Does prozac actually help someone heal from bulimia?

Question

I am taking prozac for bulimia as of tomorrow, but I am scared it might not work. I don't want to take it if the recovery statistics are very low. What have you guys heard from ppl suffering of bulimia taking prozac?

Answer 1

I do not have any statistics, but I understand something about eating disorders and the basics of nero-feedback and the hormones involved in eating disordered people. Prozac is usually used to treat depression because it affects (that is, stabilizes) serotonin (a nero-transmitter) levels in the brain. Serotonin also is believed to play a role in apatite and metabolism. Serotonin is produced from a chemical found in certain foods (tryptophan). People who suffer from eating disorders often do not get enough of this chemical and therefore have low levels of serotonin in there system. The interesting thing about serotonin is that both high levels and low levels can produce euphoria and become somewhat addictive. The use of Prozac to treat eating disorders (and specifically Bulimia Nervousa) is used to regulate mood swings traditionally influenced by the consumption and purging of food. These mood swings are perhaps one of the hardest things for people with eating disorders to overcome as the eating disorder is often a way of controlling emotions. Prozac therefore aids to relive this block in the road to recovery.

As for whether or not it will work, it is complicated to say. People react differently to different types of medicine. Especially drugs that influence serotonin can have a wide range of affects that may greatly help, or even sometimes make things worse (but don't let that scare you). If your doctor thinks it will help, he or she is probably right as he knows you and your medical history much better than any of us on the web. Just make sure you keep in touch with your doctor after you start taking it and let him know if you feel worse or start feeling really depressed or suicidal so he can do something about it. He only is trying to help and will work with you to find something that works for you. I would take it and just pay attention to yourself. It will most likely help and you will be the better for it.

Last, I hope that you do better. Congratulations on getting treatment -- you are worth more than Bulimia can give you. Take care of yourself.

Answer 2

Prozac For Bulimia

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Does prozac actually help someone heal from bulimia?
I am taking prozac for bulimia as of tomorrow, but I am scared it might not work. I don't want to take it if the recovery statistics are very low. What have you guys heard from ppl suffering of bulimia taking prozac?

Answer 4

If you are therapeutically (cognitive-behavior therapy seems to work best) trying to work through the roots of the bulimia, then Prozac or other anti-depressants can help with reduction of some symptoms. In particular, if the bulimia is associated with strong anxiety or depressive symptoms it will tend lessen the urges to continue purging. Don't expect it to work right away...it takes about 2 weeks for the drug to be at full capacity. You may have to try other anti depressants. Each individual functions differently on different ones. Try it and see how it goes.

Answer 5

Prozac is a medication often prescribed for bipolar complaint, bulimia, and anxiety disorders. The medication is highly effective because it act as a serotonin inhibitor, which implies that it helps balance serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin levels are liable for mood stability, depressive states, and control of anxiety, fears, or phobias.
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http://www.anti-depressants-pharmacy.com
Anxiety patients are often prescribed Prozac with great success. Counseling may also be a part of remedy. In therapy sessions, patients may learn techniques to control their anxiety through rationalization of situations that might not at the start appear rational. As an example, if a patient feels anxiety over a cigarette burning in an ashtray, they can learn methods to allow their mind to rationalize the situation and understand that there is no real danger of fire, and consequently no reason for the anxiety. These methods are really successful in addition to Prozac for treating anxiety.

Answer 6

Prozac is a medication that will help you to feel less of a need for the stressful crisis moments when you act-out your bulemia.
The Prozac does not equal
a replacement for the bulemia in your life.
But as a medication, it will help in reducing stress, lessening crisis moments, and giving your mind and emotions "a break" so that through the process of working with a Counselor, in Therapy, you will begin to feel like you are getting back in control of your own body and your life.

Having Bulemia is like being out in the ocean, no boat or land anywhere near, and panic comes often. Being on an antidepressant helps you to stabalize, as if you can feel the bottom below your feet. You're still in the water of life, but you are feeling more in control and less paniced. You can feel there is hope because your feet can touch and hold you up on your own. From there you have the opportunity to learn new ways of thinking and behaving, as if you were walking yourself to the shore, and out of the drowning situation of bulemia.

No, Prozac is not "THE CURE" alone. But, used as prescribed along with seeing the counselor regularly
will help YOU TOWARD THE HOPE OF GETTING YOUR LIfE BACK INTO CONTOL. IT'S A HOPE OF A HEALTHY MIND, BODY AND EMOTIONS.

I say go for it girl - what have you got to lose? Your Dr. is handing you hope.

Answer 7

Well I don't know one of the indications of prozac in bulimia nervosa, but in the other side in adverse reactioncion can cost weight loss.
So I don't know the aswer to it. Medications are not my thing I deal with natural medicine oly.
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Answer 8

I'm taking it for about 5 months and it's really helping me, I have lost my appetite and I don't enjoy of sweet things like before, it's perfect, I really love it :)b
I take 60 mg (3x20 mg at once) in the day.
Trust it :)

Answer 9

Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to your question, but I know someone who might. Even if you are already seeing a doctor about your eating disorder, I still recommend that you call EDAP. They are experts on eating disorders, and surely know a lot about different treatments and their effectiveness. Please give them a call to get more information.

Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention (EDAP)
For answers to your questions, information, and nationwide referrals.
1-800-931-2237
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Answer 10

Yes, it does help take away the urge.I took it for that and it helped alot..Therapy and meds together work the best ....