QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I work for one of your most dedicated patients in Longwood, FL. I was on Prozac for 2 years. I went off of it 2 months ago thinking I was "over" my divorce and I wouldn't need it any more. I feel all the things coming back that I originally went on it for in the first place. I'm moody, sad, irritable, mean to my kids, impatient, etc. and it's getting worse daily. The problem is since my divorce. I no longer have health insurance and can not afford the Prozac. Is there any way I can get it for a lesser amount, or is there any herb available over the counter that might help me? Please let me know!
Thank you.
ANSWER:
There really aren't any herbal products that do what Prozac can do. St.
John's Wort has lots of side effects and drug interactions, and just isn't as
good.
While Prozac will be a generic medication next year, the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly
has been very generous in giving free medication to patients who can't afford it.
This is something you can discuss with your physician.
