How long does prozac (fluoxetine) stay in your system?

Question

I took 20mg of Prozac (fluoxetine) for 4 days.. I have been off of it for 3 days.. How long does it take to get out of my system?

Answer 1

More than 2 weeks: The half life of this medication is as long as three days. It will be out of your system in 15 days depending on individual factors related to the patient. Ask your prescriber.

Answer 2

Prozac (fluoxetine): Like other antidepressants, Prozac (fluoxetine) generally requires at least 4-6 weeks' consistent dosing for therapeutic effectiveness. You may experience some benefit before this, however.

Answer 3

2 wks: I am not sure if you mean the 3 doses of Prozac were taking at the same time or different days. It usually takes 2 wks to wash Prozac out of the system b/c of the long half life of the active metabolite of prozac, norfluoxetine.

Answer 4

4 to 5 weeks: Prozac (fluoxetine) has a half life of 7 days and it takes at least 4 half lifes or more to clear your body.

Answer 5

Quite a while: Prozac (fluoxetine) taken over a period of three or more months, then stopped, can show the presence of fluoxetine for five or more weeks. Prozac has both a right and left isomer (like looking at yourself in the mirror and raising your hand and watching your raised r hand appear to be your l hand). Breakdown of fluoxetine yields nor-fluoxetine which lasts 2 x as long in the body as fluoxetine.

Answer 6

Possibly forever: People have been on Prozac (fluoxetine) for 20+ years. There does not appear to be any maximum time or any reason to discontinue it if is working.

Answer 7

Long time: Can be taken as long as necessary. If you feel well it is reasonable to try discontinuing the med under the supervision of your physician. If symptoms return it can be restarted.

Answer 8

Indefinetly: Your physician and you need to discuss how long you should be on your medication. Some patients tolerate the medication well and have responded well, so they remain on it indefinitely. Some others stop after a year of feeling well and completely normal.

Answer 9

It depends....: If this is your first episode of depression, you should stay on the medicine for 9-12 months in order to prevent a relapse. If this is your third episode or more, and the medicine is working, you should stay on a maintenance regiment. Each episode of depression increases the likelihood of a future one. Please consult your md before making any changes.

Answer 10

Prozac (fluoxetine): If prescribed by your physician, and you're also having regular reviews of your condition that document ongoing need, Prozac (fluoxetine) can be continued indefinitely. The problem is that patients may be prescribed this medicine for years, but no psychotherapy is ever provided and no one reviews the course of symptoms to see whether changes in the medication (tapering and stopping?) are advisable.

Answer 11

Depression: Each patient is different. Many people are on that medication for several years. When a patient starts on this medication patient should stay on it for 6 to 9 months after that they try to wean the patient off the medication gradually. See you doctor.

How long does prozac (fluoxetine) stay in your system?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Similar questions

How long does Prozac (fluoxetine) have to be in your system before it starts to work?

How long before 3 doses of Prozac (fluoxetine) outvof system?

How long will it take for Prozac (fluoxetine) to leave my system?

How long Prozac (fluoxetine) could be taken?

Related questions

Found in:

People also asked

Related topics

Disclaimer:

Get the Free App for Members

Get the Free App for Doctors

Product

Company