Prozac and anxiety.

[icewatersurfer]

Hi,


I have a history of anxiety and depression (IMHO anxiety was the primary issue).

I abandoned medical treatment 11 years ago and, until recently, was holding my own.

Last month I had a major panic attack, and my Dr. put me on Lexapro and Ativan.  I couldn't stand the annoying side effects of the Lexapro, so I asked her if I could try Prozac since it was the last thing I remember being on that didn't have a negative effect on me.

Well I've been on it a week and a half, and I'm feeling better, but still having surges of anxiety, especially in the mornings.  Sometimes it is worse than others.  I find myself worrying excessively about everything in life, unable to enjoy things I used to, and not wanting to go out and do things.  But again, it's on and off -- some parts of the day I feel better.

I'm wondering if anybody else has had experience with treatment for this with Prozac and if there is any light at the end of my tunnel here.  I'm still using the Ativan to take the edge off ... mostly in the mornings.  I fear addiction to the Ativan so I'm using it as sparingly as possible.

Any thoughts would be appreciated ... I want my life back ... this really blows ...


Billy in Wisconsin

[Laurarontwo]

I am on my 3rd week of Prozac but Generic (fluoxetine) 20 mg. I am also having jittery feelings and worse in the mornings I have taken Xanax a couple of times to help sleep.  Has anyone been on it longer than 3 weeks and will the jitters go away. I was on Paxil it was awesome after the first 4 weeks but had to go off it because of weight gain from it.

[icewatersurfer]

Thanks for the input ... both of you ... I really appreciate it.

I have found that taking the Prozac in the morning now works better, it doesn't interfere with my sleep as much.

I'm trying to avoid the Ativan but have been taking it occasionally when it gets bad.  I don't want to get hooked on it so I'm trying to avoid it.

[Jimbo49]

I to am on fluoxetine for 3 12 weeks now. I started at 10mg but had to cut back to 5mg because of the anxiety. I just went back to 10 mg two days ago. It is getting better but I to take ativan to relieve the anxious feeling that I get which is mostly in the morning. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to get the full benefits and at that time I will cut back on the ativan but for now in order to function it is helping me get through this.

Jimbo49

[u4iachic]

OH Yeah!  I am currently on week 3 of Prozac and still having surges of anxiety when waking up.  I feel jittery too.  I am using xanax to help with it all as well....  You're not alone.

Michelle