Q: i've just started prozac 20mg. My goal is to be on 40mg. How long do you recommend being on 20mg before increasing? is it a bad idea to just start on 40mg?
thanks

A: Why do you need a Prozac goal? Why don't you stay with the 20 mg and wait to see if you need more. Higher dosages have more side effects. It is common for people to need an increase in the dosage over time to maintain effect, so keeping the dosage as low as possible initially gives you more room to increase the dosage later on. So I recommend that you stay on the Prozac for a month and see how you feel. Of course, this is a decision that your doctor should make with you.

Stuart Shipko, MD (Psychiatrist/Neurologist)
Founder and Medical Director of PDI
The Panic Disorders Institute
Author of Surviving Panic Disorder: What You Need To Know Information provided by Dr. Shipko is general in nature and should not be construed as a substitute for a visit to and examination by your own personal physician.
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