Stop using Prozac - tips

Content

Steps
Advice
Warning

Prozac, or fluoxetine, is an antidepressant that is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. Prozac is used to treat a variety of conditions such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and premenstrual disorder. This is a commonly prescribed medication for depression. Because Prozac has effects on the chemicals in your brain, you should not Stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor. Only under the supervision of a doctor can you stop taking the drug. If your doctor recommends that you stop taking Prozac, you can follow the steps below. The time to stop Prozac is completely dependent on the length of time you take the drug, the dose prescribed, the medical condition being treated, and some other medications you are taking.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Learn drugs

Understand how Prozac works. This drug inhibits the brain receptor to absorb the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a natural chemical "messenger" (neurotransmitter) that helps maintain emotional balance. Research shows that a lack of serotonin is a factor in clinical depression. Prozac restricts the receptor to absorb too much serotonin, thereby increasing the amount of chemicals available in the body.
- Prozacs are SSRIs because they are "selective." They are primarily based on serotonin instead of other neurotransmitters that play a role in maintaining emotions.
Consider the side effects. Prozac sometimes causes side effects. Some effects are mild or disappear after four to five weeks. Talk to your doctor if you experience severe side effects or symptoms, and if they don't go away on their own. Some of the side effects include:
- Stress
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Asleep
- Weak
- Shivering uncontrollably
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Changes in libido or sexual function
- Persistent perspiration
Be aware of urgent side effects. In some cases, Prozac can cause side effects that require prompt attention. Prozac is known to stimulate suicidal thoughts, especially in people under 24 years of age. If you have thoughts or are planning to plan yourself to hurt or end yourself, seek medical help. right away. You need to contact your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms:
- New depression arises or gets worse
- Feelings of extreme anxiety, suspense, or panic
- Aggressive or angry behavior
- Act without thinking
- Restlessness does not stop
- Feeling hysterical, unusually excited
Consider whether Prozac is controlling your symptoms. Prozac is generally an effective antidepressant for many people. However, they may not work as well with some people's brains or neurochemicals. If you continue to notice any of the following symptoms after taking Prozac, talk to your doctor. This could be an indication that the medication is not capable of controlling depression or a disorder.
- Have a serious or ongoing side effect (as mentioned above)
- Loss of interest in recreational activities or hobbies
- Fatigue has not improved
- Disrupted sleep (insomnia, heavy sleep)
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Change in eating taste
- Stinging and physical pain
Know the risks of stopping antidepressants. This drug affects brain chemistry, so if it is stopped without professional supervision it can cause severe symptoms.
- Some long-acting drugs like Prozac often cause fewer symptoms if stopped from use.However, you will still experience some side effects such as:
  - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps
  - Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares
  - Balance disorders, such as dizziness or lightheadedness
  - Sense or movement disturbances, such as numbness, tingling, shivering, and lack of physical coordination
  - Feeling upset, anxious, or distracted
- You need to gradually stop taking antidepressants over a period of time by gradually decreasing the dosage. This remedy is called “tapering off,” which can last for weeks or months, depending on the medicine, how long it is used, how much, and your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend an effective method in reducing Prozac use.
- You may experience recurrent symptoms of depression after you stop taking Prozac. To differentiate between withdrawal symptoms and recurrence, it is important to note when the symptoms started, how long they lasted, and which ones.
- Symptoms of discontinuation usually appear fairly quickly. They usually improve after more than a week or two, including some physical complications, such as nausea, soreness, and pain.
- Recurrence symptoms usually arise after two to three weeks. They usually get worse in two to four weeks. If symptoms persist for more than a month, you should see your doctor.
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Method 2 of 3: Coordinate with a doctor

Talk to your doctor about the reasons for using Prozac. This medication is usually prescribed for a number of different situations, so ask your doctor why you are prescribing Prozac for you. Your doctor may change to another medication that suits your situation.
- In some cases, doctors recommend discontinuing Prozac if you feel that you are no longer at risk (or no longer at risk of) chronic or recurrent depression. This recommendation will be made by your doctor for at least 6 to 12 months after you have taken the medicine.
Talk to your doctor about the reasons why you want to stop using Prozac. Inform your doctor about serious, long-lasting side effects caused by Prozac. If you have been taking Prozac for more than eight weeks and you feel your disorder has not improved, present your symptoms in progress. This information will help your doctor decide if this is the right time to stop taking Prozac.
Ask your doctor to work with you during the discontinuation of the drug. You need to understand and follow your doctor's recommendations correctly. Depending on the length of time you use Prozac and the dose, your doctor may or may not choose a method of tapering the dose. You should follow your doctor's instructions to avoid serious side effects.
- Prozac causes less symptoms from discontinuation because they have a "half-life" effect. This is the amount of time your body takes to reduce its focus on the drug in half. This means that Prozac can last a long time in the body, not having a sudden decrease in effect causing few symptoms due to discontinuation of the drug.
- If Prozac is taken for a short period of time, 6 to 12 weeks, or in low doses (eg, 20 mg a day), your doctor may not recommend gradual reduction of the dose.
- Keep track of your dose reduction schedule. Write down the date and dose used each day. This helps you to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
Record all effects caused by discontinuation of the drug. Even if you are decreasing your Prozac use, you may still experience some of the symptoms from discontinuation, such as those mentioned in this article. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms due to discontinuation or other abnormalities.
- Note that depression can return when the drug is stopped. You need to let your doctor know about your emotional situation. If you are concerned about recurrence, you should consult your doctor for advice.
- Talk to your doctor about whether you experience symptoms. Your doctor will follow up for at least a few months after you stop taking the medicine.
Take the new medicine properly. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to control depression or disorder. You need to follow your doctor's recommendations.
- Your doctor will make recommendations depending on your personal preferences, past drug reactions, effectiveness, safety level, and tolerance, cost, side effects, and interactions with other medications.
- If Prozac is incapable of controlling depression, your doctor may prescribe another drug in the same SSRI group, such as Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), or Lexapro (escitalopram).
- Other classes of medications your doctor might recommend if you experience side effects or an uncontrolled depression include:
  - Norepinephrine Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Effexor (venlafaxine)
  - Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) such as Elavil (amitriptyline)
  - Aminoketone antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Consider psychotherapy. Some studies have shown that people who see a specialist while stopping antidepressants are less likely to have depression recurrence. Psychotherapy helps you deal with negative thoughts and behaviors. They give you skills in handling stress, anxiety, and responding to everyday life. There are many types of treatment available today, and the treatment plan will depend on your particular condition. Your doctor can refer you to a local specialist.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is remarkably effective in overcoming depression. The goal of this therapy is to help you think more positively and eliminate negative thoughts and behaviors. A cognitive behavioral therapist will help you identify bad thinking habits and change inaccurate beliefs. These remedies can help you overcome symptoms of depression.
- Other therapies include individual therapy, which focuses on improving communication; Family therapy with the aim of resolving conflicts and improving family communication; or psychiatric therapy that helps the patient to realize himself.
- You need to try a variety of therapies (or see several specialists) to find the right treatment or specialist for yourself.
Consider acupuncture. Although doctors generally do not recommend acupuncture in stopping medication or treating depression, it may work for some people. Acupuncture is a technique that uses thin needles to pierce certain areas of the body to improve symptoms. This technique can only be performed by highly qualified doctors. You should consult your doctor before considering acupuncture. The doctor will recommend an acupuncturist. However, not everyone can use this acupuncture.
- One study has shown that light electric acupuncture through a needle is as effective as Prozac in reducing symptoms of depression, and even faster.
- In the US, acupuncturists are licensed by the National Acupuncture Certification Board and Oriental Medicine. You can use the “Find a specialist” feature on the Board's website to find a acupuncturist with a local license.
- Inform your doctor about acupuncture or alternative treatments you have been going through. This information will be saved on the patient record. All healthcare professionals need to work together to provide the best health care for you.
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Method 3 of 3: Lifestyle changes

Healthy eating. No diet has been shown to improve or "treat" depression. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet provides the nutrients your body needs to fight disease. You need to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and lean protein.
- Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and "empty" calories. This food group contains very few nutrients in the total calories you absorb, making your body hungry faster. In addition, they can affect blood sugar, which has an emotional effect.
- Eating foods rich in B12 and folate helps to regulate your emotions. Liver, chicken, and fish contain abundant B12.Beets, lentils, almonds, spinach, and liver contain folate.
- Foods rich in cesium can help improve symptoms of depression. Some food sources of cesium include Brazil beans, cod, pecans, and poultry.
- Foods rich in tryptophan, when absorbed in the body, will turn into serotonin when combined with vitamin B6. Tryptophan-rich foods include soybeans, nuts, chicken breasts, salmon, and oats.
- Studies have shown that regular use of omega-3 fatty acids helps with emotional regulation. Flaxseed or rapeseed oil, pecans, kale, spinach, and fatty fish such as salmon, are rich in moega-3. Corn, soybeans, and sunflower oils are not high in omega-3s.
- You need to consult your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements, as they can make some chronic illnesses worse. You can take anywhere from 1 to 9 grams per day to improve your mood.
Limit alcohol. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking antidepressants. Even without taking this medication, you should still be aware of how much alcohol you consume. This is a pain reliever and if you drink too much alcohol will dissolve serotonin.
- Drinking a lot of alcohol also causes anxiety and panic.
- One alcoholic drink includes 360 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 45 ml of heavy wine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking no more than one alcoholic beverage a day and no more than two drinks for men. This is considered the "moderate" drinking standard.
Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that regular, moderate exercise of at least 30-35 minutes a day produces the body's natural endorphins. Additionally, physical training stimulates neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. These substances help to improve symptoms of depression.
- Regular exercise improves mood in people with mild to moderate depression. In addition, this is also a measure to support severe depression. However, if you continue to experience symptoms of depression even with regular exercise, you need to see your doctor.
Go to bed on time. Depression can affect sleep. You need to follow a set schedule to make sure your body is resting effectively. Steps for maintaining good sleep include:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (including weekends).
- Avoid stimulants before bed. Activities such as exercise and using electronic devices such as television or computer can affect your sleep.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine before bed. Even alcohol can help feel drowsiness, but in practice they disrupt the REM sleep cycle.
- The bedroom should only be used for sleeping, not for working.
Bask. Some types of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder, can be improved through sun exposure. Studies show that sun exposure has an effect on serotonin levels. A lack of sunlight can cause the body to produce more melatonin, causing depression symptoms.
- If you can't get sun exposure, you can buy an artificial solar light box. Consult with your doctor about the right lamp for your needs. Generally you should use an artificial solar light box for at least 30 minutes every morning.
- If you plan to sunbathe outdoors, you should wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 and "common".
Strengthen support system. Ask a friend or relative for help while you stop using the medicine. This person will give you emotional support or recognize the signs of relapse. Talk to them about any side effects or symptoms to watch out for.
- During the discontinuation of the drug, you should see your doctor regularly. Let your doctor know about your condition, feelings, or symptoms.
Try meditation. A review of Johns Hopkins research suggests that 30 minutes of meditation a day improves symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Mindfulness meditation has been tested by scientific research and has been shown to help treat depression and anxiety. "Mindfulness-based stress reduction" (MBSR) is a highly effective form of meditation.
- Meditation includes the following factors:
  - Focus: Focus on objects, images, chanting, or focus on specific breathing
  - Breathing and relaxation: Breathing exercises slowly, deeply, and evenly help increase oxygen and decrease stress hormones
  - Quiet space: Eliminates distractions
- You can download a meditation guide online. MIT offers relaxation and mindfulness meditation MP3 files. The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center has downloadable or live broadcast resources for meditation guides.
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Advice

Ensure healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate sleep while reducing your Prozac intake. These healthy habits help you feel comfortable while gradually reducing your dosage.
If withdrawal symptoms appear, see your doctor.

Warning

During the gradual discontinuation of Prozac, see your doctor immediately if you notice that your symptoms of depression get worse.
Do not change your dose reduction schedule without first talking to your doctor.
Never stop taking Prozac without first consulting your doctor.