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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Prozac Cause Drowsiness?

hi, I am an 80 year old female taking 40 mg of Prozac and 1/2 tab of clonazepam 0.5 mg in am and one .0.5 mg at bedtime. I can t stay awake in afternoon after taking the 40 mg Prozac. I was hospitalized 3 months ago for depression. I m seeing a social worker 1 x month and my NP is following up with hospital with the 40 mg of Prozac. I was prescribed Prozac at least 10 years ago and think it is causing the sleepiness. I need your help in cutting back on prozac after I see my NP. Previously I was seeing a Dr. Neil Dubin in C incinnati that gave me the Prozac. I no longer go to him due to his not recommending a social worker and just have been with him too long
Wed, 6 Jun 2018
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Dietitian & Nutritionist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I understand your concern with the tiredness and fatigue which can sometimes be a side effect of the Prozac. However, I noticed that you are also taking Clonazepam which is a long acting Benzodiazepine more than likely to be the culprit of your sleepiness. Clonazepam stays in your system for a long time and effects are not immediately noticed.

The matter of concern seems to be your unhappiness with Prozac. You have been on it for a long time and it is not infrequent that an antidepressant that once worked will no longer work after some time. I would discuss your concerns with your doctor and a gradual tapering off of the medication would be the best approach if wanting to discontinue it.

My advice to you would be to discuss with your doctor about tapering your Prozac down to 20 mg and seeing if there is any effect on your fatigue. If the response is positive then it is an indication that Prozac is the cause of your concern. If cutting back on the Prozac does not help, consider cutting back on the Clonazepam in the am.

My best wishes for your happiness.
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Does Prozac Cause Drowsiness?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I understand your concern with the tiredness and fatigue which can sometimes be a side effect of the Prozac. However, I noticed that you are also taking Clonazepam which is a long acting Benzodiazepine more than likely to be the culprit of your sleepiness. Clonazepam stays in your system for a long time and effects are not immediately noticed. The matter of concern seems to be your unhappiness with Prozac. You have been on it for a long time and it is not infrequent that an antidepressant that once worked will no longer work after some time. I would discuss your concerns with your doctor and a gradual tapering off of the medication would be the best approach if wanting to discontinue it. My advice to you would be to discuss with your doctor about tapering your Prozac down to 20 mg and seeing if there is any effect on your fatigue. If the response is positive then it is an indication that Prozac is the cause of your concern. If cutting back on the Prozac does not help, consider cutting back on the Clonazepam in the am. My best wishes for your happiness.