How Long Do Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Learn more about Prozac withdrawal symptoms, how long coming off Prozac will take, and options for support.
What Is Prozac?
Prozac is the brand name for Fluoxetine, which is considered a type of antidepressant. This particular type of antidepressant is known as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, or SSRI, because of how it works in the body. It was also one of the first SSRIs to be discovered.1
This allows for it to be a well-researched method of treating certain disorders, which may be better for those with elevated risks for certain reactions.
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Role of Serotonin
How Does Prozac Work?
In patients suffering from depression or similar disorders, there may be a lack of serotonin. Prozac works by preventing the body from reabsorbing the serotonin that is already there, helping to increase levels and allow the beneficial effects to be felt longer. As a result, Prozac is beneficial in treating disorders that may be the result of unbalanced brain chemistry.
Some of the conditions include:
- Depression
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Anxiety
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Sleep disorders
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Eating disorders
Prozac Withdrawal
Who is Likely to Experience Symptoms Of Prozac Withdrawal?
Signs Someone Is Addicted to Prozac
Signs Someone Is Addicted to Prozac
- Jitters
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Numbness
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Irritability
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Violent thoughts or actions
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Aggression and anger
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Insomnia
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Talkativeness
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Nervousness or anxiety
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Hallucinations
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Paranoia
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Suicidal thoughts
Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms
Indications of Withdrawal
- Anxiety
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Mood swings
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Depression
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Dizziness and trouble balancing
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Fatigue
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Headache
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Flu-like symptoms
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Muscle spasms
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Nausea
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Nightmares
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Tremors
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Vomiting
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Trouble sleeping
Prozac Side Effects
- Dry mouth
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Heartburn
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Yawning
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Loss of appetite
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Sweating
When to Stop Taking Prozac
How to Come Off Prozac
What Is The Timeline For Prozac Withdrawal?
What Treatment Is Available For Prozac Withdrawal?
Coping With Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms
Detox and withdrawal are a necessary part of weaning off of Prozac. While the symptoms can be uncomfortable, undergoing this process can help increase quality of life. However, that doesn’t mean that you must undergo Prozac withdrawal symptoms with no help.
Although there is no single treatment that can allow you to bypass withdrawal, there are ways to better cope with the symptoms. These can include approaching your detox in a specific way or adding in other treatments to better help you cope with Prozac withdrawal symptoms.
Techniques To Consider
- Taper the dose
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Switch to another antidepressant
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Attend to physical health
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Practice increased self-care
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Increase therapy
Get Help For Prozac Withdrawal at Ripple Ranch
No matter where you are in your recovery journey, our professional staff here at Ripple Ranch is ready to meet you where you are and help you restore balance in your life. Reach out and begin healing today.
Resources
- 1https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/002432059500209O?casa_token=gfZ17QuBF2UAAAAA:h8wt-X_KVay61fE_AQybRqa0wQY3KNjfYCE3S1u0kjvN_5hoSrAZBFdWTUETx4EWKGxGgf0PquY
- 2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140701/
- 3 https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2812%2961044-1/fulltext
- 4https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Fluoxetine-(Prozac)