Just like with any other medication, you should never cease taking fluoxetine without first consulting your prescribing physician. It is critical to first discuss stopping treatment with a prescription medication with your doctor before stopping it, as serious withdrawal symptoms could occur.
How long does fluoxetine withdrawal last?
It depends. Some people may not experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop treatment with fluoxetine, while others may.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Returning symptoms, such as depression or anxiety
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
To avoid withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will likely suggest a tapering-off schedule for you. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for stopping treatment with fluoxetine.
How do you stop taking fluoxetine?
If you plan to stop taking fluoxetine, talk with your doctor first. You should never stop taking fluoxetine without first consulting your prescribing physician.
You may wish to stop treatment with fluoxetine for a variety of reasons, but regardless of the reason(s), it is critical to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the necessary steps to stop taking this medication. During the appointment, you and your doctor can develop a safe and healthy plan to stop taking fluoxetine, assuming your doctor determines that is the best option for your health.
Additionally, if fluoxetine is not helping your symptoms, you can talk to your doctor about alternative treatments and/or medications. For more information on fluoxetine alternatives, please visit our alternatives page.
Can you stop fluoxetine cold turkey?
You should not stop taking fluoxetine cold turkey. The FDA states that fluoxetine, the generic drug name for Prozac, has the potential for withdrawal symptoms and effects if not tapered off. Always talk with your prescribing physician before stopping treatment with Prozac (fluoxetine).
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
