Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

Fluoxetine "I struggle with severe anxiety and panic attacks, as well as depression. I was on Zoloft (sertraline) for about two years and found myself feeling pretty good, so I decided to stop taking it. After starting university, however, I found that my anxiety was getting to an unbearable state, and so I went to my doctor, and she prescribed me Prozac. At first, I had very, very adverse side effects. I had tremors and super bad anxiety. After a while, I noticed less frequency in my panic attacks, but unfortunately, my mood was absolutely brutal. I was constantly depressed, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, thought really dark thoughts very often, felt agitated and irritated constantly. I literally felt like I wanted to die, like I literally had no choice because the pain was so unbearable. I am now off the medication, and I feel as though a bag of bricks has been lifted from my shoulders. I wouldn’t recommend this medication if you are prone to depressive thoughts or if you are young like me (I’m 19)."

• YAY...
• January 14, 2016

"I started taking this medicine only 3 days ago, and I already feel like I can tell a difference. I have extreme panic disorder, social anxiety, and just general anxiety. Recently, I have been getting panic attacks every night around 9 pm, but ever since I started taking this, I haven't had a single one. I know these kinds of medicines aren't supposed to start working for a couple of weeks, but I truly feel a difference already. I have tried Lexapro (gained a ton of weight) and Zoloft, which was giving me terrible side effects as well, so I am hopeful that this medicine will work without causing other problems!"

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2021

Fluoxetine "My MD put me on Prozac for OCD thoughts and anxiety/panic disorder (I have OCD related to medical illness, and every pain in my body may be cancer, which led to severe anxiety/panic). He started me on 20mg. Two days in, I was waking up in the middle of the night sweating, racing heart, had to take a Xanax to just relax. Then I started with jitters/tremors, which did not help my anxiety related to medical issues (a Google search on tremors took me to all sorts of illnesses, which fueled my anxiety). I had a full-blown panic attack at work by day 5. People say to ride this out, there is no way I can do this for another 2-4 weeks. Felt like it was the end of me yesterday and briefly thought it would be better if I did, because I can't live like this. Last night I was up at 2 AM again with racing thoughts/heart, sweating, shaking, had to take 0.25 mg of Xanax to go back to bed. Did not take my Prozac today. I haven't had panicky thoughts, just feeling some jitteriness."

• pan...
• February 7, 2015

"I suffered panic attacks and anxiety most of my life but started having several a day after a move and job change. I tried Zoloft 25 mg first and had extreme jitteriness, nausea, and shaking (sertraline reaction). My doctor switched me to a low dose of Prozac to start with (5 mg...half a 10 mg tablet). After 2 weeks, he moved me to 10 mg, but I had nausea and shakiness. He said to go back to 5 mg. I had to continue Xanax as needed for my first month. The attacks slowly became less severe, then disappeared. 1 month now since an attack and I only take 5 mg. This has changed my life."

• Tia...
• April 20, 2017

Fluoxetine "It is April 20th, 2017. I started taking Prozac in January 2017. I hated Prozac. I was never depressed in the first place to begin with. My psychiatrist prescribed me the pills. They did not work for me. I have not been taking the pills since April 17th. So it's been 3 days, and I feel better and am beginning to be back to my normal ways and more alert and less depressed. I have read online that people who stopped taking it feel good at first, then it starts to kick in like emotions and stuff trying to get it out of your system. I guess withdrawal? But I couldn't do Prozac anymore. Made me VERY depressed and annoyed all the time. Didn't work for me."

• LBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2020

Fluoxetine "I was experiencing OCD, general anxiety, and panic attacks. I was put on Prozac for 2 weeks. After a few days, my symptoms got bad. I still can't eat, was still experiencing weird dreams, etc. It was like someone put a magnifying glass over every symptom I was experiencing. I was previously on Lexapro and never experienced anything close to what I just experienced with Prozac. Scared the hell out of me."

• Ril...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

Fluoxetine "Having horrible anxiety that comes and goes, especially if things change. As a child, I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, but my mom disagreed. I was very anxious and unable to concentrate and unable to become a good student, so I suffered tremendously. Started Prozac 20 mg and hope it helps. I am 64 and just stopped working full time because my anxiety kicked in."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2023

"I felt it was necessary to let others who are worried to take this medicine, the experience and benefits it had for me. After years of anxiety, I never took any antidepressants or other drugs for it, and I hit rock bottom. I started having dizzy spells while driving, which turned into actual panic attacks while driving. I went 40 days without driving, which, as a mom, crippled me and made me feel useless that a seemingly thoughtless process to get in the car and go turned into actual fear of another attack. I was prescribed Fluoxetine in October but waited a month to take it for fear of the side effects. After a follow-up appointment with my doctor, I decided to start taking it. I had almost no side effects: an upset stomach and a mild headache daily, which was all tolerable for about a week, and that was it. I felt happier. After about 4 weeks of taking it, I was able to drive, I am driving now, and I take 20 mg daily. I definitely suggest this medicine."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2020

"I started on 20 mg fluoxetine after having a panic disorder from age 8 (I’m 19) and becoming really depressed. I was reluctant because of bad reviews, however, after a month, I found it really helped my mood. Two weeks later, my panic attacks decreased. I found at the start I was very dizzy and felt sick and wasn’t as interested in food, however, the dizziness has gone away. I’m very happy with the results and it improved my everyday life!"

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2022

"This rating is for panic disorder. It did not work for me, I took 20 mg for 8 weeks, then went up to 40 mg for another 6 weeks (hardest 14 weeks of my life). It made me feel very agitated for the majority of the day, and the anxiety I was trying to get relief from was an unbearable amount. I had to take time off work. I started taking Mirtazapine, and within 2 days, anxiety and panic were nonexistent. Wish anyone struggling all the best."

• Ska...
• April 10, 2018

Fluoxetine "This med is very good. I went from almost quitting my job to enjoying life again. This is my fourth week on it. 20 mg a day. The first two weeks were difficult, but right now my panic attacks are mild, as well as my anxiety. I hope it stays that way. My doctor told me I would have to take it for at least 6 months, which worries me a bit. Does anyone know any natural remedies for panic attacks and anxiety? I want to be free from meds. Plus, meds may stop working anytime. Please help!"

• eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2017

"I have always had issues with anxiety, mild panic, and OCD, but it was manageable. I developed panic disorder in the fall and became reclusive and a hypochondriac because of the panic attacks. After a litany of tests that came back normal and time with physical and mental therapists (which both helped but did not completely cure the attacks), I caved and started fluoxetine 10 mg. The first few weeks I was jittery, but that is the only side effect, and it went away. My panic subsided days in. I've been on it for 2.5 months now and have been panic-free for the last month. I've also noticed a reduction in the amount of headaches I get. I was TERRIFIED to give this drug a chance, but glad I did. I finally have my life back!"

• Pai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2016

"This medication, coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy, has helped me so much in dealing with my social anxiety/panic disorder, which I have had to deal with for over 10 years. By lifting my mood and clearing my head, this medication has allowed me to think more clearly and rationally about what I'm panicking about. Then, using my cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, I am then able to calm myself down and talk myself out of that horrible feeling (hyperventilating/pounding heart/lightheadedness). I had previously used propranolol to calm me down when I felt stressed, but as this is no longer working, I had to try something else. I was put on 20 mg. The first two weeks, I had a bit of sickness and trouble sleeping, but that passed."

• Kia...
• May 20, 2019

Fluoxetine "I started taking Prozac mostly for my panic attacks but a little bit for my anxiety and depression as well. I can't say my experience was all bad because I was going through a rough time, and it seemed to make my panic attacks a bit more manageable and less intense, but I think for me the cons outweighed the pros. The first time I started it, I stopped eating for nearly two weeks, which caused me to lose weight. Then the dose was upped from 10 mg to 20 mg, and I stopped eating for another two weeks. The anxiety was pretty bad for the first two weeks as well. After the first couple of weeks, the side effects calmed down to an extent. I still had pretty bad sexual problems, a lot of heartburn, night sweats, and problems sleeping. So while the side effects weren't major, I tried getting off it due to my anxiety seemingly doing better and the side effects. I was nervous to get off, but it seems like I haven't had any odd effects from stopping, so that's good. My anxiety is still low, so for now, I'll stay off."

• dun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 30, 2017

"Started on fluoxetine about a year ago after starting to experience panic attacks for the first time in my life after a major life change. Have dealt with social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders without any treatment for years. Along with CBT, fluoxetine has given me my life back, truly. For a while, I never thought I would be okay again or be able to get back to feeling normal. I convinced myself that I was having heart attacks and strokes (at 18 years old) because of the panic symptoms, and I ended up at urgent care several times because of this. This medication is truly the best, and I give it so much credit for getting my life back."

• Dip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2017

Fluoxetine "Took Paxil for the past 5 years for anxiety/depression/panic. Stopped it 1 year ago to pursue pregnancy. I did well for the 1st 6-8 months but then began to fall apart. Anxiety, panic attacks, depression all returned. I was put on Prozac because it's pregnancy-friendly about 1 week ago. I've had the worst reflux/heartburn I've ever had in my life. I take the pill at night because it made me sleepy the 1st day when I took it in the morning. I'm currently on day 8, the reflux is slightly better, but I have increased anxiety/panic. I hadn't had this the 1st week. Does anyone have similar stories? I appreciate feedback. I'm not sure whether to stick it out on Prozac or switch to a different med."

• Yon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2016

"I've been on fluoxetine 10 mg for a week. I get panic attacks. My doctor first gave me Lexapro, I felt so sick with flu-like symptoms. He changed me to Prozac, so far, the symptoms are a lot lighter. My problem is I'm still having to take Xanax to stop the shaking. The doctor prescribed me 1.0 of Xanax twice a day, I spread it out because it just makes me sleep. I don't want to just exist - I want to live. I'm hoping to see changes soon."

• THS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2019

"Keep a daily journal for the side effects. Because you will have some. The first two weeks are unpleasant (I almost quit the meds). Time will fly by and sooner or later you’ll look back and think, “When was the last time I was sad?” Paired with bi-weekly counseling and 3 or 4 days per week of going to the gym, I can say I am finally happier and living my best. If anyone is concerned, my top side effects were tremors in hands and jaw, insomnia, and vivid dreams. It gets easier, I swear on my life. Enjoy the freedom this medication brings you! I certainly am."

• Mol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

Fluoxetine "I have taken Prozac on a short-term basis for anxiety and depression a handful of times. It had a minimal effect on lessening my anxiety and seemed to increase depression. I recently took it for 5 weeks, and while I wasn’t experiencing full-blown panic attacks, I still felt edgy, and it was blunting my emotions to the point I felt numb or like a zombie. I also experienced diarrhea and an upset stomach. My doctor switched me to Lexapro, and I’m so glad I stuck it out and tried a different SSRI, as it has been a life changer for me."

• Ree...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2021

Fluoxetine "Started Prozac for PMDD and panic disorder. Stopped after two weeks of bad side effects. Usually felt the medication side effects kick in about 1 hour after taking it. Felt weighed down, slow breathing, fuzzy-headed, heavy eyes—sedated. It was awful. Triggered three panic attacks on day 13. Side effects occur randomly throughout the day. Feeling drowsy to the point where I’d need to sink down and close my eyes for a minute during conversation. Felt like narcolepsy. Out and then awake in two minutes. Drowsiness, diarrhea, increased anxiety, emotionally detached during the first week. Pros: I felt good around 5 pm and slept fine. Felt good in the morning up until an hour after taking my prescribed dose. Cons: Side effects randomly appearing throughout the day. Severe drowsiness, zoned out, panic attacks, flat moods."

• Cyd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 17, 2018

Fluoxetine "I've been on many different drugs for my disorder over the years. This drug is the worst drug I've ever been on, and I had to tell my doctor to take me off it immediately. It made all my disorders worse and caused really bad suicidal tendencies."

• mar...
• February 24, 2012

"I had been taking Lexapro for years until September 2011. I did not know what was happening to me last summer, and my doctor was running all of these different tests on me. I was fine, except the Lexapro wasn't working anymore, and I was having more panic attacks. This is when my medication was switched to fluoxetine. I have felt so much better since then, and I haven't had any more problems."

• Hec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2020

"I will never take fluoxetine again! I was only on it for 2 days. It tore up my stomach...really bad heartburn. It made me have OCD...anxiety attacks and panic attacks got worse. My heart is always racing. I stopped after 2 days because my stomach was killing me. I’m still feeling the side effects. Can’t sleep! My body shakes...have a burning sensation all through my body at times. I’m on day 3 of stopping, and I’m hoping this will all stop soon. I feel like I need to go to the ER all the time now. Hard to believe after only 2 doses I’m going through this."

• Rmp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2022

Fluoxetine "I was given Prozac (currently on 10 mg) for anxiety/panic, which caused mild depression. This all started about six months ago after a move to a new state. I was terrified. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, thought I was dying, etc. I reached out for help as this was something I’ve never experienced in my 35 years of life. Tried Lexapro first for about two months with zero improvement, it actually made things worse. Then I tried Zoloft. Zoloft made me angry at everything, and I am not one who is ever angry, especially for no reason. I even tried Lamictal off-label, and that was awful too. After not trying anything for about a month and a half, my NP and I decided to try Prozac. It’s only been a little over a week, but I’m feeling pretty good about it so far. I haven’t noticed any massive improvements yet, but I know these meds can sometimes take weeks to months to really work."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2022

"I started having panic attacks (PAs) early last year, and I wasn't the same afterwards. I became so scared of future episodes, regardless of where I was. Symptoms: depersonalization, derealization, detachment, tingling/numbness in my arms and legs, upset stomach, high heart rate and blood pressure, pale complexion, sensation of being choked. I actively refused to take medication due to horror stories I would read up day and night, psyching myself into not taking them. Months went by, my PAs started occurring at work, while driving, at the grocery store, and I became agoraphobic for two months. A month into Prozac, the PAs stopped, and I was able to gain control of my mind/physical symptoms. A month into it, I got a new job. Prior, I had lost my long-time job, money/savings, and am now rebuilding from scratch. Please, take this as a sign to start this medication/continue taking your meds (even if it's/they're not Prozac), they're there to help you. This, too, will pass, and you will move forward beyond this :)"