Prozac Addiction and Treatment

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The original “happy pill” was fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. This medication, approved for use in 1987, was the first drug of its kind to be prescribed and marketed on a large scale. The use of this medication is very common, especially for the treatment of depression, but it is not without its risks.

Understanding what Prozac is, what it is used for, and what the risks of long-term fluoxetine use are can help those who are struggling with Prozac abuse. Our Orange County substance abuse programs can assist you or your loved one with overcoming this substance use disorder.

Call Us: 954-688-5806

What is Prozac and What Does It Treat?

According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, around 14.8 million adults in the United States suffer from major depressive disorder, and a majority of those who undergo treatment typically see an improvement in their symptoms within 4-6 weeks.

Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is an effective medication for treating depression, as well as other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa. Street names for Prozac include:

  • Happy Pills
  • Wonder Drug
  • Bottled Smilies
  • Miracle Drug

The mechanism of action of Prozac involves blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. By regulating serotonin levels, communication between brain cells becomes clearer, resulting in more stable moods. As stated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, patients usually start with a low dosage of Prozac, which is then gradually increased by their doctors over a few weeks.

While Prozac can effectively alleviate symptoms of depression, it does impact the central nervous system and can potentially lead to dependence over time. Due to its accessibility, Prozac is susceptible to misuse and abuse.

If a loved one is displaying signs of Prozac addiction, it is important to know that help is available. With the right support system in place, seeking treatment does not have to be intimidating, and it is entirely possible to manage withdrawal symptoms during medical detox.

How Does Prozac Work?

What Are SSRIs?

Fluoxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. They work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, by neurons in the brain. This leaves more serotonin available to transmit signals between brain neurons, alleviating depression. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States. They are considered safe and have fewer side effects than other antidepressants.

While SSRIs, including Prozac, are considered safe in most instances, there are some circumstances in which caution is warranted regarding fluoxetine. These circumstances are:

When taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Fluoxetine also acts as a blood thinner, so combining it with these drugs increases the risk of bleeding.

When the person is under the age of 25, some adolescents and young adults develop serious suicidal thoughts and tendencies after taking SSRI medications.

When taking other antidepressant medications or supplements to improve mood, these can decrease the effectiveness of taking Prozac or can cause dangerous drug interactions. When pregnant, SSRIs may harm the baby.

Is Prozac a Controlled Substance?

Controlled substances are defined as drugs that have a high potential for abuse and addiction, according to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Drugs that fit the definition of controlled substances are listed on controlled substance schedules according to the level of risk of abuse and addiction, as determined by the United States Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The DEA does not consider fluoxetine to have a high risk of abuse or addiction, so it is not listed on the controlled substances schedules.

What are SSRIs?

Fluoxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. They work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, by neurons in the brain. This leaves more serotonin available to transmit signals between brain neurons, alleviating depression. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States. They are considered safe and have fewer side effects than other antidepressants.

While SSRIs, including Prozac, are considered safe in most instances, there are some circumstances in which caution is warranted regarding fluoxetine. These circumstances are:

When taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Fluoxetine also acts as a blood thinner, so combining it with these drugs increases the risk of bleeding.
When the person is under the age of 25, some adolescents and young adults have developed suicidal tendencies after taking SSRI medications.
When taking other anti-depressant medications or supplements to improve mood, as these can decrease the effectiveness of Prozac or can cause dangerous drug interactions.
When pregnant, SSRIs may harm the baby.

Prozac Misuse and Abuse

Even though fluoxetine is not on the controlled substances schedules, people do abuse it at times. Those people who do abuse it usually have a history of substance abuse and usually abuse it in combination with other drugs. A 2014 literature review on the abuse and misuse of antidepressants found a small number of cases of fluoxetine abuse by people who had histories of abusing multiple drugs, as well as histories of mental illness. These people abused fluoxetine by taking it in large quantities or taking it for reasons other than depression, such as using it as an appetite suppressant. There were also a couple of cases of people who used fluoxetine intravenously, or who opened up the drug capsules and sucked in the powder.

As this chart shows, the number of overdose deaths due to antidepressants combined with opioids or other synthetic narcotics increased at a much faster rate than the number of overdose deaths due to antidepressants alone. These increases are consistent with the national increases in overdose deaths due to opioids and synthetic narcotic involvement overall.

Signs Someone Has A Prozac Addiction

Understanding the indicators of Prozac addiction is crucial in identifying when a loved one is grappling with it. As stated in a report published in Dovepress, the majority of individuals who are prescribed antidepressants do not misuse them. However, certain populations, such as those in controlled environments and those with a history of substance abuse, are more susceptible to developing an addiction to SSRIs like Prozac.

The signs of a developing Prozac addiction include:

  • Experiencing jitters
  • Numbness
  • Irritability
  • Violent thoughts or actions
  • Aggression and anger
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Suicidal thoughts

It is important to note that the specific dosage or frequency of Prozac intake does not determine if a loved one is addicted. Instead, signs of addiction may manifest through job loss, financial struggles, loss of interest in favorite activities, or strained relationships with family and friends due to Prozac use. Individuals struggling with drug addiction also tend to become more withdrawn. Given that Prozac abuse can exacerbate suicidal thoughts in those already prone to them, it is crucial to seek help or reach out if a loved one has suddenly withdrawn from social activities.

While seeking treatment may be intimidating, the process of withdrawal from Prozac is far less exhausting than maintaining an addiction. By enrolling in a supervised medical detox program that provides round-the-clock access to trained healthcare professionals, individuals can safely and comfortably navigate Prozac withdrawal and progress toward therapy.

Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms

While Prozac/fluoxetine is not considered to be an addictive drug, the medication does make changes to the chemistry of the brain that cause people who take it to become dependent on it. Long-term drug dependence is not the ideal situation for most people and many who take antidepressants like fluoxetine attempt to decrease their dosages on their own or stop taking their medication entirely. Abruptly discontinuing its use can result in withdrawal symptoms, as stated by the National Institute of Mental Health.

It is impossible to predict who will experience severe symptoms and who will not, underscoring the importance of seeking assistance from a qualified medical team when ceasing Prozac treatment. Prozac works by restoring natural brain chemicals that regulate mood, and stopping it abruptly does not allow the brain enough time to adapt to the changes in serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Withdrawal symptoms associated with Prozac include:

  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings/irritability
  • Depression
  • Dizziness and trouble balancing
  • Fatigue/restlessness
  • Headaches
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Muscle spasms/tremors
  • Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
  • Nightmares
  • Sleepiness or insomnia
  • Tingling or prickliness of the skin
  • Dry mouth
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Teeth grinding
  • QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia
  • Sexual side effects

Although the timeline and severity of withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person, they typically manifest within three days of discontinuation and can last for approximately two weeks. While symptoms are generally mild, undergoing medical detoxification under the supervision of healthcare professionals can help ease the process.

In rare instances, individuals may experience mania, highlighting the necessity of having access to qualified healthcare professionals during the detoxification phase. For those with particularly severe symptoms, there are various medications available to help manage the Prozac withdrawal period. The duration and intensity of withdrawal symptoms will ultimately depend on the individual’s level of addiction.

Serotonin Syndrome

One severe side effect that can occur with fluoxetine use is serotonin syndrome. This condition occurs when too much serotonin accumulates in the body. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

  • Shivering
  • Goosebumps
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Dilated pupils
  • Heavy sweating
  • Agitation/restlessness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle twitching or loss of coordination
  • High fever
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

Serotonin syndrome can be fatal if it is not treated promptly. Medical professionals must treat this condition.

Long Term Effects of Prozac

Stopping is Difficult

If taken as prescribed by a physician, Prozac is generally safe to use for the conditions mentioned above. Fluoxetine and other antidepressants were originally designed to be taken for a short term. However, many physicians and psychiatrists have continued to prescribe these medications to people who have taken them for years.

Developing Discontinuation Syndrome

The withdrawal symptoms that occur when the use of an antidepressant is ended are referred to by medical professionals as discontinuation syndrome. It is estimated that about 20% of patients who have taken an antidepressant for a month or more develop discontinuation syndrome, or withdrawal, after stopping the use of the medication for 1-2 weeks or up to a year. The longer a person has taken Prozac, the longer it will take to taper off the medication.

Interestingly, fluoxetine has the longest half-life of all SSRI medications, so it is associated with the lowest risk of discontinuation syndrome.

These symptoms for other antidepressants are similar to the withdrawal symptoms for Prozac listed above but may occur in varying degrees of severity. Some medications cause more severe symptoms of discontinuation syndrome than others, primarily due to how quickly the drugs remove themselves from the body.

Still, caution should be taken when discontinuing fluoxetine, and ending the use of any antidepressant should be done under the supervision of a physician.

It has long been assumed that the use of the prescription medication, Prozac, whether short- or long-term, is safe. However, patients who have attempted to discontinue the use of fluoxetine after using it for a long time have often found it extremely difficult to stop, even when the drug is discontinued gradually under the supervision of a physician. Not everyone who stops taking fluoxetine experiences withdrawal symptoms, but many people do.

It is crucial for individuals who have become addicted to Prozac to promptly seek treatment. However, abruptly discontinuing the medication can lead to negative consequences. While some individuals may not realize they have developed a dependency on the drug, their loved ones may notice it. If there is a suspicion of addiction, a healthcare professional can evaluate the situation and provide guidance.

If a loved one appears to be struggling with an addiction to Prozac, there are comprehensive treatment options available through our Orange County substance abuse programs that can provide real help.

Ongoing Support While Quitting Prozac

It is important to remember that as Prozac is tapered, the symptoms that the medication was used to treat may return. People who want to end Prozac use should also continue with other treatments that they have received for their respective conditions. Therapy, counseling, educational services, and social support should all be in place before a person begins to end Prozac use, just in case the symptoms of the condition reappear.

These services will help the person manage those symptoms as they taper the drug. If a person has not required treatment services for a while due to the condition being stable, they should re-establish contact with service providers before tapering Prozac.

Treatment for Prozac Addiction

According to a report from American Medical News, the most commonly used method to discontinue the use of antidepressants is to gradually reduce the dosage. However, even with this approach, individuals may still experience withdrawal symptoms. Nevertheless, they have determined that the most effective way to address a dependency on Prozac and manage any resulting symptoms is through a diverse treatment approach.

If addiction is indeed present, individuals may choose to undergo a hospital-based medical detoxification program before transitioning to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. This ensures their stability before enrolling in an intensive outpatient program. Both residential treatment and outpatient programs for addiction often incorporate various forms of counseling, such as Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive-behavioral therapy, to equip clients with the necessary tools to cope with life after Prozac abuse or addiction.

As stated previously, people who want to end the use of medically prescribed fluoxetine should do so under the supervision of their physicians. Stopping Prozac “cold turkey” is not recommended due to the withdrawal symptoms listed above. Prozac should be tapered gradually until a person can function without the drug with no withdrawal symptoms.

Find Recovery At Laguna Shores Recovery

Prozac is typically a safe drug to use for the treatment of mental health conditions for which the FDA has approved it on a short-term basis. However, using Prozac to self-medicate can be dangerous, and should always be used under the supervision of a physician. Long-term use of this drug can cause drug dependence. People who want to stop using should not try to quit or self-detox but seek help instead.

If you or someone you know could use some assistance ending Prozac abuse, contact Laguna Shores Recovery today. We are ready to help you find your way to a healthier life, free from drug dependence.

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