8/9 weeks on Prozac, what should I be feeling?

Question

I know we are all different? I know not to put a lot of medical stock in opinions of anyone but my doctors. I go to therapy. I had a hormone imbalance that created a fierce depression, and bad reaction to three other ADs(or they just didn't it enough time) and finally found Prozac. Ithink if there is a side effect(common) I have had it. I am only on Synthroid(thyroid disorder), 20 mg of Prozac and 1 mg of Estradiol(generic form of Estrace, a hormone)> I see vast improvements, but not VAST enough, still feel a little physically crappy, most SEs are gone, but some new ones popped up. Dizziness when getting up after laying down and sitting too long, muscle soreness/and headache in back of head(comes and goes) and sleeplessness. But again, I am improved. Not freaking out, just wondering about others. I analyze things away and I just want to know what to say to my doc when I go see her and him about the meds in two weeks. Folks don't lie when they say getting on these meds is heck. Praise

Answer 1

A couple of rules of thumb for SSRI antidepressants like Prozac are that side effects should become a lot less severe after a week or two, and that it's important to give them at least 6 weeks to see if a particular drug at a particular dose is working before giving up and switching.

So, at 8 weeks on Prozac, you should be getting as good a therapeutic effect as you're going to, and as minimal side effects as you're going to.

Answer 2

Excellent answer (above) and to the point. The next question that comes to mind is:

How are the non-drug factors in your life, namely nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene?

What a lot of folks don't realize is how important these factors are to maintaining good chemical balance in your brain. If your nutrition suffers, you will lack the energy and protein requirements for good exercise and neurotransmitter synthesis. Sleep allows your body to make those neurotransmitters and place them where they need to be in the brain. Exercise allows you to sleep better and has a very positive effect on all sorts of depression.

If you're not happy after running the gauntlet of antidepressants and are consistent with your therapy, ask your doctor to recommend a nutritionist, or someone that can help you begin to build an exercise regiment. Talk to your therapist to develop good sleep hygiene. Just don't give up!