Prozac

[smithy]

Hello.

Has anyone here taken Prozac before?  I've recently been prescribed it by my doctor and have begun taking it, one 20mg tablet a day.  I've been on it for 2 weeks now and I've got mixed feelings about it.

The first week was pretty good.  I had more "up" days than down.  My concentration improved hugely, and my general mood was fairly positive.  The side effects weren't too severe - it made me sweat a lot, give me dizziness, reduced memory, confusion, restlessness, and it interfered with my sleep.

This last week however things haven't been as good.  I've been taking it in the mornings instead of evenings and although I'm sleeping better I've been feeling the most miserable I've ever felt in my life.  As well as all of the above symptoms my concentration is now extremely poor and I feel extremely miserable.

What seems to happen is that these the worst of these side effects (moods or sleep disruption - depending on whether I take it in morning or evening) kick in the 10 - 12 hours after taking the tablet.  The other side effects (memory, confusion, dizziness, etc... are constant).

One thing I've noticed is that I'm pleased I'm taking it.  Even though I've not gotten through the side effect period yet, it has already given me some space in my mind so I can work things through.

I don't know what the point of this thread is, I just wanted to let spill how I'm feeling, and it'd be interesting to hear from anyone else that has taken Prozac.

[T_Bone]

Apparently most drugs of this type don't become effective untill building up in your system for a few months, untill then, mainly all that's experienced are the side effects.

[Cyberus]

Haven't taken it myself, and I was brought up to have a strong opinion on such a subject. I'll keep that to myself, however.

But one thing that I would be wary of, and perhaps ask your doctor about, is developing a dependance.
What I mean is, when I was a teenager I used to drink and smoke the err, holy herb, shall we say. And it took me years to realise that I got very ratty and depressed without these 'crutches'. What I'm trying to say is, I'd be concerned that if you become dependant on it, it may not cure the problem but may even exacerbate it. If you get 'high', you have further to fall, so to speak.

I don't mean to scaremonger, I just think its something important to be borne in mind. I would certainly say the same thing to my friends and family. But then, your doctor is the professional. What do I know about medicine?

Anyway, all the best. :-)


edit: Doh! It's 'wary', not 'weary'

[cecilia]

T_Bone wrote:
Apparently most drugs of this type don't become effective untill building up in your system for a few months, untill then, mainly all that's experienced are the side effects.

So we have to put up with months of insane ramblings?  :-D

[PMC]

There are many different types of SSRI (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants on the market and often finding one at the correct dose that works for you is a matter of trial and error.

You won't feel much effect for a few weeks until your body builds up a sufficient level of the drug for it to have a consistent effect, so it's very early days yet.  

It's worth trying alternative (non-drug) ways of boosting your mood, some people swear by strenuous exercise, others find some other creative outlet like art or music.  Whatever suits you.

@Cyberus.  I get grumpy and irritable if I don't exercise for a few days, an endorphine rush is a very addictive thing indeed!  It's preferable though to my historic vices of tobacco and alchol (quit the former eight years ago, the latter is in moderation).  Some people have addictive personalities and your example of hitting the "Moroccan mixed-herbs" shows how easy it is to get dependant on something that sheilds us from reality.

[Speelgoedmannetje]

is a matter of trial and error.

DON'T!!!!!!
Never juggle with drugs!

[PMC]

Speelgoedmannetje wrote:

is a matter of trial and error.

DON'T!!!!!!
Never juggle with drugs!

I meant that as in purely a properly administered sense, not as in try it out yourself.

If in doubt, speak to your GP

[Cass]

The first week was pretty good. I had more "up" days than down. My concentration improved hugely, and my general mood was fairly positive.

In order to have a real effect to the organism, this class of medicines has to be taken for no less than 2 to 4 weeks. For any questions/worries, ask your doctor.
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