fill it. I’m very scared to switch manufacturers right now given the DPDR, intrusive SI, sense of doom, panic, anxiety, fragmented sleep, rage, and word-finding issues... I’m already experiencing.

 

 

 

7 hours ago, Catbird said:

@Healthyagain I've taken both of those in the past and am now on a different cocktail. The things you describe are very familiar to me and it's almost daily occurrences. Sometimes words don't sound right, and word searching is frequent. For example we had a arborist take down a tree and I asked him about the root removal and used the word maceration - it was all I could think of although I knew it wasn't the right term. He said 'yes I'll organise a stump grinder'. It's the correct term and one I've used many times but it just wouldn't come to me.

yes sounds very familiar.  I hope you are doing well

16 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Thank you, but my days are still full of symptoms, so I hold onto any slightly better day when it comes. I can’t find the fluoxetine manufacturer I’ve used for 6 years and today is my last 10 mg tablet, so I’m using leftover crumbs from my summer every-other-day doses until a pharmacy can fill it. I’m very scared to switch manufacturers right now given the DPDR, intrusive SI, sense of doom, panic, anxiety, fragmented sleep, rage, and word-finding issues... I’m already experiencing.

 

 

 

I’m sorry you are still very much in the trenches I know. Yes hold onto those better days. They are a good sign. 
 

I hope you can get some Prozac soon. You are right to not want to switch. We don’t recommend switching when not stable and you would need to perform a crossover period rather than a straight switch. 
Have you tried contacting other pharmacies or explaining to yours how urgently you need a refill?

2 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

Thank you, but my days are still full of symptoms, so I hold onto any slightly better day when it comes. I can’t find the fluoxetine manufacturer I’ve used for 6 years and today is my last 10 mg tablet, so I’m using leftover crumbs from my summer every-other-day doses until a pharmacy can fill it. I’m very scared to switch manufacturers right now given the DPDR, intrusive SI, sense of doom, panic, anxiety, fragmented sleep, rage, and word-finding issues... I’m already experiencing.

 

 

 

Hi @Healthyagain,

 

I really respect how meticulously you’ve been tracking this, especially given what happened in 2019. The fact that abrupt cessation previously triggered intense suicidal ideation suggests your CNS is very sensitive to dose changes, so caution makes a lot of sense.

A few things stand out:

1. You made two destabilizing changes close together: alternate-day dosing of Prozac and cutting Wellbutrin XL. Even with fluoxetine’s long half-life, alternate-day dosing can cause "whip lash" fluctuations in sensitive people. Cutting an XL tablet can interrupt the timed-release mechanism and sometimes lead to panic or intrusive thoughts. The timing you describe agrees with that pattern.

2. The fact that your SI is now brief and improving while you’re holding steady is encouraging. That pattern often reflects nervous system destabilization rather than a total depressive relapse.

3. Brain fog is common during both SSRI and wellbutrin adjustments. Thyroid levels could be a contributing factor and therefore it would be important to have them regularly checked and optimized.  But the close timing with medication changes makes the taper the more likely primary driver of your symptoms.

Before tapering further, a reliable stretch of stability (no intrusive SI, consistent sleep and mood) would be best. When you do taper, changing only one medication at a time and reducing in small increments is the best way to proceed. Some health providers suggest  tapering the more activating medication first (Wellbutrin tends to be), especially if irritability or agitation are experienced, but there’s no universal "rule". It's highly important to monitor for early warning signs, like returning intrusive SI, panic, or severe insomnia.  Keeping it slow & steady while letting your symptoms guide your pace is key, and no one wins a prize by finishing their taper first.

 

Knowing your history, I can reassure you that going slowly and carefully is not a setback, but wise strategy.

---

Edited February 21Feb 21 by Gaucho

@Healthyagain

 

I have some further thoughts for you about what to taper first when you get to that stage.

 

We have a member here who was a Mod on SA (go2zero) and he is currently tapering Wellbutrin. He has written a great guide about tapering it.

 

In it, he talks about how Wellbutrin slows down the metabolisation of other drugs you are taking making those drug effect stronger. As a result if you taper Wellbutrin first you reduce this effect as you taper, and then effectively start to reduce the strength of the other drugs you are not tapering. So it's a bit like you are tapering all the drugs at the same time! It's an interesting read and would suggest leaving Wellbutrin till last.

 

I know go2zero will be more than happy to chat to you when you are at the point you need to start making these decisions.

 

Here is a link to his guide for you. How to taper Wellbutrin / Bupropion

 

Chippy

On 2/21/2026 at 9:44 AM, Gaucho said:

Hi @Healthyagain,

 

I really respect how meticulously you’ve been tracking this, especially given what happened in 2019. The fact that abrupt cessation previously triggered intense suicidal ideation suggests your CNS is very sensitive to dose changes, so caution makes a lot of sense.

A few things stand out:

1. You made two destabilizing changes close together: alternate-day dosing of Prozac and cutting Wellbutrin XL. Even with fluoxetine’s long half-life, alternate-day dosing can cause "whip lash" fluctuations in sensitive people. Cutting an XL tablet can interrupt the timed-release mechanism and sometimes lead to panic or intrusive thoughts. The timing you describe agrees with that pattern.

2. The fact that your SI is now brief and improving while you’re holding steady is encouraging. That pattern often reflects nervous system destabilization rather than a total depressive relapse.

3. Brain fog is common during both SSRI and wellbutrin adjustments. Thyroid levels could be a contributing factor and therefore it would be important to have them regularly checked and optimized.  But the close timing with medication changes makes the taper the more likely primary driver of your symptoms.

Before tapering further, a reliable stretch of stability (no intrusive SI, consistent sleep and mood) would be best. When you do taper, changing only one medication at a time and reducing in small increments is the best way to proceed. Some health providers suggest  tapering the more activating medication first (Wellbutrin tends to be), especially if irritability or agitation are experienced, but there’s no universal "rule". It's highly important to monitor for early warning signs, like returning intrusive SI, panic, or severe insomnia.  Keeping it slow & steady while letting your symptoms guide your pace is key, and no one wins a prize by finishing their taper first.

 

Knowing your history, I can reassure you that going slowly and carefully is not a setback, but wise strategy.

---

Thank you for your reply,  everything you said are on point.  

On 2/21/2026 at 11:45 AM, Chippy said:

@Healthyagain

 

I have some further thoughts for you about what to taper first when you get to that stage.

 

We have a member here who was a Mod on SA (go2zero) and he is currently tapering Wellbutrin. He has written a great guide about tapering it.

 

In it, he talks about how Wellbutrin slows down the metabolisation of other drugs you are taking making those drug effect stronger. As a result if you taper Wellbutrin first you reduce this effect as you taper, and then effectively start to reduce the strength of the other drugs you are not tapering. So it's a bit like you are tapering all the drugs at the same time! It's an interesting read and would suggest leaving Wellbutrin till last.

 

I know go2zero will be more than happy to chat to you when you are at the point you need to start making these decisions.

 

Here is a link to his guide for you. How to taper Wellbutrin / Bupropion

 

Chippy

 

Yes, I’ve talked to him on SA, and he tapered his SSRI first too. That said, I want to taper Prozac first because it’s the one most tied to intrusive thoughts, emotional blunting, SI risk, and appetite/insulin issues. Keeping Wellbutrin XL steady gives me a buffer since it’s activating and helps counter SSRI withdrawal fatigue and low mood. Tapering Prozac first also aligns with long-term withdrawal guidance, my low-dopamine, low-reserve healing phase, and practical issues like constipation and overeating. I’m waiting to stabilize fully before resuming the taper. I have to admit I’m scared because I want to keep my job, protect my life from being disrupted, and avoid intrusive thoughts or SI at all costs.

I really appreciate your diligence and for recommending him to me.

 

3 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

 

Yes, I’ve talked to him on SA, and he tapered his SSRI first too. That said, I want to taper Prozac first because it’s the one most tied to intrusive thoughts, emotional blunting, SI risk, and appetite/insulin issues. Keeping Wellbutrin XL steady gives me a buffer since it’s activating and helps counter SSRI withdrawal fatigue and low mood. Tapering Prozac first also aligns with long-term withdrawal guidance, my low-dopamine, low-reserve healing phase, and practical issues like constipation and overeating. I’m waiting to stabilize fully before resuming the taper. I have to admit I’m scared because I want to keep my job, protect my life from being disrupted, and avoid intrusive thoughts or SI at all costs.

I really appreciate your diligence and for recommending him to me.

 

Sounds like your decision is clear now 😊

 

Yes nice and stable is the way. 
 

I understand the fear. Try to trust in yourself and your body. You’re making good methodical choices and being patient. Try to take each day as it comes. You’ve no need to fear you are doing everything right. 😀

 

Chippy

8 hours ago, Chippy said:

Sounds like your decision is clear now 😊

 

Yes nice and stable is the way. 
 

I understand the fear. Try to trust in yourself and your body. You’re making good methodical choices and being patient. Try to take each day as it comes. You’ve no need to fear you are doing everything right. 😀

 

Chippy

Reading the OCD/looping thoughts thread scared me—seeing someone taper Prozac, be off three years, still suffer intrusive thoughts, and then reinstate makes me worry all this effort could be for nothing; catastrophizing is my default. I’ve already tried brief updoses of both Wellbutrin XL and Prozac on separate occasions and both made me worse, so I feel stuck and unsure when I’ll truly be ready to taper. It’s exhausting because just months ago I felt normal with no intrusive thoughts, and the uncertainty about how long this will last really frightens me.

 

 

5 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Reading the OCD/looping thoughts thread scared me

Is this an SA thread?

 

6 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

catastrophizing is my default.

It's good to recognise this. Just because you think it doesnt make it YOUR reality, Working on our mindfulness is so important. Just one day at a time. I see people desperately looking at success stories for someone just like them to tell them what comes next. Truth is our future isnt in those stores. We are all unique. Keeping calm and taking one day at a time is so important to dealing with all this.

 

Have you read our post Acceptance is key ?

 

9 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

the uncertainty about how long this will last really frightens me.

I can understand that as I said have a read of the post above. Radical acceptance is really important IMO.

 

Youll know when its time to continue your Prozac taper.

 

Have you had any luck getting your prescription sorted?

 

 

11 minutes ago, Chippy said:

Is this an SA thread?

 

 

Yes — here is the link: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/9671-withdrawal-causing-repetitive-or-intrusive-thoughts-rumination-and-increased-panic/page/2/

I’m specifically referring to the member “thecowisback.” I’ve been searching for people who were on Prozac long-term and successfully tapered, and they’re surprisingly hard to find.

Edited February 23Feb 23 by Healthyagain

2 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

yes

 

here is the link https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/9671-withdrawal-causing-repetitive-or-intrusive-thoughts-rumination-and-increased-panic/page/2/

and i am specifically talking about member thecowisback

I see. Try work on coping skills and not look at past threads as they often only feed these fears further someone else's experience isnt your future. 🙂 

I know no one can predict exactly how this will unfold, and that everyone’s timeline is different. It’s been a little over six months since the intrusive thoughts started. I did two brief updoses and then reduced again when they didn’t help, and I’m still slightly above the dose I was on when all of this began.

 

My biggest worry is that the thoughts might not fully resolve. How long is it usually wise to hold before attempting another taper, and would it be reasonable to very cautiously trial something like a 1% reduction just to see how I respond? I’ve also heard conflicting advice about whether to taper Prozac or Wellbutrin XL first. Part of me suspects Prozac may be contributing more, but I’m not confident in that and I’m afraid of choosing wrong. I sometimes wonder whether what I’m experiencing could be protracted withdrawal, and if so, how that is even determined in practice.

 

Up to little over 6 months ago, my taper was linear and I became destabilized before I learned about slower, symptom-guided methods, so I’ve just been holding. I haven’t actually attempted a truly gradual taper yet. Is it possible that intrusive thoughts could still reappear even with a very careful approach? That possibility scares me, especially knowing that slow tapers can take years. I just want to be stable enough to function and live my life while tapering—is that realistic?

 

The last six months have felt very unpredictable, like I’m constantly bracing for the next wave. For instance, two days ago was mostly okay except for two intrusive spikes: one around midday with a sudden “what is the point of life?” thought, and another later when I saw someone cutting pills and briefly thought, “why not just end it?” These thoughts feel alien and frightening because I truly want to live, get better, and enjoy my life.  Yesterday it was mostly a normal day.  I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and share their perspective.

18 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

I know no one can predict exactly how this will unfold, and that everyone’s timeline is different. It’s been a little over six months since the intrusive thoughts started. I did two brief updoses and then reduced again when they didn’t help, and I’m still slightly above the dose I was on when all of this began.

The up and down doses will have added to your troubles. The brain doesn't like these changes. How long ago were they? I cant see them in your footer? Which drug is this you moved.

 

Could you make your footer more clear so it reads like this:

 

01 Jan 2025 Prozac 10mg

01 Feb 2025 Prozac 15mg

and so on........

 

Thank you 🙂 

 

18 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

My biggest worry is that the thoughts might not fully resolve. How long is it usually wise to hold before attempting another taper, and would it be reasonable to very cautiously trial something like a 1% reduction just to see how I respond? I’ve also heard conflicting advice about whether to taper Prozac or Wellbutrin XL first. Part of me suspects Prozac may be contributing more, but I’m not confident in that and I’m afraid of choosing wrong. I sometimes wonder whether what I’m experiencing could be protracted withdrawal, and if so, how that is even determined in practice.

I think this worry is a symptom all of its own Im afraid. It's natural to worry but when you are having OCD type intrusive thoughts worrying about them is part of the thoughts themselves. I think it's worth remembering this. 

 

There is no wrong answer just what you think is best. For me I agree just off the back of go2zeros post the prozac could go first just my thoughts.

 

Many worry they are not suffering WD and think it's some kind of relapse. This is common. Again possibly part of your Intrusive thought symptom perhaps?

 

18 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

Up to little over 6 months ago, my taper was linear and I became destabilized before I learned about slower, symptom-guided methods, so I’ve just been holding. I haven’t actually attempted a truly gradual taper yet. Is it possible that intrusive thoughts could still reappear even with a very careful approach? That possibility scares me, especially knowing that slow tapers can take years. I just want to be stable enough to function and live my life while tapering—is that realistic?

This is root of your problem you tapered too fast, Please make a nice clear signature as per above it will help us get a much better picture of what has happened to you and allow us to comment further. 🙂 

 

I see a pattern here. A lot of fear and thoughts creeping in. I really do think a lot of this is just part of all this for you. I so sorry its very distressing.

 

18 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

The last six months have felt very unpredictable, like I’m constantly bracing for the next wave. For instance, two days ago was mostly okay except for two intrusive spikes: one around midday with a sudden “what is the point of life?” thought, and another later when I saw someone cutting pills and briefly thought, “why not just end it?” These thoughts feel alien and frightening because I truly want to live, get better, and enjoy my life.  Yesterday it was mostly a normal day.  I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and share their perspective.

It's so good you are seeing good days. Signs are that you are on the right track. SI is sadly a typical WD symptom. Ignore it and please keep yourself safe. Make sure you have support around you to help with this.

 

We are all here to help you. I look forward to seeing your footer updated so we can get a clearer picture of you drug history.

 

Chippy

3 hours ago, Chippy said:

The up and down doses will have added to your troubles. The brain doesn't like these changes. How long ago were they? I cant see them in your footer? Which drug is this you moved.

 

Could you make your footer more clear so it reads like this:

 

01 Jan 2025 Prozac 10mg

01 Feb 2025 Prozac 15mg

and so on........

 

Thank you 🙂 

 

I think this worry is a symptom all of its own Im afraid. It's natural to worry but when you are having OCD type intrusive thoughts worrying about them is part of the thoughts themselves. I think it's worth remembering this. 

 

There is no wrong answer just what you think is best. For me I agree just off the back of go2zeros post the prozac could go first just my thoughts.

 

Many worry they are not suffering WD and think it's some kind of relapse. This is common. Again possibly part of your Intrusive thought symptom perhaps?

 

This is root of your problem you tapered too fast, Please make a nice clear signature as per above it will help us get a much better picture of what has happened to you and allow us to comment further. 🙂 

 

I see a pattern here. A lot of fear and thoughts creeping in. I really do think a lot of this is just part of all this for you. I so sorry its very distressing.

 

It's so good you are seeing good days. Signs are that you are on the right track. SI is sadly a typical WD symptom. Ignore it and please keep yourself safe. Make sure you have support around you to help with this.

 

We are all here to help you. I look forward to seeing your footer updated so we can get a clearer picture of you drug history.

 

Chippy

Thank you so much, Chippy, for taking the time to look closely at my situation and for your kindness — it really means a lot. I agree that the dose changes likely contributed to my destabilization; there were several adjustments over 2025, mainly involving Prozac (10 mg → brief increases to 15–20 mg, then back down to 10 mg) along with changes to Wellbutrin, and that period of up-and-down dosing did seem to coincide with the onset and worsening of my symptoms. I will update my signature in the clearer chronological format you suggested so the history is easier to follow and comment on.

 

Your point that the worry itself can be part of the intrusive thought cycle really resonates with me. I do notice that I constantly analyze whether this is withdrawal vs relapse, and that questioning seems to feed the fear loop rather than resolve it. It helps to be reminded that this pattern is common and not necessarily evidence that something new or permanent is wrong.

 

I also appreciate your reassurance about the recent good days — I’ve actually had two consecutive fairly normal days (just a bit tired and fatigued), which feels like a hopeful sign that my nervous system may be stabilizing despite the lingering fear and intrusive thoughts. I will continue to focus on staying steady, keeping supports around me, and updating my footer so you all can better guide me.