If I start Prozac , will I be on it the rest of my life?

Answer 1

First, Prozac is not addicting and is generally a safe option for treating depression. Second, depression is a disorder of the brain, and often requires medication to be corrected. There is nothing wrong with choosing to take medication along with counseling and other interventions. Depression can make life very difficult to live... there is no shame in taking a medication to help out. If your doctor starts you on Prozac, you do not have to be on it for the rest of your life. It usually takes 3+ weeks to begin working...so results aren't immediate. Chat about your concerns with your doctor, really! Usually they are more than willing to hear what you're thinking and any questions you have. And, when you and your doctor decide to stop Prozac therapy, the dose is tapered very slowly to allow your body to adjust. Many, many prescription drugs require this same tapering, and it does not mean you are addicted. Look up information on Prozac online, there are a lot of good resources! Or when you fill your prescription talk to the pharmacist about some of your questions about Prozac.

Hope that's helpful.

Answer 2

Not necessarily... I took prozac after my son was born for about 6 months, then was able to go off it with no additional need. It depends on what the issues are, why you start the prozac in the first place. If you need it and it makes you feel better, but you feel bad when you stop taking it, keep taking it! Always a good idea to consult your doc before stopping any med. Also, are you talking to a therapist or counselor in addition?

Answer 3

Probably. The drug doesn't cure anything, and it's very difficult to get off of it. Once (or if) you do manage to stop taking it, you're usually worse than when you started because your brain chemistry has been altered- and that can take a long time to reverse.
In my opinion, these dangerous drugs should be the last resort for people who are deeply, clinically depressed and not responding to other treatments. These days, it seems that drugs are the first choice- it's quick and cheap.

You can do A LOT to improve depression, anxiety and other problems with a change of diet, change of lifestyle, etc. Your body can only work with what you give it, so if you're eating a lot of unhealthy foods, you'll have an unhealthy body/mind

Answer 4

Ive been on Paxil and now I'm on Lexoril. Ive been on it for 3 years in all and i only have to b/c i only get anxiety from school. We think its b/c of post traumatic events that have taken place in past in earlier years of school but when I'm not in school I'm fine. I can go anywhere without getting anxious. So evaluate why your on Prozac and how its helping you and maybe how its not and when ever that situation is predict when it will pass by and eventually in the future you can wean yourself off with doctor permission. Never just stop

Answer 5

I was on it for 2 years from 1990 - 1992 - it was the fuel that took me through College - I had lots of friends an girlfriends - more than ever before in my life. I came off it in 1992 - so you can come off it. There are many ways of easing the withdrawl - other drugs or working out alot. I am on it again now - the end of the winter is in sight but I need the fuel again. Think of it as fuel or as a tool -

Answer 6

please find out about the number of negative things associated with prozac and all its other marketing names....

>>(taken from the link below) But this Panorama investigation discovers the drug may have a darker side - the programme reports that people can get hooked on it, suffering serious withdrawal symptoms when they try to come off it.

For some it can lead to self harm and even suicide. But little warning of these possible side effects accompanies the drug.

Answer 7

as prozak is in question here l think that your doctor is prescribing it. and he wouldn't do that if there was no need.
so l would advise you then to take it. but medicine alone won't help. you should go counselling. and find time for yourself to relax, cry if you fell like it. ask for support from people around you. try to avoid people who you feel have negative influence on you.
depends on how you are feeling and reacting on medicine, you WILL feel better. lt might take a while.
Forgot to say, you might feel worse when you start with your medicine, but be patient as chemical balance kiks in.(because that's what it is).be persistent. Take one day at a time.
And when the time comes, your doctor will advise you how to slowly get of them.
But do not at any circumstances stop taking them by your own will.
You might feel that you don't need them, but doctor will now when you are ready.

Answer 8

I used to be against anything for mood.....But I have started on Zoloft and now I am on cymbalta and I have been great. On top of medication, you need therapy. I love myself more and more everyday and see things in a different light. Do research and talk to a specialist regarding your depression. I am on a high dosage now, because I suffer from PTSD and have severe flashbacks. But I think the therapy is going great for me and I want to gradually get off meds because it just is a pain in the butt to remember to take it everyday. Good Luck and get well/

Answer 9

I would suggest one of the newer anti depressants like Lexapro. Prozac completely turned off my ability to feel any type of emotion and I didn't like that at all. Lexapro doesn't do that to me.

Answer 10

Prozac is an SSRI - and they are not addictive. You will be able to stop taking them if you want to. However, if you need to keep taking them for any length of time, you can do. Discuss with your doctor.