Question
I’ve been taking an antidepressant drug called Prozac for a period of depression for much of the past year. My depressive symptoms have now cleared up. My GP is keen for me to remain on the drug for a period after the depression has cleared and then stop taking it. However, I’ve heard that it’s not sensible to suddenly stop taking this type of antidepressant. Is this correct?
Answer
Yes, and I'm sure your GP will advise you on what to do when the time comes to stop taking Prozac.
All of the drugs that are known as SSRI antidepressants (i.e. Cipramil, Cipralex, Prozac, Faverin, Seroxat and Lustral) raise the level of a brain chemical called serotonin and need to be discontinued gradually. This is because if you stop taking the full dose suddenly you may develop some very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms – these can include anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, abnormal skin sensations, headaches, nausea and lethargy.
So patients are normally advised to gradually reduce the dose over a period of several weeks – but it may be necessary to do so over a longer period of time in some cases.
More Information:
- Useful and more detailed information from the Royal College of Psychiatrists on withdrawing from antidepressant drugs
- MEA information leaflet covering all aspects of depression and use of antidepressant drugs in ME/CFS: Depression – Antidepressants & Other Treatment Options
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.