Coming off antidepressants: Timeline and symptoms

Stopping suddenly can result in serious side effects or symptom relapses. They may be able to adjust your dose or provide other ways to help manage side effects. The half-life of Prozac is 1-3 days if you have not been taking it for long, and 4-6 days if you have been taking the medication for a while. If you also take other medications that are processed by your liver and kidneys, or if you have problems with liver or kidney function, the clearance process may take longer. Prozac and other SSRIs work to slow the rate at which the brain reuptakes serotonin, so there’s more available in the brain.

Other people can have more severe symptoms which last much longer (sometimes months or more than a year). If you are stopping your antidepressants after a short time, your prescriber might recommend that you do something like the example below. Here, you would reduce your current dose by approximately 50% every 2-4 weeks, and stop entirely once you were at a low dose. This can lead to you developing withdrawal symptoms and increase the chance of you becoming unwell again. They can be different for individual antidepressants (see Appendix 1).

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In this article, I’ll talk more about Prozac, and what withdrawal from the medication involves—including symptoms, side effects, and ways to cope. When a patient needs to stop taking Prozac or another antidepressant, they should only do so under the supervision and instruction of their healthcare provider. Addiction Resource coming off prozac does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.

You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Abruptly stopping antidepressants can lead to rebound depression, in which symptoms return more intensely than before. It is important for doctors to determine the difference between withdrawal symptoms and returning symptoms, such as the recurrence of depression. When a person decides that they are ready to discontinue Prozac, a doctor will likely recommend gradually reducing their dosage.

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It increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. If you are experiencing Prozac withdrawal symptoms impacting your daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, including anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nausea, and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speaking with a healthcare professional is essential. If you plan to stop taking Prozac, it’s best to do so under medical supervision. Your doctor can help you create a tapering schedule, gradually reducing your dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

When and how should I stop my antidepressants?

However, without proper management, the risk of relapse is still present. For individuals coming off Prozac, uncontrolled depression symptoms can develop again and even escalate to suicidal ideation or self harm, seen more often in children and adolescent populations. Common side effects of stopping fluoxetine include dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, and irritability. These symptoms may be more severe in individuals taking the medication for a more extended period or taking higher doses. It’s also worth noting that some people may benefit from taking other medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms.

• When someone stops taking Prozac (fluoxetine), they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
• Between a third and half of people who take an antidepressant will experience such symptoms to some extent.
• Some estimates suggest that at least one in five people who stop taking an antidepressant abruptly experience these symptoms.
• Panicky feelings are a common symptom of withdrawal and can also happen in anxiety.
• The General Medical Council (GMC) says that medical professionals should aim to use licensed medications but can use unlicensed medications if there is no licensed alternative.
• They can guide how to taper off the medication and monitor for potential complications safely.

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People may experience withdrawal symptom days or weeks after reducing the dose. Research suggests that people who go to therapy while they’re reducing their dose have less chance of having a relapse of depression or anxiety. Despite its efficacy, discontinuing Prozac may result in withdrawal symptoms.

Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms

However, fluoxetine is less likely to lead to withdrawal symptoms as compared to other antidepressants. This is because it has a long half-life, or stays in your system longer, which prevents a more abrupt change in levels in your body. Prozac is a type of antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

• Withdrawal symptoms may appear as you are tapering off the medication, or after the medication is fully out of your system.
• In this case, the capsules can be carefully opened, and the beads emptied into a container.
• This is because tablet antidepressants do not come in amounts small enough to reduce your dose this slowly.
• Always keep your doctor informed about how you are feeling to avoid serious complications or side effects.
• Make sure you throw away any remaining liquid after you have taken what you need.
• To note, many individuals who find Prozac to be a good match for them find relief within 2-6 weeks on an optimized dose as it can take time for the brain to adapt and improve symptoms.

If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms and are struggling to come off your antidepressants, you may need to use both tablet and liquid antidepressants to take smaller doses. If you have been taking antidepressants for many months or years, it’s best to taper more slowly (again, at a rate you find comfortable). It’s also best to reduce the dose slowly if you have had withdrawal symptoms in the past. Some people need to get down to a very low dose before stopping, as low as 2% of the original dose. Working with a mental health professional can help you avoid any unwanted side effects of stopping your antidepressant. They can work with you on a detailed taper-off plan that will work best for you and your needs.

Signs Someone Is Addicted to Prozac

This means that you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, digestive problems, dizziness, disrupted sleep, and mood changes. They are the ones at the highest risk for experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. People like this must inform their doctor about any suicidal thoughts to adjust their quitting method or the dosage of the medication accordingly. These individuals can help you devise a plan for discontinuing your medication while limiting or avoiding the negative effects of withdrawal. If you are planning to stop taking Prozac or are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, there are steps you can take to manage them.

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.