I have been on Prozac before and it worked well a while ago but I didn't have extreme anxiety back then. I currently have really bad anxiety and depression so was wondering if my anxiety going get worse while taking Prozac?
I'm also prescribed Xanax for my anxiety so I'm just really hoping this medicine will work again? I am scared to take anything but I can't live with my anxiety and depression and obsessive thoughts anymore so I have to try this again. I am just looking for some encouragement as I usually try it for only one day then get nervous and stop. My depression really bad at the moment and don't even like leaving the house anymore and have no interest in anything so I need do something.
How many people get worse anxiety from Prozac?
Question posted by Amy333 on 9 June 2021
Last updated on 10 June 2021
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Answers
WildcatVet
9 June 2021
Hi, Amy!
First of all, only 15% or less of people will experience anxiety as a side effect when they first start the medication and more often then not, if they do, it only lasts a few days to a week or so. Besides you'll have your Xanax on board if you need it.
Since Prozac worked well for you before there's every reason to believe it will work again. It's your anxiety over anxiety that's creating this anxiety you have about starting this drug again. Keep a positive outlook and think about the future when you'll be happy and healthy without your anxiety running... and ruining... your life.
Prozac is an excellent choice for both depression and anxiety disorders and it will address the cause of your problems rather than just masking the symptoms the way Xanax does. After a few weeks you may not need the Xanax at all.
Make that leap of faith! You can do this!
Best regards and I bet you'll be feeling better very quickly.
Amy333
10 June 2021
Thank you really needed here hear that def helped some one other thing ok idk if this even possible this literally first day took pill in years but feel so tired n usually do get tired round 5-6 that one my regular nap schedules with depression but took the pill at like two and like said very sleepy but been trying sleep and having hard time even close my eyes I feel weird it's hard explain again I have extreme anxiety so idk if this in my head or from the pill hence why I need the pill, lol,but again usually does take me like hour fall sleep but feel weird n kinda irritated when trying sleep today so is it the pill or just me if the pill how can I get myself to sleep n how long does this tiredness last n should I take pill in morning or night im confused cause really tired but can't sleep so if take at night is it going keep me up all night,
again don't remember any this when was previous on it but I was only on for depression back then not anxiety and obsessive thoughts n ect so just curious I know I need take something cause I'm really bad so I really just again trying reassure myself I guess that this going work out well
WildcatVet
10 June 2021
As with all medications some people will have side effects and it sounds like you have a bit of insomnia and fatigue. They generally subside within days to a week or so and lessen day by day.
Prozac can also make you feel a little nervous and restless. You can take it morning or evening
but if it's keeping you up nights try it in the morning.
The thing is as the side effects resolve you should start feeling improvements in your mood and anxiety levels usually in the first couple of weeks which means the medication is starting to work. You might start sleeping better and having more energy. It can sometimes take 4-8 weeks for the drug to become fully effective though.
BTW, what dose are you taking? Just curious.
Related topics
Further information
- Prozac uses and safety info
- Prozac prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prozac (detailed)
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