Expert: Eric Brandt - 7/2/2009

Question
I recently stopped taking prozac 20mg after 2 1/2 weeks due to intolerable side effects.  I experienced severe loss of appetite, nausea, increased anxiety, and fatigue and stopped the drug about 16 days ago.  The side effects have improved a little bit each day but I am still experiencing them after 16 days.  I know the drug has a long half-life so due to this, is it possible to still be suffering side effects from the drug after this much time has elapsed?  I just want to make sure that I am not imagining that these side effects are continuing, but I do not feel the same way I did before starting this drug.  How much longer should I expect to experience these side effects?

Answer
Hi Melody,
It can take up to 1 to 2 months for Prozac to be completely eliminated from the body. It is possible for you to still be experiencing side effects from the drug at 16 days after the last dose.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm