Learn more about how to stop antidepressants safely. Antidepressants, such as Prozac, typically carry a black box warning , as they may worsen symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation and cause unusual changes in behavior in adults less than 24 years of age. People taking Prozac and their loved ones or caregivers should watch for certain signs and symptoms. These may include :. Prozac may also interact with other medications or supplements and increase the risk of side effects.
It is advisable to talk with a doctor before taking Prozac if currently taking :. Discontinuing an antidepressant can increase the risk of relapse, or the return of symptoms, for anxiety and depression.
The long duration of Prozac withdrawal symptoms may also increase the likelihood of the person mistaking them for returning symptoms. Abruptly stopping antidepressants can lead to rebound depression , in which symptoms return more intensely than before. It is important for doctors to determine the difference between withdrawal symptoms and returning symptoms, such as the return of depression.
A person should talk with their doctor if Prozac withdrawal symptoms are severe, concerning, disabling, or last longer than a few weeks. Additionally, it is important to seek help if a person experiences suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or any other unexpected or concerning symptoms. A person should also seek help if the symptoms of the condition for which they were taking Prozac are redeveloping or worsening. Fluoxetine, or Prozac, is an antidepressant that doctors commonly prescribe.
When a person decides that they are ready to stop Prozac, they should discuss this with their doctor and follow their advice on discontinuation strategies. Due to the long half-life of Prozac, it is less common for people to experience withdrawal symptoms than it is with other antidepressants. These symptoms may have a longer duration, but they are typically less severe. They may include dizziness, confusion, and headaches. A doctor may consider tapering the dosage of Prozac to help avoid or reduce withdrawal.
If you're switching from one type of antidepressant to another, your doctor may have you start taking the new one before you completely stop taking the original medication. It's sometimes difficult to tell the difference between withdrawal symptoms and returning depression symptoms after you stop taking an antidepressant.
Keep your doctor informed of your signs and symptoms. If your depression symptoms return, your doctor may recommend that you start taking an antidepressant again or that you get other treatment. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.
If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Antidepressant withdrawal: Is there such a thing? Products and services. If you stop taking antidepressants, could you experience antidepressant withdrawal?
Do withdrawal symptoms mean you were addicted to the drug? Answer From Daniel K. With Daniel K. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. This withdrawal can feel like a flu or a stomach bug.
You also setback your treatment plan and goals; it can increase the time it takes for you to feel better, cause your symptoms to worsen and cause other symptoms associated with your illness to also worsen. Other symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal include:. The duration of the withdrawal can vary from person to person. For others, it starts in a matter of days. Withdrawal after six months will most likely be less intense than a withdrawal after two years.
SSRIs with longer half lives will linger in the body for longer than their a short half-life drug. Average half lives of popular SSRIs include:. Depending on the drug, most people will experience the first signs of withdrawal within one to three days after their last does.
Even if you taper, you may still experience some symptoms. During days four to five, the symptoms may become more intense. This is when you might experience dizziness, nausea, shakiness and fever. The longer you were on your medication, the more intense the symptoms may be. In weeks one to three, the symptoms will gradually fade. Some people with depression stay on their medication indefinitely. Others are able to stop taking it after a period of weeks or months.
This involves slowly lowering the dose of medication until you are completely off of it. Talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating the following lifestyle changes to improve your overall health, lessen the symptoms of depression, and prevent it from recurring:. No two people will respond to quitting antidepressants in the same way. Despite the name, there are still treatments that can…. Endogenous depression is a type of major depressive disorder.
Learn about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and the outlook for people who have it. Research reveals how depression changes brain structure and function. Look with us and learn how to remedy it so you can live well. Take this quiz to test your knowledge about depression symptoms, causes, treatments, and more. Watching a friend live with depression can be painful, but there are ways to help. Learn what to do, avoid, and how to recognize the signs of suicidal….
People who experience anhedonia have a decreased ability to feel pleasure. Learn causes, risk factors, and treatments for anhedonia.
A SAD lamp can help alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Learn more about SAD lamps, how to use them, features to look for, and products….
0コメント