How do you gradually come off fluoxetine?

[Trickymoments]

I'm not really feeling any benefit in taking fluoxetine & think it's giving me some annoying side effects.

I know you mustn't just stop them suddenly but how long should you take to gradually come off them?
I've been missing taking one every 2 days and seem to be ok so far.

Has anyone else done this & found they've been able to manage without ad's? I've been taking it so long I feel it's more habit than of any benefit but am still slightly scared of what will happen if I stop them.

[PurpleDaisies]

You need to see your GP to do this safely. Have you got an understanding one who you can talk to about your medication?

[Trickymoments]

Thanks purpledaisies, yes my GP is great. We discussed this a few months ago & she told me how to reduce it but then I decided I wasn't ready. I can't remember exactly how she said to do it & how long for so I guess I'll need to go back & see her.

[PurpleDaisies]

Ah, brilliant. My mum occasionally decides to come off her anti depressants totally on her own without telling anyone and ends up depressed. I hadn't realised you'd already seen your GP and discussed it (it's great you've got a nice one-that makes such a difference!).

Probably best to make an appointment, or if it is just a case of checking how much to reduce by because you've forgotten (I've done similar) you could try calling and asking them to look it up for you.

[Trickymoments]

Thank you Purple. Interesting what you said about your mum & sorry to hear that. So is it that people are more likely to become depressed again if they just stop them suddenly or too quickly but that it might be ok if you do it very gradually?

I really am hoping I'll be able to manage without them by making some lifestyle changes. I've started to make the changes but this too will be gradual so I'm not in a great hurry to stop the tablets.

[PurpleDaisies]

www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/treatmentswellbeing/antidepressants/comingoffantidepressants.aspx?theme=mobile

There's some really good information above. The taper is to stop you getting withdrawal and some people's depression comes back if they go to fast. If you've got your GP involved they can help you if you start getting symptoms or feeling low. Many many people come off their antidepressants well. It's good to have support ready in place just in case you need to go extra slow or even temporarily increase your dose for a while. You sound really sensible and with your lifestyle changes as well I'm sure things will go well for you.