Prozac (fluoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that’s often used to treat major depressive disorder. It can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and panic disorder. Prozac can be combined with other medications to treat bipolar disorder.

Any SSRI has the potential to cause some withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop taking it. This article covers the specific side effects associated with Prozac withdrawal and what precautions you should take when stopping Prozac.

Can Prozac cause withdrawal symptoms?

The medical term for antidepressant withdrawal is antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). Researchers believe this may occur because of a sudden decrease of serotonin levels in the brain. Symptoms of ADS can include insomnia, nausea and flu-like symptoms that typically last less than two months. In some cases, stopping antidepressants can cause serious side effects like suicidal ideation and mania.

Prozac has the potential to cause withdrawal effects that may be uncomfortable or dangerous, particularly for those with preexisting health conditions. Withdrawal from Prozac, in particular, can also cause agitation and confusion, restlessness, breathing problems, fast heartbeat, dizziness or lightheadedness, and vision changes. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, talk to your prescriber before stopping Prozac. They can help you make an informed choice about when and how you stop taking it. They can also provide a plan for gradually discontinuing your medication to keep withdrawal effects to a minimum.

What are some potential effects of stopping Prozac?

Compared to other antidepressants, Prozac has a relatively low risk of withdrawal symptoms. This is because it has a longer half-life of four to six days instead of 10 to 14 hours. However, some people may notice side effects that begin up to 12 days after stopping Prozac. If no side effects have come up three to four weeks after discontinuation, it’s unlikely that you’ll have any withdrawal symptoms.

You may notice the following withdrawal symptoms for a short time if you stop taking Prozac abruptly:

• Restlessness 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Trouble sleeping 
• Trembling or shaking 
• Unusual tiredness or weakness 
• Muscle pain
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fast heartbeat
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Vision changes 

What can I do to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping Prozac?

It can take some trial and error to find the antidepressant that works best for you without causing unpleasant side effects. Side effects that show up within the first few weeks of trying a new antidepressant can sometimes go away on their own. Share any side effects you notice with the doctor providing your medication management. Consult with them before stopping a medication or changing your dose.

When you talk to your prescriber about stopping Prozac, they can give you some instructions for gradually decreasing your dose. If you notice some mild side effects, they may prescribe other medications to give you some relief. You can take over-the-counter acetaminophen for headaches.

Lightfully programs offer safety and support while you’re adjusting your medication

Fluctuating levels of serotonin and medications in your system can cause physical, cognitive and emotional effects. It’s best to plan ahead for discontinuing a medication when you’re not super busy. If you have a demanding school or work schedule, you may want to start decreasing your dose during slow periods when you can take lots of breaks.

At Lightfully, we understand that the ups and downs can be a lot to handle by yourself. We believe mental wellness is something we achieve together in a supportive treatment community. Our Partial Hospitalization Program provides an immersive environment where you can work with multiple licensed clinicians and your peers to make it through these transitions. For those who only need a few shorter sessions per week, we have an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or virtual IOP. During certain times of the year, we also offer a Short-Term Option that can be great for establishing new routines.

During your time in our programs, you can work closely with a staff psychiatrist to find the right medication regimen. Your primary therapist will help you safely approach some of the issues contributing to your depression or anxiety. And you’ll meet with other clients for group therapies and peer support.

Are you looking for comprehensive mental health treatment that includes medication management? That’s what we do! The first step is to get in touch with an Admissions Counselor and set up an assessment. Let’s talk about the next chapter in your mental health journey.