Prozac/Anti-depressant dosage?

[Liz D.]

I was curious if any one takes Prozac and what is their dosage (or any other anti-depressant for that matter.) 

I have been on Prozac for 7 years now.  One 20 mg. a day.  Lately, I have been really down and depressed and wondering if I should call the doctor and see if increasing it to two a day may help. 

Is 20 mg. considered a low dose or are some of you on higher doses?   I may just be having a 'blue' time because I have been so sick lately with the costochondritis or maybe my body is just getting used to the Prozac after 7 years straight.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Liz D.

[wally]

I have been on 20 mg. of prozac for over 10 years I believe. I have thought I would do better at a higher dose but the side effect of sleepiness keeps me going back to 20 mg. I am taking it at night and that helps me from being tired during the day. I think 20 mg. is a normal dose (on the low side of the normal range.)
Wally

[irish]

You may want to talk to your doc as after 7 years your body is bound to be metabolizing medication differently. Age and health status will change this. It may be time for a switch to a different medication. I'm not sure but doesn't Prozac come in a 30 or 40 mgm pill. I would not increase your dosage as you could get yourself into trouble that way healthwise. Good luck and remember that chronic illness will make us depressed. I think that the longer we are sick the more difficult it is to deal with the depression, mainly because it is such an exhausting experience. Irish

[Liz D.]

Thanks Wally and Irish for your responses.

I would not do anything until I talked to a doctor first.  Interesting that more Prozac made you sleepy, Wally.  I take my Prozac at night and I have insomnia.  And Irish, you are right.  The longer we are sick, the more exhausting the experience is and harder to deal with depression.

Autumn is my worst time of year and I will probably start perking up in a few weeks.  If I don't, I am definitely calling my doc.  My body might just need something different right now.

Liz D.