Prozac is a brand-name medication for its active ingredient, fluoxetine. It is a well-known antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Prozac works by slowing the re-absorption of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in such body functions as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire), restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved Prozac for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The half-life, meaning the length of time the substance will remain in one’s system until the concentration in one’s blood has been reduced by half, of Prozac is between four to six days.
Withdrawal Symptoms & Detox Timeline
Though it varies among individuals, withdrawal symptoms typically do not begin until about a week after stopping Prozac because it usually takes at least three half-lives for withdrawal symptoms to present. On average, Prozac withdrawal symptoms tend to last about two months. Common symptoms of Prozac withdrawal may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following examples:
- Digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, etc.
- Changes to motor control such as tremors, difficulty controlling movement of the mouth, unsteady gait, etc.
- Shifts in mood such as anxiety, agitation, panic, depression, anger, etc.
- Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, muscle aches, chills, etc.
- Instability such as feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Sleep problems such as nightmares, insomnia, vivid dreams, etc.
- Bizarre sensations such as brain zaps (like an electrical shock or shiver in the brain), pins and needles, ringing in the ears, strange tastes, or hypersensitivity to sound.
One of the most serious possible symptoms of Prozac withdrawal is the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. When withdrawing from SSRIs like Prozac, suicide risk has been shown to increase by approximately 60 percent. Depending on the situation, an individual may be recommended to taper off Prozac rather than stopping abruptly. The tapering-off method, gradually reducing one’s dose over time, enables one’s body to slowly acclimate to the lessened amount of medication present in his or her system. New research suggests that a longer taper (at least one month) that continues until one’s dose is down to zero, is the most effective way to minimize Prozac withdrawal symptoms.
For Information and Support
Contemplating detox can be a very challenging time. Before any individual can begin to work on the underlying issues contributing to their substance abuse problem, they must be separated from the substances in their systems. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Sherwood Detox offers a stand-alone detox program. For additional information on detox, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 818-626-9959 or feel free to email us anytime. One of our trusted counselors is available to talk and discuss how we can best support you on your journey.
