Not sure why I am here

[Eclipse]

Just been prescribed Fluoxetine, and after a google search found it was prozac.

Torn about taking it, so would love to hear from people who have had experience of it.

My major anxiety at the moment is feeling so weak that I need to take pills to get myself through a day.....I don't see myself as that person....

[Obayan]

We each have a different physiology and will react to the same meds differently. It normally takes on average about 6 weeks to feel the full affects of a med. There are some side affects sometimes, but they generally tend to go away. It takes a trained professional to find the right med/dosage/combination to fit your specific needs.

It's not a sign of weakness or failure to need help. It's a sign of being alive and human. One of the most responsible things we can ever do is seek out help when we need it. It's shows a maturity in recognizing the need, and a responsibility in seeking the help.

Medication is a tool. Nothing more or less. There are a lot of tools out there we use to help us achieve our goals. It won't "fix" us, but it will make living thru our stuggles easier.

[Jet]

Taking medication when you need it shows strength. But if your not comfortable with what your doctor has prescribed you, go back and see him and ask about the alternatives. Or if you don't like to question your doctor (many people don't, but I think you should) then go and see a second doctor and ask them to lay out your options. Your usual doctor never has to know you even questioned him.

[Obayan]

Very good advice jet.

[Eric0620]

Hi Eclipse - one of my previous doctors had me try taking Prozac to see if it would be more effective than the Amitriptyline I was taking. After 4 days, I felt absolutely great and felt like I had woken-up from a bad dream. The only reason I stopped taking it shortly afterwards was because it "energized" me so much that I couldn't sleep soundly. I think that is probably a rare occurrence, so please don't let that discourage you. I really was disappointed that I couldn't keep taking it because of how good I otherwise felt.

I tried Zoloft once, but it made me feel sick every morning, so I'm back to the Tricyclic antidepressant called Amitriptyline (a generic of Elavil). I would suggest trying it for a while and think it will help you as it has helped millions of others. Good luck, Eclipse.

Sincerely,
Eric

[Obayan]

I have been on lexapro for several years. It won't cure the depression, but it does help me to think more clearly so i can make better judgements.