Taking Prozac For Depression, Anxiety. How Long Does It Take For Prozac To Show Effect?

Posted on Thu, 11 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 Answered on

Thu, 2 May 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello doctor i am currently taking 20mg prozac perday since 9 days for mild depression and social/general anxiety. I have seen very little effect of the medicine as of now. I wanted to ask you how long should i wait to see the effects of the medicine and how long should i continue it ?

Answered by Dr. Ganesh Sanap (14 minutes later)

Hi, welcome and thanks for writing in.
Mild depression and anxiety will take some time at least 6 month for complete recovery. Dose schedule is quite long for such cases at least 3 months. You need to consult good counsellor for mental relaxation therapy
Mental exercise will help to decrease drugs and it dose. Hope you are taking medicine after consulting board certified physician. If you feel symptoms free in future then also for few days medicine should continue to maintain blood level of hormone.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have further concern, please let me know.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ganesh Sanap (51 minutes later)

Thank you doctor. I will continue this medicine for a month n half n c if it effects me. Also doctor can i have beer once a week on this medicine ?

Answered by Dr. Ganesh Sanap (3 hours later)

Hi, welcome back.
If want to consume beer then keep it to once a week or less with minimum amount. Otherwise it will cross react with medicines. However it will be highly appreciable if you avoid alcohol.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar