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A 26-year-old male asked:
I've been on 10mg prozac (fluoxetine) for 3 months for anxiety and depression. i feel better now.will i get a withdrawal if i suddenly stop taking the medications?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Catherine Shawanswered
Clinical Psychology 36 years experience
Yes : Yes, it can be dangerous to stop ssri (prozac (fluoxetine) etc) suddenly. Best to taper off under your doctor's guidance. It will not take long. Hope you keep feeling well.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jane Steiner commented
Psychiatry 43 years experience
We usually recommend staying on the antidepressant for at least 6 months after it starts to help you, and if possible a year, for the best result. Relapse is more likely if you go off the med sooner than that (relapse is actually the danger in this situation). Prozac has a very long half-life, so the likelihood of a "discontinuation syndrome" ( what people often call withdrawal) is less.
Apr 19, 2014
Dr. Jane Steiner commented
Psychiatry 43 years experience
But Dr Shaw is absolutely correct in telling you not to make any changes without consulting your doctor--making decisions like this on your own can often not end well.
Apr 19, 2014
Dr. Irving Harperanswered
Internal Medicine 35 years experience
Yes you can: You can have serious withdrawal sx from stopping your med suddenly. Please let your doc know how you feel and agree to a fast taper together. It is often recommended that a patient stay on their antidepressant for a full year before going off to assure great chance there is no relapse.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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