I began taking Prozac in 1994. I kept at a steady dose until 2006, when my prescription was increased from 20 to 40 mgs. Around that time I also went on Anafranil (for OCD) and meds for hypothyroidism. About a year ago my psychiatrist switched me from 40 mgs of Prozac to 40 mgs of Paxil.

I see my psychiatrist and MD for periodic med checks to make sure I'm on the right dose. As mentioned above, I've had to make adjustments in the past as my body changed or symptoms returned. I have regular medical check-ups and blood tests and have not been diagnosed with any health problems (other than the thyroid, which runs in my family). I had an EKG six months ago and my heart was fine.

You have to make the decision by yourself whether you want to take meds and for how long. I know they've helped me immensely with depression, anxiety and OCD. If I have to take them until I die, that's OK. I know they work for me, and feel that if they weren't safe the FDA and medical professionals wouldn't prescribe them.