I've been on Prozac as a whole for 28 days. However, I was originally on 10mg for two weeks then 20mg daily, so its only been 13 days that I've been on 20mg. My anxiety has never been worse than it is now. I'm in a constant state of anxiety and I'm always overthinking things and thinking I'm losing it or something. Is this to be expected with the dosage change? Any answer is helpful, thank you
Is it normal to feel constant crippling anxiety everyday?
Question posted by josephtheguy49 on 16 May 2023
Last updated on 19 May 2023
Answers
Hi, Joseph! Some new or recurring side effects might be expected after the increase along with some anxiety increase but they usually subside after a few days to a week or so. Have you felt any improvements at all? You absolutely shouldn't be feeling worse to the point that interferes with your daily life. You should let your doctor know how that you're having real problems. They might say give it a little more time for the medication to become effective but obviously something else needs to be considered. Best regards and I hope you're feeling better soon.
Thank you, I have had some brief moments of relief. Today I had went for a drive and felt much more relaxed. However, at random times the anxiety will return, then go away. Something that has really bothered my mind recently is like the future after College and whether I'll like my future job or not and whether I'll end up alone with no friends in a lonely crappy apartment. Every time I think about this it just makes me anxious and depressed. Its like its the only thing I can think of. I suspect maybe this is also a big contributing factor to my anxiety.
There is something called the "roller coaster" effect where you have good moments or days and then the symptoms recur and you feel like you're back at square one. It just means that the medication is starting to work but it takes time to get your system "rebooted" and get to the most therapeutic level.
You have a lot going on in your life but these problems will eventually work out okay. Have you (or are you) going for talk therapy? It can help immensely just talking about your concerns and you can learn ways to recognize your stress triggers and ways to more productively deal with them.
Just something to consider...
Thank you for your nice comment. Yes I recently started therapy almost one month ago and I'm hoping it helps me. I'm often stuck worrying about things I can't control and then worried why I am worrying about those things, haha. Worried that the medicine won't help or that therapy won't help. This I think causes a lot of my anxiety I believe, I am 20 years old and finished my sophomore year in College.
Try not to let your anxiety feed your anxiety. Hard as it is, think positively and that this all will workout. A good attitude helps.
Thank you. I've recently come to the decision that I should get off Prozac and try Lexapro. It's like a constant weight on my chest that's causing a lot of anxiety for me. I've started thinking positively and that does make me feel better, but the anxiety feeling doesn't go away and is constantly there throughout the day. I've heard great things about Lexapro and how its a 'day and night' changer for people who suffer with GAD. I will most likely give it a try.
With these medications what works for person may not work for another so it might be reasonable to switch.
Just for the record, I took Lexapro (actually the generic escitalopram) for over 7 tears and loved it.
Good luck!
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Further information
- Prozac uses and safety info
- Prozac prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prozac (detailed)
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