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Fluoxetine Withdrawal Effects

Fluoxetine---more commonly known by its brand name Prozac---is an antidepressant medication from the SSRI family of drugs. Fluoxetine withdrawal occurs when a person quits taking the medication. Withdrawal symptoms may be mild or debilitating and can begin as soon as 8 hours after the last dose is taken. Compared to other drugs in its class, fluoxetine generally causes less severe withdrawal symptoms due to its long half-life.

  1. Neurological Effects

    • The emotional and mental effects of fluoxetine withdrawal are often among the most troubling. Common neurologically-based symptoms include irritability, nightmares, unprovoked crying spells and the electric shock-like sensations known as "brain zaps". There may be a worsening of the condition for which the medication was prescribed, such as anxiety or depression, as well as new symptoms. Akathisia---the feeling of restlessness that causes constant bodily movement---is also possible during fluoxetine withdrawal.

    Physical Symptoms

    • Fluoxetine acts primarily on the brain, but physical withdrawal symptoms are common upon cessation. Headache is the most commonly reported effect, followed by fatigue, nausea and flu-like aches and pains. Some people also experience dizziness, diarrhea and painful skin sensations similar to the pins-and-needles phenomenon.

    Potential Dangers of Fluoxetine Withdrawal

    • Rarely, fluoxetine withdrawal can cause potentially dangerous effects, especially when stopped abruptly. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are sometimes reported when starting or quitting antidepressants like fluoxetine as the brain becomes accustomed to fluctuating levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Recurrence and worsening of depression, anxiety and mania-like symptoms is a possibility, which can lead to compulsive or dangerous behaviors. According to Rense.com, a phenomenon known as REM Sleep Behavior Disturbance sometimes occurs when ceasing SSRI treatment, causing patients to "act out" their dreams while in a sleeping state.

    Tips for Easing Withdrawal

    • Before attempting to quit fluoxetine or other psychiatric medications, it's important to weigh the positive outcomes against the negative. If you were prescribed fluoxetine to treat situational depression and have since experienced an improvement in your life situation, quitting may be the right option. Those suffering long-standing depression of a physiological nature are more likely to relapse into depression after quitting.

      If you decide to quit fluoxetine, consult your prescribing doctor or mental health professional, who can advise a safe tapering schedule to reduce negative symptoms. Inform others of your situation and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Exercise daily to help ease stress and tension caused by withdrawal and set aside time each day for relaxing activities.

    Warning

    • While uncommon, some people experience dangerous effects upon quitting fluoxetine. If you experience severe depression or anxiety or have thoughts of suicide, seek help immediately.

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