How well does Prozac ACTUALLY work?

Question

Hey, I'm Maxine. I'm always angry and depressed. I've been told by multiple doctors that no-one should be as depressed as I am, ALL the time. I recently turned 14 years old on January 28th. I started out with Zoloft 10mg, it didn't seem to work, gradually over the year I was eventually was bumped up to 100mg. I found it made a difference in my behavior especially with sleeping, eating, etc. Well it was such a high dosage I thought I'm just having some side affects and it'll work! Sure enough it did, later on through the months I began to experience what doctors call, 'the Honey Moon phase'. I will explain for those who may not know what it is- the honey moon phase is where the pill is helping for awhile, but then you start to notice it not really helping. (Sorry that it's not the best explanation.) After that, my doctor instantly put me on 50mg of Pristiq(which I believe is only Canadian.) It didn't phase me at all. I was so angry. My mother says there is no magic pill, I have to work at it too. But as victims of Depression, we all know that is very well easier said than done. Recently he sent me to a Psychiatrist, I found out I have Childhood and Paranoid Schizophrenia, which certainly does not help my situation, as you can see. Anyways, he prescribed me Prozac. I haven't started it yet, I am instructed to wait a week so I can ween off Pristiq. I also have trouble sleeping, which makes me more depressed since I'm left alone with my thoughts. As a victim of Childhood and Paranoid Schizophrenia- it is hard to stick with one thought. So, I end up thinking about many depressing things at once. For example: I haven't been to school in 34 days, my only job is to attend school (8th grade) and I can't even do that. Why am I such a failure? Or, Why can't I make people happy, why are they also angry or disappointed with me. Stuff like that. Another thing that makes it worse- I can't stand living in my own skin. I'm never gonna be a skinny little twig like most girls, I'm a curvy young lady, it's how I'm built I can't change that, but because I'm depressed I eat more than I should. I'm currently 35 pounds, roughly, over the "normal" weight suggestion for a girl my age. I guess thats enough about my life x3 I just wanted to let you guys know my story so you'd be able to tell me with the amount of Depression, Anxiety, I have, you could tell me how Prozac would effect me. I'm hoping it will work because I can't handle this anymore. I'm on the verge of breaking down again. I recently cut myself multiple times on my wrist with my mothers razor blade I had stolen from her sewing kit monthhhhhsssssssssssssssssssss ago. I'm ashamed but I needed to know that I was still alive, still bleeding. I've felt so numb. Please share your expierences with Prozac and how it may have helped you. I just want an idea. I know it's unusual for a girl my age to be prescribed a medication meant for adults, but please try to give me the best examples of how it has helped you. Anyways, I apologize for the novel I just made you read. Have a wonderful weekend.

- Maxine.

Answer

I've taken Prozac and it worked for me,but as others have said; it's different for each of Us. The first time in taking Prozac it did take a few weeks to kick in. At other times taking it,it was only a number of days. Be patient and don't worry so much,less worry,less stress. Yes, it's always easier said than done. U sound like a very bright,intelligent young lady and I'm very proud of how mature you are and how well you are handling your situation & condition. There are many adults out here that doesn't seem to handle it half as well as you. But please No more cutting! U r very much ALIVE !!! Read what your new found friends have written,more than once if necessary. Sending U a big (((hug))) & lots of LOVE,

Answer

Hi Maxine - I'm confused that you've been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, or as you say, Childhood and Paranoid Schizophrenia, yet your doctor is prescribing Prozac. Prozac helps some people and is primarily used for Depression and sometimes for Anxiety. I've never heard it used for Schizophrenia, alone. However, it is possible to have Schizophrenia AND Depression (often called Schizoaffective Disorder--- the 'affective' part means depression). You are a bit too young to be affected by Schizophrenia, but it does happen (I've been a therapist for years and am now retired, and worked in the mental health field for years). Is it possible you could get a second opinion? Medications for treating Schizophrenia are usually very different from meds used to treat Depression. As far as the cutting, I agree with kaismama - don't do it.

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The fact that you are suffering so much should be enough to remind you that you are alive. Cutting on yourself might land you in a psychiatric hospital, and you just don't want to be in one of those places unless you absolutely have to. And if you do, (and tell your parents this) - that the best place is a university-affiliated psychiatric hospital. Actually, Prozac did help me with both Depression and Anxiety some years ago. Kids your age are sometimes put on a medication such as Prozac, but not very often - and only if absolutely necessary. When you say "breaking down" - do you mean feeling depressed, or is it some other feeling? One question I have is - are you hearing voices that other people don't hear? If so, I realize it may be very hard to admit to this, but it happens with Schizophrenia, and sometimes with a disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Also, are you seeing a therapist? If you could find someone affiliated with a university, that would be best, as at least there is some oversight. If you do see a therapist, and you don't feel comfortable with him/her, insist on seeing someone else. You have a lot of things going on. Some people who are depressed tend to overeat. Please try not to be so hard on yourself, and so concerned about your weight. Not every girl is a skinny-minney. And no more razor blades. Hopefully you can find a good therapist (an LCSW, MFT or psychologist) to talk to about this. But please be careful. As in any profession, there are a lot of incompetent ones out there and you deserve the best. But you have to be open with them to get any help. My prayers will be with you.

Votes: +2

Answer

Prozac made me mor suicidal ima cutr of 8yr bipolar/manic depressive slightly multi personality eatn disorders the ful 9yards so its hard 2 say hw it wil effect u it may help unfortunately thers no such thng as "happi pills" bt God hw I wish ther we're...

Answer

Hi, Scout! I've never taken Prozac so I won't be of much help there ~ other than to say that no one can tell you how and when and how well it will work. It just doesn't go that way, you have to try, tweak, try some more. We've all done/are doing the medication shuffle.
Anyway, I wanted to say that for a 14yr old you are amazingly insightful and well put together. You'll do fine ~ it's ironic that you're schizophrenc and you seem to see the world more clearly than the *normal* folk.
Sweetie, don't cut. I know you're not suicidal, just looking for relief. Cutting=pain=endorphins=well-being. But eventually you get caught or wind up with a nasty infection. Don't do it ~ it'll make things worse.
Best wishes, WCV

Answer

Prozac, like all medications works for some and not for others. Many of us suffer depression and have been through trying to find the right one for us. Hopefully you're seeing the right kind of dr now and he can help you. But you have to give these meds time, they take 4-6 weeks to reach peak effect. And honey, stop cutting yourself. It proves nothing. You know you're alive by how miserable you feel.

Answer

Maxine I admire your honest question and putting down what the doctors said and all.And it is true you have to take the medications and learn to work at it too.easier said then done but with the right medication the is light at the end of the tunnel please no more cutting yourself. Paranoid Schizophrenia, which certainly does not help my situation, as you can see. Anyways, he prescribed me Prozac. I haven't started it just above is a copy and paste of what you said..Yes prozac is a very good medications for the depression,the problems are that they have to sometimes use several different medications to find the one that works best for you we are all different.And the Paranoid Schiz.could not be helping your depression it is great that you seen a Psychiatrist And hope you can continue until you get on the right medication that you need and when you reach that point you must stay on them...

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DO not downgrade yourself 8th grade is a big Job (((( the prozac is in the same family as zoloft))) but enough different that when one does not work for you the other might and patients is importaint..Please stop hurting youself start the medication work through the side effects And keep trying to think positive many many people have what you have and the doctor might add somthing else trust your doctor..And take the medication i am sure its more than worth a try..please if you feel your going to hurt yourself TELL YOUR MOM..AND you should have a emergency phone number for someone you can talk to when you are low or feel that way.There are many people with the same problems you have and you would never know it once they are regulated on your medication SO PLEASE LISTEN TO THE DR AND SEE HOW THE PROZAC WORKS FOR YOU..i thank you honey for being so honest with your question it makes it so much easer to answer you know right on this site there is a place with people with your diagnosis the you can type your questions about your diagnosis please try and find it so you can see others with the same problems and i hope you can see that doctor feel free to come here on medications and such stay positive and know there is help out there don't let your anger get in front of you need for help dear... your friend Chuck1957 medically retired pharmacy Techniecian Oregon by the way the drug you mention Pristiq is here too..now please start the new medication and listen to the doctor chuck.

Votes: +1

How well does Prozac ACTUALLY work?

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