Fluoxetine (Prozac) Addiction, Treatment, And Rehab

Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat a wide range of disorders. It makes the symptoms of OCD, clinical depression, bulimia, frequent panic attacks, and severe PMS more manageable. The names fluoxetine and Prozac will be used interchangeably.

What Is Fluoxetine (Prozac)?

Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, is a commonly prescribed medicine used to treat a wide range of disorders. It makes the symptoms of OCD, clinical depression, bulimia, frequent panic attacks, and severe PMS more manageable. The names fluoxetine and Prozac will be used interchangeably.

Patients taking Prozac should be aware of the risk of developing a substance use disorder towards the medication as well as the wide variety of treatment options available.

Symptoms Of Fluoxetine (Prozac) Addiction

Unlike other prescription medications that lead to substance use disorders, fluoxetine does not have any chemical ingredients that directly cause addiction, but the danger of this medication lies in the way it makes a patient feel.

Since it relieves symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, the brain can become so dependent on the effect of this medication that when a patient stops taking it, the patient will go through withdrawals. Due to the way that Prozac can make a person feel, some patients have also fallen into the trap of intentionally overmedicating themselves in an attempt to feel even happier, but that does not produce the desired effect.

A patient who has become dependent on Fluoxetine can experience hyperactivity, insomnia, lack of emotion, and extreme aggression. If a patient finds that they are struggling with Prozac misuse, there are plenty of treatment options available.

Medical Detox For Fluoxetine (Prozac)

To be effective, medical detox must include the careful guidance of a medical professional. Prozac can be considered an antidepressant, and due to the nature of those kinds of medications, it can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking them. Even if a patient believes they are addicted to the medication, they need to seek the help of a doctor to stop taking it.

A doctor will advise the patient on how to gradually take smaller and smaller amounts of fluoxetine. As the dosage decreases, the brain will rely on the medication less and less. Eventually, as the brain and body are gradually coaxed into not needing Prozac anymore, the doctor will instruct the patient to cease taking the medication.

The medical detox process is unique to each patient. Only a doctor that has reviewed the patient’s records and understands the patient’s complete medical history is qualified to initiate this process. To reiterate, patients should never attempt medical detox on their own.

Inpatient Fluoxetine (Prozac) Treatment Options

Inpatient treatment options allow a patient on the road to recovery to live within a treatment facility. This means that the patient will have constant access to a care team dedicated to helping them conquer and manage their substance use disorder.

This treatment is often the best option for patients that medical detox did not work for and for patients whose home life is not conducive to the recovery process.

Outpatient Fluoxetine (Prozac) Treatment Options

In outpatient treatment centers, patients come into the center as they would a doctor’s office for scheduled appointments. During those appointments, a patient will receive a combination of medical and psychological medical assistance to help them along the road to recovery.

Outpatient treatment can come in a wide variety of formats. Some patients receive treatment by means of a support group. These groups are led by a trained medical professional, and fellow patients in recovery help each other by discussing their struggles, strengths, and weaknesses.

Choosing The Right Fluoxetine (Prozac) Treatment Center

In outpatient treatment centers, patients come into the center as they would a doctor’s office for scheduled appointments. During those appointments, a patient will receive a combination of medical and psychological medical assistance to help them along the road to recovery.

Outpatient treatment can come in a wide variety of formats. Some patients receive treatment by means of a support group. These groups are led by a trained medical professional, and fellow patients in recovery help each other by discussing their struggles, strengths, and weaknesses.