My teenager was started on Prozac (a generic version) 2 weeks ago, after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt. Initially side effects were limited to a dry throat. This has abated. Today, slight tremors started, but not all the time. There has been not noticeable change in mental attitude due to the drug. Is this to be expected, or is it a sign of concern?

Thanks,

Ellie

Hi not_all_here,

I take 40mg of Prozac a day and tremors were part of the side effects in the first month. It is early days and the blood levels of prozac need to reach a therapeutic level, which should be shortly.
It can take 2-8 weeks to get the full effect, and a little longer for some people.

So give it time. I hope your teenager is getting support from a therapist or PsyDoc for the emotional problems?

We are not professionals here so always onsult your doctor if you have any concerns about medication.


Jim Bow

This post has been edited by jimbow15: May 5 2009, 11:33 PM

I'm so sorry for the stress you must be under. I do know how you feel as my teenager attempted suicide 4 weeks. that's the biggest reason my Dr. has placed me on Prozac becaue I feel as if I have hit a brick wall. I hope your child and you will feel better soon.
shopper girl

I have taken several SSRIs\SNRIs and Prozac was the first med to cause tremors. These tremors were occasional, such as during stretching. Lowering the dose of Prozac greatly reduced the tremors, but possibly the efficacy of the medicine as an antidepressant as well.

According the the literature, tremors are a pretty common side effect of Prozac, and as jimbow said, they will probably go away.

Good luck.

hello all
oK..I broke my jaw years ago...and would occasionally have the TMJ\Fibro flare up
I have been on prozac now for 7 weeks...and I find it is making my TMJ worse...than it has ever been...
I dont know if it is the prozac...or because I am bored..and do not do a lot right now...I lay around alot...and type on this stupid laptop...ie..boredom
The prozac has helped with the depression...I am on 20mg aday....but i feel too..that my anxietys are worse...but could this be due to the TMJ and being lazy...lol lol
I was wondering about tapering off the prozac...to see if it makes a difference with my jaw.....but i take a capsule..and I dont know how to split that
or..do I wait..I see my Doc in 2 weeks...should I continue with the prozac...until i talk to Doc...maybe i need an increase..
I like the prozac..as I have had no other side effects....
Oh, and i ususally have to take 0.5 ativan during the morning..as jaw is so stiff and neck muscles when getting up
any advice or informatiuon...I would love
thanks

My pdoc is prescribing Prozac to me because he believes it to be the best for anxiety patients who have a hard time taking these kinds of meds because with the Prozac you can open the capsule and pour the stuff inside into apple juice or whatever then measure it out to a lower dosage and take it that way. Maybe you could ask your doctor about doing that to get get a smaller amount? I think you should call him before your next appointment and ask him what he thinks you should do.