Prozac, or fluoxetine, is an antidepressant in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class of drugs is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. Prozac can be given to treat several conditions, such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Prozac is most often prescribed to treat depression. Because Prozac affects chemical reactions in the brain, this drug should not be stopped without consulting a doctor. Discontinuation of all prescription drugs should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. If he advises you to stop taking Prozac, follow the steps below. The length of time it takes to completely stop taking Prozac may depend on how long you've been taking it, medical conditions that require it, and other medications you may be taking.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Understanding Your Medication
Step 1. Learn how Prozac works
Prozac works by limiting the way brain receptors reabsorb the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a natural "message-carrying" chemical (neurotransmitter) to help maintain mood balance. Research shows that serotonin deficiency is a contributing factor to clinical depression. Prozac helps limit receptors from absorbing too much serotonin, thereby increasing the amount available to the body.
Prozac is an SSRI because it is "selective". Prozac emphasizes changes in serotonin and not on any of the other neurotransmitters that are also partially responsible for mood
Step 2. Consider side effects
Prozac can cause some side effects. Many of these will be mild or disappear after four to five weeks. Talk to your doctor if you experience severe side effects or symptoms, or if your condition does not improve. Here are some examples of possible side effects:
- Worry
- Nausea
- dry mouth
- Itchy throat
- Sleepy
- Feeling weak
- Body shaking uncontrollably
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of body weight
- Changes in appetite or sexual function
- Excessive sweating
Step 3. Recognize the various side effects that indicate an emergency
In some cases, Prozac may cause side effects that must be treated immediately. Prozac is known to increase the tendency of suicidal thoughts, especially in people under the age of 24. If you are having thoughts about or considering plans to harm/suicide, seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- New or worsening depression
- Feelings of extreme worry, restlessness, or panic
- Aggressive or irritable behavior
- Act without thinking
- It's so hard to calm down
- Abnormal feelings of infatuation or attraction
Step 4. Think about whether Prozac controls these symptoms
Prozac is generally an effective antidepressant for most people. However, Prozac may not be effective for everyone's brain or neurochemistry. If you continue to experience any of the following symptoms after taking Prozac, contact your doctor. The things that we are going to discuss can indicate that your depression or disorder is not being treated properly by the drug.
- Severe or ongoing side effects (examples are listed above)
- Loss of interest in interesting activities or hobbies
- Fatigue doesn't decrease
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Physical aches and pains
Step 5. Understand the dangers of stopping antidepressant use
Because antidepressants adjust the chemicals in the brain, stopping them without medical supervision can cause serious symptoms.
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Some longer-acting drugs, such as Prozac, usually cause fewer withdrawal symptoms. However, you may still experience side effects such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares
- Balance disorders, such as dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sensory or movement disorders, such as numbness, tingling, thermoregulation, and poor physical coordination
- Feelings of irritability, anxiety, or irritation
- Antidepressants need to be discontinued gradually by reducing the dose little by little. This method is known as tapering. Tapering can take weeks or months, depending on the type of antidepressant, how long you've been taking it, your dose, and your symptoms. Your doctor will determine the best way to apply the tapering technique to Prozac.
- You may experience a recurrence of depressive symptoms soon after stopping Prozac. To distinguish between withdrawal and relapse symptoms, think about when they started, how long they lasted, and what type of disturbance you had.
- Discontinuation symptoms usually develop rapidly. These symptoms will also improve after a week or two. Signs usually include more physical problems, such as nausea or aches and pains.
- Recurrent symptoms usually develop gradually after two to three weeks. These symptoms also generally get worse after two to four weeks. If it persists for more than a month, consult a doctor.
Method 2 of 3: Cooperating with the Doctor
Step 1. Ask why you should take Prozac
Since Prozac can be prescribed for several different medical conditions, ask your doctor about the reason. He or she may be able to suggest a different treatment for your condition.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Prozac if he feels you are no longer at risk for (or experiencing) chronic and recurrent depression. If he goes this way, the time period is usually after you have taken the drug for six to twelve months
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about the reasons for discontinuing Prozac
Tell him about any severe side effects that continue because you are taking Prozac. If you have been taking this medicine for more than eight weeks and it doesn't help, describe your symptoms. This information will help your doctor make an informed decision and determine if it is time for you to stop taking Prozac.
Step 3. Ask your doctor to discuss the discontinuation process with you
You must understand and follow the doctor's recommendations exactly. Depending on how long you have been taking Prozac and the dose, your doctor may suggest a tapering method. Follow the directions to avoid serious side effects.
- Prozac usually causes fewer problems because of its longer "half-life". This term refers to the time it takes the body to reduce the concentration level of the drug by half. This means that Prozac can last longer in the body, so its concentration will not decrease suddenly. Thus, there will be fewer stopping symptoms.
- If you have been taking Prozac for a while, such as six to twelve weeks, or are taking small maintenance doses (such as 20 mg a day), your doctor may not recommend the tapering method.
- Follow your tapering schedule. Write down the date and dose you took each day. This will help you to be sure that you are following the doctor's orders.
Step 4. Document any effects you experience as a result of stopping the drug
Even if you do the tapering method for Prozac, you may still experience withdrawal symptoms, as mentioned earlier in this article. Talk to your doctor if you experience any withdrawal symptoms or other unusual things.
- Keep in mind that depression can recur if you stop treatment. Tell your doctor about your feelings. If you have concerns about recurring symptoms, consult with them for advice.
- Make sure your doctor stays up-to-date on how you are progressing, and whether you are experiencing any symptoms. He or she will monitor you for several months after stopping the drug.
Step 5. Take your new prescription medication appropriately
Doctors may prescribe different medications to control depression or other health problems. Make sure you take it within the conditions recommended by your doctor.
- Your doctor's recommendations include your choices, previous responses to medications, effectiveness, safety and tolerance factors, costs, side effects, and drug interactions with other medications you're currently taking.
- If Prozac doesn't control your depression well enough, your doctor may suggest medications in the same SSRI class, such as Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), or Lexapro (escitalopram).
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Other classes of medication your doctor may try if you have side effects or are unable to control your depression include:
- Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Effexor (venlafaxine)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), eg Elavil (amitriptyline)
- Aminoketone Antidepressants, eg Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Step 6. Consider psychotherapy
Several studies have shown that people who see a therapist while stopping their antidepressants are less likely to experience recurrent depression. Therapy can help you learn to deal with unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Therapy will also provide various means to manage stress, anxiety, and responses to life. There are many different types of therapy, and the treatment plan developed depends on your individual situation. Your doctor may be able to suggest a therapist in your area.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has a good record of effectively treating depression. Its goal is to help you learn to think more positively and to challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. The therapist will help you identify useless thinking habits and change inaccurate ideas. This will reduce the symptoms of depression.
- Other therapies include interpersonal therapy, which focuses on improving communication patterns; family therapy, which helps resolve conflicts and communication problems in the family; or psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on helping a person build self-awareness.
- You may have to try several types of therapy (or several therapists) before you can find the one that works best for you.
Step 7. Consider acupuncture
Although acupuncture is not part of the official advice guide to stopping depression medications, it may be useful for some people. Acupuncture is a technique that inserts tiny needles into various areas of the body to relieve symptoms. Acupuncture should only be performed by licensed trained practitioners. Consult a doctor if you are considering it. He or she may be able to advise an acupuncturist. Acupuncture may not be suitable for everyone.
- A study shows that electroacupuncture, which runs a small electric current through the needles, is as effective as Prozac in treating symptoms of depression. In fact, the effect may be faster.
- In the US, there is an official licensing body for acupuncturists. This body is called The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. You can use their “Find a Practitioner” service on their website to find the nearest acupuncturist.
- Keep telling your doctor about all alternative treatments or acupuncture you are taking. This information should be recorded in your medical track record. All of your health care practitioners must work together to ensure the best possible care.
Method 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Eat healthy
Until now, there has been no diet pattern that has been proven to successfully relieve or "cure" depression. However, eating a healthy and balanced diet will provide the body with the nutrients it needs to fight disease. Eat a diet that combines fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and low-fat protein.
- Avoid processed foods, refined sugar, and “empty” sources of calories. All of this provides very little nutrition compared to the number of calories you consume, so you will still feel hungry. These foods will also cause changes in blood sugar levels, which can affect mood.
- Eating foods rich in vitamin B12 and folate can help regulate mood. Lever, chicken, and fish are good sources of vitamin B12. Beets, lentils, almonds, spinach, and liver also contain folate.
- Foods rich in selenium can help with symptoms of depression. Some good sources include Brazil nuts, fish oil, walnuts, and poultry.
- Foods rich in tryptophan can be converted into serotonin by the body when combined with vitamin B6. These foods include soy, cashews, chicken breast, salmon, and oatmeal.
- Studies show that regular consumption of omega 3 fatty acids can help regulate mood. Sunflower seeds or canola oil, walnuts, kale, spinach, and fatty fish like salmon are good sources of omega-3s. Vegetable oils such as corn, soybean, and sunflower oils do not contain a lot of omega 3.
- You should always check with your doctor before taking omega 3 supplements, as these supplements may exacerbate some chronic conditions. Doses of between one and nine grams a day may be beneficial for improving mood.
Step 2. Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol should not be consumed while you are also taking antidepressants. Even if not, limit your alcohol intake as well. Alcohol is a depressant, and, in excess, can reduce serotonin levels.
- Heavy alcohol consumption is also associated with panic attacks and anxiety.
- The term “drink” usually refers to 354 ml of beer, 147 ml of wine, or 44 ml of liquor. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women only drink one drink per day, with men consuming a maximum of two drinks per day. This dose is considered a “medium” drinking pattern.
Step 3. Exercise regularly
Studies show that moderate exercise - at least 30-35 minutes per day - can increase levels of natural chemicals that make the body "feel good" (endorphins). Exercise can also stimulate neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. In this way, the symptoms of depression can subside.
Regular exercise can improve mood for people with mild to moderate depression. Exercise can also be used as a means of support to deal with more severe depression. However, if you continue to experience symptoms of depression even after regular exercise, see your doctor
Step 4. Establish a timely bedtime routine
Sleep can be disturbed by depression. You must maintain a "hygienic level" of sleep to ensure that your body can rest. Here are some good steps to do it:
- Go and get up at the same time every day (even on weekends).
- Avoid stimulation before bed. Certain activities, such as exercise and things that involve screens, such as watching TV or working on a computer, can disrupt your sleep patterns.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed. While alcohol can make you feel sleepy, it can also disrupt the REM cycle during sleep.
- Keep the bed only for sleeping. Don't work on it.
Step 5. Sunbathe
Some types of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder, can be helped by sunbathing. Research shows that exposure to sunlight can affect serotonin levels. Lack of sun exposure can also increase melatonin production, which can trigger symptoms of depression.
- If you can't sunbathe naturally, consider buying a light therapy box. Talk to your doctor about the box that best fits your needs. In general, it is recommended that you use this box for at least 30 minutes every morning.
- If you're going out in the sun, make sure you wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 minutes. Choose the "broad spectrum".
Step 6. Strengthen your support system
Involve close relatives or friends in the process of stopping drug consumption. He or she may be able to provide emotional support or recognize recurring signs of depression. Tell him about any side effects or symptoms he should watch out for.
Throughout the drug discontinuation process, keep in touch with your doctor. Tell him about your status, feelings, and symptoms
Step 7. Try meditation
A Johns Hopkins review of studies shows that a daily 30-minute meditation session can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Mindfulness meditation has been examined by a significant number of scientific studies, and has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety. “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction” (MBSR) is a common type of exercise that can help.
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Meditation usually includes the following elements:
- Focus: focusing on a specific object, image, spell, or breathing technique
- Relaxed breathing: slow, deep and even breathing, to increase oxygen and reduce stress hormones
- Quiet environment: get rid of distractions
- You can download several meditation guides online. MITA offers MP3 files to help with mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques. The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center also provides streaming or downloadable audio guides to help you meditate.
Tips
- Make sure you always eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep while taking Prozac. A healthy lifestyle like this will help you feel better as you try to cut back on your medication.
- If symptoms of discontinuation of the drug develop, contact your doctor.
Warning
- If the symptoms of depression get worse when you reduce your consumption of Prozac, consult your doctor immediately.
- Do not change your tapering schedule without discussing it with your doctor first.
- Never stop taking Prozac without first consulting your doctor.
