Prozac Addiction, Statistics, Abuse, Symptoms & Side Effects

What is Prozac?

Prozac (chemically known as fluoxetine) is a drug that was invented in 1974 as an antidepressant. It was one of the first antidepressants created that affects the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) group. Prozac affects the central nervous system, but it is not completely known how it works in the body. It is primarily used to address major depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and bulimia nervosa. Prozac is considered to be non-habit forming and non-addictive. However, Prozac, as many other drugs, can be abused and developed into a Prozac addiction. Prozac is one of the easiest prescribed drugs to acquire. People who abuse fluoxetine will often inhale by breaking open the capsules and inhaling it like cocaine. Prozac inhalation via snorting is said to burn quite badly for several hours. Other people who may have a Prozac addiction will take extra pills in an attempt to feel a rush. Often, those with a Prozac dependency will take a larger dose between 80mg to 140mg while abusing the drug. Fluoxetine is prescribed to adults as it has a serious negative reaction when used by children or adolescents. Prozac addiction has been associated with violent thoughts, behaviors and suicidal tendencies. Prozac is marketed under other names such as Sarafem, Fontex, Zactin, Lovan, Fluohexal, Auscap, Fluox, and Fluoxetina.

Statistics

Prozac is not a drug that is studied for addiction or abuse. Therefore, there are no formal statistics presented for Prozac addiction.

Causes of Prozac Addiction

Prozac is considered to be non-addictive, but a Prozac addiction can be created. Prozac affects the central nervous system and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the brain. By interacting with the SSRIs, fluoxetine helps lift a person’s mood. Someone abusing Prozac is often trying to increase this mood elevation. By abusing the drug, a Prozac addiction can develop.

Signs of Prozac Use, Addiction and Dependence

Someone who has a Prozac addiction will exhibit several warning signs. While a physical dependency is rare, the psychological Prozac addiction can occur. This may occur because the abuser has become addicted to abusing the drug and is trying to get some sort of increased energy, talkative, mood elevated reaction. Some of the signs of Prozac abuse are:

  • Talkativeness
  • “Speedlike” effect
  • Jitters
  • Numbness
  • Irritability
  • Violent thoughts and actions
  • Aggression
  • Insomnia

Prozac Effects

A Prozac addiction does present some negative side effects. Although Prozac is not considered physically addictive, there are still some unwanted physical reactions when someone with a Prozac addiction abruptly stops taking the drug. There are psychological reactions and social side effects related to abusing Prozac. Some physical characteristics include:

  • Talkativeness
  • Agitation
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Jitters
  • Numbness
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia

A few of the negative psychological results of Prozac dependency include:

  • Nervousness and anxiety
  • Suicidal thoughts or suicide
  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis
  • Confusion and incoherent thoughts

Some social fallout consists of:

  • Destruction of family
  • Loss of friends and other relationships
  • Losing a job
  • Reduced financial opportunities
  • No longer being involved or interest in personal activities and hobbies
  • Becoming reclusive

Prozac Withdrawal

A Prozac addiction can still produce some unwanted physical reactions even though Prozac is considered to be physically non-addictive. Negative psychological withdrawal symptoms are also produced when someone with a Prozac dependency stops using. Some of these signs felt from withdrawal are headaches, irritability, dizziness, moodiness, nausea, depression, muscle aches, insomnia and confused thinking.

Prozac Addiction Treatment

There is very little information provided in relation to a Prozac addiction. However, as with all drugs, an addiction to fluoxetine is possible. The key treatment for a Prozac addiction is to keep them calm and stress free. A Prozac treatment center would be most beneficial in dealing with the psychological dependency. Someone addicted to Prozac needs to seek help. They need to admit there is a problem and seek assistance. The first step to recovery and the most important is admitting there is a problem. The next crucial move is asking someone for help. Help is out there for any and all addictions; admit there is a problem and take the first step toward recovery.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 15th, 2013
Published on AddictionHope.com, Resource For Addiction & Abuses

One thought on “Prozac Addiction, Statistics, Abuse, Symptoms & Side Effects

  1. Sharla Hood

    I truly appreciate the information you all put out. It’s very difficult to find any straight up info on these drugs. I am taking prescribed amounts of two SSRI’s right now and cannot find any info on how they may effect each other and the docs answers are minimal. They basically only care if I’m feeling okay inside, but I would also like to figure out if I’m doing more damage to my body than good by taking these meds. I am on a Lexapro/Prozac combo right now. Would love to see some info on that if available. Either way, love what you’re putting out there and thank you!

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