Stress Center Peer Support

I just started on prozac and have been on it for two weeks now and a bit. Before I started on the prozac, I was functioning but having feelings of depression with some anxiousness but no real major symptoms of panic attacks. Now since I have been on the prozac, I am not feeling as down but am having more of the panic symptoms and anxiety and it's scaring me. I am wondering if the prozac is making me feel more anxious and having panic attacks and if this will go away in time that I am on it (as I realize it takes 4 to 6 weeks to take effect) or if I should be trying something else. Any reassurance would be appreciated, feeling like I am going a little backwards....

Thanks for reading.

Hi One Day! First off, you aren't going backwards don't worry. You are doing the program, posting, and taking something to help you cope while you heal. That's very smart, and very courageous! I'm proud of you. Now, about the Prozac. I was on that many years ago, and I actually loved it, it really helped me; however, after a few years, it didn't work for me anymore so I came off of it. Everyone is different so that may not happen to you. I had no problems with it and I remember it took a few weeks to reach a level that my body was use to. I remember a bit of anxiety as well, but it was short lived. I urge you to not stop taking it without your doctor's advice though, and perhaps give it some more time to do it's job. In the meantime, keep up with the program, the relaxation cd, which is really comforting . Just try to stay patient, and it will all fall into place. Also, did you get some information with your prescription for Prozac that reminds you about the side affects, what to expect, etc...? It will help, and if you need to, call the doctor's office and just tell them what you've told us here, so they can talk about it with you. Keep up the good work with the program, and let me know how you are doing.

Hugs!

Hi, my doctor prescribed Prozac for me several years ago. I was on Prozac for several months, but I didn't feel it was doing all that it was supposed to do for me. My doctor then prescribed other antidepressants like Effexor and Wellbutrin, but neither of them seemed like a good fit either. I'm on Cymbalta now and it works the best for me. But, keep going with Prozac and see what happens over the next few weeks. Best regards

My experience with Prozac has been a very calming effect. I can take it symptomatically when I need to for anxiety. It doesn't make me anxious like it does for some people and I don't need to take it for several weeks to feel an effect. Everyone's body chemistry is so different though and it takes trial and error on these meds to find one that fits.

I took Prozac for many years without issue. But then I was moved overseas for work and things were not going well. I had no support. I was stressed beyond belief. So I "upped" my Prozac dose...and had major problems sleeping. My doctor over there took me off it and put me on something else - can't remember the name of it now. I'm now on Cipralex.

Check with your doctor. For many, many years, I had absolutely NO problems with Prozac, but everyone is different. At least talking to your doctor should calm your mind a little bit.

I took Prozac years ago and it was okay, helped a little. I tried Effexor and it was alright but I slept a lot. I had pressure from Mom and AA sponsor to get off of meds, and have stayed off for several years. Recently things were very bad internally and I was desperate so I began taking Lexapro. Lexapro is helping me a lot more than Prozac or Effexor did. I worry about the drowsiness it causes though, but mostly I'm so glad to have it. I feel I can try anything/everything that helps me, i.e. this program AND medication. Maybe eventually I won't need it.

Hi One Day,
You're about 4 weeks behind me! I started Prozac about 6 weeks ago. I had been weaning off Paxil for almost a year and was aiming to be med free. Things didn't go exactly as planned and I became very depressed on top of my anxiety. I also found that my anxiety increased when I started the program. By session 3 I was obsessing about all my thoughts and trying to control everything. Going about the program all wrong.
But I am happy to say that each week the Prozac began to gradually make me feel better. I did have a ton of anxiety and panic attacks, especially in the morning when I first woke up. I think the Prozac may cause a little anxiety in some people when you first start it, but only for a few weeks.
My depression is really starting to lift and when I look back I am soooo much better than I was weeks ago.
Stick with it. Give it some time. Unfortunately these meds don't work overnight. But be sure not to stop taking it without talking to your doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what you're feeling.
Good luck.

I agree with what everyone else has said...you have taken a very big step in the right direction and you should be proud of yourself...I've been prescribed prozac a couple of times and have found it to work for awhile but wear off eventually. If you don't feel affects after about a month I would talk to your doctor. Sometimes it's hit or miss with these medications and with the dosage. If you don't think the medicine is working then discuss other options with your doctor. I've had depression for years now and have only recently found a combination that has worked for me. I don't say that to be dicouraging but just to let you know it may take awhile for you to find the right meds to help you. In the meantime just keep visits with your doctor and continue to use the program and support group.

good luck with everything and i hope it all turns out ok

I have been on prozac since the first time they became available, which was many years ago. I used to have panic attacks on a daily basis along with ocd. It has been a wonder drug for me as I rarely have panic attacks and the ocd diminished almost immediately. Hang in there as it does take awhile to get in your system. Don't . good luckgive up on it though

I was on Paxil for many years and got off for a few years. I started having panic attacks and started taking Prozac--it made me me MORE anxious and didnt help me at all. so if its not working for you see a doctor and switch meds. Luvox has worked well for me but everyone is different...just dont do it by yourself--talk to your doctor before swtiching anything!