If you want to stop Prozac because of side effects, your doctor may want to switch you to another medication. If you can’t afford your prescription or your doctor does not want to keep prescribing it for you, have a conversation about the best way to stop taking Prozac. You may also want to ask about any nonprofit organizations that may be able to help you pay for your medications. Keep in mind that you have to take antidepressants for at least six months to see an effect.
If you start experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, call your doctor right away. He or she may recommend that you revert to a higher dose and taper off more slowly. The more slowly you taper your dosage, the less likely you are to experience withdrawal symptoms at all.
If you do start experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to remind yourself that they are only temporary and that it is necessary to endure them in order to reach your goal. You may find it helpful to keep a journal during the withdrawal process so you can go back and look at your progress.
It’s best to talk to the person you choose before you stop taking Prozac and explain the symptoms you might experience, as well as your reasons for wanting to stop taking the medication. There are also a variety of support groups online. These may be helpful if you would like some information regarding what to expect from other people who have experienced Prozac withdrawal, or even just some encouragement. Some areas have crisis lines and hotlines that you can call for help and support. You can also try an online chat line if you are feeling suicidal.
You may feel depressed or anxious while your body is withdrawing from Prozac, but it may not be a relapse of the condition that caused you to take the drug in the first place. If your symptoms are only temporary, they are likely just a symptom of withdrawal, so do your best to cope with them. If you continue to feel depressed or anxious even after the other symptoms of withdrawal have passed, you may be experiencing a relapse, so talk to your doctor about your treatment options right away. [6] X Research source Your doctor will have to monitor your mental status and your risk for suicide. Studies have shown people on antidepressants have a higher risk than placebo for suicidal ideation.
Try to establish a regular schedule and reduce your stress as well, as this will increase your chances of being able to combat your depression and anxiety without Prozac. [8] X Research source Cut yourself a little slack and let yourself relax while you withdraw from Prozac. Try to avoid committing yourself to anything strenuous or stressful, as you may not be feeling up to participating.
If you are unable to sleep, you may want to take Melatonin. If you are feeling fatigued, you may want to take a Vitamin B complex or Rhodiola Rosea. Be particularly careful when taking Rhodiola Rosea since it interacts with many other medications. [9] X Research source If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or irritable you may want to try Sam-e or magnesium. St. John’s Wort can be helpful in treating depression as well, but overlapping its use with Prozac is not recommended, because St. John’s Wort can make Prozac’s side effects worse; wait two weeks after you finish taking Prozac to try St. John’s Wort. [10] X Research source . St. John’s Wort interacts negatively with many other medications as well. If you are experiencing brain zaps or mental fogginess, omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil or krill oil) may help.
Feel free to contact your doctor if you are having trouble coping with your symptoms. He or she may be able to offer you additional advice on how to reduce the symptoms, which may include temporarily increasing your dosage of Prozac. Your doctor can also help you identify if you have any symptoms that are not related to Prozac withdrawal.
