I recently started taking Prozac for anxiety, panic attacks and depression and I am absolutely miserable due to side effects. Today was my 5th day and I have been experiencing increased anxiety, horrible panic attacks, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, tingling face and feeling generally restless and unlike myself. Right now I am taking 1/2 a 20mg pill a day (so 10mg) but I am supposed to increase to a whole pill after a week and I am scared that increasing the dose is going to make all the side effects worse. From what I've read, these side effects are fairly common and should get better over time but it is scary to think that I might have to continue to live like this for weeks until it gets better. I feel so terrible. Should I increase my dose like the doctor prescribed? Will that make the side effects worse? How long is this going to last? I was given lorazepam to help with the anxiety but it only helps so much. I am really struggling because I want to stick with it to see if it helps but right now I feel awful.
Rough time adjusting to Prozac?
Question posted by Emmaline909 on 27 Nov 2014
Last updated on 3 November 2021 by stephanie825
UPDATE: The side effects got worse each day and on my 7th day I fainted and hit my head on the wall. My doctor was out of town for the holidays so he didn't receive my messages or return my calls. I spoke with the on call doctor and he advised that I discontinue the Prozac immediately. Since I was on a low dosage, he said my withdrawal symptoms wouldn't be any worse than what I was already experiencing. I am supposed to follow up with my doctor when he returns to the office next week but I am honestly scared to death to try another SSRI. The last week was one of the worst of my life- it was like a bad trip that I couldn't make stop! Thank you all for your input- it truly helped.
6 Answers
I see this thread is from awhile ago but if you are struggling with anxiety, depression or a new medicine, I would highly suggest the GeneSight testing. This will tell you and your doctor which medicines will work best with your genetic make-up and which may not work or cause a reaction. It categorizes the medicines into green/yellow/red. After struggling for the past couple years, I had the testing done and am starting two new medicines (slowly, as I seem to be sensitive to any new medicines). Fingers crossed this combination will work.
It is not uncommon to have these effects when first starting up. Stick to the Dr's specific instructions and allow it 2-3 weeks, hopefully knowing this is not uncommon will help calm you, a bit concerned you weren't advised of this by the Dr?
I myself could not take Prozac. Tried it for 5 days and had to get off. I am now back on generic cymbalta and clonazepam. I have some good days and bad days. I know the cymbalta needs to build so I am trying to be patient. Keep in contact with your doctor, you will find the right combination. It just takes time. God bless...
STOP taking the Prozac immediately. These are NOT common side effects, esp. vomiting, tingling face, sore throat and all the panicky feelings. You may be experiencing serotonin syndrome, or just be allergic to ingredients in Prozac pill or its fillers.
These symptoms are NOT something you need to get used to, esp considering the small dose you're taking! Contact your MD ASAP and ask him what to do.
Prozac does not seem to be the antidepressant for you, there are many others that may help you instead.
Hi, sorry you'r not tolerating the prozac. Is this the first ssri you have ever taken? If so I would contact your doctor asap, there are many more options. Don't punish yourself make the doctor do his job. They are too much for a person who is already depressed. Get well soon
I was on Lexapro for several months nearly a decade ago but decided to go off of it because of the sexual side effects and feeling generally zombie-like. I've been using Xanax as needed for the past 5 or 6 years (for panic attacks) but my doctor thought I would benefit from a daily SSRI instead as my anxiety issues are getting worse and I also suffer from mild depression. I tend to be sensitive to all types of medications so I try not to take something unless I absolutely have to. I e-mailed my doctor about what to do but seeing as it is a holiday, I doubt I will hear back soon. I have a follow up appointment in a few weeks but I can't imagine living like this for a few more weeks. I feel very apprehensive about increasing my dosage with these horrible side effects.
I do have a question if you are someone who is experienced with different meds- if I were to be switched to a different SSRI, would my body just have to start the adjustment process all over? I keep hoping the worst of it will be over soon and then it will start actually helping so I am trying to stick it out a while longer but maybe Prozac just isn't the drug for me.
Hi, EMM did your MD take you off the xnax and put you on prozac? If so i would go to what we call urgent care around here, you shouldn't stop a benzo without tapering like most of these meds we take your bidy will become dependent on them. You have not taken the prozac that long it would be an easy switch unfortunately for us the sexual part is common like thats not enough to try and figure out. Please do not think you have to suffer you dont this is not normal side affects. Please get help . take care
I was only taking the Xanax for panic attacks a couple times a month so I don't think there was a concern with tapering off since I wasn't using it regularly. My doctor is still on vacation so I have not heard back from him but this morning I had a terrifying episode where I fainted. I called the hospital because I thought I might need to go to the ER, but the on call doctor just told me to stop taking the Prozac and call my regular doc on Monday. He did not seem concerned, even though I was scared. Not very reassuring, but I don't want to waste time/money in the ER if they can't do anything to help me. I wish I had never started taking it!
Hi Emm, thats good that you didnt take the benzo everyday,Its got to be the prozac. You should at least feel better tomorow i hope. Was this the first time you have fainted. Will it be hard for you to try a different one. I had the same type of reaction to abilify.
I've fainted twice before and it is always a scary experience. I was lucky that my husband was there to help me as I am typically home alone with two toddlers. I am honestly terrified at the prospect of taking another med. This has been the worst week and I can't go through that again! I am hoping any withdrawal symptoms won't be worse than the side effects I was already enduring.
Best to ask the doctor about the increase. May need to stay at the lower dose until you adjust. Side effects generally subside within the first 2 weeks. Once you have been on the medication for awhile the increase will be more tolerable. Remember it can take upwards of a month for this medication to work so be patient and give the doc a call before increasing.
Thanks! I am definitely going to talk to him before increasing my dose. I am trying to be patient!
Related topics
prozac, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, side effect, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Prozac uses and safety info
- Prozac prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prozac (detailed)
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