Hello
I think it is important that you do what you have to do to first save yourself in order for you to put to put to rights everything else in your life.
Often I think people misunderstand my message.
Yes, I pound on and on about the natural alternative to prozac etc., but often I also say that these drugs do have their place and that they can really help to get you on your feet and in a stable frame of mind where it will be easier to implement the more permanent and healthier steps to recovery.
I don't discourage the use of SSRI's outright, and these drugs are OK as long as they are put in the proper perspective, and as long as the prescribing doctor is knowledgeable enough and caring enough to monitor your progress properly.
The proper perspective about these drugs I mentioned is basically this: if a person is suffering too much, like you are, under the burden of PMDD, then please go ahead and take it, but remember! ... once you start to feeling better, it is important to get out there and implement the natural therapies I mention here and on my main site, because in the long term these drugs will start harming, instead of helping.
So look at Prozac as a short-term solution ... just to kick-start you. I recommend that if you start the Sarafem treatment that you continue with the healthier alternatives at the same time, this way when it is time to wean yourself off the drug you will have something solid to fall back on and keep the momentum of recovery going.
The dosage of the active ingredient "fluoxitine" in Sarafem is 20mg -- it is very minimal compared to the dosage recommended for people with full blown depression. Any side-effects you may experience should abate within the first 2 weeks of treatment. However if you start feeling anxious or panicky after starting the meds, it is very important to report this to your doctor. This would not be a good sign, and it would be necessary for you to try one of the other brands in the class of SSRI drugs.
All the best, and remember, this shall pass too.
Anthea