How to Take Prozac for Depression

Depression is a mental disease that creates feelings of hopelessness and a lack of motivation in the sufferer. Depression has a variety of causes and treatments. Prozac, a drug that is available only with a prescription, is one of these treatments

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Prozac

1. Learn as much as you can about Prozac before you agree to take it. You can find a wealth of information about the drug on the official Prozac website, which is run by drug manufacturer Eli Lilly (see Resources below). Here, you will find information on the disorders Prozac treats, who is an ideal candidate for taking Prozac and ways of speaking with your doctor about obtaining a prescription.
2. Take Prozac as directed by your doctor, usually taken once or twice per day. It is recommended that you take the pill after a meal.
3. Try to take the medicine at the same time every day. If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as possible. If you remember several hours later that you missed a dose, skip it. Never try to make up for missed dosages by increasing the next one.
4. Continue your dosage as directed by your doctor even if you do not notice an improvement at first. Prozac can often take up to 6 weeks to work.
5. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of supplementing your Prozac regimen with therapy. It may be a good idea for you to have an emotional outlet in addition to taking prescription medication.

Tips & Warnings

• Some treatment plans allow the patient to only take Prozac once per week. It is taken in the form of a time-release 90 milligram capsule. Ask your doctor about the benefits of taking Prozac once per week for your situation.
• Meet with your doctor at monthly intervals after you start taking Prozac. The doctor will evaluate the success of the treatment. If Prozac is not effective, there are other medicines and natural ways to treat depression.
• A typical treatment period with Prozac lasts about 3 months. You may feel the effects of the drug for up to 9 months after completing a 3 month treatment period.
• Only take Prozac as your doctor directed. Never exceed the dosage without a doctor's approval.
• Never stop taking Prozac without approval from your doctor. Stopping the treatment suddenly can increase depression and cause other side effects.
• Keep all medicines away from children. In case of accidental ingestion, call poison control or the appropriate authorities immediately.
• Tell you doctor if you experience any side effects like abnormal dreams, diarrhea, blurred vision, nervousness or tremors.
• If Prozac causes a skin rash or hives, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor.
• Some antidepressants, like Prozac, will increase suicidal thoughts and behavior in young children. Prozac is only approved for treating depression in children who are 8 years old or older. Parents must be especially watchful of any changes in their child's behavior while they are taking Prozac.

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