🩺 Main Uses
Depression; OCD; bulimia; panic disorder; PMDD.
🧪 The Science & Facts
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Half‑life (t½)
72 h
How long the drug hangs around. Longer half‑life = slower changes.
Time to Peak (Tmax)
6 h
Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.
What it hits (receptors)
Primary:
Long washout needed before MAOI (≥5 weeks).
How your body processes it (metabolism)
Potent 2D6 inhibitor → many interactions.
⚠️ Warnings
- Very long half-life — can be helpful for tapering, but side effects can linger for weeks.
- Can cause insomnia, agitation, anxiety, or akathisia-like restlessness.
- Sexual dysfunction common and can persist even after stopping.
- Weight-neutral early on but may increase appetite later.
- May blunt emotions (“Prozac flatness”).
⏬ Taper & Withdrawal
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If you’re reducing
Usually self-tapers due to long half-life; lowest risk of discontinuation syndrome.
Possible withdrawal
Generally mild; relapse risk more relevant.
Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.
🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:26 by Connor O’Driscoll
🔗 Interaction Checker
Always verify drug interactions using the Drugs.com Checker.
Need Help Getting Off This?
Try your GP first. If that doesn't help, find local support services who understand tapering.
Find Support Near You →⚠️ Black Box Warning
All antidepressants: ↑ suicidal thoughts/behaviours in under-25s.
This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.