PROZAC QUESTIONS/OTHER

[13tiger]

Dear Dr. Gould

I have written you about my ongoing anxiety and depression which was intensified 2 1/2 months ago when we learned my husband had to have Heart Valve surgery.  Until that time I had been being seen in Mental Health because my anxiety started nearly a year and a half ago; after many medical tests and going to MH I was told I had Prozac Poopout after nine years on 20 mg.  So they tried me on about 8 different drugs and I had awful side effects.  The last wasa low 1/2 dose of Xanax - put me in the ER. I have  been on Loraz. for over a year 1 mg until recently; before the surgery I was advised go to 1.5 (to 2mg. rare,  don't want to keep upping the dose) I had managed fine sleeping etc. for over 7 months on just 1 mg. Loraz. at night.  After hearing about the surg. I sleep only 3-4 hours on 1.5 and then I wake up and start getting anxious.  If I try to take more Loraz. at these times It doesn't work then I get more anxious.  Is this psychological? Also I started back on Prozac *afr=er Oct. 24 liq. form at 2mg. increments, first every 7 day's the last 4 mgs. were every 5 days.  I got up to 10 mg by the time my husband went in for surgery Nov. 25. So I switched back to Caps. and did not continue to up my dose for the 9 day's he was in the hospital; Thankfully the surgery was a success; they repaired the valve! For the first 3/4 day's after the surgery I felt better then on day 5 I crashed!I was stunned and scared; all say it was the build up and then I let down:  Q. Is it common to spiral down after 2.5 months of stress even tho the surgery was a success? The first 2 day's the surgery and recovery were very intense;I could not relax until out of ICU. I didn't expect to just GET BETTER BUT I DIDN'T expect to be OVERWHELMED WHEN WE GOT HOME. 2.Increasing my prozac again.  Some side effects for a day or two; depr.cry.etc. I was told this is normal and that the drug can cause the same symptoms it is suppose to cure until it stablizes. Is that right? I never had these the this first time around; but wasn't 60 yrs old - hormones etc. Will I respond to the prozac again as I once did?  Am I just not there yet? I thought it was working those first few day's after the surg. I sooo want the Prozac to work again; I am going up slow; but at least I can tough thru the side effects; they peak last about 7 hrs. after taking then I feel them subside. I tried 4mg. when I started upping agian too little harsh so  went back to 2mg. 3.Can I take the 10mg. cap. with the 2mg.liquid? Will I get worse side effects like nausea by doing that? Do they break down differently? Seeing a Therapist but not since just before the surgery. I go tomorrow. I am just so disappointed I have fallen backward; I feel I am letting my husband down. He has been so supportive of me the last 2.5 months Can you tell me why I am still having the anxiety/depres? Will the prozac work again for me? Am I just overwhelmed right now? Impatient? I need to hear some pos. feedbk on your exper.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Your husband's surgery has terrified you for deep reasons that only you can know, and maybe do not yet know. Your reaction of relief once you saw the reality of his recovery in the husband was because you were dealing with the realiy of the experience, not because of the prozac alone.  Now you are regressions into the bad fantasy interpretation and you have dig yourself out of that and get back to reality of a husband who needs you, and a life you have to lead.  The catastrophe scenario is over in reality now you have to get over it in your head.

[3rdMajor]

glad to hear your husband's surgery was a success!

[13tiger]

thank you