Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: BAZ0000 on 27/03/2008 13:11:13

Title: Can Prozac cause illnesses, or make users more susceptible to infection?
Post by: BAZ0000 on 27/03/2008 13:11:13

Hi all,

Apologies if this subject has already been covered by another thread, but I am very concerned about a friend of mine, a female, who suffers from (what her GP regards as) 'mild' depression. She'd been prescribed a course of Prozac 3 years ago and is still on them.

What does concern me, however, are her constant illnesses. She constantly suffers colds, 'flu' like symptoms, coughs, sore throats, and fatiguing more often than one would expect, but what's worse is the fact that her moods and emotions are all over the place. We generally conceive that a textbook characteristic of Prozac (or similar) typically suppresses heightened emotions and make the vast majority of people who use them more 'flat' in character, don't we?

Furthermore, I have advised her to talk to her doctor in much more detail about the constant influx of illness she would appear to suffer and how frequently they occur, but she's not really said that her Doctor has helped in anyway. Naturally I reccommended that she see another doctor, change her doctor or at least get enough professional advice from an alternative body.

Can anyone expand on why her illnesses are becoming more frequent and if there are, or could be issues relating both her obvious low immune levels and Prozac? I sincerely welcome your views.

Regards,
Barry

Title: Re: Can Prozac cause illnesses, or make users more susceptible to infection?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 27/03/2008 19:55:34

Try looking here http://www.panic-anxiety.com/articles/prozac-fluoxetine/ (http://www.panic-anxiety.com/articles/prozac-fluoxetine/)

or here http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/fluoxetine_ad.htm (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/fluoxetine_ad.htm)

They contain a lot of useful info about Prozac.

Title: Re: Can Prozac cause illnesses, or make users more susceptible to infection?
Post by: another_someone on 28/03/2008 00:54:19

I would think depression itself can cause reduced effectiveness of the immune system.

Also, people who are depressed sometimes end up setting into a somewhat sedentary routine that may not help fight off infection.

Title: Re: Can Prozac cause illnesses, or make users more susceptible to infection?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 28/03/2008 08:01:01

Quote from: another_someone on 28/03/2008 00:54:19

I would think depression itself can cause reduced effectiveness of the immune system.

Also, people who are depressed sometimes end up setting into a somewhat sedentary routine that may not help fight off infection.

I'm not sure about George's first point, although it is certainly likely; but his second point is definitely valid.

Many of the things we do in everyday life that help us fight infection can be affected by depression; for instance, not eating properly. Many depressives "can't be bothered" to cook real dinners and live on junk. Personal & household hygiene may also suffer.

Title: Re: Can Prozac cause illnesses, or make users more susceptible to infection?
Post by: BAZ0000 on 28/03/2008 09:51:15

Thanks all, I've taken a look and it's been of some help in recognising these symptoms. I guess my friend has taken quite a defeatist attitude toward changing her medication or seeking alternative means of help, but I will continue to at least try to advise her that there are other options to Prozac!

Thanks.

Title: Re: Can Prozac cause illnesses, or make users more susceptible to infection?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 30/03/2008 21:31:19

I wish her well.