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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Prescribed Prodep For Depression. Afraid To Stop Medicine

my docter diagnosed my case as depression and told me to use prodep 1 tab every morning for the first week then 2 tab daily he said to me i can use them for one month but cze i have exams he said it is better for me to continue the therapy for 6 month?? i want to start ttt but am afraid if i stop it i return to the same complaint and i am also afraid the doctor later tell me contine for life???? plz help me
Sat, 30 Mar 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Prodep is fluoxetine and it is a SSRI drug. It is a good drug for depressive disorder and depression mixed anxiety disorder. These cause their effect by increasing serotonin in brain. Their effect takes 4-6 weeks to come. In any first episode of depression it is advised to take medicines for at least 6 months. As you are taking for 6 months and if you will stop abruptly risk of withdrawal syndrome is there. I advise you to visit a good psychiatrist and take expert opinion regarding discontinuation of drug. Gradual tapering of dose is advised.

Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
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Psychiatrist Dr. Sundar Gnanavel's  Response
Hello.......
Thanks for your query. Prodep is fluoxetine, a SSRI antidepressant as well as anti-anxiety agent. The effects of the drug require 6-8 weeks to show onset of action and the drugs needs to be continued atleast for 6 months-1 year after you depression has resolved completely. It would require gradual tapering and the drug cannot be abruptly stopped for fear of withdrawal symptoms. CBT/cognitive behavioural therapy, a psychotherapy technique is an alternative modality. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
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Prescribed Prodep For Depression. Afraid To Stop Medicine

Hello Welcome to Health Care Magic Prodep is fluoxetine and it is a SSRI drug. It is a good drug for depressive disorder and depression mixed anxiety disorder. These cause their effect by increasing serotonin in brain. Their effect takes 4-6 weeks to come. In any first episode of depression it is advised to take medicines for at least 6 months. As you are taking for 6 months and if you will stop abruptly risk of withdrawal syndrome is there. I advise you to visit a good psychiatrist and take expert opinion regarding discontinuation of drug. Gradual tapering of dose is advised. Thanks Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi