... not much improvement. Not sleeping well either.
I do take it in the morning. It's the latest anti.d in a few trails this year. Effexor and Cymbalta both taken previously but stopped working. NOw I have anxiety too. Help
How long does it take too feel the effects of Prozac? Been on 20 mg for just over two weeks now and?
Question posted by katstew on 1 Jan 2012
Last updated on 2 January 2012
Added 2 Jan 2012:
Lets add some info: Depression for last 25 years. Prozac was the first med I tried and it worked back in the 80's. Stayed off meds for a few years, then had to start up again - Cipramil. Moved to Effexor about 9 years ago, then to Cymbalta 3 years back. The changes were as a result of the meds no longer working (seems that any new major stress or crisis sees the lessening off of the efficacy of the A.D.). I already battle with insomnia and take Dormonoct for it. I am giving Prohexal another week :) Just battling with the anxiety and not wanting to go out, or be with people. I am normally such an extravert! I feel bad staying at home, I feel stressed going out.. Not a nice place to be for me or my family!
Thanks all for your advice
Kathy
Psych doc is trying Effexor 75mgs on me again. Its been 4 years since it stopped working after a meltdown. lets see how this one goes! Cant remember how long it took to feel the effects, any help?
7 Answers
jose castaneda
2 Jan 2012
I've asked myself the same question, and so far nobody has given me a good description of the stages of recovery. I have taken prozac 20 mg for 2 weeks and a half. I thought that the symptoms of depression were going to be gradual, I had a good response by the third day, and then nothing. Later on, I had a good response every other day but with no pattern. My deprepressión and anxiety were worse in the mornings and improved in the afternoon. Depression has almost disappeared, but I still have hours of anxiety mainly in the mornings. Only today, I had my best hours without anxiety. I hope that the days and hours of improvement are continuous and permanent. Does anybody else has some more details about the patterns of recovery?
katstew
2 Jan 2012
Thanks all! Effexor worked for 5 years. Cymbalta for 3. this year has been the. Year of trial and error again. Generic Cymbalta, then tried Valdoxan and now Prohexal. I did think it was a step back after the Snri meds. And The anxiety is new to me this year.
Thought it was the generic cymbalta that started it but its continuing. I am seeing the doc in two weeks time and will ask about Pristiq. This anxiety is really getting me down. I want to be functional!
Thanks all. Kathy
pup6767
1 Jan 2012
Great answer Billy... and I completely agree. So glad to see you back. You have been missed. I hope that you are feeling better and that 2012 is a better and healthier year for you... Happy New Year... pup
caringsonbj
1 Jan 2012
I greatly appreciate all the prayers, the good wishes and kindness demonstrated by the special people on this site. Thank You so much Billy
caringsonbj
1 Jan 2012
Sorry I meant to say Happy New Year as well
pup6767
1 Jan 2012
No problem Billy... just glad to see you back... pup
caringsonbj
1 Jan 2012
I just want to put my two cents worth in I think these drugs have their place in medical care and for a lot of people they have positive results but for some it's a hard road to travel before you finally find the antidepressant that works for you. I think you just have to hang in there and keep trying until you find the appropriate medication along with the appropriate doctor who will work with you to find what will not only help you but he/she is dedicated to helping you help you. I wish you only the very best! caringsonbj
pup6767
1 Jan 2012
Hi katstew... I completely agree with Laurie. I am wondering why you had to switch to the Prozac. Yes, it is a good drug, I believe the first SSRI. If you do not get a positive effect in one more week I would definitely talk to your doc about either increasing the dosage or switching to one of the drugs that Laurie recommended.
Hang in there... God Bless. I hope you feel better soon my dear... pup
terica3825
1 Jan 2012
I completely agree with Laurie. To be honest I would rather someone try all options for anxiety before trying a Benzo for it!!! Myself and many, many others have had such an awful time on them. I was on Xanax for my sever anxiety as I am Bi-polar 1. Worst withdrawals I was literally going crazy getting off of them! You could always look into taking Propranolol also. I take it. It has had no negative affects on me whatsoever! I take it for anxiety. I know everyone is so different but I take 80mgs in the morning the capsule (it extended release ) then 40mg at noon ER. It blocks the receptors in your body from even getting too stressed or anxiety. Believe me, I was having some serious panic attacks and this has helped. I am also on Effexor. For me it has worked wonders. I am like you and others on here that feel like text dummies due to trying so many things. Effexor lucky enough started working for me right away.
It was amazing and I wish that feeling for everyone. It was like a light turned on and a ton was taken off of my shoulders. You will get there I just know it! Take care ill add you as a friend now.
nenag
1 Jan 2012
How long have u been on the effexor? I am going on my 3rd week and although I do feel some improvement I'm not quite there yet
terica3825
1 Jan 2012
O Hun, I would definitely give it more time. I've learned with all meds its different for everyone. I've done a lot of reading online and through this website and everyone is so different. I could tell within a few weeks, then again I was so over switching meds I wonder if I was just so hopeful. I have read for others it could take a few months. Im sure your Doctor started you off on a lower dose also. I have been on it for almost a year. For me it has been the only anti depressant that has worked this well. I hope its the right med for you as I know very well how very frustrating this whole process is. Please keep me informed. Best of luck friend!
nenag
2 Jan 2012
Thank you so much for your response, I was on effexor forv3 years and I know it works, I guess I'm just wanting to be normal already. I to have researched a lot and this website is AWESOME. Thanks again
terica3825
2 Jan 2012
I completely agree about this website! I have been on others and it seems to be all negative and a lot of addicts on there. On here we are mainly all people just looking for help and support. I finally am on what I will be on dosage wise and im so happy about that. Keep in touch!
anxdep?
1 Jan 2012
I feel your pain :) I know how frustrating it is to hang in there for the meds to work. I have been struggling with my Paxil dosage since the beginning of October. Just upped to 40 mg yesterday splitting my dose to twice a day like Pledge suggested. Keeping my fingers crossed for the both of us. Happy New Year! Kate
LaurieShay
1 Jan 2012
Can take as much as a month to reach maximum effectiveness. Just wanted to mention that you have gone from SNRI type antidepressants which effect serotonin and norepinephrine to a SSRI type antidepressant which only affects serotonin which may explain the increase in anxiety. If the Prozac doesn't work, I recommend Pristiq which is an SNRI like the Effexor and Cymbalta.
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