What Is Fluoxetine (Prozac)?
The medication fluoxetine is sold under the brand name Prozac. One of the medications in the class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is the antidepressant fluoxetine (SSRI). It functions by raising the concentrations and activity of serotonin in the brain. Unbalanced serotonin levels can result in a variety of issues, including depression, panic, anxiety, or symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Only those with a prescription from a doctor may purchase fluoxetine. To assist treat some illnesses including bipolar depression, Prozac comes in pill, tablet, and syrup form and can be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Fluoxetine may boost your energy levels, and aid with sleeplessness, and general mood. It can be used as an anxiety treatment and the drive to carry out repetitive actions that are frequently linked to obsessive-compulsive behavior.
How Is Fluoxetine (Prozac) Used?
It’s crucial to take Prozac exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never take it in larger amounts, more frequently, or for longer than your doctor has prescribed. Fluoxetine can be taken with or without food and is often given in doses between 10 and 80 mg. Your doctor will most likely start you on a modest dose, such as 10 or 20 mg, for the treatment of depression and gradually raise the dose as necessary.
After taking Prozac for one to two weeks, you should see some improvement in your symptoms, though in some circumstances it could take up to four weeks to experience the full benefits. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to keep taking fluoxetine.
Major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, some eating disorders including bulimia nervosa, and a severe form of premenstrual disease called premenstrual dysphoric disorder are among the conditions that Prozac is FDA-approved to treat. Additionally, it has been used off-label to treat neurocardiogenic syncope, fibromyalgia, migraines, diabetic neuropathy, and generalized anxiety disorder.
The use of this medication may be impacted by specific circumstances. If you have any additional medical conditions, such as bipolar illness, blood issues, diabetes, heart issues, or liver disease, be sure to let your doctor know.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near You?
Even if you have failed previously and relapsed, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
(844) 597-1011Prozac Addiction – Is Prozac Addicting?
How addictive is Prozac? Prozac can cause dependence in individuals even though many doctors do not believe that it is additive in the sense of creating drug cravings. Substance dependence occurs when the body has become dependent on a drug in constant amounts to maintain its functionality. Because of this, it’s critical for patients to only take fluoxetine as prescribed and to avoid stopping suddenly. Is Prozac Addictive? The likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and exhaustion increases in those who stop taking Prozac abruptly.
Can You Get Addicted to Prozac?
Is Prozac Addictive? When Prozac was first introduced in 1986, it was heralded as a magic treatment for depression. With 54 million prescriptions written for it worldwide, it is the most commonly used antidepressant in history. Prozac is widely used as a treatment for clinical depression, although there are several stories of people abusing it and using it to manage personal issues rather than sadness.
Prozac is not thought to be a physiologically addictive substance, but because of how it alters mood and behavior, some individuals may become psychologically dependent on it. For instance, some individuals may start to think that Prozac is necessary for them to eat or sleep well. Prozac may be continued for the objective of weight loss as there have been reports that it aids in this process.
Abuse of antidepressants like Prozac can be fatal and extremely harmful. Abuse of Prozac can take the following forms:
- Taking Prozac with other drugs or alcohol
- Taking someone else’s Prozac prescription
- Faking symptoms to get a Prozac prescription
- “Doctor shopping” and getting multiple Prozac prescriptions
- Taking larger or more frequent doses of Prozac than needed
- Taking Prozac with the intent of getting high
- Using Prozac as a “quick fix” solution for life problems
Prozac Addiction Rate
Is Prozac Addictive? Prescription medicines like Prozac are abused by more than 15 million Americans. An estimated 19,000 adolescents, 52,000 young adults, and 281,000 adults are already abusing prescription sedatives like Prozac, according to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Get Your Life Back
Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care.
Hotline(844) 597-1011Prozac Long Term Side Effects
Keep in mind that your doctor recommended fluoxetine because he thought it might have more advantages than disadvantages. If you suffer any of the Prozac side effects listed below, make sure to call your doctor right away.
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Agitation and anxiety
- Increased sweating
- Weight gain or loss
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Tremor
- Impotence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Abnormal dreams
Can you Overdose on Prozac? (Overdose Prozac)
Prozac is typically safe, however, it is possible to overdose on it. If left untreated, this might result in significant consequences and even death.
Prozac is typically taken between 20 and 80 milligrams (mg) per day. Without your doctor’s approval, taking more than this can result in an overdose. An overdose can potentially result from combining Prozac at the recommended dosage with other drugs, alcohol, or prescriptions.
Prozac Overdose
Any given amount of Prozac will be dangerous to a person depending on their age, weight, present health, and whether they have taken any other medications at the same time.
Because of this, it is impossible to generalize about what dosage would be regarded as overdosing on Prozac. It is entirely likely that one individual will fully recover from a specific dose while another person might not.
However, in general, if someone has taken more than what has been prescribed, especially if they are exhibiting overdose signs, they should get help right away.
First-class Facilities & Amenities
World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned Addiction Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.
Addiction Helpline(844) 597-1011Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Onsite Medical Detox Center
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events
How Much Prozac to Overdose?
How much Prozac does it take to overdose? In general, 20 to 80 milligrams (mg) of Prozac are taken daily. Overdosing is possible if you take more than this without your doctor’s consent. Combining Prozac at the advised dosage with other drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications raises the possibility of an overdose.
Prozac Overdose Symptoms
What happens if you overdose on Prozac? The symptoms of a Prozac overdose tend to be mild in the beginning and rapidly get worse.
Early signs of a Prozac overdose include:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- High fever
- Tremor
- Nausea and vomiting
Signs of serious overdose include:
- Stiff muscles
- Seizures
- Constant, uncontrollable muscle spasms
- Hallucinations
- Fast heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Trouble breathing
- Mania
- Coma
Keep in mind that Prozac can also cause side effects at safe doses. These include:
- Unusual dreams
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Decreased sex drive
- Insomnia
These symptoms are usually mild and can go on for days or weeks. If they don’t go away, you may just need to take a lower dose.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.
CALL(844) 597-1011End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free, No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.
Prozac Addiction Treatment
Is Prozac Addictive? You might wish to continue your addiction treatment after completing a Prozac detox program in order to further address the psychological problems that initially caused your dependence and addiction. Programs for people using Prozac can help them overcome addicted attitudes and behaviors and maintain their sobriety over the long term by offering behavioral counseling and peer support.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) claims that the effectiveness of a treatment program that lasts less than 90 days is restricted. The majority of people require a long-term addiction treatment regimen or at least 90 days of continuous therapy to attain maintained abstinence, even though addiction recovery is a highly customized process.
During Prozac rehab, you will work with a professional team of treatment specialists to address the various aspects of addiction. This usually includes:
- Educational lectures about the disease of addiction
- 12-Step meetings
- Process group meetings
- Individual counseling
- Life skills development
- Relapse prevention work
The overall goal of drug rehab is for you to achieve the objectives listed above and return to your life as a productive and sober member of society.
Contact us if you feel like you’re addicted to Prozac
Contact us right away if you believe you require serious treatment for Prozac dependence or any drug addiction. We employ a tailored strategy that takes into account all facets of a person’s physical and emotional well-being in addition to comprehensive treatment for substance use. This covers the treatment of severe mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and others.
Is Prozac Addictive? The evidence-based programs and services provided by We Level Up rehab center include counseling, medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, and a wide range of other services that are essential for the healing process. Call us right now to talk about treatment options if you are struggling with addiction and mental illness.
Experience Transformative Recovery at We Level Up Treatment Centers.
See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.
Hotline (844) 597-1011Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up Treatment Center Network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- World-class Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 100s 5-Star Reviews
We’ll Call You
Is Prozac Addictive? FAQ’s
Is Prozac easy to get off of?
Some people may have withdrawal symptoms after stopping the medication fluoxetine (Prozac). More than half of patients who stop taking antidepressants experience withdrawal symptoms, also known as discontinuation symptoms, according to some studies.
What is the downside of Prozac?
It’s possible to have nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, fatigue, sweating, or yawning. Inform your doctor right away if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
How long can you stay on Prozac?
After you start feeling better, you’ll probably keep taking fluoxetine for a few more months. After you stop feeling depressed, most doctors advise taking antidepressants for six months to a year. Depression may return if you give up before that point.
Is long-term use of Prozac harmful?
Long-term fluoxetine use has not been linked to any recognized issues as of now. When taken as prescribed, the drug is secure and efficient.