How does prozac work and how does it make your feel?
467039
it takes a couple of days to get into your system then u start feeling better about yourself.  for me it made me want to shower and brush my teeth.  which while i was depressed i could not see myself doing.  don't make the  same mistake i did by stopping when i felt better.  u have to wait till your doctor takes u of slowly.  or till u find a reason to lie for.
504234
Dont worry. My bf was on Zoloft and was exactly the same. He could go for ages and then when he dropped the pills, became a quick boy too. \n\nWhat happens when you are on Zoloft is that your body is subdued and all functions are slowed down. After all, it is designed to calm anxiety and depression.\n\nIt wore off after a few months and everything went back to normal. You just have to wait for it to leave your system.
657260
You can, but I wouldn't recommend it.  Alcohol is a depressant and one of the common side effects of Prozac is fatigue.  You add the two together and you'll have a severe psychomotor impairment (it won't kill you, but it'll knock you out and you'll wake up with a hell of a headache).
843712
they are both good drugs, reasons for switch commonly are fialure to respond to a drug or lack of coverage from the insurance! if you are doing good on prozac or feeling even better then it is great, if you feel worse then let the doctor know and request to go back on lexapro, good luck
277547
Why is this drug prescribed?\nReturn to top\n\nProzac is prescribed for the treatment of depression--that is, a continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms of major depression often include changes in appetite, sleep habits, and mind/body coordination; decreased sex drive; increased fatigue; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; difficulty concentrating; slowed thinking; and suicidal thoughts. \n\nProzac is also prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. An obsession is a thought that won't go away; a compulsion is an action done over and over to relieve anxiety. The drug is also used in the treatment of bulimia (binge-eating followed by deliberate vomiting). It has also been used to treat other eating disorders and obesity. \n\nIn addition, Prozac is used to treat panic disorder, including panic associated with agoraphobia (a severe fear of being in crowds or public places). People with panic disorder usually suffer from panic attacks--feelings of intense fear that develop suddenly, often for no reason. Various symptoms occur during the attacks, including a rapid or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. \n\nIn children and adolescents, Prozac is used to treat major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. \n\nUnder the brand name Sarafem, the active ingredient in Prozac is also prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), formerly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMDD include mood problems such as anxiety, depression, irritability or persistent anger, mood swings, and tension. Physical problems that accompany PMDD include bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and joint and muscle pain. Symptoms typically begin 1 to 2 weeks before a woman's menstrual period and are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities and relationships. \n\nProzac is a member of the family of drugs called "selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors." Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Prozac slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain. \n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nMost important fact about this drug\nReturn to top\n\nSerious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been known to occur when Prozac is used in combination with other antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate; and when Prozac is discontinued and an MAO inhibitor is started. Never take Prozac with one of these drugs or within at least 14 days of discontinuing therapy with one of them; and allow 5 weeks or more between stopping Prozac and starting an MAO inhibitor. Be especially cautious if you have been taking Prozac in high doses or for a long time. \n\nIf you are taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs, notify your doctor before taking Prozac. \n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nHow should you take this medication?\nReturn to top\n\nProzac should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. \n\nProzac usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, it should be taken regularly. Make a habit of taking it at the same time you do some other daily activity. \n\nIt may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from your depression, but the drug's effects should last about 9 months after a 3-month treatment regimen. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take 5 weeks to appear. \n\n--If you miss a dose...\n\nTake the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed, skip the dose. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. \n\n--Storage instructions...\n\nStore at room temperature. \n\n\n---------------------------------------------------------------------
1051079
Amphetamines stimulate the nervous system- they "speed" it up, hence the nickname.  They cause your body to release more adrenaline than needed, so at the time, you feel like you can do anything, and you'll have the energy to do it.  You'll be very thirsty, and not want to eat anything.\n\nThe next day...... well, you don't feel so great when you start to come down.  Your muscles feel more tired than your brain, even though your 'mile a minute' thoughts are all jumbled.  It's diffucult to concentrate, and you might feel dizzy, have heart palpitations, and you sort of feel confused or in a vibrating haze.  You'll have a terrible headache and you'll be very, very irritable towards others.  Because you haven't eaten all night (or whatever), your body is lacking the energy and proper nutrients, so that also plays a part in your mood and how you feel.  It feels like it sucks the life out of you- like you've lived a few months in that one night- people who are addicted to speed age much quicker, and it shows.
32246
Whilst the exact mechanisms are unknown it is generally thought that drugs such as Prozac (known as SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) work by blocking the action of a protein in the brain that normally transports serotonin out of the synapses, the spaces between brain cells. With the transporter protein blocked, serotonin lingers in the synapses, and that can have a positive effect on mood.\n\nIt should be noted, however, that Wellbutrin, despite being in the class of SSRIs, is pharmacologically different and works in a slightly different way. Again, however, the exact mechanisms are unknown.\n\nThe underlying principle behind its workability is actually no different than any other drug used to alter mood, be it prescription or recreational. It alters the natural chemical operation of the brain to induce a false state that suppresses the underlying trauma or psychological condition. It does not cure anything. In fact, recent studies show that not only are such drugs harmful, they can induce amplified feelings of violence, rage and even suicidal thoughts. \n\nAs to their actual workability (efficacy), a wealth of studies undertaken show that they really aren't as effective as people are led to believe. Psychologist Irving Kirsch and his co-authors analyzed all of the data submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval of the six most widely prescribed antidepressants between 1987 and 1999. They found that approximately 80% of the response to the medications was duplicated in placebo control groups. They believe the difference between the patient's response to medication and response to placebo was small enough to be considered clinically meaningless.\n\n--\nDecoding Psychiatric Propaganda\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters
822899
I have been on Cymbalta now for nearly 2 years (since February 2005). \n\nI also had a slight nausea problem --- Cymbalta is considered a little bit stimulating since it increases the activity of norepinephrine, a stimulating neurotransmitter chemical.  (It also works on serotonin, just like Prozac and the SSRIs do.)  The stimulant activity might be what's causing your nausea.  The serotonin activity can do it by itself, also.\n\nI found that Remeron(TM) (generic: mirtazapine) helps combat the nausea that Cymbalta gives me, but I can only take Remeron at night since it pretty much knocks me out.  The nausea control seems to work all day, though.\n\nIn general, Remeron very well known to increase appetite (weight gain is listed as a side effect, and is one people complain of often).  However, the right dose might help you achieve the correct appetite level.\n\nNOTE: Please do NOT confuse Remeron with Rozerem(TM) (generic: ramelteon), which is a prescription sleep aid.  They both might make you sleepy, but as far as I know, the latter doesn't affect appetite.\n\nPlease speak with your physician regarding all of the above, and best wishes.
1104085
Prozac 10 mg-green, elliptical, scored tablets \nProzac 10 mg-green capsules \nProzac 20 mg-green and white capsules \nProzac 40 mg-green and orange capsules \nProzac 20 mg/5 mL oral solution-mint flavored solution \nProzac Weekly 90 mg-green and clear capsules \n\nWhat happens if I overdose? \n\n Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. \n\nSymptoms of a fluoxetine overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, agitation, seizures, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.\n\n(back to top) \nWhat should I avoid while taking fluoxetine? \n\n Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Fluoxetine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. \n Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking fluoxetine. \n(back to top) \nWhat are the possible side effects of fluoxetine? \n\n If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking fluoxetine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: \n\nan allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); \nan irregular heartbeat or pulse; \nlow blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); \nhigh blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); \nchills or fever; \nunusual bleeding or bruising; \na rash or hives. \nIf you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking fluoxetine and talk to your doctor:\n\nheadache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; \ndifficulty concentrating; \nnausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight; \nweakness; \nincreased sweating; \nsleepiness or insomnia; or \ndecreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm. \nSide effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.\n\n(back to top) \nWhat other drugs will affect fluoxetine? \n\n Do not take fluoxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take fluoxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before taking thioridazine (Mellaril). \n\nBefore taking fluoxetine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:\n\na benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others; \na tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others; \nSt. John's wort; \na phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others; \nlithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others) or haloperidol (Haldol); \nalmotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); \ncarbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin); \nwarfarin (Coumadin); or \ndigoxin (Lanoxin). \nYou may not be able to take fluoxetine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.\n\nDrugs other than those listed here may also interact with fluoxetine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.\n\n(back to top) \nWhere can I get more information? \n\nYour pharmacist has additional information about fluoxetine written for
219240
Be sure that you inform the doc about ANY other meds you are taking.  Prozac was once used as an anti-inflamatory.  It can react differently with different drugs.  Also, watch how much you drink during the time you take it.
937466
There is an interaction between Prozac (generic fluoxetine) and hormonal birth control pills. It does not lower the effectiveness of the pill, but there is an interaction. If you are taking Prozac and HBC talk with your prescibing doctor or pharmacist. There is no interaction between HBC and other SSRIs or other antidepressants. \n\nThere is an interaction between St. John's Wort (used to treat mild to fake depression), antibiotics, epilepsy medications (sometimes used as mood stabilisers to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder) and the pill. These drugs lower the effectiveness of the pill.
137094
Prozac has many side effect.  Loss of sexual drive, weight gain, paranoia (rare).  Any pharmacist can give you a print out.  Likewise, the net offes many sites to help.  \n\nI've included one link below.
504516
Over the years I have taken Prozac; within several weeks(long enough for it to kick in my body) I developed that problem you mentions.\nMore recently I was given Paxil; and yes the same thing happened.So there is a good chance that all the meds in this class does that.But they do help with anxiety and such very well.Also it MIGHT go away as your body gets used to having the drug in your system;how long I dunno,I'm sorry to say.I could say more on the topic but I think you get the picture.....bye..
526252
In general, any drug that takes weeks to work does so by changing gene expression.  Some proteins stay around for days or weeks, and are only changed by the body slowly-thus, if you have a drug that decreases expression of a protein, you have to wait for the original protein to naturally decrease.  Most antidepressant work by changing a complex system of reuptake of neurotransmitter, which requires changing the levels of a number of proteins in the synapse, so you have to wait for gene expression changes to occur, then you have to wait for the protein to be delivered from the nucleus to the synapse, and then wait for the behavioural effects to be noticed.
1091603
Hi, I can totally sympathize with your dilemma.  Prozac, the medication, causes a depressed person, who may not have been taking great care of themselves to have an appetite again.  In other words, it increases your appetite.  I take a med that does the same thing.  I know that when my brain says I am hungry, it is lying to me, so I portion my food, and eat sensibly.  If I go out to eat, I eat only half of what is on my plate, asking for a "doggie bag" up front and removing the other half before I eat.  Then I don't gain weight.  I have been on Prozac.  It was a good medication for the time I was on it.  Other things came along and it lost its effectiveness.  Just a suggestion to be ever mindful that the side-effects may be less horrible than the alternative, but if they are too hard to live with, tell your doctor right away, don't stop taking them, and have your doctor switch you to something else.
1128626
Fluoxetine, Prozac and something long.
524206
Medication does different things to different people.  Most medications that I have taken for my mental health have made me feel weak and tired...never wanted to do anything.