Is Prozac Addictive?

Some people may be more prone to become addicted to Prozac. Discover the dangers of Prozac addiction, overdose, rehab treatments, and more.


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.

Is Prozac Addictive?
Is Prozac Addictive? Yes, this medication can create dependence and addiction for people who misuse it.

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.

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Prozac 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.

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Prozac 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
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Is Prozac Addictive? 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.

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.

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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.

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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:

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.

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Is Prozac Addictive? Contact us right away if you believe you require serious treatment for Prozac dependence or any drug addiction.

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.

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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.