Prozac belongs to a class of medications known asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
These drugs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which helps improve your mental health.
When you quit taking this medication, it takes some time for your body to adjust.
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The reason for this is Prozacs long half-life.
A drugshalf-lifeis the time it takes for 50% of the drug to be removed from your body.
Prozac is unique among antidepressants because its withdrawal symptoms typically dont appear for several weeks.
The longer timeline associated with Prozac withdrawal increases the risk of misdiagnosis.
Because withdrawal symptoms appear later and last longer, it is often mistaken for a relapse.
This may lead people to unnecessarily start taking antidepressants again.
Symptoms associated with SSRI withdrawal are varied, affecting many different bodily systems.
Prozac withdrawal symptoms can range from mildly bothersome to severe and incapacitating.
What Are the Effects of Stopping Prozac?
Antidepressantslike Prozac are among the most commonly prescribed medications in America.
In a given month, more than 40 million people take an antidepressant.
About one in four have been taking them for ten years or more.
One of the reasons long-term antidepressant use is so common is that people are afraid to stop taking them.
These concerns center around the potential for relapse of symptoms and possible withdrawal.
And these fears are not entirely unfounded.
Quitting is also associated with a 60% increase in suicide attempts.
Fluoxetine has a number ofside effectsthat can negatively impact your life.
How to Prevent Prozac Withdrawal
Fortunately, quitting Prozac doesnt have to be a nightmare.
If you are worried about withdrawal, your provider may recommendtapering your doseversus quitting cold turkey.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
There are also risks ofProzac overdose, so double-check you seek immediate care.
Symptoms of a Prozac overdose include confusion, dizziness, fever, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness.
If you think you or someone else is experiencing a Prozac overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
This may include trying different antidepressants or combinations of antidepressants.
Maintenance treatment is essentially a long-term treatment designed to prevent relapse.
It can include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
If your doctor isnt helping, consider finding a new psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist in your area.
TheSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)has a searchabledirectoryof qualified providers.
you’re able to also call them at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Takeaways
Prozac can be an effective treatment for depression, but other antidepressants can help.
If you oughta stop taking Prozac, there are ways to do this safely and effectively.
Do not stop taking Prozac without talking to your doctor first.
They can minimize the risk of experiencing withdrawal by gradually tapering off of your medication.
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