With the widespread use of Prozac for the treatment of depression and other conditions, there is concern over the long-term effects that may result from this antidepressant. While Prozac is not considered to be addictive, many side effects can result from overuse or withdrawal, including: Nervousness. Insomnia.
How long before you see results from taking Prozac?
Unfortunately, antidepressants generally don’t result in immediate relief of symptoms. Many people will not see a significant improvement for several weeks. 2 Studies have generally shown that the full benefits of antidepressant therapy may take as long as 8 to 12 weeks. However, this timeline is variable among individuals.
How long did it take for full effects of Prozac?
Response and effectiveness Peak plasma concentrations occur within six to eight hours of a single dose. A reduction in depressive or other symptoms may be noticed within two to four weeks; however, it may take up to six to eight weeks before full effects are seen.
How long does the Prozac will affect in my body?
The period the drug remains detectable can vary widely between the various body tissues, and the half-life of Fluoxetine in these tissues has not been firmly established. Urine samples from individuals on Prozac have shown detectable levels as long as 96 days after their last dose.
Is Prozac safe to take in the long term?
To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of fluoxetine. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. Click to see full answer. Then, what are long term side effects of Prozac?
Does Prozac cause long term damage?
Are There Any Risks For Taking Fluoxetine For Long Periods Of Time? To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of fluoxetine. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
Can you take Prozac your whole life?
Sharing the Research: When patients ask about the long-term use of antidepressant medication, the truth is there really isn't any. Prozac has been around since the 1980s but published long-term studies of antidepressant medications range from 3 to 15 years.
What happens if you take Prozac too long?
Taking too much Prozac, especially with other medications or recreational or illicit drugs, also increases your risk of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. This happens when there's too much serotonin in your body. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include: hallucinations.
Can Prozac damage your brain?
This is the dread side effect in psychiatry, and it can indicate brain damage. Such reactions are not rare. Neurologic agitation is estimated to occur in 10 to 25 percent of patients, and muscle spasms in 10 percent."
Why was Prozac taken off the market?
In 2018, the manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary nationwide recall of fluoxetine (Prozac), because of irregular testing results. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication used to treat conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic attacks.
Is Prozac linked to dementia?
According to the study, popular Prozac-like pills known as SSRIs — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — and other antidepressants are associated with a twofold increase in the odds of developing some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
Can you stay on antidepressants for life?
MYTH: Once on antidepressants, I'll be on them for life. FACT: Not true. A general rule clinicians often use is that a person should be treated with antidepressants at least one-and-a-half times as long as the duration of the depressive episode before they can begin to be weaned off.
How many years can you take fluoxetine?
Most people take fluoxetine for at least six to 12 months after they start to feel better. If you have suffered from depression in the past, you should keep taking this medication for at least two years after you start to feel better.
Does Prozac affect your memory?
Finding of the study supports the concept that long-term use of fluoxetine does not impair memory and psychomotor function but improves it significantly. It may be preferred in patients who operate machinery, drive vehicle, or require alertness for the work.
Does your brain go back to normal after antidepressants?
"The fact that antidepressant withdrawal can be so prolonged suggests that the drug has changed the brain and that those changes are taking a very long time to return to normal and it may be the case that sometimes they don't go back to normal."
Does Prozac cause brain tumors?
Scientists have discovered that Prozac, the antidepressant taken by millions of people around the world, may stimulate the growth of brain tumours by blocking the body's natural ability to kill cancer cells.
Does Prozac rewire your brain?
Castrén's study suggests Prozac returns regions of the brain to an immature state in which neurons make or break more connections with one another than is typical of the adult brain. In other words, Prozac increases brain plasticity.
What are the side effects of taking Fluoxetine?
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fluoxetine: More common. Hives, itching, or skin rash. inability to sit still. restlessness. Less common. Chills or fever. joint or muscle pain.
Can SSRIs cause serotonin?
Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with SSRIs and SN RIs as monotherapy, but particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs and drugs that impair the metabolism of serotonin . [ Ref]
Can fluoxetine be used in combination with olanzapine?
When using fluoxetine hydro chloride and olanza pine in combination, also refer to the Boxed Warning section of the package insert for fluoxetine hydrochloride/olanzapine. Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Does fluoxetine need medical attention?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of fluoxetine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Does Prozac cause side effects?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention. Along with its needed effects, fluoxetine (the active ingredient contained in Prozac ) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur ...
Can fluoxetine be used for obsessive compulsive disorder?
Fluoxetine oral solution is approved for use in pediatric patients with MDD and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder.
What to do if you feel tired after taking Prozac?
The best thing to do if you think you’re feeling fatigue from Prozac is to consult a psychiatrist. Prozac has a number of uses, and an array of side-effects that will differ from one person to another (but generally SSRIs—the class of chemicals that Prozac belongs to— are well-tolerated in most people).
Do all antidepressants have the same side effects?
Not everyone experiences the same side effects from the same medications or doses, and not all medications seem to cause particular side effects at the same rates , but the risks and potential damages of antidepressants span into the thousands and overlap quite significantly even beyond the SSRI class.
Does Prozac go away if you stop taking it?
Put most briefly: any of them. There is no guarantee that any side effects caused by Prozac (fluoxetine) will go away if you stop taking it---or if you don't---and there is no time limit on how long side effects might stick around for.
How much weight gain can you get from taking Prozac?
A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that people taking Prozac gained an average of a pound and a half over the course of a year of taking the medication.
When did Prozac become popular?
Prozac was so popular after its debut in 1988 that it inspired not one but two best-selling books: Listening to Prozac and Prozac Nation (which was turned into a movie starring Christina Ricci).
Does Prozac affect sleep?
Like most SSRIs, Prozac can have an effect on sleep quality. “Any time you take a medication that affects the brain, there’s a potential for alterations in arousal,” says Murrough. That can manifest in abnormal dreams, difficulty falling or staying asleep, or even nighttime sweats.
Can SSRIs cause headaches?
“When you’re on any SSRIs, the medication can cause your kidneys to excrete more sodium,” says Hermann. “That can lead to symptoms like headaches, confusion, slurred speech, and general weakness.” She recommends that anyone taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs have at least yearly blood work done to check electrolyte levels.
Can Prozac cause serotonin?
Serotonin Syndrome. This is a rare side effects of medications that work on serotonin, like Prozac, but can occur if you’re on more than one drug that affects serotonin levels—which can overload your system.
Can antidepressants make you feel better?
“The FDA has issued a black box warning—its strictest warning—that antidepressants can actually increase suicidal thinking in young adults and children,” says Murrough. Yes, it’s rare, but if you’re going to the doctor for depression and the medication makes you feel worse, you should absolutely talk to your doc ASAP.
Can you have sex with SSRI?
No, we’re not talking about sex —yet. “Some people taking an SSRI for the first time may feel tired or a bit sedated initially, or the opposite, a little revved up or jittery,” says Murrough. “It basically occurs as the neurotransmitters in the brain get used to being exposed to something new.” Again, starting on a low dose can help mitigate this side effect.
Prozac as A Treatment For Depression
- Fluoxetine was the first SSRI drug established by scientists and was later marketed under the prescription drug name of Prozac. While the options for SSRIs are extensive today, Prozac continues to be one of the more widely used medications for the treatment of depression. Proza…
Psychological, Social, and Physiological Consequences of Prozac
- The chronic use of antidepressants can also lead to psychological, social, and physiological consequences for the user, including the following:
Talk with A Doctor About Options For Depression
- Individuals considering the use of Prozac as part of a therapeutic treatment plan should discuss all options with their doctor or health care professional. While Prozac can be a beneficial medication, the use of this drug, both in the short and long term, does not come without risks. Be sure to make an informed decision by educating yourself about the pros and cons of this prescri…
Community Discussion – Share Your Thoughts Here!
- Have you had been prescribed Prozac by your doctor? Did you notice any side-effects? About the Author: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Dire…
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