Serious Question about Prozac

[RCT]

I know I have joked here before about needing prozac, but I got to thinking maybe I really do...I am depressed alot, lose my temper easily all the time, and can cry in frustration if you look at me wrong.....so does anyone know how you can tell if you need it? I am serious, if I could post annonomous....I would. Thanks David.....LOL

[KarlaB]

Don't feel embarrassed asking about it here. We're all here for support. My suggestion is to call your doctor and explain how you are feeling - exactly what you described here. Some of the people closest to me take meds to help out and there's nothing wrong with it. That's why they are there and if taking something could improve your quality of life, then I would seek more info. Hang in there and let us know how you're doing!! :)

[Amy2]

RCT~ no need to post anonymously. There is nothing to be ashamed about. I have several friends who are on one kind of anti depressant or another. As far as I am concerned, it takes courage to say "I'm not happy, I'm not feeling right, and I want to do something about it!" Good for you. I don't have any personal advice to offer, but I would suggest finding yourself a really good therapist first. Talk with her (or him) and find out if there is some issue that is triggering you or whatever. If you then find that it seems more like a chemical thing, she or he can direct you to a phychiatrist who can then prescribe medication to fit you. Please, please don't feel embarrassed or ashamed. You are not alone! Amy

[AnnW]

I take Xanax when I seem to be PMSing off the charts..I have started menopause so I only have a period for maybe an hour but I am a b*tch for 2 weeks!!!! LOL I take it only when I need to, versus prozac you take all the time. They are different drugs though..xanax is an anti-anxiety, prozac-antidepressant. I would talk to your doctor, but if he does give you prozac or zoloft..make sure he really monitors you closely. One of our best friends is the main attorney in all the zoloft murder/suicide cases and the stories he has told us about both of those drugs really scare me.
Hang in there sweetie, and don't ever be embarrassed to ask for help..here or in "real" life!!!!

[Diane]

I agree with the others when they say you shouldn't be embarrassed/ashamed for asking. I can't remember how many years ago it's been but I was also very depressed (although I didn't know it) and the doctor didn't/wouldn't recomment Prozak at all, but he did put me on something called Amitripoline (something like that...) and it really helped me a lot. I've heard a lot of good/bad things about Prozak. While it may work well for some people, it's not for everybody. It can give you some very bad side affects... My oldest sisters boss was on it and he got totally wierd. This could have been because he wasn't always real good about taking his medication when he was suppose to (the doctor said that this had nothing to do with it) but, he ended up commiting suicide (sp) by jumping off a parking ramp. Just please be careful about what you take... IMHO sometimes I can't help but think that some of the medications they put people on screw them up more than they help them. Hang in there though... and let us know how it's going for you. :)

PS... I hear you on the anonymous thing... there have been a few times when I would have felt much better being anon than myself. LOL

[Edited by Diane P. on 03-12-2001 at 09:05 PM]

[AnnW]

DH takes amitripoline too! It's an antidpressant but has been found to help with migraine like headaches. My next door neighbor's daughter was recently put on it also cause she was having horrible migraines and getting very depressed about it...not sure how it is working for her, she has only been on it about a week.

[Jezmom]

Hey girl I have been there. I had a major battle with depression after my second child was born. I went to my doctor and they gave me Celexa(I dont think I spelled it right), I did have to stop nursing and I took it for a few months until my body and mind got back to the "old me". I did feel all alone, like no one would understand. My doctor said that it is more common than most people think. Just talk to a doctor you trust, and I also went to theropy for a few months. I am not usually so open, but I wanted you to know you are not the only one who has those feelings. Let us know how you are doing!!

[Mickey]

Is it all the time Renee or mostly before your period? I've taken prozac, but I now believe my problem was really hormone-related. Did you know that Sarafem (for PMDD) is really just repackaged prozac? I don't understand why they treat menstrual-related problems with an antidepressant...again, I think that has to be hormonal. I was also given xanax for pms and that would take the edge off my agitation, but I would get really tired, so I stopped taking that. Since I've been on birth control pills, I have no problem! And my hair is curlier! LOL!

All that said, my cousin suffers with true depression and says that prozac has been a lifesaver for her.

[Diane]

Originally posted by AnnW
DH takes amitripoline too! It's an antidpressant but has been found to help with migraine like headaches. My next door neighbor's daughter was recently put on it also cause she was having horrible migraines and getting very depressed about it...not sure how it is working for her, she has only been on it about a week.

I didn't realize that so many people used it... I know of a few other's who are also on it. It worked well for me and I noticed a change almost immediately. I think I was on it for about 7 months when I decided I no longer needed it. Happy to say that I've been fine since... although after today I'm wondering. LOL (Bad day... another story)

Diane P.~

[kat]

RCT

No need to feel embarrassed. Like many ladies who have already posted, I've had 2 bouts with clinically diagnosed depression. I was never on Prozac, and I would be leary of it myself. But for the life of me I can not remember what I tried first. It was very helpful for the depression but the side effects were terrible. Not only did I not sleep while taking it, it was like I couldn't even close my eyes. Also it totally wiped out the sex drive. Dh was not a happy camper.

I also tried (sp) amitriptaline. I think I took that though to help me sleep. Worked well, but had a very bad hang over effect. I'd feel like total crap the next day.

I took St. John's wort for 2 years and was very pleased with it. It just really seemed to keep me on an even keel. Then I had a very difficult year at school about 3 years ago. Dr. prescribed Zoloft and it worked well for me with no side effects. Been off now for 1 and 1/2 years.

Sometimes you just need something to restore the balance. Check with your doctor and as with any meds you have to find the one that works for you.

[kat]

Originally posted by Diane P.
when I decided I no longer needed it. Happy to say that I've been fine since... although [/B]

Oh, I just wanted to say one other thing about deciding you no longer need it. I made that decision too. I took it slow, tapering off gradually. I had no problems, but did hear reports of being addicted and not able to get off because of severe headaches.

With all our expert advice you are now well equiped with questions for your doctor.

[Lynda/WA]

I can't remember your age off-hand but peri-menipause can cause the symptoms you mentioned as well. Peri-menipause is basically pre-menipause. I had a friend that needed to take hormones at the age of 28 because she was beginning menipause and they wanted kids but hadn't started yet. What you describe sounds like PMS all the time! Maybe a hormonal imbalance.

Any other changes? Like a new birth control? I've heard that the strips (Depo Provera?) can cause havok in a few people. Any other stresses like a new job? I'd look into a natural solution (herbal supplements, relaxation techniques, etc) first but not if you feel things are out of control. Then I'd be in the doctors office for drugs in a heartbeat. DH says Ritalin was his salvation and look at all the bad press it gets.

[RCT]

You ladies are the best....I was so scared about posting this question....I see my doctor tommorrow and I am starting to lean toward the PMDD, I get so moody, tearful, and so tired and depressed seems about 2 weeks before the actual period, which means for one week a month I am ok....LOL...I really don't want anything that will deminish my sex drive and I too have heard horror stories about certain antidepressants having to do with suicide and all....

The St. Johns wort is over the counter correct? I will ask my doctor about that too....I just feel out of life...could be the weather, but I want to be happy and enjoy my life, gee I finally have everything I have ever wanted....why can't I enjoy it....

thanks again for all you comments and support....

[Amy]

Been there-felt that. I couldn't understand why I wasn't enjoying my life when on the outside looking in, I had a charmed life. I haven't been able to pinpoint it either. A lot of days I think I just had it with the cloudy weather. But others I think its hormonal because I haven't had the same menstrual cycle since ds was conceived. Everything seemed to change a lot and I didn't have that with my firstborn.

Also I think we place a lot of importance on "If I only had this, THAN I would be happy". I don't think the actualizations of our dreams could ever live up to our expectations of how it will be. I think Mickey said it well once before about happiness- "Its not the destination, but the journey". Its something I think about daily and try to find heartfelt gratefulness in my everyday life.

I hope you find the answers for yourself. And once you know, will you clue me in too? LOL

[Lynda/WA]

Another good OTC supplement is Primrose Oil. My mood swings have been decreasing in the past year so I haven't been using it anymore but it really helped for awhile. I've got a couple of articles saved about PMS solutions and will look for them. I do remember there being something about a couple of minerals that many women are short on that can increase PMS symptoms. One was calcium and another magnesium.
My sister and I joke about how much of our lives is lost because of PMS.
BTW, what does PMDD stand for?

[kat]

Originally posted by Lynda/WA

BTW, what does PMDD stand for?

I think it stands for pre-menstral dysforic disorder (sp)
St. Johns Wort is over the counter and took a couple months to kick it, but I felt it worked well. I was less b*&^% before and during my cycle.

[Mickey]

http://www.khou.com/news/stories/2249.html

Not sure if it really does affect the effectiveness of birth control pills, but it doesn't hurt to ask your doctor.

[RCT]

Ok Lynda where would I look for something like that? LOL....I would be so greatful if you can find those articles...I have also heard about the calcium thing too...and have increased my intake just recently...I think Tums has a new chewable just for PMS.....I started with the St. Johns Wort today, 300 mgs two to three times aday with meals...I talked with my doctor on the phone, we have an appointment on Monday....he said to see how I feel...I don't take the Pill but heard about it interferring with its potency too....he said herbals might be the way to go first....anti-depressants can be looked into at a later time since I sounded so scared of them....LOL

I also had my physical theraphy yesterday, and it was kinda painful afterward, I got ultra sound treatment, and something like shock theraphy on my lower back....it hurt and felt good at the same time...then she placed ice packs on it while it I sat with that machine on 30 minutes, well today I feel Great.....hardly any pain at all, a little sore, like a bruise, but ladies let me tell you, I feel sooooo much better today...I have therapy tommorrow and Friday too......Dh is taking dd to his sisters while hes at a meeting, and ds is in school so I get to go alone, and not worry...just hope the weather is good so I can drive without having a nervous break down....LOL...thanks again for all you advice....It's nice to be able to unload some of this crazyness I feel

[AnnW]

That's what we are here for sweetheart!!!! :)

[Diane]

I"m glad to hear that you're feeling much better Renee... Anytime you need to vent or unload, were always here for you. You take care... :)

[angie r]

I was at a lecture once about PMS given by a nurse. She really believes in the calcium suppliments. One thing she did say is to keep a calendar and mark which days when you are irritable/depressed. If it shows that it is a monthly cycle then it is PMS. Everyone she has helped stopped their PMS by calcium intake. I am glad to see you take the OTC suppliments before getting on the prescription drugs. I know 2 people who are addicted to Xanax. Prozac kills your sex drive. Although I have seen commercials about a new "prozac" without that side effect. The nurse also said that you must excercise!!!

[KathyT]

I know that you currently have a back injury, but I cannot stress how much long term regular exercises makes a difference in PMS. Something fairly exerting, like brisk walking or running or biking or swimming. Not just the day before your period, but as part of your life. I know when I injured my foot last summer and couldn't run, I felt like the biggest b*tch on the planet, then it dawned on me that I wasn't running so PMS was taking over my life once again. Even a good aerobics tape can be a lifesaver. I don't know if you work out regularly at this point, so this might be useless advice, but to me exercise is the way to go.

[MK]

MY dh has been through the gammit with antidepressants (SSRI). Paxil and Zoloft are awful. Wellbutrin is pretty good. Amytriptoline is good too, but loses it's effectiveness after a year or so (in fact, most SSRI's do, and you'll have to switch around). Dh is currently on Effexor, one of the newest and best. He's been taking it now for over a year. I think it's time to up his dosage.

[RCT]

Dh said this morning, how are you feeling hun? I said good why? He said cuz I noticed your a lot calmer? are you holding it in or are you just feeling better...LOL..how sweet.....I told reminded him about the st. johns wort, and he asked when I started it, I told him monday, and well I guess its working...LOL...300 mgs twice a day with food...I am so scared about the other anti-depressant drugs and my doctor thought it was best to go this way and I am glad I did....

Thanks again for all the great responses, and for not judging me....

[Lynda/WA]

Primrose Oil will probably be wherever you got the St.Johns Wort. The container I have is from Safeway (a chain grocery store) but I've seen it at WalMart too. It's fairly expensive but I only take it when I can PMS starting. If you are regular enough you could even start a couple of days early.
I'm digging through papers looking for some misplaced mortgage info from last years taxes. They (our accountants) think there may have been a mistake on our previous years taxes with the points and want to look at the paperwork again. Wouldn't you know THAT is the paper that didn't get filed! Anyways I'll pull that PMS info aside. My sister has been wanting it as well. That weekly magazine - Woman's World - has info every so often. The advice I've gotten from that mag has been right on the money so far!

[Leigh]

Renee
I am glad that everything is turning out okay. I am also glad that you were not embarressed to come here and vent. Everyone needs help now and then, and it takes a strong person to admit that. Hang in there and let us know how things are going.

[Edited by Leigh on 03-15-2001 at 01:39 PM]

[Lynda/WA]

This is out of Woman's World 3/20/01 Breakthrough Strategies to End PMS and references New York University ob/gyn Steven R. Goldstein author of Could it Be...Peri-menopause? The article broke down the symptoms. I'll only say part of what it says under Stop Headaches and Mood Swings.

83% of women are deficient in at least one essential vitamin or mineral putting them at risk of premenstrual hormone imbalances.

For maximum pain prevention consider taking 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily plus a multimineral containing 1,200 mg of calcium and 500 mg of magnesium. Research suggests that could significantly reduce premenstrual head pain for up to 60% of women within 3 months. And it's just as effective at calming PMS mood swings; studies at St.Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York show that calcium supplements alone can cut your risk of mood swings in half.

They go on to say to try it (supplements) for 3 months and if that doesn't work to try an anti-depressant such as Zoloft. It says antidepressants can can completely eliminate dehabilitating emotional symptoms for 80% of women.

Also helpful is to take 325 mg of asprin every other day, all month long - and to wash it down with a cup of coffee (as long as you're not battling breast pain). Studies suggest that could reduce the number of PMS-triggered migranes you get by 20%, and make the ones that do strike 40% easier to handle.

One of those little box inserts in the article says to take anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen 48 hours before the pain usually strikes. This gives sufferers more pain releif since they actually block the formation of pain-triggering prostaglandins, instead of just dulling the pain after it hits. (ref Doc Goldstein again)

This article says Primrose Oil is one of the things good for breast swelling (70% of women) but I've never had that and a friend's doctor said for moodiness.

Not in the article - I know there are two different types of calcium supplements. One of the types is Calcium Carbonate. Of the two, one absorbs much better than the other. I'm thinking the carbonate type (which is in MY vitamin) doesn't absorb as well but I'm not positive. They just released a more complete study on that this last week.

I'll keep looking for more articles. BTW, I would think that having physical pain from your back could make matters even worse. So maybe as your back pain is receeding the other problems will as well.

[RCT]

I appreciate your input....smilies to you

[Melody]

Renee, I know I'm comming in late on this one but I just wanted to say no need to feel embarrased. I was on meds for quite a while. I think youngest ds was around one when I started on them, maybe a bit younger. He's now 5 and I have been off them for almost a year. It took a while before I found one that worked but it is worth the effort to keep trying. I think I am leaning to the PMDD thing now, by the comercials and ads I see for the meds for it, I feel like they are talking about me so I may have to start on something for it now. Anyhow, I hope you find something that works for you and you feel better soon, I know what your going through.
Take care.