prozac not working any more

has anyone been on prozac and found after years that it is not working anymore and switched to a different SSRI or a SNRI?

[argh52]

I am absolutely not a medical doctor of any kind, but it is my understanding that that is common. You may need to increase your dose or even switch meds. Talk to your prescribing doctor.

[TrailGuy in reply to argh52]

Agree, with previous comment; I shared a similar experience; tried increase to no avail, but switched meds and had positive effect. Hang in there; managing meds can be frustrating sometimes, but is part of our being able to live more satisfying lives.

[Hidden in reply to TrailGuy]

I'm thinking about asking my doctor to switch me to Effexor. We've tried adding Abilify but i get a shaky foot. So we tried adding propranolol but that takes my energy away. I'm thinking something new altogether might be in order. Thank you for your reply!

[Panicky1]

This is commonly known as “Prozac Poop Out”. Had to switch, but stayed with another SSRI.

[Hidden in reply to Panicky1]

thanks for your reply!

[Hidden]

Yes, this can occur in many within the class and they can be alternated to the point you could return to Prozac down the road. Fairly normal. The Abilify (much like argh52, I am not a doctor, just been down the road a bit with these meds) was likely an augment medication to boost the Prozac or used for something else you're dealing with. I have used Effexor and will say if you're taking the propanolol still, watch your pulse/blood pressure. Effexor's side effects can cause a slight increase in both, but somehow I had the opposite. I took it for three days and had a much lower (still healthy range) blood pressure but a heart rate of 48 beats per minute. Stopped the Effexor, and my heart rate was fine again. This what just my interaction and you may not even experience that, but just a heads up from my experience with a beta blocker and Effexor. That said, I do think Effexor is a fairly solid medication for anxiety and depression. The doctor will know better than us, but yep, a medication losing it's efficacy is a real thing.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

thanks for your reply!

[Melina9]

I was on Prozac for about 4 years when it stopped working for me. My psychiatrist switched me to Effexor and it worked like a charm. I loved it. It gave me more energy, I didn’t feel depressed and I was actually getting things done, like errands, organizing my house, etc. Those were things I wasn’t able to do during the 4 years on Prozac. I seemed to be more depressed while on Prozac. Don’t get me wrong, I still wasn’t able to see friends, or be social while on Effexor, but there was a major improvement. I was only on Effexor for less than 6 months. Now I’m off Effexor and only on Lamictal, Topomax and Klonopin. Everyone is different, so have patience. You will find the right combination that works for you.

[Hidden in reply to Melina9]

thank you for your reply!

[Melina9 in reply to Hidden]

You are very welcome. Sorry for the spelling mistakes. I hate this iPhone sometimes

[Miss_Daphne]

Yup, me too. Switching to a new one shouldn't be too difficult and the new SSRI may kick into gear sooner because you're already on one. It's important to note specifically what you're taking it for before you make the switch. Is it just for depression? Anxiety, too? Do you have panic attacks? (I have all of those.) Different SSRIs & SNRIs are tailored for certain things. And some can cause a worsening of any of those symptoms. Just discuss it with your doctor. If you don't find your doctor knowledgable, find a better one!

P.S. If you're Bipolar, these types of meds can be particularly tricky as they could set off a manic episode.

[Hidden in reply to Miss_Daphne]

thank you for your reply! today my psychiatrist put me on 37.5mg of Effexor along with the 80mg of prozac. she discontinued the Abilify and propranolol thank God!! i took the Effexor this morning and i know it's too early to tell but i feel strangely hopeful and optimistic. then i googled prozac and Effexor together and read about serotonin syndrome. i hope i don't get that.

[Hidden]

Can you explain more about it not working please