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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease which affects the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle we...
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Prozac for fatigue?
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I am experiencing extreme fatigue in the afternoons. My doctor prescribed the typical first line drug, amantadine, and it hasn't helped at all. So he then prescribed Provigil. My insurance only covers half of it, which leaves $180/month. This is too much money (and since I have SOME insurance I do not qualify for financial assistance for the drug) so I requested a generic. I was prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac) by a neuro covering for my regular neurologist.
I soon discovered that this is a SRI/anti-depressant and that it is sometimes used off-label for fatigue. Has anyone used fluoxetine for fatigue? I'm very wary as I haven't asked for, and don't need an anti-depressant. The "side effects" concern me. Posted on 08/12/09, 12:08 pm |
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I suffer from physical and mental fatigue. I once used amantadine but it did not help. My neuro started me on Cylert and it changed my life. I did not realize how debilitated I became due to fatigue. With Cylert, I could concentrate and finish tasks. Cylert got some bad press some years ago, (although I never had problems and had my liver checked every 3 months), so my doctor switched me to Provigil. Nothing. Ritalin. Nothing. Adderall, Jack Pot. Adderall is prescribed for ADHD and can be habit forming. I am fortunate because although I have been on the drug a long time, I actually decreased the dosage some time ago. I take the extended release form. 
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This is from last year but it did describes prozac as possibly slowing MS....before I had MS I had a bout of clinical depression & prozac helped me much from getting out of ther depression. Who knows it might have delayed my diagnosis. I have high regard for prozac for how much it helped me back then. It takes about 6 weeks to become effective though.
http://www.msobserver.com/2008/05/...
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A side effect of Prozac is to give one energy but that is not going to apply to everyone. I take 40mg per day and I have not noticed any extra energy. However, it has really made a difference in my quality of life. I have had no significant side effects. I would say it's worth a try.
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I have extreme fatigue as well. I have been on a miriad of drugs: amantaine, provigil, ritalin sr, adderal...and as of yet, I have not found anything that has worked for me. My neuro has always kept me on an antidepressant as well, as depression is common in people with MS and can also cause fatigue. It will take some time to find what combination of drugs work for you. Ask your doctor for some samples of Provigil -- if it works and gives you your energy back, it might well be worth the $180 month. Good luck... *hugs*
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prozac generic "fluoxetine" is very cheap and a miracle drug if it works 4 u. i'd give it a try. it's prescribed for many reasons. good luck
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