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Medically Reviewed

What Happens During Prozac Withdrawal?

- 5 sections

Medically Verified: November 15, 2024

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Prozac (fluoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Doctors prescribe it to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, or anxiety. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin available in your brain.

Taking Prozac regularly can lessen symptoms of anxiety, improve your mood, and prevent suicidal thoughts. It can cause side effects like vivid dreams, nausea, headaches, and more.[1] When you are taking Prozac every day, it is not safe to suddenly stop consuming it.

Stopping antidepressants like Prozac suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is also referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.[2] To avoid experiencing withdrawal, you are supposed to speak to your doctor who will provide a tapering schedule to get you off of the medication safely.

Prozac withdrawal symptoms typically include fatigue, irritability, headaches, and rebound symptoms of depression or anxiety. Your symptoms will begin 1 to 2 days after you stop taking Prozac and can last for up to 2 weeks.

In this article, you will learn:

  • What causes Prozac withdrawal
  • What are the symptoms of fluoxetine withdrawal
  • How long does fluoxetine withdrawal last
  • How to manage Prozac withdrawal

What Causes Fluoxetine Withdrawal?

When you have been taking Prozac routinely for at least a few weeks, your brain becomes adjusted to the chemicals it is providing. Suddenly stopping Prozac will cause a chemical imbalance in your brain, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

It is important to note that Prozac has a long half-life. Antidepressants with long half-lives are less likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms. That said, it is still best to taper off of it.

According to a study on antidepressant withdrawal, Prozac is less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms than other similar medications.[3]

Because of fluoxetine’s long half-life, if you do experience withdrawal, it might last longer than other antidepressant discontinuation syndromes.

Understanding Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms

About 56% of people who attempt to come off of antidepressants like fluoxetine experience withdrawal symptoms.[4]

The symptoms of Prozac withdrawal may include:

  • Brain zaps (sensations of electric shock in the brain)
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Irritability and anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Tiredness or insomnia
  • Rebound symptoms of depression or anxiety
  • Suicidal thoughts

Fluoxetine withdrawal can be hard on your mental health, so you must seek support. Even if you are already experiencing symptoms, your doctor can stabilize you on a tapering schedule to keep you stable.

How Long Does Prozac Withdrawal Last?

While there is no specific timeline for Prozac withdrawal, most people have a similar experience. Because of Prozac’s long half-life, you might not notice the initial symptoms of withdrawal for 1 to 2 days. These symptoms will be mild.

The symptoms of Prozac withdrawal can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. Over time, your symptoms will become more severe before they taper off. The exact length of time your symptoms last can depend on personal factors like the speed of your metabolism, weight, or the health of your liver and kidneys.

You might continue to experience severe symptoms of depression or anxiety after your withdrawal symptoms subside. This is because you are no longer treating your mental health condition. In this case, your doctor could recommend a different antidepressant to help you manage your symptoms.

How to Manage Fluoxetine Withdrawal

The best way to avoid Prozac withdrawal is to consult with a doctor and receive a tapering schedule. Your doctor will slowly titrate you off fluoxetine until you no longer have to take it. Using this method will prevent you from experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Tapering can last several weeks, depending on the dose you are taking. It is usually recommended to taper off Prozac for 6 to 8 weeks before completely stopping the use of it.[2]

If you are coming off of an antidepressant, consider these self-care tips:

  • Let your friends and family know your plans
  • Follow a healthy diet with foods that keep your blood sugar stable
  • Stick to a sleeping schedule that focuses on quality sleep
  • Regularly exercise and engage in physical activity
  • Avoid alcohol and drug abuse
  • Speak with a doctor and a therapist

Find Help for Drug and Alcohol Abuse

If you or a loved one struggles with drug or alcohol abuse, it’s time to seek professional help. Long-term addiction can lead to a variety of risks, including physical and mental health concerns. Attending a drug rehab program will ensure you get the tools and support you need to achieve lifelong sobriety.

At the Mandala Healing Center, we believe in individualized and evidence-based addiction treatment. When you visit our facility, you can rest assured that you will receive the necessary care. Additionally, we focus on addressing the root causes of addiction rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Contact us today for more information on our drug and alcohol rehab center.

References:

  1. Medline Plus: Fluoxetine
  2. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome
  3. Karger: Acute and Persistent Withdrawal Syndromes Following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications
  4. Science Direct: A systematic review into the incidence, severity, and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects