Fluoxetine and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Zen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2022

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "Absolutely a zero for me. I wish I could give it a negative rating. This drug is an absolute poison. I had it for 6 weeks, and I had all the worst side effects possible. It gave me panic attacks. It made me get OCD, rumination, confusion. I was literally questioning everything that I was doing. Something as simple as choosing a dress to wear was confusing to me. Concentration difficulties and sexual dysfunction. It is a horrible drug. I have lost my faith in psychiatrists. I was dealing with my own problems much better before trying out this drug. My opinion is: Never take any psychiatric pills unless you are completely unable to function or get out of bed. Mild to moderate problems should be dealt with by you."

• Mar...
• January 26, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "After a month of debilitating anxiety that was interrupting my daily life severely, I got back on Prozac with a side of Lorazepam to help during attacks. The first week was awful, worsening anxiety, little sleep, waking up to panic attacks. I called my therapist and told her I couldn’t go on like this, but I knew my kids needed me. She let me know the side effects (which I must have not experienced when I was younger or forgotten about), so I hung on for a couple more days and went for a very hard run, and all of a sudden, it felt like a massive weight lifted off me. I figured I was just getting some endorphins and knew my anxiety would come back in a couple of hours, but it never did. I’m on day 3 of being 97% anxiety-free. I say 97 because I can still feel it creep mostly in the morning, but it just kinda passes now. It’s very liberating, and I can enjoy my family and children again. Very effective if you can make it through the initial storm. Hang in there, you can do it."

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2017

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Prozac (10 mg) worked great for my depressive symptoms. I had energy and was motivated. I had no issues with weight gain or my sex drive. It did, however, significantly increase my anxiety. I had scary obsessive, intrusive thoughts, along with bad episodes of panic that came out of nowhere. I was scared to drive, go over bridges-there was always this fear of 'what if?' Everything that I could be anxious about, I was. I had a very difficult time quieting my mind, and at times I thought I was going crazy. Very scary experience overall. For those suffering from depression, I'm sure this RX is a godsend, but much too 'speedy' for my body."

• Amb...
• December 11, 2019

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I started taking Prozac 9 days ago. I had my first ever panic attack 2 days ago in which I thought I wasn't going to live. Since the panic attack, I haven’t been able to sleep, eat, or drink. I haven't stopped thinking about dying once. So for these 2 days, I have been throwing up, nervous feeling in my tummy, dizziness, feeling scared and panic, and it hasn’t stopped. It’s been here constantly. I’ve spoken to my doctor and my counselors, and they said to ride it out. But I’m not going to do that. I had a suicidal thought last night, which has never happened for me. I’ve had to move in with my mom for the next couple of days so I’m not alone because I’m that scared of dying. I hope that after the tablets leave my system, I’m back to my old ways. I just don’t know what to do or say to anyone anymore. Doctors have even had to give me diazepams so I can stay calm, and half the time, they only work for around 15-20 minutes, all of this is torture. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS."

• fid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2020

For Depression "My invasive, persistent suicidal thoughts started going away after a week on fluoxetine, and I'm noticing significant improvements in my ability to function. I wish I would have tried antidepressants sooner. I am on 10 mg and not having any more panic attacks. I feel stable. For the first time in a long time, I feel neutral. I cannot believe this actually works. Even my husband and family have noticed the difference."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I am now 5 weeks and 3 days into Prozac. The first 2 weeks were fine. I actually started feeling a little happier by the end of week 2. Now weeks 3-4 were absolutely terrible. I went to the ER thrice. Headaches, horrible night sweats, shaking, weakness, nausea, bloating, insomnia, obsessive thoughts, ruminating, and feeling unwell. Excruciating anxiety, and I'm used to having anxiety on a daily basis. I would have panic attacks repeatedly. I called my doctor many times. She reassured me it would get better and to take hydroxyzine HCl. I had to take at least 25 mg every 4 hours, otherwise, I would start to get chest tightness, hot, sweating, pounding heart, etc. As soon as week 5 began, I feel better every day. Today was the first day I didn't stay on hydroxyzine HCl. I feel happier, motivated, not as irritable, loving, patient. I still have random headaches, shaking, weird dreams. From someone who had ALL the crappy side effects, keeeeep goinggg! Best of luck!"

• eh1...
• December 20, 2014

Fluoxetine for Depression "On 10 mg, I stopped blushing, thought I became social. It helped for social anxiety even though I was taking it for depression. I don't know though, because I had panic attacks, muscle stiffness (dislocated my shoulder), was manic, heard voices on 20 mg. 20 mg was extremely intense, blew my anxiety way up. Very scary."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2015

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "First week was hell, more anxiety and panic attacks. Had to leave work early one day for the anxiety, also left a family event early. But now... starting second week and starting to feel like myself again! As long as things continue this way, will be happy on this drug! Without the first week's side effects would give it a 10."

• Bli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I started to get terrible panic attacks at night about 5 months ago. It was very scary and heartbreaking. I am a mother of 3 boys, and I was losing my mind. I am on a low dose of Ativan, but it wasn't keeping the panic away, and I started to have episodes during the day. I can handle my anxiety and depression, but I cannot handle panic attacks. Worst thing ever. So I decided to try Prozac. 10 mg was making me sick and was too strong. I felt funny. So now I cut it in half and put the powder in a full glass of water every morning. So I am on 5 mg daily and Ativan when needed. I haven't had a panic attack since. If the blue pill gives you heartburn... try cutting it open and putting the medicine in water. When I started doing that, my heartburn went away. I feel so much better, and I don't feel drugged up or strange. I still have issues, but I don't panic from the stress anymore."

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

Fluoxetine 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."

• Gue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2019

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "Prozac made me crazy, 13 days on it, and landed in A&E with seizure-like panic attacks where I couldn’t move my arms or face. After 5 days off, I’m still in the highest anxiety crisis I’ve ever been in. I was prescribed it for panic attacks, but the panic attacks before were nothing as bad as when I started taking Prozac. I ended up with depersonalization mixed with severe panic attacks and insomnia. It gave me problems I never had before. My doctor had to put me on diazepam just to counteract the side effects! This drug may work for some people, but it can cause massive suffering for others, and with its long half-life, it’s not easy to come off."

• Gwe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2019

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I took 10 mg of Prozac for 12 days. Days 1-9 were pretty good. I was nauseous and threw up a few times, but I expected that. Day 10, the first of the panic attacks hit. It lasted for 6 hours. 6 hours of uncontrollable crying, shaking, and vomiting. My doctor took me off the Prozac 2 days later. Today is 1 week without the Prozac, and I am still having intense panic attacks and vomiting almost all day, every day. I have no idea how long this will last, but it's ruining my life. I can't drive or take care of my children. My husband has had to take time off of work, and I've lost almost 10 pounds. Worst thing I ever did."

• Ana...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been on this medication, fluoxetine, for a little over a month. I should’ve been on it sooner, but it sat in my kitchen cabinet for weeks after reading all of the bad reviews and side effects online. I wish I hadn’t done that and wish I had just started it because it has helped me so much. I started on 10 mg and increased my dosage to 20 mg after 3 weeks. I honestly started to feel better after a week and a half of taking it. Yes, the side effects suck. I had panic attacks, nausea, night sweats, headaches, but most of the side effects went away within 2 weeks. My psychiatrist put me on this medication because I have OCD, GAD, mild depression, and some phobias. I was terrified to take this medication because of the side effects, but I’m so glad I started taking it. It’s improved my life more than I ever thought it could!"

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2013

For Depression "Fluoxetine, for me, has been amazing. I have only been on it now for 2 weeks. My doctor changed my medication from Paxil to fluoxetine after 1 month on Paxil, as although Paxil helped with the depression and obsessive negative thoughts about my current situation and bad memories from my past, it made me even less motivated than I was at my most depressed point. On Prozac, I have gone from a sad person who felt lonely and like life wasn't worth living to a 'normal' person with 'normal' thoughts. I have what I would consider normal motivation. I now shower, cook, do housework, sort bills/paperwork out without dreading it. I no longer dread going out. I have no more panic attacks or anxiety. I no longer want to sleep all the time. Thank you."

• Eli...
• July 1, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "My daughter took 5 mg of Prozac for four days before deciding to stop using it due to horrific side effects. Day 1 was wonderful, no anxiety with just a slight headache. Day 2 brought on severe nausea so bad it was painful and the dark feelings of depression and crying uncontrollably (she previously had zero depression), along with a “static” feeling in her brain. The morning of Day 3, she woke feeling as if she was on fire, nausea, and nightmares (again, she had never previously had nightmares). Day 4 included all of the above topped with a panic attack. She stopped taking it. The last 5 mg dose she took was a Saturday night at 6 pm. We ended up in the ER on Monday due to waking up Monday morning with such an extreme panic attack that she was inconsolable and almost passing out. After 5 hours straight of this, we ended in the ER where they gave her a shot of Ativan to calm her. We were told the half-life is 1-3 days since she had only taken 4, so praying tomorrow is better."

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

Fluoxetine 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."

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

Fluoxetine 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."

• San...
• June 24, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "My experience with taking fluoxetine 40 mg has been great! My doctors tried several antidepressants. I must say I feel like a new person being on fluoxetine. I was so stressed out from working in a hostile environment and going through menopause all at the same time. The problems became so intense my doctor literally had to take me off my job. I was having severe depression, anxiety, and panic attacks that were out of control. I was put on the medication in January 2015. I have lost 29 lbs of stress weight that I had been carrying for quite some time. I truly thank God for having a great set of doctors. Best."

• Mad...
• May 17, 2016

Fluoxetine 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."

• gea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2023

For Panic Disorder "I can’t say enough positive things about this medicine! Before fluoxetine, my anxiety was debilitating. I was having panic attacks multiple times a day. My whole body would shake, and I’d have the worst feeling of dread, it was horrible, and I started to feel like I was going crazy. I began missing work and saying no to plans with friends. I stayed in the house as often as possible. Then, I reached out to my Dr., and she put me on 10 mg to start. The first few weeks were hard, I was having less panic attacks, but a lot of generalized anxiety. After 4 weeks, she bumped me up to 20 mg, and that was a game changer. Almost every symptom I had went away over the course of the next few weeks. I started to feel lighter, happier, like I could go about my day without panicking and shaking like a chihuahua. I feel 1,000 times better!! Fluoxetine really saved my life! To anyone else who’s struggling, I hope you give this medicine a try, maybe it can help you too!"

• Ama...
• December 15, 2015

Fluoxetine 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Incredibly grateful for this medication. I’ve tried Seroquel and mirtazapine for my symptoms, which just gave me panic attacks, lightheadedness, and agitation. Fluoxetine provided almost immediate relief to my anxiety, with no noticeable side effects. It goes to show, it’s worth trying different medications that may work for you. Highly recommend this medication for anxiety treatment."

• Lau...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 17, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on fluoxetine for 10 years, and it literally saved my life. I've suffered with severe panic attacks, PTSD, and anxiety. Recently, I feel as if the fluoxetine is no longer working, all of my symptoms and panic are back. Has anyone experienced 'Prozac poop out,' and did you have any success with getting it to work again? My Dr. lowered my dose from 40 mg to 20 mg to try and mess with my brain and get it to work again. Waiting to see if this works... But right now, I'm miserable... Thx."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2018

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Prozac is the only medication that has worked for my OCD, especially with my intrusive thoughts, repetitive behavior, and homicidal thoughts; I'm a high-functioning sociopath with manic depressive bipolar disorder and extreme anxiety. Unfortunately, the Prozac doesn't completely take care of my anxiety and panic attacks, so I was put back on Xanax [PRN]. I also take Seroquel and Lamictal (I do have seizures), and diazepam when seizure activities are present."

• ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I feel obliged to write a review here. I used the reviews and made my decision about taking SSRIs. My OCD is about spinning things and intrusive thoughts. The progression or three stages of my OCD was from thoughts to visualization to dream manifestation. My third stage happened recently, and I started having a lot of dreams about spinning things out of control. I would wake up during sleep and would go right into a panic attack. When I tried to sleep, I would get an intense hypnic jerk and get out of sleep right away. It was the fifth week of my OCD relapse, and on 60 mg of Prozac, that one afternoon I started feeling a bit normal again. Ten years I haven’t believed in SSRIs. I always believed that CBT and ERP helped me, but this time it was different, I am 100% sure that therapy hasn’t worked, but it is Prozac that saved my life. Trust your psychiatrist and give your SSRIs some time to work. It will get worse before it will get better, and there is always a medicine that will work for you."