Question:
I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and have a feeling of dispair all day long

I am feeling anxious and scared about everything. Am I losing my mind?? I can't concentrate and feel edgy and nervous all day long. I feel like my stomach is in knots nearly all day. Is this a panic attack or is it a by product of everything my body has been through with surgery.I am on an antibiotic for a mild infection to my incision and Called my primary Dr. to go back on Prozac.This is the only meds. I am on. I have been on the Prozac for 3 days now. Will this help?? I am getting the protein the dietician recommends and drinking my water. Please someone tell me I'm not going insane!!    — Jennifer F. (posted on May 6, 2002)

May 6, 2002
Hi. You mentioned that you are going BACK on Prozac. How long were you off of it? I take anti-depressants and if I have to go off of them for any reason I start to feel just as you described about two weeks after the last dose taken. My doctor says that my body is basically going through withdrawal from the medication. While not as severe as withdrawal from addiction but when your body gets accustomed to the meds and then they are ripped away it adds trauma. Not to mention the trauma your body just endured from surgery. Did you explain thouroughly to your doctor the symptoms that you are having? If it has been a long time since you had the Prozac before restarting you should be very specific to your doctor about the feelings that you are having. I know exactly how you feel. I am pre-op but still understand the feeling of despair. Please feel free to email me if you just need someone to talk to. Talking out your feelings helps tremendously. [email protected] Best Wishes!!
   — Karen W.

May 6, 2002
Hi, I just wanted to mention that if you continue to feel irritable or anxious while taking Prozac, talk to your doctor about switching you to Celexa. It's an SSRI like Prozac but has fewer side effects, such as added anxiety. I had taken Prozac for quite awhile and the depression got better but was always "on edge." Since switching to Celexa I feel soooooooo much better. However, I would venture to say that you are also going through quite a bit right now...most posts I've read say that around 3 weeks is when people start to "flip out"...even those without prior history of depression. Hang in there, it WILL get better. But don't be afraid to talk to your doctor! God Bless - Anna
   — Anna L.

May 6, 2002
I've been on 20mg. per day forthe past five years. This sounds like the way I get if I go for one day w/o Prozac. I went for three or four days with out it after surgery and it really did a number on me. Thing with Prozac, my Dr. said you don't just stop taking it when you feel "better"... you have to remain on it for a while after. When your Doctor feels you can stop taking it, it is probably best that you get weaned off of it- and not do it cold turkey. Your body is freaking out right now, you don't need your mind to go as well- so do only one major thing at a time! :) Good Luck!
   — Karen R.

May 6, 2002
I have been on anti depressants for yrs and Prozac didn't ever take that last edge of of my frustration level. I switched to Celexa and I felt better in a week. I think you are just going thru a lot of changes and it may take some time. I was initially depressed because I realized I couldnt eat my problems away anymore. I have to deal with them and it can be difficult. Good Luck and rely on God.
   — DYAN G.