prozac?

[reyes85]

so I have lost my mother about two months ago and I left an 8 year relationship and moved to a new state.My doctor wants to put me on Prozac but I don't know what to do all I know is I need medication because everyday it seems to get worse.

[mammo]

See a psychiatrist and discuss your problems, then the two of you can determine what treatment is best for your needs.  One drug does not fit all and it's often trial and error as to what will work best for you.  What one experiences with a medication may not be what another does.  We are all different and respond differently to these types of medications.

See a professional, and go from there.  Good luck, and take care!

[M4Y0U]

capegirlnoshoes,

can you support your statements with evidences apart from the fact that Celexa is 2 years younger than Prozac (FDA approval dates)?

Your statements are biased.

One drug does not fit all, everyone is different.

M4

[capegirlnoshoes]

Anti-depressants definitely sound like a good idea, but I'm not so sure about Prozac.  It's not as safe as newer anti-depressant drugs.  My shrink doesn't recommend it unless other things have been tried, that's why she started me on Citalopram (aka Celexa).  You're less likely to have outrageous side-effects (like killing yourself!) on Celexa, or maybe Venylafaxine or something like that.  
But then, I'm not a psychiatrist.  I recommend you getting a psychiatrist's opinion about the drugs - not a psychologist, they don't have the training to prescribe drugs - because they'll know more about anti-depressants than just a general doctor.  Even if you just ask the doctor to ask a psychiatrist or something - I know psychiatrists can be really expensive - but once you're on the medication then I'm sure the doctor can just monitor it, you probably won't need a psychiatrist if it's a simple depression.  
I hope you get the help you need, you sound like you're in a tight spot.  

[M4Y0U]

Hello there,

I'm 23 and I lost my mom this year to cancer. I'm suffering from chronic tension headache and possible occipital neuralgia (still need a nerve block to confirm the diagnosis for ON) since then. I know how hard it is even tho everyone can react differently.

When it comes to medications and psychology I have very good knowledge (those are the fields I'm studying).

What you should do is fist find a qualified psychologist. You want to avoid having to much repressed emotions. It's good sometimes to have repressed emotions, a good example is when you hate the cashier at the supermarket, it's a good idea to repress this feeling and say ''thanks goodbye'' rather than insulting him/her, if you catch my drift. Anyway, repressed emotions is a double-edge sword and it can very problematic when it comes to traumatic events such as the lost of a family member etc. So external and objective help is very important. When I say external help it's not only a psychologist, it can be a close friend, family member etc...

The psychologist will not only help you to relieve your repressed emotions but also will provide you with tricks and very good analogies to make you understand what's going on.

Medications are most effective when combined with counseling. Generally you go with the less invasive method first which is counseling then you and your psychologist can decide whether it would be adequate to put you on medication. He would probably refer you to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are generally more knowledgeable when it comes to medication than general practitioners. A psychiatrist would be most likely to know what medication would be more prone to work for you.

Now if you want my opinion on Prozac well it's a safe bet. Very high success rate, good for people with depression and low motivation, good tolerability, tons of literature about it. In my humble opinion the first antidepressants to try are Zoloft and Prozac.

Remember that everyone is different when it comes to drugs. One drug does not fit all.

Do not try to self-medicate with any substances without consulting a qualified physician.

M4

[mammo]

I'm so sorry about your mother.  You've been thru a lot, has your doctor also suggested therapy?  Losing our mother is very difficult especially at your age, and you may need medication to help you get thru this time.  Also, an 8 year relationship is another loss.  You have to do what is best for YOU and will allow you to function and live a happy life again.  Mourn your losses, and know that your mother would want you to be happy.  I know this is easier said than done, let your memories of her carry you thru.  Some will make you laugh, and some will make you cry, but she will live on in and thru you.  I lost my mom and dad when I was 25, so I know how difficult this is for you.  You deserve a happy life, do what you need to in order to get thru this time, and when things are better, maybe you won't need medication.  Take it one day at a time, and don't put too much pressure on yourself.  Again, I'm so sorry and do take care.