Fluoxetine, often sold under the brand name Prozac, can be prescribed for a number of mental conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, anxiety and panic disorder. Although the medication can be quite effective, withdrawal symptoms can occur if the medication is suddenly stopped. While the effects from fluoxetine withdrawal generally aren't as severe as other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) due to the amount of extra time the medication stays in the body, the effects can still be unpleasant or bothersome. Therefore, people taking fluoxetine should always consult their doctor before stopping the medication.
Behavioral Effects
There may be some noticeable changes in people's behavior when they suddenly stop taking fluoxetine and go through fluoxetine withdrawal. Emotional lability may occur. This is when the person displays a more intense emotional reaction than appropriate to a certain situation. For example, sobbing hysterically over a commercial or laughing uncontrollably over a situation that isn't particularly funny may occur when a person is suffering from emotional lability. Hypomania, a mild manic state marked by increased energy, talkativeness, restlessness and productivity, may also occur.
Physical Effects
The professionally-reviewed mental health website, CounsellingResource.com, warns that many physical effects may occur when suddenly discontinuing fluoxetine as well. These effects include dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, nausea, headache, insomnia, abdominal cramping, chills and an increase in dreams. In severe cases, breathing problems, chest pain, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, increased sweating, muscle pain, trembling or shaking, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, or vomiting may also occur, warns the Mayo Clinic.
Mental Effects
The popular medication website, Drugs.com, lists many potential mental effects of fluoxetine withdrawal. A general sense of distress or unease, sometimes referred to as a dysphoric mood, may occur. Irritability, agitation, anxiety and confusion are also potential mental effects of stopping fluoxetine too quickly.
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