Does anyone have any idea how long people are usually on Prozac for?!
Question: I have been on it for four weeks and I just wanted a rough estimate as to how long I will have to take it. I am getting fed up of taking it already but nevermind.
Answers:
The initial effects are often not seen for 4-6 weeks (as the person who proscribed this to you should have said). Prozac also can be given at several different doses, so slowly titrating up is fairly standard. Getting annoyed with taking a medicine is ridiculously common, so you are in excellent company! It is even more frustrating if you aren't sure if the medicine is helping at all.
As far as how long you will be on Prozac in the long term, there really is no clear answer. Some psychiatrists will assume that a prolonged interruption of depression (assuming THAT is the reason for taking Prozac) will 'reset' your neurochemistry and you will be able to lower and eventually stop your meds. Some psychiatrists will say, as long as you are getting a benefit from the drug it can be continued. Sorry, but the answer really lies with your reaction to the medicine and your decision along with the proscriber of the medicine.
The short answer is at least a few months, but ask your MD.
Good luck! Remember too that if the Prozac does not help, there are lost of other choices of anti-depressants out there, both in the SSRI class (like Prozac) and in other classes of antidepressants.
Also, be extremely cautious with taking herbal supplements as they are not regulated and the appropriate dosage of 'medicine' per pill can vary wildly. Also trace susbstances of arsenic and mercury are routinely found in supplements. Consult a pharmacist and your doctor before combining any supplement with meds.
Other Answers:
I think it usually takes at least 6 weeks for the drug to begin working. I was on a similar drug for about a year then my DR. slowly "weaned" me off of it. Hang in there it takes a while to notice a difference!
Doesn't your doctor talk to you about it?
Until,your illness get's better.
Most likely you might hav to take it for awhile if it is helping if it isn't talk to a doctor
Until you kill someone or yourself. Be very careful with those kind of pills. For most people, they're a long-term thing. If your doctor weans you off of them (do NOT just quit taking them) try taking herbal supplements like St. John's Wort.
It depends on the illness and case and your age, weight, doctor, treatment plan etc. it varies for every person wildly! Ask your doctor though. He/she knows your treatment plan and they were the ones who gave it to you!
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