Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Tiamani
• April 20, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "It is April 20th 2017. I started taking prozac in January 2017. I hated prozac. I was never depressed in the first place to begin with. My psychiatrist prescribed me the pills. They did not work for me. I have not been taking the pills since April 17th. So its been 3 days and I feel better and beginning to be back to my normal ways and more alert and less depressed. I have read online that people who stopped taking it feels good at first then it starts to kick in like emotions and stuff trying to get it out of ur system. I guess withdrawal? But I couldn't do prozac anymore. Made me VERY depressed and annoyed all the time. Didn't work for me"

• Anonymous
• October 26, 2012

"I have suffered everything from obsessive compulsive disorder to bulimia to panic disorder to depression. Prozac (fluoxetine) has been my miracle. I have been on and off it since I was very young but have stayed on it regularly for many years now. It helped me back to myself and gives me the motivation I need. It saved my life."

• Riley...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Having horrible anxiety that comes and goes especially if things change. As a child I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder but mom disagreed. I was very anxious and unable to concentrate and unable to become a good student so I sufferered tremendously. Started Prozac 20 mg and hope it helps. I am 64 and just stopped working full time because my anxiety kicked in ."

• YAY
• January 14, 2016

"I started taking this medicine only 3 days ago and I already feel like I can tell a difference. I have extreme panic disorder, social anxiety, and just general anxiety. Recently I have been getting panic attacks every night around 9pm, but ever since I started taking this I haven't had a single one. I know these kind of medicines aren't supposed to start working for a couple weeks, but I truly feel a difference already. I have tried Lexapro (gained a ton of weight) and Zoloft which was giving me terrible side effects as well so I am hopeful that this medicine will work without causing other problems!"

• Aano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "My MD put me on Prozac for OCD thoughts & anxiety/panic disorder (I have OCD related to medical illness & every pain in my body may be cancer which lead to severe anxiety/panic). He started me on 20mg 2 days in & I was waking up in the middle of the night sweating, racing heart, have to take a xanax to just relax, then I started with jitters/tremors which did not help my anxiety related to medical issues (google search tremors took me to all sorts of illnesses which fuelled 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 & briefly thought it would be better if I did because I can't live like this. Last night I was up at 2AM again racing thoughts/heart, sweating, shaking, had to take 0.25 mg xanax to go back to bed Did not take my Prozac today I haven't have panicky thoughts just feeling some jitteriness."

• Kate
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I struggle with severe anxiety and panic attacks, as well as depression. I was on Zoloft (sertraline) for about two years and found myself feeling pretty good so I decided to stop taking it. After starting university however, I found that my anxiety was getting to an unbearable state and so I went to my doctor and she prescribed me Prozac. At first I had very, very adverse side effects. I had tremors and super bad anxiety. After a while, I noticed less frequency in my panic attacks but unfortunately my mood was absolutely brutal. I was constantly depressed, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, thought really dark thoughts very often, feel agitated and irritated constantly. I literally felt like I wanted to die, like I literally had no choice because the pain was so unbearable. I am now off the medication and I feel as though a bag of bricks have been lifted from my shoulders. I wouldn’t recommend this medication if you are prone to depressive thoughts or if you are young like me (I’m 19)."

• LAano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started taking 10 mg of Prozac on April 24, 2019. It has been the worse experience of my life! The first few weeks I felt wonderful, but then upper lip started getting red bumps, sores on my lips, weird taste, sensitivity to spicy food. My lips are still somewhat swollen. Lips horribly chapped, mouth dry. Anxiety attacks like I’ve never had before and now depressed. I need off of this rubbish now. Waiting till Thursday to see my doctor."

• panic...
• February 7, 2015

"I suffered panic attacks and anxiety most of my life but started having several a day after a move and job change. I tried Zoloft 25 mg first and had extreme jitteriness, nausea and shaking (sertraline reaction). My doctor switched me to a low dose of Prozac to start with (5 mg...half a 10 mg tablet). After 2 weeks he moved me to 10 mg but I had nausea and shakiness. He said to go back to 5 mg. I had to continue Xanax as needed for my first month. The attacks slowly became less severe then disappeared. 1 month now since an attack and I only take 5 mg. This has changed my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2023

"I felt it was necessary to let others who are worried to take this medicine, the experience and benefits it had for me. After years of anxiety never took any antidepressants or other drugs for it, and I hit rock bottom. I started having dizzy spells while driving, which turned into actual panic attacks while driving. I went 40 days without driving, which, as a mom crippled me and made me feel useless that a seemingly thoughtless process to get in the car and go turned into actual fear of another attack. I was prescribed Fluxoetine in October but waited a month to take it for fear of the side effects. After a follow-up appt with my Dr. I decided to start taking it. I had almost no side effects. An upset stomach and a mild headache daily which was all tolerable for about a week and that was it. I felt happier. After about 4 weeks of taking it I was able to drive, I am driving now and I take 20mg daily. I definitely suggest this medicine."

• Heck...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2020

"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. Heart is always racing. I stopped after 2 days cause my stomach was killing me. I’m still feeling the side effects. Can’t sleep! My body shakes..have burning sensation all thru 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 time now. Hard to believe after only 2 doses I’m going they this"

• Andy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2020

"I started on 20mg fluoxetine after having a panic disorder from age 8 (I’m 19) and becoming really depressed. I was reluctant as of bad reviews however after a month I found it really helped my mood 2 weeks later my panic attacks decreased. I found at the start I was very dizzy and felt sick and wasn’t interested in food as much however the dizziness has gone away. I’m very happy with the results and improved my everyday life!"

• Skano
• April 10, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This med is very good. I went from almost quitting my job to enjoying life again. This is my fourth week on it. 20mg a day. The first two weeks were difficult but right now my panic attack is mild as well as my anxiety. I hope it stay that way. My doctor told me I would have to take it for at least 6 months, which worries a bit. Does anyone knows any natural remedy for panic attack and anxiety? I want to be free from med. Plus med may stop working anytime. Please help!"

• Molly
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have taken Prozac on a short term basis for anxiety and depression a handful of times. It had a minimal effect on lessening my anxiety and seemed to increase depression. I recently took it for 5 weeks and while I wasn’t experiencing full blown panic attacks, I still felt edgy and it was blunting my emotions to the point I felt numb or like a zombie. I also experienced diarrhea and upset stomach. My doctor switched me to Lexapro and I’m so glad I stuck it out and tried a different SSRI as it has been a life changer for me."

• eliza...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2017

"I have always had issues with anxiety, mild panic, and OCD, but it was manageable. I developed panic disorder in the fall and become reclusive and a hypochondriac because of the panic attacks. After a litany of tests that came back normal and time with physical and mental therapists (which both helped but did not completely cure the attacks), I caved and started fluoxetine 10mg. The first few weeks I was jittery, but that is the only side effect, and it went away. My panic subsided days in. I've been on it for 2.5 months now and have been panic free for the last month. I've also noticed a reduction in the amount of headaches I get​. I was TERRIFIED to give this drug a chance, but glad I did. I finally have my life back!"

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "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 mos 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 an similar stories? I appreciate feedback. I'm not sure whether to stick it out on Prozac or switch to a different med."

• Kiano
• May 20, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started taking Prozac mostly for my panic attacks but a little bit for my anxiety and depression as well. I can't say my experience was all bad because I was going through a rough time and it seemed to make my panic attacks a bit more manageable and less intense but I think for me the cons outweighed the pros. The first time I started it, I stopped eating for nearly 2 weeks which caused me to lose weight, then the dose was upped from 10mg to 20mg and stopped eating for another 2 weeks. The anxiety was pretty bad for the first 2 weeks as well. After the first couple of weeks the side effects calmed down to an extent. I still had pretty bad sexual problems, a lot of heartburn, night sweats, and problems sleeping. So while the side effects weren't major, I tried getting off it due to my anxiety seemingly doing better and the side effects. I was nervous to get off but it seems like I haven't had any odd effects from stopping so that's good. My anxiety is still low so for now I'll stay off."

• Pais
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2016

"This medication coupled with cognitive behavioural therapy has helped me so much in dealing with my social anxiety/panic disorder which I have had to deal with for over 10 years. By lifting my mood and clearing my head this medication had allowed me to think more clearly and rationally about what it is I'm panicking about, then using my cognative behavioural therapy techniques I am them able to calm myself down and talk myself out of that horrible feeling (hyperventilating/pounding heart/light headedness). I had previously used propanolol to calm me down when I felt stressed but as this is no longer working I had to try something else. I was put on 20mg, 1st two weeks I had a bit of sickness, trouble sleeping but that passed."

• Rmpass
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2022

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was given Prozac (currently on 10mg) for anxiety/panic which caused mild depression. This all started about six months ago after a move to a new state. I was terrified. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, thought I was dying, etc… I reached out for help as this was something I’ve never experienced in my 35 years of life. Tried lexapro first for about two months with zero improvement, it actually made things worse. Then tried Zoloft. Zoloft made me angry at everything, and I am not one who is ever angry especially for no reason. I even tried lamictal off label and that was awful too. After not trying anything for about a month and a half, my NP and I decided to try Prozac. It’s only been a little over a week but I’m feeling pretty good about it so far. I haven’t noticed any massive improvements yet, but I know these meds can sometimes take weeks to months to really work."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2022

"I started having panic attacks (PA's) early last year & I wasn't the same afterwards. I became so scared of future episodes, regardless of where I was. Symptoms: depersonalization, derealization, detatchmen, tingling/numbness in my arms & legs, upset stomach, high heart rate & blood pressure, pale complexion, sensation of being choked. I actively refused to take medication due to horror stories I would read up day & night, psyching myself into not taking them. Months went by, my PA's started occurring at work, while driving, at grocery store & I became agoraphobic for two months. A month into Prozac, the PA's stopped & was able to gain control of my mind/physical symptoms. A month into it, I got a new job. Prior, I had lost my long time job, money/savings & am now rebuilding from scratch. Please, take this as a sign to start this medication/continue take your meds (even if it's/they're not Prozac), they're there to help you. This, too, will pass & you will move forward beyond this :)"

• ricki...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2022

"This rating is for panic disorder. It did not work for me, I took 20mg for 8 weeks then went up to 40mg for another 6 weeks (hardest 14 weeks of my life). It made me feel very agitated for the majority of the day, and the anxiety I was trying to get relief from was an unbearable amount. I had to take time off work. I started taking Mirtazapine, and within 2 days, anxiety and panic were not existent. Wish anyone struggling all the best."

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

"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."

• LOLCo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have Major Depression and Panic Disorder. It seems like every anti-depressant and benzo I have tried just does not work. My Dr. has now just prescribed me Fluoxetine (prozac) 10mg, to go along with my Klonopin 1mg that I had been taking for 6 years (I eventually developed a tolerance to my Klonopin, so it stopped working properly). After being on Prozac for nearly 4 months now, I have gone through horrible side effects of nausea, diarrhea, insomnia and head exploding syndrome. I am in a constant fog. I get confused very easily and 'space out' all the time. The only beneficial thing I have gotten out of taking Prozac is that I have somewhat better control over my emotions."

• THSL
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2019

"Keep a daily journal for the side effects. Because you will have some. First two weeks are unpleasant (I almost quit the meds). Time will fly by and sooner or later you’ll look back and think “when was the last time I was sad?”. Paired with bi-weekly counseling and 3 / 4 days per week of going to the gym, I can say I am finally happier and living my best. If anyone is concerned my top side effects were Tremors in hands and jaw. Insomnia and vivid dreams. It gets easier I swear on my life. Enjoy the freedom this medication brings you! I certainly am."

• Yonaza
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2016

"I've been on fluoxetine 10 mg for a week . I get panic attacks . My doctor first gave me lexapro I felt so sick with flu like symptoms. He changed me to prozac so far the symptoms are a lot lighter . My problem is I'm still having to to take xanex to stop the shaking . The doctor prescribed me 1.0 of xanex twice a day I spread it out cause it just makes me sleep . I don't want to just exist - I want to live . I hoping to see changes soon"

• marin...
• February 24, 2012

"I had been taking Lexapro for years until September 2011. I did not know what was happen 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."