Prozac For Depression? Think Again!

Depression is a serious mood disorder that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

If the individual suffering from depression is not given proper medications and counseling, the problem could escalate and cause the person to commit suicide.

One of the most common medications used to treat depression is Prozac. It’s a very effective prescription drug that has become the drug of choice for this mood disorder.

In fact, more than six million Americans are on this drug, and worldwide, there is double the number of Prozac users.

While Prozac is an effective drug for depression, there are tons of side effects and complications that the user has to be aware of.

“I Don’t Care” or “I Don’t Give a Damn” Attitude

Most, if not all, Prozac users will tell you that one of the things they experienced while on this drug is that they developed an “I don’t care” or an “I don’t give a damn” attitude.

One of the causes of depression is too little serotonin.

Now, what Prozac does is that it prevents the nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin, prolonging the “mood lightening” effects and making the user feel more relaxed and happy.

What the manufacturer didn’t tell you is that it also causes akathasia, a condition wherein the user is in a constantly agitated state.

This happens to about less than 10% to a quarter of Prozac users.

Because Prozac alters mood and behavior, the user develops the “I don’t care” or “I don’t give a damn” attitude. It also makes them more hostile as well as more violent, and it also gives them suicidal thoughts.

Studies revealed that some of those who committed the random shootings were on this prescription drug or on a similar antidepressant medication.

Lawsuits were brought against the gun manufacturers, but nothing was done to put blame on the drug companies.

Insomnia

Another common side effect of Prozac is insomnia.

Some users begin having trouble sleeping, and if ever he was awakened in the middle of the night, he will have some difficulty going back to sleep. In the morning, he usually feels tired and weary from the restless night.

Aside from insomnia, some users also experience headache as well as dizziness and nausea. There may also be some diarrhea and fatigue.

Birth Defects

Prozac also causes birth defects. If a pregnant woman is on Prozac, the risk of her baby developing birth defects is greatly increased.

The baby could be born with limb defects, cardiopulmonary defects, brain and spinal cord abnormalities, or cleft lip or palate.

Other Side Effects

Some Prozac users also experience rarer but nevertheless scarier side effects from this prescription drugs. Prozac affects the heart, causing atrial fibrillation as well as congestive heart failure. It also causes hypotension or low blood pressure.

Aside from influencing serotonin levels, Prozac also affects the brain.

It causes the user to experience hallucinations and panic attacks. It also causes confusion, agitation, seizures, and photosensitivity. Prozac can also cause stroke and coma.

Suffering from these negative side effects?

If you are on Prozac or a loved one is on this prescription drug, then you should be wary of these side effects.

If you begin experiencing these negative side effects, then getting in touch with a personal injury attorney is a good step.