Can one reduce the anxiety that comes with 20mg of Prozac daily?
Question posted by Redfinch on 1 Feb 2021
Last updated on 2 February 2021
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Answers
Hi, Redfinch!
Have you started taking the Prozac recently and did you start at 20mg? Did you recently increase your dose? New or increased anxiety is usually a side effect that you might experience after initially starting or increasing your dose and generally resolves within days to a couple of weeks.
If it's persistent or severe you can talk to your doctor about decreasing your dosage temporarily so the your metabolism can adjust more smoothly. Also, if you've just started the medication your doctor might prescribe a short course of a mild sedative to get you through until the drug becomes fully effective.
Best regards and I hope you feel better quickly.
I was put on 20mg Prozac and taken off Lexapro. A new psychiatrist removed my clonazepam which I was needing daily.(.25,.5). Propranolol did nothing for the severe anxiety I experienced. My PDr now has taken over and has me continue the 20mg Prozac with the clonazepam. I usually take .5mg 2-3/day. Doesn’t eliminate the anxiety, helps somewhat. Wondering if I should up the clonazepam to 1mg 2/day. Just on day 8 of Prozac.
"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 get used to it."
It may still be a bit early but are you feeling any improvement? As far as upping the clonazepam 1mg/day is the usual maintenance dose but it could be increased with your doctor's okay. Hopefully as the Prozac kicks in you'll find you need less of it.
Thank you, Wildcat Vet. Your info gives me confidence in my path towards health. I know it’s early with my use of Prozac (day8). I find that I can do a few chores around the house, eat by grazing, and no longer have severe body tremors. I do get tired easily and have to rest. So hard not to fear all this and look forward.
It sure is! But do try to look forward to the time that's coming soon when you'll feel good again. Don't let your anxiety tell you otherwise, okay?
Hey, Redfinch!
Are you saying that if taking 20mg of Prozac daily can reduce your anxiety? If so, then yes. But it won’t work overnight. It takes time for these medication to take full effect (it may take 6-8 weeks). So give the medication time to work. For starters, during the first few days to weeks, you will experience few side effects. Such as: increase anxiety/depression, nausea, drowsiness, headaches etc. The good news is those side effects usually subside within a few weeks to 2. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to post it here, okay? But do address your concerns to the doctor as well.
Tyrese
Related topics
prozac, anxiety, 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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