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 Apr 3 2006, 01:15 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 23
Joined: 1-April 06
Member No.: 6,637
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Hi, this is my first post on DF. Taken me quite a few days to pluck up the courage to do so. Well..its taken me 8 years to see a psychiatrists because i was ashamed of having depression. I live in the UK, Studied psychology, trained psychiatric nurse, behaviour family therapist, and trainee CB therapist. Not sure if i can go back to my CBT course as i have missed so much time from uni due to my current episode.
I've had depression for 8 years, have been on a number of drugs and only been put on prozac a few weeks ago. Stopped taking it today. Its giving me the seritonon syndrome. So did sertraline. The best i've done on is Mirtazapine and Dothiapin, both sedative and caused weight gain. Not good!
This is my worst episode ever. I'm shocked by how bad i've been and how things are at the moment. I need to sort out my meds quick cos i can't take many more days like this. I'm generally bit better around this time, the mornings are more horrible.
Well i'm babbleing on. Hope to chat to you good folks as the days go by.
God Bless.
AM.
This post has been edited by asian mulder: Apr 3 2006, 01:16 PM
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Apr 28 2006, 01:16 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: 28-April 06
Member No.: 7,107
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[size=3]Hey y'all....I'm brand new to this forum, but I am one of those people who obsesses about being completely informed on EVERYTHING....especially meds I take. I have just started Fluoxetine today. This is my 3rd try with an AD and I'm hoping 3rd time's the charm....I started taking Lexapro about 2 and a half months ago....loved it at first, I felt like I had gotten my life back...I had recently discovered that I had been depressed for years, without really knowing so, just attributing my state and life condition to "this is just how I am". Anyway, I had a great reaction to the Lexapro initially....until about 6 weeks in when I realized that none of my jeans were fitting me....which was strange considering since I began treatment of the depression I also had begun eating MUCH healthier AND started working out. After 3 weeks of consistent cardio and a low-fat/high lean protein/high veggie diet, I still had gained weight. I am very conscious of weight, I live in LA and am pursuing an acting career, and have never had a problem with weight. I've always been able to eat whatever I want, and not gain an ounce....so this was very unusual to gain 15 pounds in 6 weeks. I immediately saw the doc and requested to be put on Wellbutrin, because I had heard great things about its weight loss side effects and energy boosts. I have been on it for two weeks now and have had headaches that are getting progressively worse....not to mention worsening nightmares of the most graphic form. I called the doc today and told him all of this....he decided to start me on Prozac asap...He said to completely stop the WB, and replace the Lexapro(I'm still taking that, I had just cut down to a 5mg yesterday) with the Prozac. I took my first dose of 20mg this afternoon so I won't be able to tell how it feels for a couple days, of course....but I think staying with the SSRI's is best for me because the Lexapro really did make me feel great....and positive and motivated up until I started seeing myself as a fatty.
I am hoping to have better luck with the Prozac...I don't need something that will cause weight LOSS, just not weight GAIN....it was packing on fast and I'm praying and praying that the prozac will be nicer to my waistline.
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Apr 29 2006, 12:51 PM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: 28-April 06
Member No.: 7,107
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Thanks, Karen....
Well, 2 days in and so far, so good....my headaches have pretty much completely subsided, which reaffirms to me that it WAS the WB causing them....I'm about to take my 3rd dose of Prozac so far and I already feel better.....I went to the gym yesterday, got some stuff accomplished, and was in a fairly good mood all day with little anxiety. I've also lost a pound, after only stopping the Lexapro 3 days ago.....which is amazing. I hope I continue on this successful path with the Prozac and since I'm also a Buddhist, I'll be chanting for that as well.
Thanks for your encouragement! Have a great day!
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 May 2 2006, 05:35 PM
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Admin Team
Group: Super Administrators
Posts: 10,705
Joined: 15-June 04
From: United States
Member No.: 4
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QUOTE(Gemma @ May 2 2006, 05:45 PM)  Hey, i've been on fluoxetine for 18 days now and i had dreadful headaches and it also made me feel very sick. These past few days i have been really low and i'm not sure if the fluxotene is making me worse rather than better. I'm only 16 so i would like some advice if possible and some help and more information on it. Thanks Gemma Hi Gemma and welcome to the depression forums.  I am on Prozac (only 20mg 3 weeks ago), as well and I do now get headaches whereas I never did before and sometimes I feel sick to my stomach. That being said, we all are different and lots of times react differently to medications. Being you are sixteen, I would report this to your pDoc asap....and she what he/she has to say. Usually the side effects wear off in time (about 6 weeks or less) and that is when your meds really kick in, IHMO. Take care and keep us updated sweetie!  ~Lindsay, Forum Admin QUOTE Prozac® (fluoxetine)
FDA alert [07/2005]Suicidal Thoughts or Actions in Children and Adults
Patients with depression or other mental illnesses often think about or attempt suicide. Closely watch anyone taking antidepressants, especially early in treatment or when the dose is changed. Patients who become irritable or anxious, or have new or increased thoughts of suicide or other changes in mood or behavior (or their care givers) should contact their healthcare professional right away.
Children
Taking antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in about 1 out of 50 people 18 years or younger. FDA has approved fluoxetine for treating children who have depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Adults
Several recent scientific publications report the possibility of an increased risk for suicidal behavior in adults who are being treated with antidepressant medications. Even before these reports became available, FDA began a complete review of all available data to determine whether there is an increased risk of suicidal thinking or behavior in adults being treated with antidepressant medications. It is expected that this review will take a year or longer to complete. In the meantime, FDA is highlighting that adults being treated with antidepressant medication, particularly those being treated for depression, should be watched closely for worsening of depression and for increased suicidal thinking or behavior.
This information reflects FDA’s preliminary analysis of data concerning this drug. FDA is considering, but has not reached a final conclusion about, this information.
What is Prozac?
Prozac (fluoxetine) is an antidepressant medication originally approved by the FDA in 1987 and currently available for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bulimia nervosa. Prozac has also been used off-label (which means a use not reviewed by the FDA) to treat panic disorder. Under a different brand name (Sarafem), fluoxetine is also approved for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Prozac is believed to work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain. It is a member of the serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) family, as are Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine).
How is Prozac different from other antidepressants?
Prozac is overall as effective in relieving depression as older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine. However, not all antidepressants are equally effective for a specific individual. Prozac causes fewer adverse heart-related events (such as a drop in blood pressure or unusual rhythm) and fewer anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention) than TCAs. And it is less likely to cause drowsiness or weight changes also associated with the older TCAs. A special diet is not necessary when taking Prozac, which may be the case with other antidepressants known as monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The incidences of death resulting from an overdose of Prozac have been extremely rare, which may help doctors feel more comfortable prescribing it.
What are the side effects of Prozac?
The most common side effects seen in people taking Prozac include anxiety or nervousness, insomnia, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea, and rash. In addition, sexual side effects (reduced arousal or satisfaction) may occur. Prozac has also been shown to cause changes in appetite and weight, usually resulting in weight loss rather than weight gain. Most side effects are mild and brief, usually subsiding in a week or two after beginning treatment, but sexual side effects often persist. Particularly bothersome side effects can be treated with medication or by reducing the dose of the antidepressant, changing the time the medication is taken, or switching to a different antidepressant.
Is there a significant risk of suicide for people taking Prozac?
Suicide is always a risk in people with severe depression, and it may persist until significant remission occurs. However, consumers and their families must be cautious during the early stages of treatment with all antidepressants, when energy and activity may return before mood improves. At this time - when depression is still severe but when a depressed person may have more energy to take action - the risk of suicide can temporarily increase.
How does Prozac interact with other medications?
Prozac should not be taken until at least two weeks after MAOIs (e.g., Nardil and Parnate) are discontinued. Similarly, MAOIs should not be taken for at least five weeks after treatment with Prozac has been discontinued. The interaction between the two could produce fatal results. Consumers should always consult with their physicians when taking medications in addition to the prescribed antidepressant.
What is the standard dose of Prozac?
Prozac is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bulimia nervosa. For the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, a dose of 20 mg/day, taken in the morning, is recommended as the initial dose. A dose increase may be considered after several weeks if insufficient clinical improvement occurs. The maximum Prozac dose should not exceed 80 mg/day. For the treatment of bulimia nervosa, the recommended dose is 60 mg/day, taken in the morning. Prozac doses above 60 mg/day have not been systematically studied in people with bulimia.
How long should I take Prozac?
While there are no studies that answer the question of how long to continue Prozac, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bulimia nervosa are usually chronic conditions, and it is reasonable to consider longer term treatment for a consumer who is responding well. After 6 months, particularly for depression, it is reasonable to consider trying to reduce the dose to see whether symptoms return. As with other medications, discontinuing Prozac should be discussed with your doctor and a plan for discontinuation should be developed rather than simply stopping on your own. In clinical trials, Prozac’s antidepressant efficacy has been maintained for periods of up to 38 weeks, following 12 weeks of acute treatment. For OCD and bulimia nervosa the efficacy of Prozac beyond 16 weeks has not been documented in controlled trials. However, people have continued in therapy for many years without loss of benefit. Dose adjustments maintain the consumer on the lowest effective dosage, and consumers should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.
How soon after starting treatment will I feel better?
Someone starting treatment with Prozac may notice some improvement, particularly in concentration and increased energy, within one week. As with other antidepressants, it usually takes three to six weeks for the full therapeutic effect of the drug to be felt. The medication should be taken at the prescribed dose for six full weeks before evaluating its effectiveness.
For further information please contact the pharmaceutical company listed below.
Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly Corporate Center
Indianapolis, IN 46285
800-545-5979
www.lilly.com
Free or low-cost medications provided by pharmaceutical companies
Some pharmaceutical companies offer medication assistance programs to low-income individuals and families. These programs typically require a doctor’s consent and proof of financial status. They may also require that you have either no health insurance, or no prescription drug benefit through your health insurance. Please contact the pharmaceutical company directly for specific eligibility requirements and application information.
Prozac Rx Assistance Program: 1-800-545-6962
--------------------
~Lindsay, Forum Super Administrator, Founder   Hotlines
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May 3 2006, 12:24 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 9
Joined: 1-May 06
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
Member No.: 7,188
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QUOTE(Forum Admin @ May 2 2006, 11:35 PM) Hi Gemma and welcome to the depression forums. I am on Prozac (only 20mg 3 weeks ago), as well and I do now get headaches whereas I never did before and sometimes I feel sick to my stomach. That being said, we all are different and lots of times react differently to medications. Being you are sixteen, I would report this to your pDoc asap....and she what he/she has to say. Usually the side effects wear off in time (about 6 weeks or less) and that is when your meds really kick in, IHMO. Take care and keep us updated sweetie! ~Lindsay, Forum Admin Hi, Thanks for the information on fluoxetine it was very useful. I am on 20mg tablets which i take every morning. I was wondering, if you take them on an empty stomach do they not work aswell as they are supposed to? As i have lost my appetite and i have also lost a lot of weight i take them in the morning on an empty stomach and the only food i have is at night when i have some of my tea. I'm looking forward to the 4-6 weeks when hopefully they kick in properly. Thanks for taking the time to write back. Gemma xx
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May 3 2006, 06:27 PM
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Platinum Member
Group: Platinum Member
Posts: 7,119
Joined: 24-October 01
From: central Michigan area
Member No.: 29
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Welcome to DF, Gemma! Here is a bit about the side effects, from Lindsay's post above: QUOTE Prozac has also been shown to cause changes in appetite and weight, usually resulting in weight loss rather than weight gain. Most side effects are mild and brief, usually subsiding in a week or two after beginning treatment
Particularly bothersome side effects can be treated with medication or by reducing the dose of the antidepressant, changing the time the medication is taken, or switching to a different antidepressant. Most likely, this will go away in the next few weeks. If you have a lot of trouble with it, though, do contact your doctor as Lindsay suggested. Another little tip: if you could just try to take in something nutritious, even just a small glass of milk or a piece of toast or fruit, in the morning and at noon-time, maybe that would help you feel a bit better. I know that if you are feeling sick you may not WANT to eat anything, but it could help. Hang in there; you should be feeling much better soon. And let your doctor know what's happening. Keep us informed, too, okay? We care! Karen
--------------------
Life is hard, but God is good. Pam Thumados for Depression Forums AdministrationOriginal DF join date: October 25, 2001 
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May 11 2006, 04:21 PM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: 11-May 06
Member No.: 7,419
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QUOTE(Gemma @ May 3 2006, 01:24 PM) Hi,
Thanks for the information on fluoxetine it was very useful. I am on 20mg tablets which i take every morning. I was wondering, if you take them on an empty stomach do they not work aswell as they are supposed to? As i have lost my appetite and i have also lost a lot of weight i take them in the morning on an empty stomach and the only food i have is at night when i have some of my tea. I'm looking forward to the 4-6 weeks when hopefully they kick in properly. Thanks for taking the time to write back.
Gemma xx I started on FLuxotene in Jan due to servere panic attacks. I lost 20lbs on it the first month I started taking it, I had an upset stomach and no appetite. I didnt see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now I take it daily with no side effects and no panic attacks. I would take it everyday first thing in the morning and chase it with a glass of water and 2 pieces of jelly toast. Hang in there the side effects will go away!!!
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 May 16 2006, 11:05 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: 16-May 06
Member No.: 7,534
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QUOTE(Forum Admin @ Jan 10 2006, 01:58 AM) Welcome to the Prozac (also marketed as Sarafem and Fluoxetine) forum! Please feel free to post a bit about yourself so we can get acquainted. Also, new members without the 5 posts needed to start a new topic - read around the room and add a reply to any topic that fits for you. If you don't find what you are looking for, go ahead and post here in this welcome thread. Looking forward to getting to know you!  Hi I'm new to this and have never posted on a forum before, so i hope i'm doing it ok I,ve been on prozac for a year now as i had a bereavement in my family and it caused me to have panic attacks and a breakdown. In that time the prozac have really helped me but i,ve put on half a stone, does any one know that when i stop taking them will this weight fall off.
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 May 25 2006, 03:26 PM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: 25-May 06
Member No.: 7,730
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The doctor just prescribed Sarafem for me for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The pharmacy is giving me a generic. While I don't deal with depression daily, about two weeks before my period I get extremely suicidal for two days or so, as well as physically very ill at the beginning of my period. Apparently, I only am supposed to take the medecine beginning 15 days before my period, and i stop at the beginning. Does anyone else use this? Or do you know where I can look to find other experiences with this? I'm very new to this and I don't know where to look for information.
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May 30 2006, 10:05 AM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 11
Joined: 30-May 06
Member No.: 7,812
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Posting five times is tricky. I don't believe I have anything to add to anybody's post. I don't suffer from depression, and I don't take Prozac. However I am looking for help with my son who apparently does suffer from some form of depression and does now take Prozac. I'm hoping to gain some insight into depresson and medication.
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May 30 2006, 02:37 PM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: 30-May 06
From: North Carolina
Member No.: 7,819
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Hello all, just posting for my first time. Kinda lost. I have not been in forums much at all.
This post has been edited by 80mgprozac: May 30 2006, 02:41 PM
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Jun 2 2006, 08:37 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: 30-May 06
From: North Carolina
Member No.: 7,819
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Anybody had any trouble with a pulled neck\shoulder muscle during a severe depression. It will not get better! It seems to heal partially and then goes back to being very sore. It almost seems like it is where my neck,spine, and right shoulder meets.
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Jun 30 2006, 10:25 AM
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Assistant Administrator/Mod Coordinator
Group: Administration
Posts: 18,571
Joined: 6-September 04
From: Santa Rosa CA
Member No.: 637
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heron, If you are feeling physically sick since you started Prozac, call your pdoc and let him/her know. This could be a severe side effect of the med (I never had any SE from Prozac). This may not be the ideal medication for you, either. Hopefully, this SE may pass soon if your pdoc asks you to sat on Prozac a bit longer. Most SEs go away in a short period of time. Has your partner sought treatment? Sheepwoman 
--------------------
It is not the life I lived; but the life I leave behind. Sheepwoman |
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Jul 1 2006, 03:48 AM
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Junior Member
Group: Junior Member
Posts: 85
Joined: 28-June 06
Member No.: 8,389
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QUOTE(Sheepwoman @ Jun 30 2006, 10:25 AM) heron, If you are feeling physically sick since you started Prozac, call your pdoc and let him/her know. This could be a severe side effect of the med (I never had any SE from Prozac). This may not be the ideal medication for you, either. Hopefully, this SE may pass soon if your pdoc asks you to sat on Prozac a bit longer. Most SEs go away in a short period of time. Has your partner sought treatment? Sheepwoman My partner is now taking citalopram and is under the community mental health team. It is all hard work, as I have to care for him as well as my family. I will go back to my GP after the weekend, as I can not stand the sickness.
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Jul 4 2006, 03:04 AM
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Junior Member
Group: Junior Member
Posts: 85
Joined: 28-June 06
Member No.: 8,389
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QUOTE(ados @ Jul 1 2006, 12:41 PM) (((((heron)))))
Take the best care of yourself as you can this weekend. Rest and drink water, if nothing else. Let us know how you are feeling and/or what the doctor has to say on Monday. Thank you for caring about me. The weekend was very long. My sickness got worse and lost loads of weight. I went to my GP yesterday and he has changed my meds to escitalopram. I hope that theese work better for me. Thank you again.
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Jul 14 2006, 06:08 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: 14-July 06
Member No.: 8,691
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Hi there, I'm on my 12th day of 20mg fluoxetine, and am feeling really very uneasy. To be honest, the best way to describe it is feeling stoned. I'm like a zombie, I can barely talk and just want to stare into space, as well as being unable to sleep and suffering from shaking and teeth-chattering. My pupils are like saucers, and I'm feeling completely detatched and really very 'spaced'.
Has anyone else experienced this? I am reluctant to come off the meds so early, because my severe depression really does prevent me from getting on with life day-to-day, but the way I'm feeling now is making me unable to function at all. Any Advice?
Pixie x
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Jul 14 2006, 08:34 AM
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Assistant Administrator/Mod Coordinator
Group: Administration
Posts: 18,571
Joined: 6-September 04
From: Santa Rosa CA
Member No.: 637
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to DF PixiePolly, While some of your side effects are not unusual, it is best to discuss them with your doctor. Side effects usually go away within the first 2 weeks but if they are bothering you, Prozac may not be the right AD. Did you do a step up starting with 10mgs? I actually felt wonderful after a few days on this med. Sleep was not a bother if it was taken in the morning. The morning kick start for the day was exactly what I needed. Again, you should check with your doc regarding the time of day he/she wants you to take it. Sheepwoman
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It is not the life I lived; but the life I leave behind. Sheepwoman |
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Jul 14 2006, 10:56 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: 14-July 06
Member No.: 8,691
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QUOTE(Sheepwoman @ Jul 14 2006, 02:34 PM) to DF PixiePolly, While some of your side effects are not unusual, it is best to discuss them with your doctor. Side effects usually go away within the first 2 weeks but if they are bothering you, Prozac may not be the right AD. Did you do a step up starting with 10mgs? I actually felt wonderful after a few days on this med. Sleep was not a bother if it was taken in the morning. The morning kick start for the day was exactly what I needed. Again, you should check with your doc regarding the time of day he/she wants you to take it. Sheepwoman Doc said to take them in the morning, so thats what I've been doing and like you say, I wouldn't have expected to have suffered insomnia with taking them early in the day. The thing is, I was prescribed fluoxetine before and suffered exactly the same side effects so was taken off them. I can't understand quite why my doctor thought it might be any different this time. In answer to your question, no there was no step-up, I have gone straight onto 20mg. Doc has the intention of raising the dose when I have got used to this level. I just feel horrible, so drowsy and dissociated :( Pixie x
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Jul 15 2006, 09:30 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: 14-July 06
Member No.: 8,691
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QUOTE(Cowgirl @ Jul 15 2006, 12:37 PM) I have been taking it for 8 days now and I am also feeling a little like a zombie, I have been having laods of problems sleeping and have felt sick too. The doctor told me the first couple of weeks will be the worst but I am beginning to think that I was better before I started tham and my counsellor told me that they may not be a great idea as I have just started counselling. So confused. In my experience, meds should go side by side with counselling really. I had to come home from work last night because I just felt so out-of-it. Keep me updated with how your feeling, you're the first person I've come across who seems to share this zombie side-effect with me! Pixie x
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Jul 16 2006, 07:30 AM
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Assistant Administrator/Mod Coordinator
Group: Administration
Posts: 18,571
Joined: 6-September 04
From: Santa Rosa CA
Member No.: 637
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Welcome to the Prozac forum, Cowgirl, If you read around here, there are other people who have had that "zombie" effect. It usually goes away after a week or so. However, if you get other side effects as well, you should consult with your pdoc. I agree with Polly that counseling does go hand in hand with meds. Not all people require both, but if you are just starting out working through depression and trying to resolve why this happens then counseling is advised. The meds help to lift some of the depression so that you can perceive your feelings better. Polly, how're you doingt? Any better? Have you spoken with your doc about the side effects you are having? Sheepwoman
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It is not the life I lived; but the life I leave behind. Sheepwoman |
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Welcome to the Prozac (also marketed as Sarafem and Fluoxetine) forum! |
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Depression Forums - A Depression & Mental Health Community Support Group > DEPRESSION & ANXIETY MEDICATIONS - LOOKING FOR ANSWERS > Prozac® (also marketed as Sarafem® and Fluoxetine)
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