If you have been on Prozac or are currently on it, can you answer some questions?

Question

First of all, I'm a female in my 30's whose suffered from fairly severe depression since around age 9. I also have OCD, severe anxiety (especially in social situations), BDD (which is "Body Dysmorphic Disorder" and is closely related to OCD except you have a preoccupation with your appearance or a certain aspect of your appearance ), and they think that I have Bi-Polar Disorder. I know, it's quite a list! It's been so rough that I actually cannot work. I start crying at the stupidest lilttle things and tremble from nervousness. Xanax has helped with my anxiety. I have tried numerous anti-depressants including Lithium (much too strong), Paxil, Lexapro, Remeron (made me hallucinate), and a bunch of others. I have been on Prozac but it's been a while. I started it 5 days ago. OKAY, SORRY ABOUT ALL THE RAMBLING! I just thought if maybe you were a psychiatrist or in the field you'd want to know a bit about my background. MY QUESTIONS ARE (sorry have to continue-no more space!)

#1 Generally, how long does Prozac take to work or when did you start seeing results? #2 What kinds of side effects did you have and were they severe enough to make you stop #6 Did you feel more energetic and more into things you lost interest in when it started working (if it did)? #7 Did people that didn't know you were on it, notice a change in your personality? #8 Do you think it is just highly overrated? #9 Did you have a loss of interest in sex or gain weight (two huge side effects from what I've read)? and FINALLY, #10 Would you recommend it to a loved one who was suffering from depression? THANKS EVERYONE! SORRY FOR SO MANY QUESTIONS!

Answer 1

Been there done that. Here's a tip for you.... not one antidepressant has ever cured one single case of depression. Never has, never will. If you want to cure the depression and anxiety, it's going to take a concerted effort that includes good physical health and weeks of diligent cognitive therapy. I cured myself from major depressive disorder (when my pshrink said it wasn't going to happen) with Dr. David Burns' book: "The Feeling Good Handbook". There's a link in my profile to my "Antidepressant That Works" page. Read my story if you want to get off the pills. Otherwise, you're going to be hunting for help in a bottle for the rest of your life.

Answer 2

Prozac and the other ssri's are different for everyone. What you want to do is be careful until you know how the combination affects you. Alcohol can make some people feel more depressed, for example. Or a smaller amount of alcohol might might you more intoxicated, or your driving could be seriously impaired, or any number of things. Or possibly it might not be a problem at all. If you asked your doctor, the doc would say beware of making your depression worse, and occasional drinking can be okay if you have no bad effects. Sorry, there is no set answer... it depends on your individual chemistry.

Answer 3

I have been taking Prozac now for about 10 years for acute manic depression and OCD. The first thing I would tell you is that Prozac takes about 2-6 weeks to have any effect. I also take Welbutrin which is fast acting. I also take Seroquil for mania. I took Depakote for many years for the mania. However, it was having an adverse effect on my liver, thus the change. I too was unable to function in society and eventually ended up on the street. So if your not there yet you are doing good. Since taking the medication I have been able to reestablish myself within society. I have not heard of many females doing well on Prozac. I am not a physician, so dont think I am trying to discourage you, I am just sharing my experience as a fellow with similar disorders. I have also found that improving the spiritual aspects of my life has been very useful. Do not confuse spirituality with religion because they are not the same. God is the ultimate healer. If you sincerely ask him for help wtih your problem, I will assure you He will answer. Remember one important thing; "God will only do for us that which we can not do for ourselves." So keep your doctors appointments and continue to take the prescribed meds.

Answer 4

I don't believe in Prozac. There is a huge side effect from people taking Prozac and that is called suicide. Huge controversy. I think it should be taken off the market. Best of luck

Answer 5

I have bipolar, borderline personality, and ocd. Ask you doc about Cymabalta. I found it works better than prozac and I was on prozac for twenty years. I also take Topamax. It is prescibed for migraines and seizures but also for a mood stabilizer.

Answer 6

go and see your doctor.