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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Mental Health Problem

Hi. I am a 49 yr old female & have been taking Prozac (20 mg daily) for about a year. Lately, I've noticed an increase in my depression (lethargic, sad, suicidal thoughts).It was a tremendous help to me until recently, could it be that I have developed a tolerance or should possibly be on a higher dose?
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,

I can understand your concern regarding the re-emergence of your depressive symptoms, especially while you are still on anti-depressants. It is not due to any development of tolerance to Prozac (Fluoxetine). It is a known phenomenon and occurs quite commonly in depression. It is termed as breakthrough depression.

You should consult your psychiatrist regarding the same. The first step will be to hike the dose of Fluoxetine further up initially to 40 mg/day and more if required (can be tried upto 80 mg/day). If you attain no response on hiking the dose, another anti-depressant like venlafaxine can be tried.


I do hope that I was able to answer your query. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Suggest Remedy For Mental Health Problem

Hi, I can understand your concern regarding the re-emergence of your depressive symptoms, especially while you are still on anti-depressants. It is not due to any development of tolerance to Prozac (Fluoxetine). It is a known phenomenon and occurs quite commonly in depression. It is termed as breakthrough depression. You should consult your psychiatrist regarding the same. The first step will be to hike the dose of Fluoxetine further up initially to 40 mg/day and more if required (can be tried upto 80 mg/day). If you attain no response on hiking the dose, another anti-depressant like venlafaxine can be tried. I do hope that I was able to answer your query. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.