Fluoxetine and Panic Attacks: What Users Say (Page 3)

• GGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I've been on Prozac for 8 days now. I took it back in 2015 for the same reason, and it worked for me, but now that I'm back on it, I keep thinking to myself, when is the medicine going to kick in? I've been having a weak stomach, anxiety, can't sleep due to the anxiety, having lots of panic attacks, my chest feels heavy. I just wish this medicine would hurry up and start working, I'm tired of feeling like this."

• Rmp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "Okay, so I’m three days into week three. I’m giving “live updates” so people who are scrolling through these reviews like I have been know they’re not alone in this process. I am taking fluoxetine for anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, and depression (that started six months ago) as a result of the latter. I’m on 10 mg in the morning. First week, not a whole lot of change, felt about how I had for the past six months. Week two, anxiety, panic, depression, intrusive thoughts SKYROCKETED. I wanted so bad to stop, but this can happen when starting a new AD, so I pushed through. Now, at the beginning of week three, I’m getting little glimmers of hope. I’m having more moments throughout the day where I almost feel like myself again. I told myself I would give it 12 weeks. So here’s to week three!! For those out there who don’t feel like it’s ever going to get better, don’t give up. I hope this med works for you, but if it doesn’t, one will! This is the fourth med I’ve tried."

• hop...
• November 26, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Well, I tried taking this in desperation after a very bad period. I took 20 mg for three days and was hopeful about it after reading positive experiences here. However, my own experience with it was very bad. I got a whole bunch of the side effects and spent two nights not sleeping at all, marching up and down with very wired energy, having panic attacks. My mouth was so dry, and I had to drink water all the time. It was pretty unbearable and frightening, and under the advice of the doctor, I stopped taking it immediately. The shock of all this and my partner telling me they can't cope with me anymore has pushed me to focus on getting my life really sorted out - meditation and going to the gym every day. I will be talking to my doctor about trying a contraceptive pill, as I read on the website that there is one called YAZ that is recommended for treating PMDD. Good luck to all you PMDD warriors out there! One way or another, we're going to get through this!!"

• Kok...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2018

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "My GP switched me from Lexapro 10 mg to Prozac 20 mg as I was trying to get pregnant, and this has studies done around pregnancy, etc. Anyway, I found this medication made me hyper, manic, and over-energized. I had racing thoughts, couldn’t settle, my panic attacks were back as bad as ever, and I was starting to dread public situations like shopping, having lunch at work, etc. I knew in my head it was the medication, so I tried it for 9 weeks. I felt awful for the 9 weeks, manic and hyper, and adrenaline pumping constantly. It was a horrible drug for me. It didn’t suit me, so I switched back to Lexapro. Side effects coming off it weren’t easy, even though it has a long half-life. I struggled with this in general. I’m sure it just didn’t suit my chemistry, whereas I know it works for so many!"

• gig...
• November 2, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I had postpartum depression after my baby was born and ignored it, thinking it would go away. After 18 months, it blew up in my face. I had severe panic attacks, was constantly in a state of fear and vertigo. I could not sit still. I would dry heave every morning or before I had to go anywhere, severe social anxiety, severe hypochondria. I would spend hours looking up a disease I thought I had at a specific time. I would cry at the drop of a hat. Xanax was helping, but maybe for an hour a day. I had huge outbursts of anger. I would keep thinking negative thoughts, thoughts that I could not live any longer like this. I was reluctant to take it at first but then said, I can't feel any worse. I've been on it since August 8, 2014."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2019

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I took Prozac in my 30s for what was thought to be panic disorder. Years later, I was diagnosed with Asperger's and weaned off the Prozac. Now, 10 years after that, I am in perimenopause, and my GP prescribed the Prozac again to help with mood swings, IBS, and insomnia. And it does, but for the last couple of periods, and only during the period week, I have had several panic attacks every night, even when 'Aunt Flow' did not show up. They are worse than when I was younger. I have been to the ER by ambulance several times with heart attack-like symptoms. The panic attacks wake me up every couple of hours, and on my Sleep Cycle app, it looks like it happens on the upswing of the REM cycle. But one day I did not drink coffee, that night I did still wake up a couple of times with a racing heartbeat, but it subsided quickly with deep breathing, and there were no other symptoms. If quitting coffee doesn't help, then I will have to get back with my psychiatrist on what to try next."

• sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2023

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I was on Zoloft 250 mg/sertraline for 3 months, and it didn't help my anxiety and panic attacks. I'm on day 4 of Prozac 20 mg, and I have had severe anxiety and had one massive panic attack on day 3. Just want to know what other sufferers experienced on Prozac."

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

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "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."

• Ind...
• October 23, 2016

Fluoxetine for Depression "This medication was awful. Despite only being 17 at the time, the doctor decided that I would be put on this medication for my depression. I knew that there was a chance that this may cause my condition to deteriorate. I saw no improvements with the 10 mg, so my doctor increased this to 20 mg. This is where it all went downhill. I developed full-blown panic disorder as I was having several panic attacks a day, so I was unable to go to school. The medication increased my suicidal thoughts to the point where I was not sleeping at night due to constantly thinking of ways to kill myself. One day I nearly did attempt suicide, so I had to be assessed by a psychiatrist who put me on tranquilizers for a week, then admitted me to a psychiatric unit."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2017

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I had the worst reaction to this medicine. I was on 20 mg, and my body rejected it terribly. The first few days were fine, and then after the 4th day or so, I became very glazed over and out of it. It was as if I was a walking zombie. I then started waking up in the middle of the night, having severe panic attacks. I had never had one before, so I was very scared. My doctor told me to come off of it, and the withdrawal from this was even worse. I woke up in the middle of the night and had to go to the hospital. Overall, I had a very negative experience, but my mom takes this medicine and she loves it. Could just depend on the person, I guess."

• Lyn...
• August 18, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "Had anxiety ever since I can remember. Mostly manageable without medication. In May, I had a panic attack at work and decided to start fluoxetine again. I experience a lot of physical symptoms that go with anxiety, so I wanted to get control of it. The first and second weeks were okay. Just a bit jittery, but the third and fourth weeks were awful! Bizarre dreams, sweats, uncontrollable shaking, and so much crying and sick feeling. I also notice a very tight throat, which is something I hadn't had before. Eventually, one Friday evening, all the panic from the last horrid two weeks stopped! Then I have been on the up ever since. I have been told that you experience a low before you get the high. Just got to ride it out! Still have very minor anxiety sometimes."

• BB ...
• June 11, 2017

For Depression "Works for me, and no more panic attacks and illogical negative/automatic thoughts. I can 'manage' my depression, which I guess is for life, but I'm philosophical about it, as I was a mess before Fluoxetine. However, I got cocky a few months back and stopped my 20 mg daily dosage. Felt fine (for a while), then it came back and bit me in the ass with panicky rushes and illogical negativity (which thankfully I now recognize as part of the symptoms). Been taking it again for over a month and feeling awful right now, and in a few weeks I'm hoping for stability to return."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2012

Fluoxetine for Depression "I have had anxiety/depression since giving birth to my son in 2001. Panic attacks were really bad, I was put on Buspar, Xanax, and Paxil. They did not work for me. Then I was put on Zoloft. It worked for approximately 10 years. Then it stopped. The panic attacks came back, and the depression was terrible. I went to a therapist and a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist took me off of Zoloft and put me on Prozac and Xanax. I would say that it took about 4-5 weeks for 20 mg of Prozac to kick in and help with the depression. Then at week 9, the depression came back with more anxiety. The psychiatrist upped my Prozac to 40 mg 1x daily. I feel that I am getting better. The depression is lifting, although I still have panic attacks once in a while."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I have titled this 'anxiety and stress,' but I also have been suffering from major depression, suicidal ideation, Pure-O OCD, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. I'm currently on 20 mg Fluoxetine, and can honestly say that this medication has saved my life. It hasn't been plain sailing. I've had periods when I felt so tired that I couldn't move, and I had the worst panic attacks and anxiety ever for the first couple of weeks. Hang in there! I purposely ensured that my dosages increased gradually (similar to the 'cranzac method'), so it's probably another 10-12 days before I get the full 20 mg effect, so I am expecting even more side effects. But I feel indescribably better than before. A true wonder drug, if you can stick out the bad days."

• Cad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I am 59 y/o male with anxiety on and off since I remember. I work on the computer as a full-time job. Last year I had a severe tension headache for a month from work-related stress. Couldn't drive the car at night, panic attacks, dizziness, vertigo issue, body shaking, etc. My GP provider listened to my story. She put me on 10 mg fluoxetine for 1 month. First 4 days okay. Then headache started so bad, I was ready to give up after a week, then 4 sleepless nights in a row. Insane. I had panic attacks, tremors, missing workdays. Then I started to get my sleep back more and more. One month later all side effects were gone. Felt good but not fully. She put me on 20 mg fluoxetine. After 1 week on it, constant ringing in my ears during the day, but sleeping at night was good. She/GP put me on 10 mg and 20 mg on alternate days. It took 1 month to settle it down. Now on 20 mg for 2 months, I can tell you now all: LIFE IS GOOD for me, after 4 MONTHS. PLEASE be patient. Love it now, thanks."

• hey...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2019

For Binge Eating Disorder "I'm 22, and I have been on this medication for exactly 12 days to treat BED, anxiety, and depression. The first few days, I was binge-free, then, on the 4th day, I started binging again. I've experienced panic attacks, more depression, and I still cope with food, although I feel lethargic (and I eat less amounts of food during an episode). I find it very difficult to go to work because I am having trouble concentrating and experiencing extreme sadness. However, I am PUSHING through because I read that it gets better! It takes time for the body to adapt to this medication."

• Soo...
• July 13, 2015

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I took Lexapro for a little over a year, and it worked beautifully. The only reason I weaned off was because of weight gain. My doctor prescribed 10 mg of Prozac and said it should not cause any weight gain. I am on it 17 days now, and my only side effect is slight anxiety and a few panic attacks. I had none of this on Lexapro. My question is, should I hang in there, and when will I feel good?"

• Ska...
• April 10, 2018

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "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!"

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

For Panic Disorder "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."

• Zan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed Prozac for my depression and advised that things would probably get a lot worse in the first 4 weeks than better - this was correct. I felt great in the first week (placebo effect, I'm guessing, felt better because I knew I was taking something that was supposed to help) but after that first week, I became more depressed than I had been before. A few months into taking the medication, I had developed extreme anxiety and basically turned into a nervous wreck. I can't even begin to describe what it felt like other than I was unable to make decisions and I was constantly overthinking everything, leading to panic attacks. I stopped taking Prozac on my own and I feel nothing at all anymore, but it's better than the insanity the drug made me feel."

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

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "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."

• V-R...
• June 28, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I have suffered from anxiety for about 20 yrs. My doctor switched me to Prozac, and I have to say I've always been anxious, but now I'm anxious AND depressed! What's the deal? It's been almost 3 mos, and I'm taking it religiously. Are there any long-time users that can shed some light? Does it get better? I've had over 4 panic attacks since I've started this medication."

• Aut...
• February 11, 2021

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Well, it’s interesting because I took Prozac over a year ago, and aside from having low libido, it worked very well for me. I stopped taking it and then recently started taking it in December with Wellbutrin, and suddenly had my very first panic attack. I thought I was legit the end of me and went to the ER. I got off of it thinking it had to be Wellbutrin, so I stopped taking it for weeks and then retried Prozac for a few days, then bam, started having nighttime panic attacks. I’ll wake up feeling like I can’t breathe and that I’m dying. I definitely think it works for others, but I have no idea why it can’t work for me anymore. Sadly, I will have the side effects for a while after I stop taking it, and it’s just awful."

• mar...
• February 24, 2012

For Panic Disorder "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

For Panic Disorder "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."