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Should I Switch Prozac For Sleeplessness Even Feeling Better With It?
Question: I have been on Prozac 20 mg 2xday so 40mg.per day.I also take Xanax 3 xs per day. Usually 2 at night to go to sleep. I have been on this for 25 years. I also suffer from bi-polar but have learned to work with it. I am female age 55 almost 180 lbs. I do not want to take any medication that can make me gain weight. I use to see a psych. but my insurance no longer covers that. I worry that I could be doing damange to my health as I have been on so long. It seems to work and I get medication through my internal medicine.. can I please get an opinion please
Brief Answer:
Carry on with these drugs
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
If you are feeling better with prozac (fluoxetine), then there is no need to change it or stop it. You should carry on with these drugs, other wise it could lead to relapse of symptoms. Prozac and xanax, both are psychotropic and are not available over the counter. You need prescription for that. If your medical insurance could not cover psychiatrist consultation, then you can take help to general physician to get these drugs.
Usually, in bipolar disorder, patients stay on medications for long period. Antidepressants like fluxoetine hardly lead to any damage on body or lead to weight gain. They are safer to use. You can take these drugs without any worry. For weight gain, you can try morning or evening exercise and diet control. In case, you feel any discomfort with drugs, you can take opinion of your doctor. You can also try some relaxation exercise, that would keep you calm and keep the drugs level at minimum.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Carry on with these drugs
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
If you are feeling better with prozac (fluoxetine), then there is no need to change it or stop it. You should carry on with these drugs, other wise it could lead to relapse of symptoms. Prozac and xanax, both are psychotropic and are not available over the counter. You need prescription for that. If your medical insurance could not cover psychiatrist consultation, then you can take help to general physician to get these drugs.
Usually, in bipolar disorder, patients stay on medications for long period. Antidepressants like fluxoetine hardly lead to any damage on body or lead to weight gain. They are safer to use. You can take these drugs without any worry. For weight gain, you can try morning or evening exercise and diet control. In case, you feel any discomfort with drugs, you can take opinion of your doctor. You can also try some relaxation exercise, that would keep you calm and keep the drugs level at minimum.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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