Is it okay to take 20 mg Prozac once every three days? Or is that dose too small!
Question:
Is it okay to take 20 mg Prozac once every three days? Or is that dose too small to help with depression?
My doctor prescribed 20 mg of Prozac every day. I was worried about damaging my liver, so I have only been taking one pill every three days.
I don't know if that's enough to make a difference or not. I feel exactly the same as I did when I was taking it daily -- depressed and anxious.
Answers:
Medications have something called a "halflife". This is the amount of time it takes for half of the medication to be eliminated from your body and for the drug to "wear off". The halflife for Prozac is 1-3 days.
The first rule to know about antidepressants is that they take at least several weeks to start working. Even then you are highly unlikely to feel like the world is suddenly roses and kittens. In order for that rule to be effective, you must follow the prescription. I really wouldn't be all that concerned about your liver. 20mg is a small dose. I have taken 30mg for three years, along with many other psychiatric medications and my liver is fine. If anything, taking Tylenol is more dangerous than Prozac with the amount you are taking.
I'd suggest taking it as prescribed for at least two months and continue talking with your doctor. You doctor can reassure you about your liver, as your fears are probably worse because of your anxiety.
In short, 20mg every three days is not enough because you likely have an entire day without enough of the drug in your system for it to be helpful.
Good luck!