Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2017

Fluoxetine "Developed panic disorder with agoraphobia one year ago after a traumatic experience on a plane. I finally gave in and decided to start treatment with Prozac. I was on 20 mg for 3 weeks, then upped to 40 mg. No bad side effects at all. My mood and attitude have improved greatly, and my daily panic attacks have diminished. When I do feel anxious occasionally, I am able to breathe it out and calm down, instead of ending up in the ER. I am now able to leave the house and drive, shop, run errands with no panic. I am still unable to travel by plane... otherwise, 10/10! And I am only on week 5. Heard it only gets better!"

• Jon...
• October 17, 2015

Fluoxetine "This medicine was actually doing some good. My doctor started me off at 10mg since I don't respond well to antidepressants (such as Paxil, Effexor). At first, I started actually having the suicidal thoughts they warned me about for the first week. Eventually, after 3 weeks, I started to notice a difference in my panic attacks. They were weaker but still bothersome. My depression was also getting better but around 2 months of taking it. I still had the crying spells. I told my doctor, and he bumped me up to 20 mg. Slowly, I really started to notice a bigger improvement. It's been almost 3 months, and my panic attacks are very weak as I am able to control them! My crying spells aren't as bad, but I still get them. (Not as often which is great!)"

• Eat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2024

Fluoxetine "I was started on generic Prozac or fluoxetine 2 weeks ago at 20 mg for panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and depression. It’s still early in my treatment, but I am more energetic, experiencing fewer panic and anxiety attacks, and also feel less stressed and less worried about the future. The only major side effects I have are nausea and diarrhea, and sleeping less than normal since starting, but apparently these side effects resolve over time. This is a good med with fewer side effects than other antidepressants I took in the past."

• Jin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2021

Fluoxetine "So happy on Prozac. I was on Effexor 150 mg for a few months until I had had enough of the sexual dysfunction and the awful other side effects it was giving me. Taking Prozac has not only helped with my panic disorder, but also it causes no sexual side effects for me. I’ve been taking 40 mg since September 2020, it is now February 2021. I’m happier than ever!"

• Ron...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 11, 2018

Fluoxetine "Best medicine ever. I recommend it to everyone. I've been on and off for about 8 years. I always go back on because I lose it after a while. It helps me with anxiety, and especially obsessive-compulsive. It runs in the family that we think about things way too hard and can't let go of stuff. This drug stops the irrational thoughts from snowballing. I seriously do recommend this to everyone. To me, it really has been a cure-all. Life is still life, but goodness is it much better with Prozac."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2020

"I had my first panic attack in April 2020. This was due to a medication a doctor overprescribed to me. I was having severe anxiety and panic for months after this attack. I tried various medications with no success. My body was so anxiety-ridden I had twitching of my muscles (from head to toe), heart palpitations, feelings of tingling and numbness in my hands and feet, and I developed TMJ disorder from the stress my body was under. Each and every day was a constant struggle. I had MRIs, an EMG, blood tests, and so many trips to various doctors to rule out other diseases and such. All said the same thing...anxiety and panic. I started fluoxetine in June 2020. It has changed my life. I noticed it working within the first week and weeks after it just got better. I would say the full effect took 5-6 weeks to kick in. I take one 10 mg capsule each morning, and it controls that feeling I would get of terrible anxiety and panic. I’m telling you - this has given me my life back. Please consider trying this."

• Anonymous
• April 1, 2012

Fluoxetine "I've been hesitant to try Prozac as I didn't want to be a zombie or overly sedated. But after 5 years of dealing with Panic Disorder/Generalized Anxiety and countless antidepressants not working, I decided to give it a try. The first month was pretty rough. I was always tired, my brain was foggy, and I continued to have anxiety. But I stuck with it and after increasing to 30 mg, I felt absolutely NORMAL. I could feel emotions and even a normal amount of anxiety without freaking out. It has also helped with social anxiety. DOWNSIDE - I find it almost impossible to get any deep sleep on this medicine, and no sleep medicine seems to work (I've tried them all)."

• Ano...
• October 19, 2020

Fluoxetine "After having anxiety and depression for about 3 years and doing nothing about it, I finally saw a psychiatrist and was prescribed 20 mg of Prozac. The first two weeks I felt really off and was not a fan at all, but after about a month I was the happiest I have ever been. I am now six months in and feel pretty balanced. I still have my highs and lows, but altogether I am so much better than I was before Prozac. My brain fog is gone, I am no longer socially anxious, and never have snappy moods anymore. The cons are the insane dreams and drinking on it. My dreams feel so real and last all night, but thankfully I don’t wake up many times during the night. Drinking is pretty tough, I definitely cannot handle alcohol like I could before. Also, in the first few months, I lost 15 lbs (but I was on a really strict diet). I started the diet again a month ago and have not lost 1 pound, which is very frustrating. Altogether though, Prozac has changed my life for the better in many aspects."

• N30...
• July 18, 2017

Fluoxetine "29-year-old healthy guy here. Taking Prozac 10 MG and 0.50 Xanax Extended Release for the past 6 months. I'm posting to support the people who feel they will never be free of panic/anxiety. I now feel 90% better! I was having mid-the-night panic attacks and weird/scary intrusive thoughts. I went to the psychiatrist that had the best Google reviews that took my insurance. Was diagnosed with Panic Disorder and mild OCD. Originally tried Prozac at a higher dose, but it made me sleepy and made me feel sweaty/hot often. Xanax XR was also added. It has worked very well in combo. I take both nightly at bed, so I have a peaceful deep sleep. Prozac took about 2-3 months to really sink into my system. You CAN feel better. Get a caring/good doctor!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2025

Fluoxetine "Progressively got worse and worse with multiple panic attacks and suicidal thoughts over 8 weeks. Ended up on a cocktail of medications to ease my panic attacks. As soon as I stopped Prozac, I felt immediately better. Can’t believe I could have felt worse than I did before Prozac."

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 4, 2018

Fluoxetine "30-year-old guy (active, good job, college-educated). I’m here to tell you this medicine worked for me — FOR SURE. I take just 10 MG at night. I also take TIME RELEASE Xanax every evening before bed (0.5 MG). The combo of the two has reduced my anxiety, panic, racing thoughts by 85%-90%. One year ago, I was in the same place as you likely are. Looking for any solution and upset, thinking nothing could help my almost nightly panic attacks. Everyone is different with this sorta stuff. However, GIVE THIS A TRY if you are on the fence. You owe it to yourself. And don’t worry, with your doctor's permission, you can probably still enjoy a few drinks here and there. Personally, I still enjoy a few cups of coffee each day (probably shouldn’t), and I also enjoy a glass or two of wine a few nights weekly. Take your doctor’s advice."

• Liv...
• March 23, 2013

Fluoxetine "I got severe depression in college, had it in high school as well and took some antidepressant that started with an L (I really can't remember). I started taking Prozac my 2nd year in college after my girlfriend broke up with me. It helped tremendously to overcome the loneliness. The only problem I've ever had with it is my REM sleep. I didn't take my pill for 2 days over spring break this past week and had the worst panic attack I've ever had in my life. I thought I wanted to die, it was the worst car ride I have ever experienced. As soon as I took my Prozac, everything was better. I trust this."

• Itc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2019

Fluoxetine "I suffered in the past from panic disorder and anxiety. I tried so many drugs like Lexapro, Paxil, etc. Only Prozac makes me feel happy. Thank you, science. Thank you, Prozac. I take 20 mg of Prozac every morning."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2015

Fluoxetine "I have been taking generic Prozac 20 mg for 17 days now, 10 mg for 10 days before that. I have been reading all of the comments and am starting to have hope! My anxiety has increased a lot since I started this, I take Ativan when needed, which is every day! Other than the daily panic attacks, I don't seem to have any side effects, which is great! I've been thinking that maybe this drug is not for me, but after reading other people's experiences, I will ride it out and hope that everything works out after I'm on it for 6-8 weeks. Hoping and praying it does cause I need my life back!"

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

Fluoxetine "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."

• Amb...
• December 11, 2019

Fluoxetine "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."

• Hop...
• November 7, 2015

Fluoxetine "I was on Paxil 40mg for 13 years and gained 100 lbs! Thought I was better, so got off the Paxil. Three months later, had bad panic and anxiety. Dr. put me on Effexor 75mg...not good! Felt spacey, couldn't eat, lost 40 lbs in 3 months, went back to the Dr., and he had me switch right over to Fluoxetine 20mg. I am on my 5th day and already feel clear-headed! A little nausea throughout the day, but doing great! Really hope this med works."

• Ryn...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 29, 2024

Fluoxetine "Like many others, I usually do not post reviews on things. But I just wanted to share my experience on how impactful Prozac has been on my life. I started taking it after years of being on Zoloft, and it barely worked for anxiety. Before being on it, I would have debilitating panic attacks where I think I’m having a heart attack. Since starting it 7 years ago, I’ve had very few panic attacks, and my racing thoughts are just a bit more quiet. Unlike Zoloft, I still have control of my emotions. It doesn’t make me feel numb like other antidepressants do. The only side effects I’ve had are brain zaps (especially when dehydrated) and drowsiness. I take it at bedtime, and honestly, it helps me with sleep. For anyone nervous about getting on Prozac for panic disorder, I highly recommend giving it a try. It has truly changed my life for the better."

• Soo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

Fluoxetine "This is my second time taking Prozac. I took it for two years before for panic attacks, insomnia, OCD, and it did wonders. After a month, my head cleared up, my memory improved, as well as my sleep. (No longer waking up in the middle of the night worried about things.) Only downside is that I tend to gain a lot of weight on it. As soon as I stopped last time, the weight came off almost immediately. I plan to watch what I eat and exercise more this time. After a month now, I have already started to feel 2000% better and sleeping so good."

• Viz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2015

Fluoxetine "I was on 10 mg Prozac for general anxiety and panic attacks for 2 years. I had no side effects, and my panic attacks decreased tremendously. However, I recently started having them again, so my doc worked me up to 40 mg/day. I feel happy. But I feel like it is too much. I don't feel love anymore, and I feel like my emotions are so flat that although I'm not getting the panic attacks, I would almost rather deal with them than be unable to feel emotions. I have been dating a guy for 2 years, and all of a sudden after being on 40 mg daily for six weeks, I don't feel like I'm in love with him anymore. I can't tell if it is because of the medication or if it is actually me. I will be talking to my doc about decreasing my dose to 20 mg."

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

Fluoxetine "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2020

Fluoxetine "Was prescribed Prozac for panic attacks, and I stuck it out for 2 months. I started on 10 mg, and the first few weeks on it were fine. I felt very few side effects other than feeling spacey and kind of out of body. The following weeks, my anxiety increased to the point where I had to stop going to work, and I started getting dark, scary, obsessive thoughts that I’ve never experienced in my life. My doctor immediately took me off it cold turkey, and the thoughts continued for about a month. I felt like I was going crazy and was almost hospitalized. The drug clearly wasn’t for me, but that’s not to say it won’t work for someone else. Just be aware and very observant of how you’re feeling while on it, especially in the beginning. I should have stopped the medication earlier but wanted to stick it out considering that I was told it takes time to build up in your system. Just be cautious."

• Mat...
• January 17, 2016

Fluoxetine "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!"

• Ant...
• April 22, 2020

"I wanted to share my experience taking fluoxetine for my panic disorder. Let me first begin by saying this drug takes much longer to work than 4-6 weeks, it could take 8-10 weeks for you to feel the therapeutic effect. I am on week 7 and am just now feeling the change I have been so longing to feel my whole life. Do not give up, just wait it out. This drug really helped curb my panic disorder to almost non-existent. There are a lot of negative reviews on here pertaining to its efficacy on panic disorder, but that is because most people experience severe adverse effects. I myself did not! It really did help me become a better version of myself, it gave me a chance at a normal life! Please understand everyone's experience is different. I went through ups and downs on this drug, as you do with any other synthetic medication. But with time and a lot of patience, I am finally feeling the desired effect. Good luck!"

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

Fluoxetine "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."