Can I take Prozac if I have high blood pressure?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram) may raise blood pressure, though these drugs are less likely to do so than other classes of antidepressants. A 2021 review of 232 articles concluded that SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) do not significantly affect blood pressure.There was no effect on cardiac conduction, ventricular arrhythmia, or orthostatic blood pressure. Overall, 4% of the fluoxetine patients had an adverse cardiovascular effect.Yes, fluoxetine may cause indirect gastrointestinal discomfort, including heartburn, due to high serotonin levels in the gut and high anxiety.
What does Prozac feel like when it starts working?
Most people begin feeling the beneficial effects of Prozac within two weeks or so. Improvements in sleep, energy levels, and appetite often begin within this period, enhancing overall daily functioning. Keep in mind that this timeframe can vary depending on individual factors, like age and body weight. While Prozac is generally more stimulating than some other antidepressants, it can still lead to feelings of drowsiness or low energy in certain individuals. This Prozac side effect may occur more frequently when you first start taking the medication, as your body adjusts to it.Common Prozac (fluoxetine) side effects include nausea, insomnia, and nervousness. Headache, sweating, and sexual side effects are also possible. And for most people, the initial side effects go away after a few weeks. But if they become bothersome or interfere with your daily life, talk to your prescriber.Headaches: It’s possible to get a pounding or throbbing sensation in your head while on Prozac. Trouble Sleeping: Prozac could disrupt your sleep, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. Nervousness: Some people might feel jittery or anxious when taking Prozac.Zoloft is likely more effective than Prozac for social anxiety disorder (SAD). Both medications have similar side effects, though Prozac is known to have more interactions. If you have any questions about Prozac versus Zoloft, and which SSRI might be right for you, talk to your healthcare professional.
Why do doctors not prescribe Prozac?
Evidence that they could prompt some young people to consider suicide led to a warning to doctors not to prescribe them for the under-18s – with the exception of Prozac, which was considered more effective than the rest. In adults, however, the depression-beating benefits were thought to outweigh the risks. Fluoxetine or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed.
When does Prozac peak?
Due to the drug’s action on the reuptake of serotonin, fluoxetine produces an activating effect, and due to its long half-life, the initial antidepressant effect emerges within 2 to 4 weeks. Absorption: Peak plasma concentrations of fluoxetine are attained after 6 to 8 hours. You may see an improvement in your symptoms after around 1 to 2 weeks, although it usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks before you feel the full benefits. That’s because it takes around a week for fluoxetine levels to build up in your body, and then a few weeks longer for your body to adapt and get used to it.