A 33-year-old female asked:
i have gone on and off prozac (fluoxetine) several times over the past few years. is this changing my brain chemistry? is it bad for me?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Alfredo Soto answered
26 years experience Psychiatry
Not really : There is no evidence that starting and stopping antidepressants have a negative effect on the brain. However, if you have taken the medicine for periods of severe depression, perhaps you should stay on the medicine to prevent a new depression from happening. Major Depressive episodes are associated with negative effects on the brain
Answered on Aug 28, 2016
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Dr. Sherry Broadwell answered
23 years experience Clinical Psychology
Better to treat: Hi Amanda, there is controversy about this (particularly outside the scientific community). Within the community, there is agreement that depression itself changes the brain in undesirable ways, can be debilitating, and warrants treatment. If your depression is mild/moderate, and you prefer not to take meds, you can find significant relief through life style changes and therapy. Take good care.
Answered on Aug 28, 2016
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A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Barbara A Majeroni answered
Specializes in Family Medicine
No: Taking antidepressants, such a prozac, (fluoxetine) does not change your brain, .
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A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ravi Chand answered
26 years experience Psychiatry
Prozac (fluoxetine): Unless advised by your physician you should not stop Prozac (fluoxetine) if you have anxiety or depression it will help your brain and hormones.
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A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Reynald Ferraz answered
28 years experience Psychiatry
It's : It's quite common for patients like this who exhibit such behavior to be put on a trial of an antidepressant like prozac, (fluoxetine) and there are r ... Read More
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Phil Chen answered
26 years experience Family Medicine
Balance chemical : Prozac (fluoxetine) usually cause weight gains. Antidepressant is used to balance the neuro transmitters in your brain. After you stop it does affect ... Read More
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