I've heard that anti-depressants, such as Prozac, are only effective for 2 or maybe 3 years. What is the usefull theraputic life-span of an individual anti-depressant, in general?
2006-12-17 17:37:37 · 4 answers · asked by LovesMath 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
No, the currently used antidepressants do not exhibit a tolerance phenomenon. But depression is a complicated illness, and individuals may change with time, need changes in treatment, and even stop responding to treatment. This seems to be related to the disease, not the drug.
2006-12-18 16:29:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure. I have never heard that. People tend to build up tolerances towards certain medications. And everyone is different. The best combination is some form of therapy with medication. Unless you have severe/chronic depression you shouldn't be on medication more than a few years anyway. Mild depression tends to be temporary and the length varies from person to person. Its never recommended to rely only on medication to alleviate mental problems anyway.
2006-12-17 17:42:53 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been taking Prozac for nearly 8 years now, and it's still effective. In fact, I'm sure it's still working, because the few times I've let my meds run out and gone as long as a month without taking them, I go back to being depressed.
2006-12-17 17:46:31 · answer #3 · answered by Terisu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
um, I doubt that LOL And they certainly don't become harmful! The body builds up a tolerance to certain drugs, but I have never heard of it building a tolerance to anti-depressants
2006-12-17 17:39:41 · answer #4 · answered by High On Life 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No idea.Sori
2006-12-17 18:05:18 · answer #5 · answered by syikin_310 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋