How To Stop Taking Prozac (Fluoxetine)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Fluoxetine, whose trade name is Prozac, is an antidepressant drug that falls into the class of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), generally prescribed to treat depression. Prozac can be given to treat several serious psychological conditions, such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Most of the time, however, it is indicated to manage depression. Since this drug has effects on brain chemistry, you should never stop taking it without first consulting your doctor. Each drug should only be discontinued under the supervision of the physician. If your doctor recommends stopping treatment, follow the directions outlined in this tutorial. The time it takes to permanently stop taking Prozac depends on how long you are on treatment, the type of condition you need to use it for and the coexistence of other drug therapies.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Getting to know the drug

Step 1. Learn how Prozac works

Its function is to inhibit the receptors in the brain that reabsorb (or "re-uptake") the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a natural chemical "messenger" that helps maintain mood balance. Studies have found that a deficiency in this chemical contributes to clinical depression. Prozac prevents the receptors from reabsorbing too much serotonin, thereby increasing the amount available to the body.

Prozac is an SSRI because it is "selective". In fact, it seems to act mainly on serotonin and not on other neurotransmitters that partially contribute to modulating mood

Step 2. Consider the side effects

Fluoxetine can cause some, many of which are moderate or may disappear after 4 to 5 weeks. You should see your doctor if you experience several serious symptoms, adverse reactions, or if they do not go away. Among these reactions you can note:

• Nervousness;
• Nausea;
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat;
• Drowsiness;
• Weakness;
• Uncontrollable tremors;
• Lack of appetite;
• Weight loss;
• Changes in sexual desire or functions
• Excessive sweating.

Step 3. Recognize side effects that require urgent action

In some cases, adverse reactions due to this drug need to be treated immediately. For example, fluoxetine is known to induce suicidal thoughts, especially among young people under 24. If you find yourself having these kinds of thoughts or are planning a way to realize them, contact a healthcare facility immediately. You must call your doctor immediately even if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Depression gets worse or comes back
• Extreme worry, agitation, or panic
• Aggressive or irritable behavior;
• Impulsive behavior;
• Severe restlessness;
• Frenzy or unusual excitement.

Step 4. Evaluate the real effectiveness of Prozac on your symptoms

The drug is generally an effective antidepressant for most patients. However, it may not affect everyone's brain or neurochemistry. If you continue to have the following symptoms while taking Prozac, you need to talk to your doctor. In this case it probably means that the drug is not having the proper effect on your condition.

• Have severe or ongoing side effects (described above)
• You continue to have little interest in enjoyable activities or hobbies
• The sense of exhaustion is not reduced;
• You suffer from sleep disturbances (insomnia, excessive sleep);
• You continue to have difficulty concentrating;
• You notice changes in your appetite
• You have physical discomfort or pain.

Step 5. Know that it is dangerous to interrupt the treatment

Antidepressants alter brain chemistry, so stopping them without a doctor's supervision can cause serious problems.

• Long-acting drugs, such as fluoxetine, usually have a reduced amount of symptoms due to stopping taking. However, you may experience some, such as:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps;
  • Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares
  • Balance disturbances, such as dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Sensory or movement difficulties, such as numbness, tingling, tremors, and loss of physical coordination
  • Irritability, agitation or anxiety.
• Antidepressants should be withdrawn gradually over a period in order to slowly reduce the dosage. This reduction technique is also called "tapering" and can take weeks or months, depending on the type of drug, how long it is taken, the dosage and even the symptoms you have. It is the doctor who decides the best way to gradually decrease the dose.
• When you stop taking Prozac you may get depressive symptoms again. To distinguish the symptoms of discontinuation from those of a relapse, you need to analyze when they started, how long they last and what type they are.
• Symptoms from stopping the drug usually develop quickly but improve within a week or two. They often consist of various physical ailments, such as nausea and pain.
• Relapse symptoms develop slowly after two to three weeks and usually worsen after two to four weeks. If any symptoms persist for more than a month, see your doctor.

Part 2 of 3: Collaborate with the Doctor

Step 1. Ask your doctor why you are taking fluoxetine

Since it can be prescribed for a variety of serious ailments, you need to understand why it was recommended to you. Your doctor may recommend a different medication for your health problem.

In some cases, your doctor may instruct you to stop taking it if they think you are no longer at risk of recurrent or chronic depression, or that you have recovered. If the doctor chooses to interrupt it, it usually occurs after treatment of at least six months (up to one year)

Step 2. Discuss with your doctor why you want to stop taking Prozac

Tell them if you have any severe and continuing side effects. If you have been taking the drug for more than eight weeks and are not seeing any benefit, describe the symptoms you continue to experience. In this way the doctor can make an informed decision and evaluate if it is time to stop the treatment.

Step 3. Ask him to follow you through the tapering process

It is of the utmost importance that you understand and scrupulously adhere to the indications given by the practitioner. According to the duration of your drug therapy and the dosage, the doctor will be able to decide whether to stop the treatment gradually ("tapering") or not. Follow their instructions to the letter to avoid serious side effects.

• Prozac usually creates fewer problems with withdrawal symptoms because it has a long half-life. The half-life is the time it takes for the body to reduce the concentration of the drug by half. A drug like Prozac, which has a long half-life, stays in the body for longer. This means that the concentration of the drug in the body does not drop dramatically, so it causes fewer "withdrawal" symptoms.
• If you have been taking fluoxetine for a short time, such as for 6 or 12 months, or are taking a reduced maintenance dosage (for example 20 mg per day), your doctor may not recommend a gradual reduction.
• Keep track of your "tapering" schedule. Write down the date and dosage you take each day. This way you are sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Step 4. Make a note of any side effects you experience from stopping the drug

Despite the gradual reduction, it is possible to experience adverse symptoms, such as those already described in this tutorial. Talk to your doctor if you develop any negative reactions or other unusual symptoms due to the reduction of the medicine.

• Remember that you may still notice signs of depression at this stage. Tell the doctor how you feel. If you are concerned about relapse, see your doctor for advice.
• Keep him informed of your progress and whether or not you have symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your health condition for at least a few months after starting the drug withdrawal process.

Step 5. Take new prescribed medications appropriately

Your doctor will be able to suggest new medicines to manage your depression or disorder. Make sure you take them as recommended.

• The choice of new drugs depends on your personal preferences, your response to the previous drug, efficacy, safety and tolerability, cost, side effects and interactions with other drugs you are already taking.
• If Prozac has not been effective for your depression, he may prescribe another drug from the class of SSRIs, such as Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram) or Cipralex (escitalopram).

• Here are other types of medications your doctor may recommend if you have adverse symptoms or if previous ones are not effective against your depression:

  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Effexor (venlafaxine);
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as Laroxyl (amitriptyline);
  • Atypical antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion).

  

  Step 6. Consider getting psychotherapy

  Several studies have shown that people who go to mental health professionals during the period of the antidepressant withdrawal run lower risk of relapse. Therapy can help you manage unhealthy behaviors and thoughts; can offer you the tools to better cope with stress, anxiety and your reactions to life events. There are different forms of therapies and treatments that depend on the specific situation of each patient. Your doctor may recommend a psychologist in your area.

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (TCC) has been shown to be very effective in managing depression. Its goal is to teach people to think positively and cope with negative thoughts and behaviors. A psychologist experienced in this therapy will help you recognize unnecessary formæ mentis and change the wrong ones. This is one way to reduce depressive symptoms.
  • Other therapies you can consider include interpersonal psychotherapy, which is aimed at improving communication patterns; family therapy, which helps resolve conflicts and improve communication in the family; psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on helping the patient to have greater self-awareness.
  • You may need to try different therapies (or consult with multiple psychologists) before you find the one that works best for you.

  

  Step 7. Consider Acupuncture

  Although it is not part of the official protocol regarding recommended therapies to manage the problem of drug withdrawal or to treat depression, in reality this practice is followed by many people. It consists of inserting fine needles into specific parts of the body to relieve symptoms and should only be done by qualified professionals. Ask your doctor for advice if you think this might be a suitable therapy for you; he will be able to point you to a renowned professional. Keep in mind, however, that acupuncture is not suitable for everyone.

  • Research has found that electroacupuncture, which involves releasing a gentle electrical current through the needles, is as effective as Prozac in reducing depressive symptoms and can also act faster.
  • Only consult a professional and qualified acupuncturist who can operate legally. You can search online or consult this site to find professionals in your area.
  • Tell your doctor if you have decided to undergo acupuncture or other alternative treatments; will take note of it in your personal file. All doctors who are following you should work together to offer you the best care.

  Part 3 of 3: Changing the Lifestyle

  

  Step 1. Eat well

  No diet has been shown to be effective in alleviating or "treating" depression. However, eating healthy and balanced provides the body with all the nutrients it needs to fight disease. Make sure you eat fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins.

  • Avoid over-processed foods, refined sugars, and "empty" calories. These foods provide very little nutrients for the amount of calories they contain, so they leave you feeling hungry. They also create swings in blood sugar levels, which can affect mood.
  • Eat foods rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid to keep your mood stable. Some foods that contain vitamin B12 are liver, chicken and fish. Folic acid is present in beets, lentils, almonds, spinach and liver.
  • Foods rich in selenium can help reduce depressive symptoms. Good sources of this mineral are Brazil nuts, cod, walnuts, and poultry.
  • There are foods such as soy, cashews, chicken breast, salmon and oats that have high levels of tryptophan. This amino acid is converted by the body into serotonin when combined with vitamin A.
  • Some research has found that taking omega-3 fatty acids regularly helps regulate mood. Flaxseed or canola oil, walnuts, kale, spinach, and fatty fish such as salmon are excellent sources of omega-3s. On the other hand, oils such as corn, soy or sunflower oils do not offer an equal amount of these fatty acids.
  • Ask your doctor for advice before taking omega-3 supplements as they can sometimes aggravate some chronic diseases. A dosage between 1 and 9 grams per day can be considered safe for improving the mood.

  

  Step 2. Limit the amount of alcohol

  You shouldn't drink alcoholic beverages while on antidepressant medication, but even if you're not on medication, you should limit your consumption. It is a sedative and drinking too much can deplete the serotonin in the body.

  • Additionally, high alcohol consumption is associated with anxiety and panic attacks.
  • A "drink" typically consists of 350ml of beer, 150ml of wine or 50ml of spirits. Women should avoid drinking more than one drink per day, while men should still limit themselves to a maximum of two. This is considered "moderate" alcohol consumption.

  

  Step 3. Exercise regularly

  Studies have found that regular and moderate exercise (at least 30-35 minutes per day) promotes the secretion of the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals (endorphins). Additionally, physical activity stimulates neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, which relieves depressive symptoms.

  Constant physical activity improves mood in people suffering from moderate depression and can be considered a valid support in the treatment of severe depressions. However, if you continue to have depressive symptoms while exercising constantly, you should see your doctor

  

  Step 4. Follow a sleep schedule

  Depression often causes sleep disturbances, so it is important to follow good "sleep hygiene" to ensure the body gets adequate rest. The main aspects to consider are:

  • Always go to bed and get up at the same time (even on weekends).
  • Avoid excessive stimulation before bed. Doing activities that are particularly exciting, such as exercise or that involve the use of monitors, such as watching TV or working on the computer, can interrupt sleep / wake rhythms.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine before going to bed. Although the former can make you feel sleepy, it actually alters REM sleep.
  • Consider the bed as an exclusive place to sleep, not to work.

  

  Step 5. Get some sun

  Some types of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder, improve with sun exposure; some research has found that it can affect serotonin levels. A lack of sunlight can increase the body's production of melatonin, which in turn can cause depressive symptoms.

  • If you don't have access to the sun, consider getting a light therapy bed. Ask your doctor which model is best suited for your specific case. It is generally recommended to undergo this therapy for at least 30 minutes every morning.
  • If you choose to go outdoors to expose yourself to the sun, be sure to wear a sunscreen that has at least an SPF 15 and is "broad spectrum".

  

  Step 6. Find someone who can support you

  Try to involve a friend or relative in your drug withdrawal process, they may help you by providing the emotional support you need and recognizing the signs of a relapse. Let this person know what symptoms or side effects they need to monitor.

  Stay in touch with your doctor throughout the "tapering" process; update him about conditions, sensations, or symptoms

  

  Step 7. Try to meditate

  Some research has shown that 30 minutes of meditation per day reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

  • Several scientific studies claim that mindful meditation is an excellent support to reduce this type of malaise. Stress reduction through awareness (MBSR) is a type of training that has also spread in Italy and can be helpful for your ailment..

  • Meditation typically involves the following aspects:

    • Concentration: focus the attention on a specific object, image, mantra or breath;
    • Relaxed Breathing: Take each slow, deep breath to increase oxygen and reduce stress hormones;
    • Quiet environment - avoid distractions.
  • You can download various meditation guides from the internet. Do some research, you may also find instructions in MP3 format.

  Advice

  • Make a serious commitment to eat right, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep as you go through the Prozac reduction process. These healthy lifestyle choices help you feel better while trying to stop taking the drug.
  • If relapses occur, contact your doctor.

  Warnings

  • If your depression symptoms worsen during the tapering phase, see your doctor right away.
  • Do not change your "tapering" schedule without first talking to your doctor.
  • Never stop taking Prozac unless you have previously consulted your doctor.