Posted by Shell on February 28, 2001, at 9:37:37
In reply to How to stop taking Prozac?, posted by Tanis on February 27, 2001, at 10:01:44
Hi,
Your question surprises me. I took Prozac (40 mg) for a few years. I wanted to discontinue it so that I could become pregnant, so I simply quit taking it one day. I didn't have any side effects or even notice any change until several weeks had gone by. Then I began to notice that the OCD symptoms were returning (but strangely enough, not as pronounced as before I took the Prozac).
I had always thought that Prozac didn't cause a withdrawal due to its long half life. Its elimination half life is 4-6 days for longtime users and the elimination of its active metabolite takes even longer, up to 16 days.
You didn't say what your doctor's recommendation for stopping was. Did he/she suggest tapering off? I know there is a 10 mg capsule, you can also get even smaller doses from the liquid version. I hope you aren't stopping on your own; it's never a good idea. Besides, your doctor can help make the process easier for you.
I would say that if weight gain is the primary reason you want to stop that he/she could suggest alternatives, but it sounds like you just don't want to take anything on a long-term basis. I can't answer whether or not you "have to" take it forever. That's something that you should discuss with your doctor. I think that it will depend on weighing the positives and negatives and choosing which is best for you (sounds like a nonanswer, doesn't it).
Shell
PS I really don't (and this is just my opinion) think the Prozac is making you sleepy. I think that anyone with a two-hour daily commute (long drives tend to make a lot of people sleepy), a job and six hours of sleep per night will be sleepy. (Personally, I'd be comatose). Maybe you could try 7-8 hours for a while and see if you notice a difference.
poster:Shell
thread:54982
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/55095.html