Side effects of suddenly stopping use of Prozac?

[Rocket888]

A little over a month ago, I completely stopped the use of Prozac. I was on 30mgs for about a year and just happened to stop taking it because I no longer felt the need. I did not consult my phsychiatrist prior to stopping use. About two weeks after stopping, I began feeling these mild electric shock type feelings in my head that sometimes feels like it runs up and down the body It sort of feels like a twitch inside the body. The effects have increased in frequency over time to the point where it has become somewhat of a distraction.

I was wondering if anybody has experienced such symptoms after suddenly stopping the use of Prozac and if they could share their experience. I have scheduled an appointment to see my psychiatrist but was wondering what anybody's thoughts are on this issue.

Thanks!

[ggreg]

Hi Rocket,
I've been on and off a couple different SSRI's over the years, cousins to your Prozac.  I myself and others have reported the brain zap you are describing.  It's an electrical hum that can go up the spinal cord and kind of makes a zing in the head.  It comes from lowering the dose of the SSRI.  It should go away in another couple weeks.  Now that you know this happens, it probably won't bother you as much.

The above post is true, tapering is the way to get off that drug, to minimize side effects, like the one you are experiencing.  But since you've been off the drugs for two weeks, and that's the only bothersome negative, do not worry and go ahead and stay off the drug for a while.  Your psychiatrist can monitor how you are doing without the help of the medicine... after all, you were put on it for a reason, so it's good you're going to let him know.
GG

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The general rule is that all psychoactive, anti-depressant, and anti-seizure drugs should be stopped slowly if the drug is to be withdrawn for whatever reason.  Withdrawal symptoms can include rebound depression, lethargy, and psychosomatic symptoms such as unexplained pains or numbness.  Tapering the dose of the drug would usually take about several weeks until finally discontinued.  I agree with consulting with your psychiatrist regarding this.  Regards and God bless.