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Can Dosage Of Fluoxetine Be Reduced From Twice A Day To Once A Day To Managed Medication Taken While Travelling?

Posted on Tue, 22 Mar 2022

Question: i am holiday had to stay extra week not enough medication fluoxetine 20mg dose 2 twice aday will i be alright for a week

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The dose can be reduce to once per day for a week to prevent withdrawal

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Fluoxetine is a SSRI antidepressant and anti anxiety drug. Abrupt stoppage of the drug could cause withdrawal symptoms. If you are taking two capsules per day then for next week you can reduce the dose to once per day and this will prevent serious withdrawal symptoms and relapse of anxiety. Once your holiday ends then you can visit your doctor and get the prescription back.

Please let me know if you need more assistance.
Thanks and Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

i have only one left because my grandson could not fly so i had to stay in spain extra week did not no i would be staying

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The symptoms would be tolerable.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

You might have some withdrawal symptoms but these will be tolerable. No need to get worried. You might have dizziness, hypotension, tremors, restlessness but these presentation of these symptoms varies in individuals.

You can take mild anti anxiety drug like low dose Clonazepam on SOS basis to ease withdrawal. If that is not possible visit a local doctor and ask for help.

Thanks.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar