Has anyone outthere had prozac work for them when other meds have failed

I've been on several medications, and most carried with them dreadful side effects that I could not tolerate.

I have been on Prozac (on and off) for decades. I currently take 40mg/day.

I would stop it periodically for similar reasons some people do --> because I was feeling better! So in my mind, I rationalized it that I didn't need it anymore. Instead of rationalizing that one of the reasons I was feeling better was because of the Prozac.

I have had absolutely wonderful results with it, and you can bet, I will not be doing any more of that "transient stopping" ever again. It's worked quite well for me, and now I accept it as part of my daily meds.

It took me several tries (of being on a variety of other meds until we tried Prozac).

That would be my success story! Good luck to you and let us know how you do!



M.



PS: It takes several weeks to reach an optimal blood level, so judging it too soon on, thinking it isn't working, might be premature. Just my thoughts.

In my situation, to the outside world I put on a good front that I "appeared" to function. But that was also because I made a lot of excuses to avoid doing things, because I was overwhelmed by social situations and health anxiety and tremendous fear of panic attacks.

I found myself obsessing about various things in an unhealthy way.

The medications my doctors tried me on (and I went to a few psychiatrists, mind you), not only did not work, but the side effects were dreadful. Some examples were that I felt like my heart was racing, I had night sweats, the shakes, double vision, I couldn't concentrate, and on most of the unsuccessful ones, I couldn't sleep. I tried beta-blockers and I felt like a zombie, I was so lethargic, but my insides were still filled with panic,--I just felt like I couldn't "do" anything about those feelings.

Some of the side-effects of those other drugs included increased health anxiety. My body felt like it wasn't my own, and that I was going to die because of those drugs.

I started on 20mg Prozac, (this was back in the 1980's---I think?) and these past 1-2 years, my dosage was raised to 40mg. Works like a charm.

For me, in the beginning, I had a little de-personalization, mood swings, forgetfulness, and occasional bouts of frustrated anger.

It took several weeks for my blood levels to reach the proper level, and when they did, it made a world of difference to me! I can look back now and see just how "mal-functioning" I was prior to Prozac.

Any "side effect" I had was not only very temporary, but they were, by comparison, quite mild compared to some of the other drugs my psychiatrists put me on, so it was easier for me to commit to stick it out.

I am so, so glad that I did. I can honestly say that Prozac has been (and will continue to be) on of the best medications that I have ever been on. My Husband has witnessed all of this, and completely agrees with me.

Remember, this is "for me," and it's "my story" of great success after a number of dreadful failures. Every body responds differently to different medications. But one caveat is, most A/D's do take weeks to really get into your blood stream and reach an effective, optimal level. None of them are "overnight cures."

Even Prozac isn't a "cure" for me. But with it, (and I also am in therapy), I find that I'm in a better place, mentally, to be open to coping skills.

Stay in touch and let us know how you make out!




M.

Well remember, I'm not a doctor, so I cannot give you any form of medical advice.

What I "can" do, however, is share my experience.

I was on several different meds before I found my way to Prozac, and those other ones did not work. Period.

I was nervous trying Prozac, thinking that I've tried "everything" out there already. But truth is, there are so many meds available!!

As I mentioned, it took several weeks for it to "kick in" so to speak, but for me, yes, it definitely did happen, and it was definitely worth it.

If you're waiting to "feel something" like a magical change, it doesn't happen that way. You won't suddenly "feel better" -- it's an adjunct, not a miracle pill. That's why it takes weeks to work it's way through your body for you to become stabilized. That's also why it's effective to engage in some form of therapy as well. The other meds made me feel so nasty, I couldn't possibly participate in a therapy session without feeling like I'd jump out of my skin.

With Prozac, as time went on, as the levels in my blood were optimal, I found that engaging in therapy was even more helpful, I felt more receptive, and I could apply what I've learned.

My personal opinion is that it's much too soon to write it off and assume it's not effective.

Hang in there!



M.

This may be a crude example, but....think of taking an antibiotic. You don't swallow one pill and the infection is gone and you feel great.

You have to follow a full course of treatment, it takes time as things slowly heal.

Similar thing....be patient with yourself, and be kind to your body. Give it time to respond.




M.

No, you don't wake up with motivation and drive. As I said, it's not a magic pill. Not Prozac or anything else.

As it reaches a therapeutic level, you'll find yourself feeling less anxious, you'll notice you can do things that frightened you before,...it's subtle....but you do notice it.

You've still got weeks to go, so be patient.

Prozac, or any med, isn't going to give you some sparkling new personality. The med works to balance chemicals in your body that are contributing to you feeling out of whack.

As I mentioned, it takes weeks. And when that time comes, you'll look back and this conversation and it will all make sense!



M.

You have to give it a few weeks to work first....




M.

It's quite possible. That's how it worked out for me. Everything I tried up until I was put on Prozac did not work.

But remember, these concerns should be addressed with your therapist and your prescribing physician.

Everyone responds differently to different medications.

I'd encourage you to maintain a strong relationship with your therapist because, as I mentioned, this (or any other drug) is not any type of "magic pill." It doesn't just sort of "kick in" one day and life's problems are solved.

The right medication works by helping to stabilize the chemicals in our brains so that we're in a better and stronger place to understand and be receptive to how to manage life's speed bumps.

The combination of the right medication and psychotherapy is the best way to approach this!

Good luck.




M.

Hi Theresa,

I can relate to a lot of your experiences because until Prozac, the meds they tried me on were disastrous. I had terrible side effects and couldn't continue with them.

Since I'm not a doctor, and more important, not your personal doctor, the decision on what to do with your meds should be made together, with you and your doctor, and if possible, perhaps your therapist.

To give you some perspective, I was in a similar boat. You know I've been on Prozac for years, on the 20mg/day dose. When the time came to discuss raising it to 40mg/day, my psych said something similar to me. I don't think she said it to dismiss me or be catty, but in my opinion, she wanted me to know that she wanted me to have an active participation in my choices in wellness.

I'm not familiar with all the anti-depressant meds out there, not even close! Just the ones I had experiences with, and only how they affected me.

One thing was a constant across the board, and that was that it takes several weeks for the medications to reach a therapeutic level in your blood. It doesn't just sort of "hit you" that suddenly it's working. It's a process, and regardless of the medication, it's a process we all have to go through when finding the right medication.

I personally think it's too soon to tell if the 20mg dose is "working" yet. Did your doctor prescribe anything for you take "as needed" to help you along while you're waiting these few weeks to see if the dose is adequate?

You may want to speak to him about that, something supplemental. I did. I was scared and anxious, and it's hard when we want "immediate results," because each day feels like an eternity.

What I would do is ask my doctor about an "as needed" adjunct for me to take with the understanding that my anxiety does not feel managed yet, and discuss with your doctor time frames, such as: "If this dose is right for me, and it's going to take another 4 weeks to notice the effects, what options do I have to help me through this period?"

Something along those lines. You shouldn't have to wing it and just hope for the best. You have a right to feel safe and comfortable with what you're doing.

I haven't done it with Prozac (because that has worked extremely well for me), but with some of the meds they tried me on before-hand,...where I was afraid to take the dose the doctor wanted to prescribe, and I asked him if I could start off on a smaller dose. It was fear talking, and I know that now.

At some point you need to trust your health care providers and trust that they are making valid decisions for your well-being. You have the right to be pro-active and ask questions...it's your body after all!

So as you asked, if it were me, I would not give up on this drug yet as it sounds like you may need some more time. At some point, when you feel ready, your doctor will work with you to increase your dose if that's what he feels should be done.

But in the meantime, I think one of the things I would address is the urgency to have some semblance of peace and calm in your life. Your mind and body need a break, and there are medications out there that are short acting that may help you get through this journey with a little less stress!

Hang in there Theresa. I'm happy to talk with you, and I will admit that I am biased because for me, personally, Prozac was a life-changer!



M.

Merida would you reccommend I stay on the 20 longer since its only a little over two weeks and the doctor is not favoring one over the other at this point also any suggestions about anything else to help anxiety except for the benzos I have mentioned

Thanks he said I could take it or wait really had no opinion I have tried counseling groups too no help I just started a new therapist who does eft tapping I did take benzos regularly as indicated but no real help maybe just helped me feel like the nerves weren't literally popping out of my skin. I m at such a loss but since doc says it will take three to four weeks to notice any difference should I just wait that time before upping to 40 as I mentioned he is offering no guidance either way says its up to me! What do I know I just need to feel better what do u think Merida

Thx so what would you do stick with the 20 longer or move to 40 now I don't know how to make the decision I just get nervous that its not helping but I realize its two weeks ?

Deceived wife I am sorry to hear of your situation can I ask when you went on prozac how long did it take before you felt relief (if you do) did you feel any better on 20 or only when you went to 40 how long were you on each dose? Did you just feel better one day or does it not work like that? Also how much klonopin were you or are you on does it even help you ? Please let me know I'm so desparate for relief also how long did you try lexapro before switching?