subject: Withdrawal Effects of Fluoxetine [print this page] Author: Adam Church Author: Adam Church
Fluoxetine is a drug suggested under brands like Prozac and Sarafem to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, anxiety, social phobia, and other mental health conditions. Fluoxetine comes under the classifications of drugs that go by the name Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin influences the cardiovascular, renal, immune and gastrointestinal systems, and is vital to control body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and the sympathetic nervous system.It has been found that about 7% of the patients involved in the clinical trials developed serious rash but one need to worry as the following side effects are only common: nausea, insomnia, anorexia, drowsiness, anxiety, nervousness, tremors and weakness .Akathasia, or inner restlessness is also a common side effect of Fluoxetine.
As the half life of a Fluoxetine is longer when compared to the other antidepressants its presence in the body is also noted to be there for a long time. Therefore the signs may take as long as 25 days to appear. Dr. Joseph Glenmullen quotes as follows when addressing about the drug "14% of Fluoxetine users will experience withdrawal symptoms" .He however suggests that the numbers maybe more as the long half life might be preventing the symptoms from appearing.
Listed below are the indications of Fluoxetine Withdrawal condition:
Abrupt discontinuation of the drug as adverse affect as the SSRI's affect many parts of the body hence such a practice is strictly not advised. Gradual dose reduction (also known as tapering), combined with specific nutritional support is recommended to support the body and brain during the withdrawal process.About the Author:
