Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Hi Hybridnat,

Have you discussed this with you GP at all yet? I know what you mean about working with them. I weaned myself off, got myself back on then weaned myself off again. Side effects are terrible but they pass. since I came off of mine I noticed a slow change in my mood and was worried that I was getting low again, so far i've not been too bad but I think everyone has a symptom that tells them when they are heading in that direction and I've noticed mine happening. The hardest thing can be to try and think positive when you feel so low and helpless. The best thing that you can do is go back to your GP and discuss your feelings with them. If they think starting the ADs are the best course of action for you then they'll prescribe it but until you've spoken to them you'll never know. I try to tell myself that the low point is only a temporary thing and it will pass eventually. There will be better and worse moments all through life but you aren't hopeless, no one is. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.

At least you know Prozac works for and you can be prescribed it again. Prozac was the first anti d that I was prescribed and made me feel suicidal.

Get yourself a gp appointment if you are not coping again.

Carebear x

Fluoxetine is not for everyone. The most important matter for any prescription is that the GP be told everything about the problem, no matter how little; there are differing reasons for depression as well as different levels. Anxiety is one very common aspect which leads into depression; deal with the anxiety and the depression can lift.

But your first step must be to go back to your GP. I suspect you came off your medication too soon. This is so easy with Prozac, it gives you that lift and you do not realise that you still need that well after you may think you are 'cured'.

Cured is not best word here as there is no real cure simply because depression has no root cause - it is all in the mind. When you are strong enough to overcome those feelings that lead to depression then depression will not return. It really is a matter of mind over thought. The triggers are always with us and usually we succumb when our general health is at a low ebb.

So being fit and healthy is essential. Getting fit should be a priority. Those long fast walks or runs are good but try to do them where there are other people instead of a lonely run in the country. Constantly changing scenery is good as you notice the same things and the changes which occupies your mind.

Being free of depression is your task; medication enables you to take the forward approach but is no cure.