Posted by med_empowered on December 3, 2005, at 6:55:09
In reply to Re: On Prozac after a long time off ADs » Cass, posted by cablegirl on December 3, 2005, at 4:56:00
hey! I havent taken prozac, but I have taken numerous other SSRIs. Basically, with Prozac you're usually going to see a pretty fast increse in energy, with a reduction in depressive symptoms a bit delayed--sometimes it takes up to 8 weeks to see a really noticeable difference. With Prozac and other SSRIs there is a risk of akathisia (an intense sense of inner-restlesness; it is pure, umitigated hell) and, of course, increased depression and suicidality (paradoxical reactions..the big joke psychiatric drugs play on the miserable).
Some people gain weight on Prozad and other SSRIs. With Prozac (and zoloft) the usual response is either no change in weight or minor weight loss...some docs combine prozac with diet drugs such as the "PhenPro" combo (phentermine+prozac). If you get much of a change in weight in either direction directly caused by the drug, its probably a good idea to switch.
If you experience akathisia, start-up anxiety (similar to, but milder than, akathisia), or sexual problems (especially loss of libido), then you might want to add something...adding Wellbutrin helps alot of people, and adding BuSpar helps others. Either one can boost the antidepressant effects and/or speed up time to response; BuSpar tends to be more soothing, so its good if you get prozac-induced anxiety..it also helps with sexual stuff. Wellbutrin is great for apathy, fatigue, and sexual issues, but can induce anxiety.
Good luck!
poster:med_empowered
thread:584824
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051203/msgs/584884.html