Is Prozac Effective?

Fluoxetine or Prozac is an antidepressant that is approved for treating major depression, pediatric depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Prozac is very popular and used by people all over the world. In 2007 over 22.2 million prescriptions for the generic version of Prozac were filled. Prozac makes serotonin more available inside the brain, which affects the mood. Keep in mind that people who take Prozac only need one dose per day for it to be effective. On average antidepressants like Prozac seem to help 60 to 80 percent of people who use them. Many people get treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy and they find relief. The fact is that therapy and medication works best and increases your chances of recovering from your condition.

Side Effects

There is a risk of suicidal thoughts with any antidepressant, including Prozac. However, the makers of Prozac claim that depressed people were prone to suicidal actions and thoughts already. Please note that you should use caution when you are taking any medication. You may experience side effects with Prozac, but most people like the effects of the medication. Some common side effects include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, insomnia, and sexual difficulties.

Considerations

The fact is that Prozac has helped millions of people all over the world. Prozac is helpful for treating many mental conditions, and it has been approved for treating children. Prozac is effective and it can be used for the long term. However, Prozac is not right for everybody. If you have certain medical conditions or you are taking other medications, you might not be able to take Prozac, so consult with your doctor. Most people see an improvement with their symptoms. Some people see an instant improvement, and for others it may take 4 to 6 weeks to notice a difference.

 If you are depressed or suffering from a mental condition, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Medication and counseling can help you get back on track again. Depression and other mental conditions may be affecting your work, personal life, family life or school, and you should get treated as soon as possible. If you ignore the problem, your condition can get worse. Treatment will reduce your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. If your child is suffering from depression or another condition, it is vital that your child gets treated by a specialist. If not, he/she could have serious problems in the future.