Prozac does it work?

Question

I have been put on Prozac how long does it take to kick in, iv been depressed for a long time and have had enough

Answer 1

It can take 3 - 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you will start noticing a difference in a few days. Yes it works;

Answer 2

One of my family members took it, it works. It takes about a week. It also stays in the system for about a week. I know this because she was prescribed 20 mg once a day for a week, then a week off. This was an extremely low dose.

Later, her dose was increased, because of additional outside stress, to 40 mg every day. I think this was too high, for her anyway. She began to have an almost "I dont care attitude" about everything. But I suppose that's better than being so depressed about everything. After awhile, the dose was reduced to the first dosage, and she eventually was able to quit entirely.

However, I would like to caution one thing, and you can verify this with your doctor and pharmacy. If you decide that you are doing well, or even that you are not benefitting from it, DO NOT just stop taking it. You need to be weaned from Prozac by decreasing the dosage.

Also, if you take herbs, dont self medicate with them, and as most MDs arent familiar with herbs, consult the internet, the PDR for herbs or a homeopath for possible interactions.

Another good thing about Prozac is that unlike most other anti depressants, one of the side effects is weight loss, not weight gain.

And, I cant believe I almost forgot this. If you are feeling like it's not helping, or not sure, the BEST way to determine this is by asking a close friend or family member if THEY notice a difference. This worked great for us, having family feedback.

Good Luck, and even though I dont know you, I am very proud of you for seeking help !

Answer 3

Prozac can start to work in 1-2 weeks but can take as long as 3-4 weeks everyone is diff.. Sometimes Prozac does not work for people in fact sometimes it can make things worse. Some people on Prozac can feel great amounts of anxiety and make life very uncomfortable. There are many other types of meds out there now if you don't have success with Prozac ask you doc. to try something else. Remeron (Mirtazapine) is a very good med. Also if you have problems with anxiety on any of these meds you might ask them to also put you on something like seroquel and although this drug is known as an anti psychotic drug in low amounts it can help with the anxiety and also the sleep problems some people have while on antidepressants. One thing to remember is dont give up it can take years to find what works.

Answer 4

Prozac works by preventing the re-uptake of the neuro-transmitter serotonin. This is the chemical that makes us feel happy. It takes at least three weeks to get into the system. I would say that anyone suffering from depression should be receiving therapy in addition to medication. Medication is good because it stabilises mood and helps you feel better enough to get well but you need to address the cause of your depression. Talk to your doctor about Cognitive Behavioural therapy. This is one of the most effective treatments of depression. It works by changing negative thought processes you may have developed based on your life experiences. Depression is hard to see passed when you're still feeling symptomatic. The fact you have sought help is an important first step and you should feel proud of yourself. Here is a small thing you can try yourself while you're waiting for the Prozac to kick in. Every day, think of three things that are positive in your life. At least one of them should be about yourself. Write them down and read them whenever you feel bad. Be patient, depression is curable. It just takes time. Call or e-mail the Samaritans if you get desperate. Remember, Prozac is not the only drug out there. If you still feel bad after three weeks, return to your doctor to try another antidepressant. Stick with it. You CAN beat this.

Good luck

Answer 5

I was on prozac myslef for a year and i found that i did feel an effect after a week or so (be it psychological or not) but the effects are not at their peak until around six weeks after an then they are at a steady rate.

I found that whilst no medication will take your problems away or create false happiness, it helped me cope with things better and takes the 'edge' off the depression. It also enables you to try and deal with your problems easier and face them.

I would suggest you to relax and see how you feel in 2-5 weeks, i think you will be surprised at how good you are feeling.

The main thing is to be patient and let the medication take it;s course.

Good Luck for the future, and i hope you manage to be that happy person you know you are.

:-) :-) :-)

Answer 6

I've suffered from depression for over 20 years and taken Prozac for the last 5 years. It took about 6 weeks to kick in, and to date, it's been the best treatment. Good luck, I hope it works for you.

Answer 7

I started taking prozac about ten months ago right after a serious break up took my mild depression and placed it in overdrive. It was the best decision of my life to begin taking this medication. I felt the results with in a week. A month later I felt normal and could see life in a much more positive manner. Of course, I did this with weekly therapy as well as the medication. I took myself off the medication this summer and I am still feeling happy. Congrats on making the decision to help yourself out.

Answer 8

I used to be on Prozac and it two weeks before I began to feel any benefits of being on it and it took about a month and a half to feel the full benefits. Unfortunately, I had to be taken off it as I suffer from pronounced mood swings and it made my mood go too high at times. At least it lifted the depression.

Answer 9

prozac takes about 4-6 weeks to kick in if u feel no better go c your doc for a different antidepressant

Answer 10

Yes it does work, like all other medications it can work quicker on some people than others. The main thing is that you are talking to someone about it. Lots of people find their depression at its worst this time of year, with dark evenings and bad weather. The medication will work and the lighter evenings coming up very shortly will help you. I have been there