Prozac Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment

An image of green and white capsule pills representing prozac withdrawal

Updated September 23, 2024

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

An image of green and white capsule pills representing prozac withdrawal

Prozac (fluoxetine) is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat a variety of disorders, including major depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), panic disorders, and some eating disorders. You may experience Prozac withdrawal for a couple of months after stopping this drug. Withdrawal from Prozac results from the brain adjusting to lower levels of serotonin in the brain.

As an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), Prozac increases the amount of serotonin in brain, which may help improve mental health. Prozac withdrawal side effects may occur if the medication is abruptly discontinued. Rather than stopping Prozac cold turkey, consult a medical professional or addiction specialist to streamline the withdrawal process and reduce the intensity of symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms From Prozac

Understanding the symptoms of Prozac withdrawal (also known as

Fluoxetine withdrawal) and the time over which they can occur is essential in getting help if needed. The effects associated with SSRI discontinuation can impact various bodily systems. These are the most common Prozac withdrawal symptoms:

      • Digestive symptoms: Cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite are common side effects of Prozac withdrawal.

      • Balance-related symptoms: Dizziness and lightheadedness, potentially affecting mobility, can affect individuals coming off Prozac.

      • Sleep disturbances: Nightmares, vivid dreams, insomnia, or excessive dreaming may occur during fluoxetine withdrawal.

      • General well-being: Going off Prozac can trigger flu-like symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain.

      • Mood changes: Intensified panic, anxiety, agitation, depression, anger, irritability, mania, mood swings, and suicidal thoughts.

      • Sensory alterations: Brain zaps resembling electric shocks, tingling sensations, ringing in the ears, unusual tastes, or heightened sensitivity to sound, are uncommon but disruptive withdrawal symptoms of Prozac.

      • Motor control symptoms: Muscle tension, tremors, restlessness in the legs, unstable gait, or problems in controlling speech can manifest during withdrawal from Prozac.


    Symptoms of Prozac withdrawal can range from mild discomfort to severe incapacitation, typically emerging within 1 to 10 days after reducing the dosage or ceasing the medication. 

     

    What Causes Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms?

    While the exact cause of Prozac withdrawal (or Fluoxetine withdrawal symptoms) is unknown, researchers believe they are related to the sudden decrease in serotonin levels once you stop taking the medication. When your body has become accustomed to relying on a serotonin-boosting drug in order to function properly, the idea is that your body needs time to readjust to its absence. In response, the body experiences physical and mental duress during this reacclimation stage. 

    woman with hands on head representing prozac withdrawal timeline

     

    Prozac Withdrawal Timeline Breakdown

    The advantage of Prozac, compared to other SSRIs, is its minimal likelihood of inducing withdrawal symptoms, primarily due to its extended half-life. While the half-life of most SSRIs is approximately one day, Prozac has a significantly longer half-life of four to six days, allowing for a more gradual decline in its presence within the body. This extended duration is paramount, as withdrawal symptoms typically manifest when the drug is nearly 90% eliminated from the system.

    Prozac’s distinctive characteristic lies in the delayed onset of withdrawal symptoms, which often surface after several weeks. This protracted timeline comes with a drawback, though, as Prozac withdrawal symptoms tend to persist for two months or so after stopping fluoxetine, prolonging the discomfort for those undergoing cessation.

    The extended duration of Prozac withdrawal poses a challenge in diagnosis, too, as the delayed appearance and longer duration of symptoms frequently lead to misinterpretation as a relapse. This misdiagnosis can potentially prompt people to resume antidepressant medication unnecessarily.

     

    How Long Do Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

    So how long do Prozac withdrawal symptoms last? Prozac withdrawal symptoms fall under a medical diagnosis known as Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome (ADS). This syndrome is experienced by anywhere from 27% to 86% of people who stop taking antidepressants. 

    ADS symptoms are known to usually last from a few weeks to 2 months, depending on a number of factors like:

    • Individual physiology
    • Duration of use
    • Dosage
    • Etc.

     

    Treatment for Prozac Withdrawal

    Treatment for Prozac withdrawal requires a comprehensive approach to manage potential symptoms and ensure a safe transition. Consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to various withdrawal effects, including dizziness, nausea, irritability, and mood swings.

    To mitigate the impact of Prozac withdrawal, physicians generally recommend a gradual tapering schedule tailored to individual needs and response. This method involves slowly reducing the dosage over an extended period to minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Alongside this, healthcare professionals might suggest implementing alternative therapeutic strategies, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) or other forms of counseling, to address any emotional or psychological challenges that may arise during this phase.

    Support groups or peer counseling can also serve as a valuable network for individuals undergoing Prozac withdrawal, offering a platform for sharing experiences and coping mechanisms. Beyond this, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can significantly contribute to overall well-being and alleviate some of the discomfort associated with withdrawal from antidepressants like Prozac.

    Continuous monitoring and follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are essential to track progress, address any emerging concerns, and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Open communication with a trusted medical professional can ensure that the withdrawal process is as comfortable and manageable as possible.

     

    Ways to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms (Coping With Prozac Withdrawal)

    Dealing with the withdrawal symptoms after coming off of Prozac is not a comfortable experience. However, there are effective ways to manage withdrawal symptoms to help you cope with Prozac withdrawal effectively. Treatments for weaning off Prozac include:

    • For pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc.)
    • For nausea: Prescription antiemetic medications like Zofran 
    • For anxiety & insomnia: Prescription Hydroxyzine or benzodiazepines 

    Talk to your prescribing doctor about the medications that are right for you. For some, benzos may not be the best option if you have a history of struggling with addiction or substance abuse. Do not try to self-medicate, always consult your prescribing doctor before making any major changes to your current prescription and dosage.


    Prozac Withdrawal | FAQs

     

    What is Prozac withdrawal?

    Prozac withdrawal refers to the symptoms experienced when someone stops taking the medication, especially after prolonged use. Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), affects serotonin levels in the brain, and stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms.

    Can you stop taking prozac cold turkey?

    Stopping fluoxetine cold turkey is not recommended as it can lead to sudden and intense withdrawal symptoms as well as a resurgence of the mental heath symptoms it was treating. It’s best to talk to your prescribing doctor about a tapering schedule for weaning off Prozac (fluoxetine) slowly instead. 

    How long do Prozac withdrawal symptoms last?

    Prozac has a long half-life, which means withdrawal symptoms may take longer to start compared to other SSRIs. Symptoms can begin 1-2 weeks after stopping and may last several weeks, though the duration varies from person to person depending on the dose and how long the medication was used.

    What are the common Prozac withdrawal symptoms?

    Common symptoms of Prozac withdrawal may include:

    • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
    • Fatigue or tiredness
    • Headaches or dizziness
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or vivid dreams)
    • Irritability or restlessness
    • Flu-like symptoms (sweating, chills, muscle aches)

    Can Prozac withdrawal be dangerous?

    While Prozac withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, stopping Prozac side effects can be uncomfortable and challenging. In rare cases, abrupt discontinuation may cause severe symptoms like intense anxiety, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts, which require immediate medical attention.

    How can I safely stop taking Prozac?

    It’s important to consult a doctor before stopping Prozac. A gradual tapering of the dose, under a healthcare provider’s supervision, can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smoother transition off the medication.

    What are coming off fluoxetine 20 mg side effects? 

    Coming off fluoxetine (Prozac) typically results in a number of withdrawal symptoms, although some people may not feel any symptoms at all. These symtpoms can include: mood changes, flu-like symtpoms, stomach issues, insomnia, dizziness, and “brain zaps”. 

    Get Treatment for Prozac Detox Today

    We offer a range of evidence-based treatments and therapies that can help you achieve lasting recovery. Get in touch with us now to find out how we can help you.

    Get an Effective & Safe Prozac Detox at Gratitude Lodge

    If you or someone you care about have been abusing Prozac, we offer a variety of antidepressant addiction treatment programs at Gratitude Lodge. Our pet-friendly and welcoming facilities are located in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA.

    For those who are dependent on alcohol, we offer supervised medical detoxification. Access FDA-approved medications and continuous care to streamline the intensity of the alcohol withdrawal process. After a week, move into ongoing inpatient treatment at one of our luxury beachside rehab centers. Here, you can expect a personalized mix of these therapies:

     

    When you are ready to live unconstrained by addiction to antidepressants like Prozac, call 844-576-0144 for immediate assistance.

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    Jenni Bussi

    Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

    Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
    Joe Gilmore

    Joseph Gilmore

    Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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