Prozac

Hello,

I started zoloft about two weeks ago; about three days in I was switched to Prozac...Initially, I didn't notice any extreme side effects but lately have felt spacey, jittery, extra anxious and fearful. I also experienced chills. I'm wondering if these sound like normal side effects? I haven't had the most success on ssri's. I had a genetic test done to help narrow down classes of meds that would suit me and ssri's showed an intermediate risk. I was a better match for Wellbutrin and Effexor but was wary of their side effects. I wanted to hear others' experiences with prozac and pray this time around, it works for me. I so need relief; haven't felt normal in seven months.

I believe Effexor would have a little less side effects as it is an snri. Instead of ssri. But everybody is different. Effexor also has something in it to fight anxiety. Wellbutrin is a little more stimulating for most people. Makes most people think real sharp. I liked but couldn't handle a high dose and that was what I needed.

Prozac was full of side effects for me. The most being weight gain. But as F27 said, most go away in a period of time. I hope you find what is right for you. We are all different and meds effect us differently.

Good luck KC...

Hugs, Karen...

It pretty much does, but if it is going to work for you, often we feel better in a couple of weeks. Just takes six to eight weeks to reach full potential. I took Effexor for about 15 years. I did make the mistake of going off of it when I felt better, not realizing that the Effexor was what was making me feel better. I take pristiq now, but only because Effexor went generic. I had good results from Effexor. Though I don't know what the generic is like because I never took it. My step son takes it and is doing well. I hope you give it a chance.

The Wellbutrin was stimulating for me, but when they upped the dose I got anxious and couldn't sleep. The second time I tried it I had a bad taste in my mouth that wouldn't go away. But that wasn't always the case.

I hope you find what works for you and it is awesome you can do a test and find out what should be. I have been fairly lucky with the snri's. But ssri's were the pits. I tried five different kinds before I stuck with the Effexor.

Have a good day...

Hugs, Karen...

If the Effexor makes you angry or edgy, you can always switch. But it has anti anxiety properties in it, so I don't think it will effect you that way. But it takes six to eight weeks to reach full potential, though you could start feeling better sooner. I am sure if you take it they will start you off at a low dose and gradually work it up if needed.

Could you ask the doc for something for anxiety while on the Prozac? I am thinking it could help. I took Xanax with it, though I don't take it anymore. I went off of it about a year ago and haven't been needing it, though I have some in case I were to. Maybe low dose Xanax would help the anxiety.

Try breathing exercises. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Letting the out breath take longer than the in. This will relax you and slow a fast heart rate down. It grounds you though it does take practice. I meditate too and that helps a lot.

I hope you feel better.

I hope you have a good day KC.

Hugs, Karen...

It takes awhile for your body to adjust and this could be what you are going through, but if it becomes real bothersome, call the doc and tell them what is going on. Chances are this will go away as you get use to the medication.

I would think that the side effect will go away soon. Two weeks isn't odd for that. Do you keep journals? It might be good to write down the amount of days and how you are feeling. Often when we write things down, what is bothering us kind of goes with it. Acknowledging and then being able to relax with things. All psychological. Take care...

Hugs, Karen...

Karen...do you think that even though I've had jittery feelings, heightened anxiety, agitation...it might still work for me? I have moments where I smiled and others where I was less tearful...

Thank you...I sincerely appreciate it.

Yes there seems to be. I think it is the body adjusting to the medication. I imagine that the brain is adjusting too. Since the medications effect our way of thinking so much.

I am glad you are feeling better. If the weird sensations get worse, do call the doctor. Pharmacists sometimes know things too if you can't get ahold of a doc. There are also side effects in the paper work that you get from the pharmacist too.

Keep hanging in there and remember, one day at a time.

Hugs, Karen...