Prozac, like any SSRI or SNRI, can "dim" the pain pathways in the spine, is how it was explained to me by my neuro-psych, who was hoping to give me some for both PTSD and pain issues---

I have noticed that my post-accident pain is less severe---my "nerve burns" and "nerve wasps" (hard to describe) are less frequent and less severe -- and unless my hormones are involved, I don't flare as *long*, but I still have pain. THen again, I was only on 40 mg and am just now doing 60 as of today. I feel a little zombie-headed, but that may wear off---we'll see.

The thing is, just because they are in the same class of drug? Doesn't mean they work the same for *everyone*. Some people swear by Lyrica, others by Cymbalta, some by Savella, etc.--- me, I just look at Cymbalta and my brain goes "NO!" (three days and I had some very very odd thoughts like I was a guest in my own head, OMG)....

It's always worth asking your doc if a different drug in the same category or class will help.

Like... Klonopin and Xanax? Both used for anxiety, both are benzodiazepines, but Xanax gives you a hard lift and then a quick "drop" as it cycles in your body--- Klonopin gives you the "boost", but it tapers slowly as it processes, so you don't get the "rebound drop" like Xanax. So what mechanism in the med works for one may not work for another, depends on circumstances, etc.

And sometimes it's dosage. Sometimes Prozac only helps once you're on 60 or 80 mgs, some people 20 mgs--- all depends on who you are.

my epilepsy m eds mean I tend to process other meds very differently than someone not on those epilepsy meds, so that's also a factor....

Healing wishes, and when confused, ask a pro. I'm just rattling off what my fuzzy brain knows, and it's not much. Feels like lint on a lollipop up there.

SMiles,
Leo

I have been on Prozac for years, going on and off of it so it continues to work, but unfortunately for me, it has never helped my pain. Hopefully someone has a better answer for you. Hugs GB

I was on Prozac to help with PMDD. It helped with the moods somewhat but never the pain. Now that I have had a total hysterectomy, it is no longer needed. I take Cymbalta and it helps with my pain. Not sure why a doctor would prescribe Prozac for pain.

Prozac does give somepeople pain relief. But I wonder if it's a case of what kind of pain it targets?

I dunno. I'm just gonna hope it helps me with the pain, as well as the PTSD.

I've been on Prozac off and on for a few years, now on again. I take 40 mg. a day, maybe that's not enough for pain relief. But if I don't take it, besides severe depression, I get so tense and anxious that the tightness in my shoulders, neck and back spreads pain throughout my body and incorporates itself into my fibro flares. So in an abstract way, it seems to help control my pain, I guess.

I wasn't able to take Cymbalta, so probably not Savella, either. A rheumatologist doubled my dose of Zoloft that I was taking for sleep and said, "We used to use this all the time in the old days." I didn't see much pain relief, but if I take it in the am, it seems to help my sleep somewhat. I just went to a neurologist for my brain fog and she gave me Zoloft for better "cognition."

Prozac, at 40 mg, is the one thing that helps me the most with pain associated with fibro. I know that it does not get rid of it, like a cure, but it somehow masks the pain some, making it easier for me to function. Recently, I had wean down and off of Prozac because I do not appreciate the side effects I get from it; plus, after four years, how else would I know if it is still helping me? Sure enough, the severe fibro pain was once again a daily struggle, worse than when on Prozac. I decided that for me, the quality of life it provides me out-weighs the side effects that I so dislike...though it was not an easy decision.
I'm not exactly sure about how it works, but my doctor did tell me that the area in the brain that signals pain is in the same area where emotions are controlled. But as Leo noted, not everyone responds to Prozac, or any other drug, with the same results. A friend I met here on ds was the one that suggested my trying it, as it had helped her with fibro pain, and when I suggested it to my doctor, he felt it was worth a try, even though a similar drug I was on did not do anything with masking fibro pain.

PROZAC is helpful. It keeps the brain from being so wired to pain. One dr put me on it and another tried to take me off. I raised a fit as all other meds were removed from me. Prozac doesn't get rid of the pain, per se, but does take the edge off for me.

Sorry, brain fart as I call it. :) I've tried Wellbutrin, Selexa, Cymbalta, and finally put my foot down to get PROZAC. I take 80 mg daily and I was told it's the max dosage.

Although I have not taken Prozac I have tried quite a few different antidepressants, SSRI, SNRI, tricylics and others.

I didn't find any of them useful in reducing pain. A couple of them helped me to sleep better. Many of them made me feel anxious and agitated.

They may help people who have anxiety and depression alongside their pain (which is quite a lot of people actually). They may also help people to cope better by just numbing the senses a bit, however I'm not convinced they actually reduce pain levels like a pain killer does.

I've been taking Prozac for so many years, I can't count. I do rrememberr how it helped my dad when he finally went to a rest home. His mood greatly imprroved. Hope it does it for me, too.

Lyrica makes a big difference in my pain, it handles most of my neuropathy, pain that made me yelp out loud! also I take Gabapentim, which is similiar but with less side effects. I've gained 40 lbs. on Lyrrica, which I hate, but I hate the pain more.

I first realized something was wrong with me when I was on Prozac for about six months and all my pain went away. When I stopped and the pain came roaring back, I had my first WTF visit with my doctor, and was subsequently diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Unfortunately my PCP won't prescribe a high enough dose to get the pain relief but he will prescribe pain medication which I prefer due to side effects with Prozac.

At the high dosage, it's the most effective thing I've ever taken other than Vioxx.

What's a high dose, Peace? I ask b/c I just got bumped from 40 to 60 mg for PTSD stuff---and I'm still sorta waiting for FM relief! Hello? FM relief? Where are youuuuu?"

That said, I also miss Vioxx. That was amazing pain relief and I had zip side effects.... alas. Mainly Prozac makes me drowsy when I really don't want to be drowsy. Bleah.