Prozac and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "Only been on 10 mg for a week now, but already feeling the benefits and about to begin 20 mg. The only downside is that it did give me anxiety on one particular day that I was extremely stressed out and depressed, and I felt somewhat on edge, hostile, aggressive, anxious. But now I feel totally euphoric, and my social anxiety has decreased significantly, and I expect it to continue to get even better. I also have post-traumatic stress disorder from a car accident. I have noticed a small amount of improvement so far, but not much. Will comment again, perhaps in 1 month, to let you all know how it's going."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "Only been on 10 mg for a week now, but already feeling the benefits and about to begin 20 mg. The only downside is that it did give me anxiety on one particular day that I was extremely stressed out and depressed, and I felt somewhat on edge, hostile, aggressive, anxious. But now I feel totally euphoric, and my social anxiety has decreased significantly, and I expect it to continue to get even better. I also have post-traumatic stress disorder from a car accident. I have noticed a small amount of improvement so far, but not much. Will comment again, perhaps in 1 month, to let you all know how it's going."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I am so sorry you’re going through this, and I hope that you’re doing better. I was on Paxil for 17 years, but I stopped working and I started Prozac about 2 weeks ago. I’ve been depressed and anxious, but the doc told me that I need to be patient and give it time to work. It feels unbearable sometimes, but I get through by taking small amounts of Xanax in the meantime - hopefully, I’ll be able to taper off once the Prozac starts working."

• Kot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Prozac 10 mg because of my extreme anxiety/brain fog. My first few days on it, I felt good. A bit jittery and some insomnia, but still good, and then after those few days, I started getting insane panic attacks, and I've never had them before. I only took the meds for a week due to the increased anxiety and panic attacks. They say the first two weeks are the hardest, but I couldn't get past the first week. Maybe it'll work for you, but it didn't for me. It made my mind race and made me speak fast. I had insomnia, the shakes, and increased anxiety and panic attacks. Maybe if I would have stuck with it, it would have worked out for me, but getting through the beginning stages just wasn't possible for me."

• Kot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Prozac 10 mg because of my extreme anxiety/brain fog. My first few days on it, I felt good. A bit jittery and some insomnia, but still good, and then after those few days, I started getting insane panic attacks, and I've never had them before. I only took the meds for a week due to the increased anxiety and panic attacks. They say the first two weeks are the hardest, but I couldn't get past the first week. Maybe it'll work for you, but it didn't for me. It made my mind race and made me speak fast. I had insomnia, the shakes, and increased anxiety and panic attacks. Maybe if I would have stuck with it, it would have worked out for me, but getting through the beginning stages just wasn't possible for me."

• CJB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed 10 mg of this medication for the first month and felt okay, but I still had my bad days. On my 6th week, my doc upped my prescription to 20 mg, and in the week I was on that dosage, my anxiety was through the roof. I went back to my doctor with my symptoms, and he put me back down to 10 mg with the intent of weaning me off of it. Plus, this makes you kind of emotionless, like a zombie. Even on my good days where I wasn't anxious, I just didn't have the motivation to do anything. I really don't recommend this to anyone. But if it helps you, that's good."

• Mat...
• January 17, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I started a generic brand of Prozac more than 3-4 years ago. I started at 20 mg and am still on that same dose. Before Prozac, I lost almost 50 pounds because I didn't eat. I was depressed and always anxious. I was afraid of weird things, like taking a shower because I thought I would fall and die. I was afraid to win the lottery (never would happen anyway, lol). I never had anything like this in my life! I was newly wed and just had a baby. So I guess it was normal to have those feelings. Prozac has been great. The first few weeks on it, I had increased anxiety. The worst thing is I gained about 75-80 pounds!"

• Yub...
• September 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Prozac made feelings of depression and anxiety 1000% worse. I constantly felt like I was jumping out of my skin! Due to high levels of anxiety, it was difficult to function, and I made poor decisions. After 2 years of this crazy rat race, I got off and went on gabapentin and feel 100% normal and stress-free. It is now in hindsight that I realize how truly detrimental Prozac was for me."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2015

For Depression "I just couldn't shake it off. Anxiety, depression woke up. Horrid, scared, git feeling. Couldn't cook, dread, fear, worrying constantly about dying. Doc gave me propranolol, went like a zombie. 2nd doc listened to me but said I wasn't depressed. 3rd time lucky, doc gave me fluoxetine. It has immediately taken effect. Been on a bike ride and cooked a meal."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2015

For Depression "I just couldn't shake it off. Anxiety, depression woke up. Horrid, scared, git feeling. Couldn't cook, dread, fear, worrying constantly about dying. Doc gave me propranolol, went like a zombie. 2nd doc listened to me but said I wasn't depressed. 3rd time lucky, doc gave me fluoxetine. It has immediately taken effect. Been on a bike ride and cooked a meal."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2015

For Depression "I just couldn't shake it off. Anxiety, depression woke up. Horrid, scared, git feeling. Couldn't cook, dread, fear, worrying constantly about dying. Doc gave me propranolol, went like a zombie. 2nd doc listened to me but said I wasn't depressed. 3rd time lucky, doc gave me fluoxetine. It has immediately taken effect. Been on a bike ride and cooked a meal."

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking 20 mg of Prozac for 2 days now. Feeling really anxious, more so than before, if that's possible, but I know this is a bit of a waiting game. I'm going to give it a good 2 months before making any kind of decision. Really hope this works out because these feelings are messing up my marriage to the love of my life."

• ver...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "After being on Prozac 20 mg for nine months, I have to share how amazing my experience has been. Along with therapy, it has changed my life for the better. Decreased anxiety, incredibly lighter mood and more stable emotions, restored motivation and reward from daily/social life, and, most importantly, dark thoughts are almost entirely gone. Female here, no impact on sex drive or function, significantly more manageable mood swings/tearfulness during PMS. I have to say that I was terrified of side effects at first, and it took me months to take the leap and start Prozac... my anxiety was a lot worse the first month, but I stuck it out because I knew living with untreated depression just wasn't an option, and I'm so glad I stayed on the medication... anxiety went back to baseline and then improved tremendously, and I've truly healed from the depression more than I ever could have imagined. It may take a few trials with different medications or treatments, but healing is possible!!"

• TJa...
• April 20, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Let me begin by saying that I would NOT advise starting Prozac (or generic fluoxetine) unless you have severe anxiety and depression and have already undergone significant CBT psychotherapy and alternative methods to no avail. In my case, I began Prozac because I had developed anxiety and OCD after a difficult injury I sustained. As I expected, the first few days were very tough, extremely bad anxiety while trying to go to sleep. The medication subjected me to harsh hypomanic moments and made me develop unprecedented anxieties that I had not encountered beforehand. To be fair, I probably scared myself more by looking at negative research, but the increased anxiety paired with memory loss made me decide to quit. This drug may work for you, but it may not. DO NOT be afraid to quit if the cons outweigh the benefits, I felt better off the drug."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 7, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking Prozac since I was thirteen years old or so. I'm sixteen now, and I'm worried that if I ever stop, I'll get bad again. I have severe anxiety and had depression. The depression has gone away, but the anxiety has worsened. Not from this medication, but I believe I need a larger dose. Anyway, this drug has helped me and made me feel like it can get better. Knowing the chemistry in my brain is really helpful too, to know that serotonin is being released. I would recommend for severe depression, but not anxiety unless at a larger dose. I'm on 40 mg now, but took 20 mg up until a month ago."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I have taken Prozac 20 and 40 mg quite a few years ago with a really positive outcome, but at a point, it stopped working, so I went to Wellbutrin. Recently, I started to get panic again, and my doctor thought adding Prozac into my daily regimen would help because it worked so well in the past. The side effects were so difficult for 3 weeks: crying, unable to eat, anxiety every minute, lost about 10 pounds, which was a good side effect :). But they did subside. It seemed to be working, but now some days I am having anxiety again and tremors daily. Unfortunately, it isn't working this time around, and I will be switching off it, but I would definitely recommend it for people since it did once work wonderfully for my panic and GAD."

• kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2020

For Depression "I take 40 mg Prozac along with 750 mg Depakote to control my bipolar depression. So far, it's worked wonders for me. For the first two weeks, I had high anxiety, but it subsided, and I believe I'm now feeling the full benefits of this medication. It does not make me as groggy as Lexapro did or want to eat as much. The only side effect that's endured past the two-week mark is vivid dreams. Willing to put up with that for the vast benefits it's had on my mood and behavior."

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "I have only been on Prozac for 2 days. I haven't had any irritable moments like I normally do, but that could just be normal for me. I am anxious about the side effects, and anxious to know if this is going to help me. I am 30 years old and have suffered from OCD and anxiety for years. I have never taken anything for it, I just thought it was something I could control on my own, but came to the realization that I can't control everything. Now I am just waiting to see what happens and if this wonder drug will work for me."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2021

For Depression "It took a full 7 weeks to have any tangible result. In fact, the first few weeks were tormented, but my GP told me to carry on with it, come hell or high water. I did actually quit taking it initially but tried again through desperation. It made me feel extremely anxious and panicky in the beginning, but I found the tool of mindful meditation to be an excellent antidote to panic. I didn't believe Prozac would have any effect, but I now find it very helpful indeed. I also got rid of the stressors in my life (poor job fit and bad relationship) and learned how not to ruminate. I had a small amount of alcohol once after the 3 weeks, and it made me feel very ill on Prozac, so I have stopped drinking beer. I have tried other ADs before but couldn't stomach the side effects, and I have to admit that I had to swallow my pride before swallowing Prozac, as I used to think depression was for weaklings when, in fact, it is rather the opposite kind of people who suffer from it."

• Juv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "So I'm on 20 mg taken in the morning. To treat PTSD and OCD intrusive thoughts. I'm on 20 mg taken in the morning. I'm on my 11th day. Today I woke up feeling extremely anxious, bordering on a panic attack, so I took half of a 0.5 lorazepam to take the edge off. I do notice that at times my intrusive thoughts and normal ones just race, going back and forth. But physically, I am calm. I'm not breaking down as easily, which I have noticed improvement. This is why I'm hanging in there and giving this a chance. I do notice something that has heightened, and that would be my urge to run and be outside. It's all fed by my anxiety, that's why I don't let it bother me much. I have noticed that I am walking outdoors more often."

• afa...
• January 18, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had a horrible experience with Prozac. I was actually very excited when my doctor decided it would be the next antidepressant medication I tried because it gets so much good publicity. Hell, there's even a memoir called 'Prozac Nation.' Upon beginning my daily regimen of Prozac, I had increased anxiety (to the point that I was having uncontrollable heart palpitations, dizzy spells, trouble breathing -- I couldn't eat, and got down to 100 lbs on accident) and my suicidal ideation increased to the point that I made a very serious suicide attempt. Thanks to quick intervention, speedy response from paramedics, and a life flight, I am alive today. Be careful, and be aware of side effects."

• Anx...
• January 2, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Prozac 20 mg daily for crippling anxiety. I had been really struggling to live in the present instead of the past or future for many years. I can confirm what many others here have stated with regards to the amount of time it takes for this medication to build up in your system and work. Week 1, my anxiety and insomnia worsened. By the end of week 2, these side effects are completely gone, and I have a feeling of calm and happiness I have not felt in a very long time. I will continue to use this medication indefinitely. If you do decide to take this medication, stick it out for at least a couple of weeks before you make a decision on if it's right for you!"

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I combine this pill (20mg) with Adderall 20mg, and it has really helped me with the Adderall's withdrawal (anxiety/desperation/bad mood/even suicidal thoughts). At first, I didn't feel like it was doing something to me, but I have observed during this month that I no longer have panic attacks that Adderall used to provoke in me."

• Mad...
• May 17, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "It didn't work, I was up to 40 mg daily and felt literally nothing. Ever since I had my son, I have had panic attacks and bad anxiety, so I went to the doctor and was prescribed Prozac. I was so disappointed. I almost feel more depressed now."

• Ama...
• December 15, 2015

For Depression "About 2 years ago, I took 20 mg of Prozac for suspected depression for approx. 4 months. I experienced the slightest lift in my mood for about 3 days during the course of treatment. Otherwise, I experienced severe anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, random bouts of euphoria, and, worst of all, incredibly gruesome nightmares. I have no military experience, and I am not in a medical/emergency field. I have never been exposed to blood/gore through anything except basic cable and an occasional scary movie. But I just want to warn as many people as I can that this drug can cause the most brutal, disgusting nightmares a person can experience. I woke up sweating and crying, trying to scream hysterically. I stopped taking it and never looked back."