Prozac Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

Recognizing Withdrawal Symptoms

Prozac has been touted as the wonder drug of the 90s, prescribed for conditions such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and obesity.  Such widespread use has raised questions in the minds of many people as to the drug's safety. Numerous studies have been made on the safety of Prozac as well as the probability of addiction and subsequent pains of withdrawal from said addiction.

Most results have never been published and many doctors want the results made public. Because of these experts, possible side effects of Prozac addiction symptoms and subsequent withdrawal symptoms if the drug is discontinued are now being released to the public.  These side effects are very evident in children, so if your child is taking Prozac or has taken it in the past, he should be carefully watched, especially if the drug is being stopped.

Intensified Depression

The most common possible Prozac withdrawal symptom mentioned is an intensified feeling of depression. Since Prozac usually gives its users a feeling of light euphoria, withdrawing the drug can make users ultra-sensitive to emotions, particularly depression.  If these symptoms are bothering you, talk to your doctor about substituting a safer anti-depressant for the Prozac.

Mood Swings

Another commonly reported possible side effect is extreme mood swings. Evidence of uncommonly intense mood swings, such as intense anger followed quickly by extreme euphoria, should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Since Prozac is currently the only anti-depressant with FDA approval for use with children, it has been widely prescribed for use against such illnesses as depression and Attention Deficit Disorder. Watch any child who has recently been removed from Prozac for signs of addiction withdrawal symptoms and report them to the child's doctor immediately.

Suicidal Inclinations

The studies mentioned above that another possible Prozac addiction withdrawal symptom is an increased tendency toward suicide by people recovering from the use of Prozac.  At this time, there is not enough evidence to ban the prescription of Prozac.

There have also been numerous reports of increased aggression and at least one reported murder committed by a person suffering through withdrawal symptoms after stopping his medication.  

Anyone who feels they are experiencing any of the possible side effects mentioned above should call their doctor immediately.  It could, literally, be a matter of life and death.