I've been on fluoxetine 20mg for about 11 days now. I have panic disorder and I constantly feel like I'm always about to have another panic attack any second and I've been like this for about 4 months now. I'm not feeling any kind of a difference ever since starting the medicine, even though I keep telling myself that it takes a while for it to help. I'm super impatient partly because I don't wanna feel like this anymore, when will I get better??? Thanks.
How long for Prozac 20 mg to work?
Question posted by anijan13 on 25 May 2017
Last updated on 27 February 2021
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4 Answers
Redfinch
22 Feb 2021
I share your feelings. I’ve been on Prozac 20mg for four weeks now. I think the panic feelings are lessened but anxiety is still prevalent. I can force myself to do some things at home or quick outings, but tire easily. I’m using clonazepam to take the edge off. Not back to feeling normal yet... hope one day soon.
WildcatVet
22 Feb 2021
"You may see an improvement in your symptoms after 1 to 2 weeks, although it usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks before you feel the full benefits. That's because it takes around a week for fluoxetine levels to build up in your body, and then a few weeks longer for your body to adapt and adjust to it."
"20mg is the recommended initial dose but can be increased to a maximum of 80mg/day. Consider a dose increase after several weeks if insufficient clinical improvement is observed."
You might want to talk to your doctor about your options and to get their professional advice.
Blossom2
22 May 2018
I was on lexapro for 3 years and it stopped working. Weaned off them very slowly but ended up with severe discontinuation syndrome. I am now on 20 mg of Lovan and the syndrome has disappeared thank goodness. Im on my 4th week and my depression is definitely better. Way more energy and increased mood. Except my anxiety/panic disorder is out of control. Is this normal? Everyday I am fighting the anxiety and constantly have panic attacks. Does this improve with time? Has anyone else had similar experiences? Any information will be greatly appreciated! xoxo
Specht13
16 Nov 2018
Do you feel better now? I am on week 4 of prozac but only day 2 of 20mg. I'm having alot is shaking and nervousness. My anxiety is horrible. How long till this subsides?
luke uno
28 May 2017
Prozac should work a little faster than other SSRI's but I'd wait until no less than 3 weeks before I wrote it off. The thing about Prozac is its stimulating for an SSRI but has been shown to help Panic Disorder and pretty much everything in the anxiety and depression spectrum's. Maybe you need to ask about a benzo or Hydroxyzine as they work immediately
WildcatVet
28 May 2017
Benzos are also highly habituating and disinhibitive for many people. I spent months in rehab and the patients having the hardest time of it were benzo addicts.
anijan13
29 May 2017
As crappy as I feel every day, I just don't want to risk taking a benzo and would rather wait for the Prozac to take its effect. And hopefully it will thanks!
kirsten74
18 July 2019
I know this was written a long time ago but wanted to respond in case for future answers to others. I am in recovery and have been sober many years My doc prescribed me visteral for those rare panic attack moments. It really makes me sleep and feels like I am coming down from the ceiling to a normal level. I recommend it. Prozac has really helped me with panic attacks. I have also learned we can communicate with our bodies by breathing in five sec. hold 6 and exhale five. This slows down the fight or flight in brain and sort of reboots it. another tool which has helped me with panic is knowing that it’s in us to protect us from danger. By befriending this part of ourselves and telling it there is no threat present , My panic immediately starts to lesson. Sounds weird to talk to oneself but I don’t give a crap when my panic is kicking my ass. Lol. Trying to run from panic creates more panic. Trying to nurture it minimizes it. Took me years to learn this one. Hang in there.
Redfinch
27 Feb 2021
My PCP allowed me to use clonazepam for the severe anxiety. Not all doctors will. There should be more compassion for the suffering people go through. I’m about five weeks in on 20mg Prozac and starting to see some improvement. Some days better than others. Hope they level out!
WildcatVet
25 May 2017
Hi, anijan! I know how you feel and I'm sorry you have wait. Some people report improvement sooner but rule of thumb it takes the majority of people four to six weeks to enjoy the benefits. These drugs just don't work like an aspirin where you take it and get almost instant relief. Also, be aware that as with most antidepressants anxiety levels can increase when you're first starting out.
Try to be patient ~ Prozac is very more quick-acting and an excellent medication for anxiety/panic disorders.
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prozac, depression, panic disorder, fluoxetine, anxiety and stress, disorder
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