I didn't know I would be able to add more detail, so was trying to fit my question in with 100 characters... I have severe/anxiety panic disorder. I have not left my house for 2 years (on occassion grocery store with my husband). I have a real sensivity to meds..I have started on a very low dose of liquid prozac 4 weeks ago..I am only taking 1ml which is about 5mg..The anxiety is worse. I don't want to give up because I have read that it can get worse before it gets better. I just need some encouragement, please..thanks
I have severe anxiety.started prozac very low dose 4 weeks ago and feel worse.will it get better?
Question posted by weplant on 19 Feb 2014
Last updated on 25 February 2019
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8 Answers
WildcatVet
24 Feb 2019
Increased anxiety (along with other potential side effects) is common when starting almost any antidepressant/anxiolytic and resolves within several weeks with continued treatment.
However, the dosage you're taking is probably not within therapeutic levels. Consult with your doctor about a possible dosage increase and give it a fair trial of a minimum of 6-8 weeks before giving up on it.
Prozac is among the three medications most commonly prescribed for depression/anxiety and has changes many, many people's lives.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better soon. Wild Cat
Tanpaws1
24 Feb 2019
Thanks Wild cat for your answer and your kind wishes. My GP told me to taper down since I am only 102lbs. So she put me at 20. I also read that Prozac is an SSRI that can cause Tardive Dyskinsia (sp.?) the movement disorder. Scared to stay on a drug that will do that. I’ve been having tremors inside and some in my hands so I, of course, freaked out. I am just really struggling more with anxiety right now. Also have been weaned off of Lexapro. I went from 20mgs to 10 & held there for 4 months or longer. I went to psychiatrist for advice on meds and he said wean off lexapro this way: 5 more days on 10mgs then 5 days on 5 mgs, then stop. I was taking Lexapro for 11 years. The psychiatrist started me on 10mgs then in 2 weeks 40mgs then in one week 50mgs. He lowered me to 40 again then I got advice from my GP. Any thoughts?
Tanpaws1
24 Feb 2019
Thanks Wild cat for your answer and your kind wishes. My GP told me to taper down since I am only 102lbs. So she put me at 20. I also read that Prozac is an SSRI that can cause Tardive Dyskinsia (sp.?) the movement disorder. Scared to stay on a drug that will do that. I’ve been having tremors inside and some in my hands so I, of course, freaked out. I am just really struggling more with anxiety right now. Also have been weaned off of Lexapro. I went from 20mgs to 10 & held there for 4 months or longer. I went to psychiatrist for advice on meds and he said wean off lexapro this way: 5 more days on 10mgs then 5 days on 5 mgs, then stop. I was taking Lexapro for 11 years. The psychiatrist started me on 10mgs then in 2 weeks 40mgs then in one week 50mgs. He lowered me to 40 again then I got advice from my GP. Any thoughts?
Tanpaws1
24 Feb 2019
Wild Cat I wanted to make clear that the psychiatrist started me on the Prozac 5 weeks ago. Sorry I didn’t think I made my comment clear.
WildcatVet
25 Feb 2019
You're letting your anxiety control a risk ~v~ benefit situation. Despite what you hear and read, side effects are relatively rare affecting less than 10% of users. Tardive dyskinisia is a consideration but is generally seen primarily with the anti-psychotic medications. There have been a few postmarket reports with antidepressants but not nearly to the same extent.
As to your dosage I would follow your psychiatrist's recommendations. Psychiatrists are trained in psychopharmacology and have a much greater base to draw on than a GP and are much more knowledgeable regarding dosing. Don't quote me, but I've never heard of a psychotropic drug prescribed by weight. I'm very petite and I take the maximum daily amounts of 5 different medications with no problems.
Back to risks and benefits... what if this is the medication for you that will give you a happier, healthier life? Do you really want to miss out when all you need to do is give it a fair trial?
Take control and don't let your anxieties run the show. :)
Tanpaws1
25 Feb 2019
Well it’s week 6 and holding on for just the reason you mentioned. Anxiety has ramped up considerably though. I felt fine the first 2 weeks. Still nauseous too on and off. Who knows, everyone is different and that is the only absolute. Thanks for your thoughts.
Tanpaws1
25 Feb 2019
Well it’s week 6 and holding on for just the reason you mentioned. Anxiety has ramped up considerably though. I felt fine the first 2 weeks. Still nauseous too on and off. Who knows, everyone is different and that is the only absolute. Thanks for your thoughts.
Tanpaws1
24 Feb 2019
On Prozac for 5 weeks no better. Getting off it. Anxiety is worse. Doctor raised me to 50mgs in 3 weeks. I have anxiety and was on Lexapro for 11 years until it stopped working. Have you tried Lexapro?
Groovycammy
1 March 2018
How did it go with the Prozac?
I have tried about 2 or 2.5mg and had benefits and then side effects.
I really wish scientists could invent new antidepressants with way less side effects.
Panicfreak17
14 Dec 2017
Im in the same boat im actually taking a 10mg but cutting it for a week increase 5mg til i reach 20 mg :( are you taking any benzos to help cope with the anxiety til you get use to the prozac?
Jackwau57
26 July 2014
I would try Lexapro for depression and start Xanax at 0.5 mg three times a day. I have been on them all and Lexapro has the least amount of side effects and it works better for depression than anything I've ever been on. and the Xanax made a giant difference in my anxiety and panic attacks you may need to go up to 1 mg three times a day with the Xanax though to get any real results.My Dr started me on 3 mg of Xanax at the start. But I also had to learn other things about anxiety like don't drink tea because it contains Theophiline, a bronchial dialater, which is a stimulant and avoid all caffeine after 3:00 pm
Jan5
22 Feb 2014
I also have anxiety with panic attacks & was given Buspar 15mg twice a day. I believe I had to build up to that. I've taken Buspar for 18 years so far with no problems. I also took Prozac but for depression along with Buspar. I no longer take Prozac I take Cymbalta. I have Fybromyalgia, Sjorgrens & Osteo Arthritis - Cymbalta helps me with depression & pain. For anxiety, Buspar. Talk to your Dr.
Bailey666
22 Feb 2014
Jan5
I just started cymbalta 20mg 10 days ago For pain and anxiety and take atenolol 25 mg day I don't feel no difference yet how long does it take to feel a difference the only thing kinda different is my neck feels less stiff but still with the same amount of pain am taking cymbalta for peripheral neuropathy (neck and shoulder pain- badly) plus I get panic attacks thru the day no given reason and night time I wake up with panic attacks terrible been going on for a few months I had panic attacks as a teenager and tools years to get over them and now at age 52 they return
Packard2046
21 Feb 2014
I agree with Kaismama you are not on a high enough dose to be therapeutic. It took me 6 weeks and 300mg of doxepin to see positive results. Hang in there my depression got worse for a while after starting the meds before it got better. I know it:s difficult to keep a positive outlook at first. But things will get better it did for me. Sincerely Packard2046
kaismama
19 Feb 2014
You're not taking enough to help. The dr needs to tell you to up it then maybe you'll feel better. Most people take 20-40 mg and they don't stay lower for a whole month. If its increased you may feel better.
weplant
19 Feb 2014
Thanks for your reply.. I am extremely sensitive to meds. There was a great article by a doctor about antidepressants and statins..He used prozac as a sample. All the trials showed that low doses of prozac were very effective. The studies stated that people were put on 5mg and 60% improved, at 20mg the improvement was 69%, so only 9% difference..We all metabolize differently..For example, 1/2 glass of wine and I am dancing on the tables. That is why my doc put me on such a low dose. Even at the 5mg I am feeling the side effects..It seems that what I have read is that it can take 6 weeks or more on prozac to feel better. I don't want to give up if help is around the corner..The depression is actually not as bad, but the anxiety is crazy..Also a headache and stomach cramps..So glad there are forums like this to help people like me get thru the tough times..thanks
JayhawkJourney
20 Feb 2014
Hi. I rarely respond to questions, but had to comment on yours, as our problems are so similar. I also have been experiencing extreme anxiety. I am Extremely sensitive or intolerant to all low dose medications. After trying many ADs at half strength then one fourth strength, and having horrible reactions, my pdoc and I decided on a liquid form. My first was Prozac, which is stayed on for 8 weeks... I got up to three drops. It helped with depression, but not so much the anxiety. The stomach cramping never went away for me. I felt so sick everyday. I am not saying you won't get better, just sharing my experience.
I am now taking liquid zoloft and have worked up to 2 drops very slowly. The side effects have been pretty bad, but not as bad as with Prozac. My doc says this is rare and is caused by my metabolism. He has other patients with this problem. If I had not experienced the reactions that I have, I would not have believed that such small doses of meds could cause such major effects for some of us. I am feeling a little better with the zoloft. I was very desperate for relief and stuck with the zoloft when most would have given up. Again, just my experience.
I hope the Prozac works for you, but if not, there are other liquids to try for us "sensitives".
JayhawkJourney
20 Feb 2014
Correction... it should say "I stayed on Prozac for 8 weeks" instead of "is stayed on... " Hope this makes sense.
weplant
20 Feb 2014
Thank you Jayhawk for your response..It is great to hear from someone else who is dealing with the same issues..I am at week 4 on the liquid prozac and up to 1ml (which is 5mg) I going to hang in there a little longer and pray that the side effects disminish and the anxiety starts to improve..I need to be able to leave my house!!!
I hope you have great success with the zoloft, that may be my next try..
Related topics
prozac, anxiety, panic disorder, dosage, anxiety and stress, disorder
Further information
- Prozac uses and safety info
- Prozac prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prozac (detailed)
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