Porphyria and prozac

I have been dealing with my diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria for 8 yrs. I have bad spells of depression and my doctors have wanted to put me on antidepressants before but I didn't want to take anything. Now they are really pushing to put me on prozac. I wish they would treat the porphyria instead of another one of my symptoms with drugs. Is it safe to take prozac with AIP? And are there any other treatment options for AIP? I currently receive weekly infusions of panhematin. I have a very severe case of AIP and without the weekly infusions I would have frequent attacks. I have heard of a partial liver transplant as being effective...

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

As you know porphyria is a relatively rare medical problem, and only a specialist can answer your questions, not a general psychiatrist like me , or even a general internist. You must talk to your doctors about this, and if you are afraid of side effects, ask them directly.