How to Stop Using Prozac

Prozac, or fluoxetine, is an antidepressant that belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Prozac is used to treat a number of conditions such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and premenstrual syndrome. moon. ^{[2] X Source of Study} This is a commonly prescribed medication for depression. Because Prozac affects chemicals in the brain, you should not stop taking it without talking to your doctor. Only under the supervision of a doctor can you stop taking the drug. If your doctor recommends that you stop taking Prozac, you can follow the steps below. How long it takes to stop Prozac completely depends on the length of time you take it, the dose prescribed, the condition you’re being treated for, and certain other medications you’re taking.

Table of Contents

Learn about medicine

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Understand how Prozac works. This medication inhibits brain receptors that absorb the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a natural chemical fluid that “carries messages” (neurotransmitters) that help maintain emotional balance. Research suggests that serotonin deficiency is a contributing factor to clinical depression. ^{[3] X Research Source} Prozac restricts serotonin receptors from taking in too much, thereby increasing the amount of the chemical available in the body. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Prozacs are SSRIs because they are “selective.” They mainly work on serotonin instead of another neurotransmitter that plays a role in maintaining emotions. ^{[5] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Consider side effects. Prozac sometimes causes some side effects. Some effects are mild or disappear after four to five weeks. Talk to your doctor if you experience severe side effects or symptoms, as well as if they don’t go away on their own. Some of the side effects include: ^{[6] X Research Source}

Stress
Nausea
Dry mouth
Sore throat
Asleep
Weak
Trembling uncontrollably
Anorexia
Weight loss
Changes in sexual desire or function
Constantly sweating

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Be aware of side effects urgently. In some cases, Prozac can cause side effects that require prompt attention. Prozac is known to induce suicidal thoughts, especially in people under the age of 24. If you have thoughts or plans to hurt or kill yourself, you should seek medical help immediately . ^{[7] X Research Source} You should contact your doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms:

New or worsening depression
Feelings of extreme anxiety, nervousness, or panic
Aggressive or angry behavior
Act without thinking
Restless restlessness
Feelings of hysteria, unusual excitement

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Consider whether Prozac is controlling your symptoms. Prozac is generally an effective antidepressant for many people. However, they may not work for some people’s brains or neurochemistry. If you continue to notice the following symptoms after taking Prozac, you should talk to your doctor. This could be a sign that the medication is not doing enough to control the depression or disorder. ^{[8] X Research Source www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml?ct=399994}^{[9] X Research Source}

Severe or ongoing side effects (as mentioned above)
Loss of interest in recreational activities or hobbies
Fatigue does not improve
Disrupted sleep (insomnia, heavy sleep)
Difficulty concentrating
Change your eating habits
Soreness and physical pain

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Know the risks of stopping antidepressants. This drug affects brain chemicals, so stopping it without professional supervision can cause serious symptoms. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go to Source}^{[11] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to Source}

Some long-acting drugs like Prozac usually cause fewer symptoms if they stop taking them. However, you will still experience some side effects such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares
- Balance disturbance, such as dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sensory or movement disturbances, such as numbness, tingling, shivering, and lack of physical coordination
- Feeling upset, anxious, or distracted
You need to stop taking your antidepressant slowly over a period of time by gradually reducing the dose. This approach is called “tapering,” and it can last for weeks or months, depending on the type of medication, length of use, dose, and your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend an effective method in reducing the use of Prozac. ^{[12] X Research Resources www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/how-to-taper-off-your-antidepressent}
You may experience recurrent symptoms of depression after you stop taking Prozac. To differentiate between discontinuation symptoms and relapses, you need to note when the symptoms started, how long they lasted, and what type.
Symptoms of drug discontinuation usually appear fairly quickly. These usually improve after a week or two, and include some physical complications, such as nausea, soreness, and pain.
Recurrence of symptoms usually develops slowly over two to three weeks. They usually become more severe in two to four weeks. If symptoms persist for more than a month, you should see your doctor.

Coordinate with doctors

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Talk to your doctor about your reasons for using Prozac. This medicine is usually prescribed in a number of different situations, so you should ask your doctor why he is giving you Prozac. ^{[13] X Research Source} Your doctor may be able to switch to another medication that is appropriate for your condition.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend stopping Prozac if you feel that you are no longer at risk for (or no longer have) chronic or recurrent depression. Your doctor will make this recommendation after you have taken the medicine for at least 6 to 12 months. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Talk to your doctor about why you want to stop using Prozac. Inform your doctor about serious, long-lasting side effects caused by Prozac. If you have been taking Prozac for more than eight weeks and you feel that your disorder is not improving, you should report ongoing symptoms. This information will help your doctor decide if this is the right time to stop taking Prozac.

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Ask your doctor to work with you in the process of discontinuing the drug. You need to understand and follow your doctor’s recommendations exactly. Depending on the duration of use and the dose of Prozac, your doctor may or may not choose the method of gradually reducing the dose of the drug. You should follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid serious side effects.

Prozac is less likely to cause symptoms on discontinuation because they work “for half a life”. This is the amount of time it takes the body to reduce its focus on the drug by half. ^{[15] X Research Source} This means that Prozac can stay in the body for a long time, without the sudden drop in effects that cause few symptoms due to discontinuation of the drug.
If you’re taking Prozac for a short time, 6 to 12 weeks, or at a low dose (eg, 20 mg a day), your doctor may not recommend tapering your dose gradually.
Monitor drug dose reduction schedule. Write down the date and dose used each day. This helps you to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

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Document all effects caused by discontinuation of the drug. Even while you’re reducing your use of Prozac, you may still experience some symptoms from discontinuing use, such as those mentioned in this article. Talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms due to discontinuation of the medication or other abnormalities.

Note that depression can recur when the medication is stopped. You need to let your doctor know about your emotional state. If you are concerned about a relapse, you should consult your doctor for advice.
Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms. Your doctor will monitor you for at least a few months after you stop taking the medicine.

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Take the new medication appropriately. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to control your depression or disorder. You need to follow your doctor’s recommendations. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Your doctor will make recommendations based on personal preference, previous drug reactions, effectiveness, safety, and tolerability, cost, side effects, and interactions with other medications.
If Prozac isn’t enough to control your depression, your doctor may prescribe another medication in the same SSRI class, such as Zpoft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), or Lexapro (escitalopram).
Other classes of medications that your doctor may recommend if you are experiencing side effects or your depression is not well controlled include:
- Norepinephrine Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Effexor (venlafaxine)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil (amitriptyline)
- Aminoketone antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion)

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Consider psychotherapy. Several studies have shown that people who see a therapist while taking an antidepressant are less likely to have a relapse. ^{[17] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go to the source} Psychotherapy helps you deal with negative thoughts and behaviors. They give you the skills to deal with stress, anxiety, and react to everyday life. There are many treatment modalities available today, and your treatment plan will depend on your specific condition. Your doctor can refer you to a local specialist. ^{[18] X Research Source www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml}^{[19] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is remarkably effective in overcoming depression. The goal of this therapy is to help you think more positively and eliminate negative thinking and behavior. A cognitive behavioral therapist will help you identify bad thinking habits and change incorrect beliefs. These measures can help you overcome symptoms of depression.
Other therapies include individual therapy, which focuses on improving communication; family therapy with the aim of resolving conflicts and improving family communication; or psychotherapy to help patients become self-aware.
You’ll need to try a variety of treatments (or see several specialists) to find the right treatment or therapist for you.

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Consider acupuncture therapy. Although doctors generally don’t recommend acupuncture for medication discontinuation or depression, it can work for some people. ^{[20] X Research Source} Acupuncture is a technique that uses thin needles to insert into certain areas of the body to improve symptoms. Only highly qualified doctors can perform this technique. You should consult your doctor before considering acupuncture therapy. Your doctor will recommend an acupuncturist. However, not everyone can use this method of acupuncture.

A study has shown that electroacupuncture that runs a gentle electric current through an acupuncture needle is as effective as Prozac in reducing symptoms of depression, and even more quickly. ^{[21] X Research Source}
In the United States, acupuncturists are accredited by the National Board of Accreditation for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. You can use the “Find a Specialist” feature on the Board’s website to find a local licensed acupuncturist. ^{[22] X Research Source}
Inform your doctor about any acupuncture or alternative treatments you have undergone. This information will be saved in the patient record. All health care professionals need to work together to give you the best health care. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Lifestyle change

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Healthy eating. No diet has been shown to improve or “treat” depression. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet provides the nutrients the body needs to fight disease. You need to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and lean protein. ^{[24] X Research Source}^{[25] X Research Source}^{[26] X Research Source}

Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and “empty” calories. This food group contains very few nutrients in the total calories that you absorb, making the body hungry faster. In addition, they can affect blood sugar which has an emotional impact. ^{[27] X Research Source}
Eating foods rich in B12 and fpate helps regulate your emotions. Liver, chicken, and fish are rich in B12. Beets, lentils, almonds, spinach, and liver contain fpate. ^{[28] X Research Sources}
Foods rich in selenium can help improve symptoms of depression. Some food sources of selenium include Brazil beans, cod, pecans, and poultry.
Foods rich in tryptophan when absorbed into the body will convert to serotonin when combined with vitamin B6. ^{[29] X Sources of study} Tryptophan-rich foods include soybeans, peanuts, chicken breast, salmon, and oats. ^{[30] X Research Source}
Studies have shown that regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps regulate emotions effectively. Flaxseed or canola oils, pecans, kale, spinach, and fatty fish such as salmon are good sources of moega-3. Corn, soybean, and sunflower oils do not contain many omega-3s. ^{[31] X Research Source}
You should consult your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements, as they can make certain chronic conditions worse. You can take doses from 1 to 9 grams per day to improve your mood. ^{[32] X Research Source}

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Limit alcohol. Alcohol should not be consumed while taking antidepressants. Even if you don’t take this drug, you should still be aware of your alcohol intake. This is a pain reliever and if you drink too much alcohol will dissolve serotonin. ^{[33] X Research Sources}

Heavy drinking also causes anxiety and panic attacks.
One glass of alcoholic beverage consists of 360 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 45 ml of heavy liquor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends no more than one alcoholic beverage per day, and no more than two for men. This is considered the “moderate” drinking standard. ^{[34] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

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Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that regular, moderate exercise for at least 30-35 minutes a day helps produce the body’s natural arousal chemical (endorphin). In addition, exercise stimulates neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. These substances help improve symptoms of depression. ^{[35] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go To Source}^{[36] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go To Source}^{[37] X Research Source}

Regular exercise improves mood in people with mild or moderate depression. In addition, this is also a measure to support the treatment of severe depression. However, if you continue to experience symptoms of depression even with regular exercise, you should see your doctor. ^{[38] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go to Source}

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Go to bed on time. Depression can affect sleep. You need to follow a fixed time to ensure that your body can rest effectively. Steps to maintain good sleep include: ^{[39] X Research Source}

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (including weekends).
Avoid stimulants before bed. Activities such as exercising and using electronic devices such as televisions or computers can affect your sleep.
Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine before going to bed. Even though alcohol can help you feel drowsy, it actually disrupts the REM sleep cycle. ^{[40] X Research Source}
The bedroom should only be used for sleeping, not for working.

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Bask. Some types of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder, can be improved through sun exposure. Research shows that sun exposure has an effect on serotonin levels. ^{[41] X Research Source} A lack of sunlight can cause the body to produce more melatonin, causing symptoms of depression. ^{[42] X Research Source}

If you do not have access to the sun, you can buy an artificial solar light box. Consult with your doctor about the right type of lamp for your needs. In general, you should use an artificial solar light box for at least 30 minutes every morning. ^{[43] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
If you plan to be in the sun, you should wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and “common.” ^{[44] X Research Source}

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Enhanced support system. Ask a family member or friend to help you in the process of stopping medication. This person will give you emotional support or recognize signs of depression again. Talk to them about side effects or symptoms to watch out for. ^{[45] X Harvard Medical Schop Trusted Source Go to Source}

During the time you stop taking the medicine, you will need to see your doctor regularly. Tell your doctor about your condition, feelings, or symptoms.

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Try meditation. A Johns Hopkins research review found that 30 minutes of meditation a day improved symptoms of depression and anxiety. ^{[46] X Trusted Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Go to Source}^{[47] X Research Source}

Mindfulness meditation is scientifically tested and proven to be effective in treating depression and anxiety. ^{[48]X Research Source} “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction” (MBSR) is a very effective form of meditation. ^{[49] X Research Source}
Meditation includes the following elements: ^{[50] X Trusted Source HelpGuide Go to Source}^{[51] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
- Concentration: Focusing on objects, images, chanting, or focusing on specific breathing
- Relaxed breathing: Slow, deep, and even breathing exercises help increase oxygen and reduce stress hormones
- Quiet space: Eliminate distractions
You can download meditation guides online. MIT provides relaxation and mindfulness meditation MP3 files. ^{[52] X Research Resources} The UCLA Mindful Cognition Research Center has a downloadable or live stream of guided meditations. ^{[53] X Research Sources}

Advice

Make sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep while reducing Prozac use. These healthy habits help you feel good while gradually reducing your medication dose.
If withdrawal symptoms appear, you should see your doctor.

Warning

During the gradual discontinuation of Prozac, you should see your doctor immediately if you notice that your symptoms of depression get worse.
Do not change your dose reduction schedule without first talking to your doctor.
Never stop taking Prozac without consulting your doctor.

Steps

Learn about medicine

Coordinate with doctors

Lifestyle change

Advice

Warning

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