Discontinuing an antidepressant can increase the risk of relapse of anxiety or depression. The long duration of Prozac withdrawal symptoms may also increase the likelihood of the person mistaking them for returning symptoms. A 2020 study notes that severe withdrawal symptoms are less common with fluoxetine than with other antidepressants. However, withdrawal from Prozac typically lasts longer than it does for drugs with a shorter half-life. Prozac is part of a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Dizziness
Always keep your doctor informed about how you are feeling to avoid serious complications or side effects. Withdrawal symptoms may appear as you are tapering off the medication, or after the medication is fully out of your system. One of the best-known antidepressants is Prozac, the brand name version of a medication called fluoxetine. Someone who is taking just 10 mg is likely going to have an easier time coming off of the medication than someone who had been taking 60 mg. If a person experiences these symptoms and behaviors, they need to speak with a doctor.
- You’ll generally need to stay on the lesser dose for 2-6 weeks between dose reductions.
- According to a 2019 review of existing research reports, 56% of people experience withdrawal effects when stopping antidepressants.
- It is never advised to quit “cold turkey” unless you are on an extremely low dose.
- Prozac belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- It and other SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain, which can result in a reduction in depression and overall improved mental health.
- This chemical is an essential amino acid from the food you eat and isn’t naturally occurring in the body.
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Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from Prozac withdrawal, including how long it will last and the symptoms you may experience after you stop taking fluoxetine. Before you stop taking your antidepressant, make sure you feel like you’re functioning well, your life circumstances are stable, and you’re set up to deal with negative thoughts when they come up. It’s generally not a good idea to make a big change like going off your medication when you’re under a lot of stress or you’re already going through a big change. Having a solid support system can be incredibly helpful during Prozac withdrawal.
These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may interfere with daily activities. The duration of Prozac withdrawal can vary depending on several factors, including the length of time the medication was taken, the dosage, and the individual’s overall health. Common side effects of stopping fluoxetine include dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, and irritability.
Call 911 if suicidal thoughts occur
Prozac and other SSRIs work to slow the rate at which the brain reuptakes serotonin, so there’s more available in the brain. When a person decides that they are ready to stop Prozac, they can discuss this with their doctor and follow their advice on discontinuation strategies. A person also needs to seek help if the symptoms of the condition for which they were taking Prozac redevelop or worsen. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of Prozac withdrawal, including how long they last. This article also looks at what causes the symptoms, tips for managing symptoms, and more.
Managing Prozac Withdrawal
- Prozac is a commonly known antidepressant used by millions of people every year.
- These symptoms may have a longer duration, but they are typically less severe.
- These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may interfere with daily activities.
- Discontinuing an antidepressant can increase the risk of relapse of anxiety or depression.
- If you or someone you know is struggling with Prozac addiction, it’s essential to reach out to addiction specialists for help.
If you think you or someone else is experiencing a Prozac overdose, seek medical attention immediately. When you think of antidepressants, Prozac is probably one of the first to come to mind. Prozac (fluoxetine) is an antidepressant used to treat a variety of disorders, including major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and some eating disorders. Our Austin and Dallas drug rehab centers are equipped to help you achieve lasting recovery from drug addiction. So please don’t let another precious moment go by while gripped by the devastating effects of addiction.
They can help you create a tapering schedule that will gradually reduce your dosage over time, which can help minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping the use of any antidepressant medication, including Prozac. These symptoms are not a sign of addiction but rather a result of the brain adjusting to the absence of the medicine. It is essential to never abruptly stop taking any medication without consulting with a healthcare provider. When taken as prescribed, Prozac can be highly effective in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, stopping or reducing the dosage of Prozac can cause withdrawal symptoms in some individuals.
Many people mistake Prozac’s symptoms of withdrawal as signs that they have relapsed. As a result, they may start taking the medication again, and thus it becomes a never-ending cycle. To prevent this from happening, people taking Prozac should be aware of the symptoms of relapse and the symptoms of withdrawal. We wish we could tell you that ignoring the issue would eventually solve the problem if you or someone close to you were struggling with drug addiction. You may even believe that there are periods in which the situation is ‘getting better’. The truth is that when it comes to a dependency on alcohol or drugs, it is not likely to get better without assistance.
One of the studies in the review found that out of 95 people who abruptly stopped taking fluoxetine, 67% experienced withdrawal symptoms. Doctors do not recommend stopping antidepressant use abruptly because it may lead to more severe symptoms. Fluoxetine withdrawal symptoms may occur when withdrawal symptoms of prozac a person stops taking the medication. These symptoms may develop because of the rapid changes in the brain’s serotonin levels following antidepressant cessation.
It can take several weeks after beginning fluoxetine for the symptoms of these conditions to improve. Family owned and operated since 2014, Infinite Recovery was founded by Michael & Ylianna Dadashi to give those struggling with addiction a second chance and help to rebuild their lives. Clean and sober since 2009, Michael is passionate about helping others discover their authentic self and live a life of true freedom and purpose. Infinite Recovery has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations for our references. You can learn more about how we source our references by reading our editorial guidelines and medical review policy.