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Many people do not realize that while Prozac is a very effective medication that your body can become dependent on it, and when it is time to stop taking it you will go through Prozac withdrawal. This is not a side effect that is normally discussed when someone starts to take it and it is not until they or their doctors decide it is time for them to stop taking it or to switch to another medication that it becomes a problem.
Prozac is a SSRI and like most of the drugs in its class is used to treat depression, OCD, panic attacks and other types of disorders. People who take these drugs can basically be put into two different categories, those that will take it for a short time and then go on with their lives and those that may take it for a lifetime. Those that will take it for a lifetime will never have to deal with the effects of Prozac withdrawal provided that they are not moved to a different medication. This may occur if the person is experiencing adverse effects to the medication or more typically a new medication may come out that works better.
For those that may take Prozac for a short period time to deal with depression or anxiety will be the ones that may have to deal with Prozac withdrawal symptoms. Most typically withdrawal happens when a patient on their own decides to suddenly stop taking the Prozac without informing their doctor. This is generally a bad idea and the end result can be a wide array of symptoms that is unpleasant and may make you think that your depression is reoccurring.
Prozac withdrawal can include symptoms such as irritability, agitation, dizziness, burning sensation, anxiety, confusion, headache, insomnia and fatigue. It is easy for you to see how you may mistake Prozac withdrawal for the return of the symptoms that put you on the medication in the first place as well as the other way around. You may think these are symptoms with withdrawal when in fact what they really are is the depression or anxiety returning.
It is important that you check with your doctor before deciding to discontinue the medications he has prescribed you. He will let you know if he thinks that you are ready to be off medications, and will help you wean off of them so that prozac medication withdrawal is minimized or eliminated completely.
How long do prozac withdrawal pains last and what are the withdrawal sypmtoms?
I’ve been on Prozac for 8 years. I quit cold turkey a month ago and still have brain zaps and fatigue. My withdrawl symtoms were bad the 1st week and then gradually got better. Week three was good so far as the withdrawls were extremely mild. And, now in week four the withdrawls are extreme. My brain zaps are powerful, but only when I move my head from side to side. Everything I have read states that withdrawl symptoms can last a quarter. I pray that I am getting better shortly. I’ve got to say that even with the withdrawls, I’m still pleased to be off Prozac. I feel just like a new man!
what’s the best methodology of withdrawal from prozac?
unlike any other mood depressants, prozac has a long half-life so it stays in your system for a while, even after you stop taking it– it’s slowly eliminated from your system so you don’t really suffer a dramatic withdrawl. However , as with all antidepressants, you need to cut back before stopping. Then you can stop absolutely.
Withdrawal weight gain Prozac?
If taking Prozac made you lose weight, then yes, you may put back on the weight once you go off of it. Read the rest of this entry »
Can you change from Prozac to Effexor without weaning off the Prozac first?
I would not worry too much about weaning off of Prozac… having said that , effexor worked wonderfully for me, pulling me out of a very deep hole.
Can you change from Prozac to zoloft without weaning off the Prozac first?
you should usually titer your drug dose up slowing and similarly slowly reduce it as you wean off of it. [**] Prozac and Zoloft are in the same drug class, they’re both SSRI’s so switching between the 2 you do not have to wean off one before moving to the other.
side effects vary from one individual to another, it is not possible to tell what side-effects one gets from taking a particular medicine, but they’re generally common and are usually reported in the leaflet included with the packing of the medicine. You should talk to your GP if you’re considering switching medications.
How long do lamictal withdrawal symptoms last and what are the withdrawal sypmtoms?
I began decreasing my dose of lamictal about a month ago. I did it much too fast because the withdrawal pains have been pure hell. For the last week and a half I can’t say I have taken any lamictal at all and I have experienced headaches worse than any I’ve ever had in my life. I have also had tons of dizziness and a vibration feeling in my head/neck that’s very hard to explain. It’s what I’d imagine a very light electric pulse to feel just like. The headaches have reduced, as well as the vibration feeling I described. I would never need to go through this again. The meds did great things for me, but I am looking to grow my folks and cannot continue to take lamictal during my pregnancy. I may get back on the meds afterwards, but I’ll have to think hard and long before doing so, because I can’t see myself going through this withdrawal again…..
Read the rest of this entry »