New here.

I was recently diagnosed with panic disorder. 2 days ago actually. I have been dealing with the symptoms since about april this year. Up until this week I was taking an antihistamine, atarax, for symptom control. Had a major panic attack this week while driving, hands went numb, etc. Saw my primary doctor and she started me on prozac 10mg for 2 weeks then I'll up in to 20mg daily. She also gave me propranolol to use as needed. She also referred me to a psychologist and I still have to make that appt.

First day on prozac was Thursday (I take it in the am), felt great. Second day (yesterday) felt great all day. Thought to myself, I will beat this! But I must have jinxed myself b/c on the second night (last night) about 9:30 pm I had a major panic attack at home (which is unusual b/c home isn't a trigger for me). I was shaking/trembling. Thoughts in my mind like, 'what if I die?' and just overall feeling bad.

In my mind I seem to know this was a part of the medication in my body. I've read it is normal to get a little worse before getting better. So, I then took my prn atarax and 1/2 a propranolol and fell asleep about 11pm. Woke up suddenly at 3:30am still feeling the panic. Jumped out of bed and took another round of prn meds and got back to sleep ok.

Woke up this am just feeling better but I am very sad. Some minor anxiety as I'm just trying to come to terms with this. Decided to stay home from work. I just feel so bad that I'm going through this and require medication. I've been reading alot on forums and realized a lot of people are going through this.

My husband is very, very supportive. And I feel horribly guilty about putting my family through this. We have a two and half year old son. My hubby says I don't need to feel guilty, but I do. He just keeps telling me he is here for me and wants me to do whatever I need to do to get better. I'm thinking of asking my primary doctor for a short medical leave from work (I work full time) to give these meds time to "kick in". I don't know if it's a good idea to just sit in the house and pity myself though. Probably not...but I could, lol.

Right now, I'm confused between what is happening because of the panic disorder and what is related to medication side effects. I know I need to get a handle on this though. This is just all very scary for me since it's new. Thanks for reading. Feels better to tell your story sometimes, especially to others who can relate.

Feel free to give me any tips or tricks that have helped you in the past. Also I am interested in hearing from anyone who has used Prozac successfully. Did it make your symptoms worse and/or not improve your symptoms before it actually started to help. I know it can take time, I am just at the point that I am feeling inpatient and want some type of relief. Thanks again for reading my story.

Hi Starkle and welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you are facing the challenges that you described in your post. It can be scary, confusing and all together miserable trying to get it all figured out initially!

You have made a great start however, so I encourage you to keep going, as I know that you are going to do really well in your recovery.

Definitely follow up on the therapy referral. I can not tell you how much it helped me to manage my anxiety and even beat my panic attacks. It is a time commitment, but worth it completely

In the meantime, you can get started with some of the ideas from our Resources. (main page, 1st post) The suggested exercises there should help you to get through this time.


Starting new meds can be tough in the initial start up phase. It can take up to a few weeks for the levels to build up, level off and become theraputic. Symptoms can worsen at this time, and side effects can show up...making everything clear as mud! Is it a side effect, or anxiety? It can be hard to tell. However, if you can stick out the first few weeks, then things should settle down, and you can end up with a very good med for you.;)

As far as feeling guilty about your issues and meds, ect...I would urge you to drop that burden and not look back! If you had say diabetes for instance and had to take insulin...would you feel guilty about having that disease, or having to rely on a medication to feel well? Of course not...and this is no different.

I encourage you to keep posting with us. We are here to understand and listen anytime. Support is key, and we look forward to getting to know you better.:)

Scaredy Cat

We look forward to seeing you on the playground of life, Peace.

Larry ***

Last night was my first attempt at practicing "mindfulness". Not just breathing but focusing on the breath. I felt a panic attack coming on about 8pm (heart starts racing, which I read can be do to the prozac), went to my room where it is dark and cool. Turned the fan on for white noise. Took my prn atarax. Laid down. Breathed in and out while focusing on the breath...did this for about 10 - 15 minutes and it seemed to do the trick. I feel asleep about 9pm. I did wake up at about 4am with some slight cardiac symptoms. Took prn atarax again. And slept until 9:30am. So, I'd have to say it was a success. Didn't go into a full attack. This morning I took my 4th dose of the prozac & I took a propranolol with it. I'm supposed to work tomorrow so I'm praying for no more panic! Thanks again for the support. 1 day at a time, right!?

Thank you for that concern. They all came from my primary doctor and all filled at same pharmacy. I also looked into any serious reactions on this one website and nothing significant found. I didn't take any atarax (antihistamine) when I got up today, I usually do, even though it makes me drowsy, I prefer drowsy over panic.

But today I told myself I will just take the propranolol (with the prozac of course) and so far I feel very well. Even realized the laundry has been piling up so got a load in the wash now. I feel good today :) Hoping this keeps up. This is how I need to feel to function!

Also, on a side note, I'm curious about the prozac "wearing off" in the evening. I take in the AM per MD recommendations and I seem to be getting my anxiety/panic symptoms toward the evening 8pm - 9pm, and through the night, I think that's kind of peculiar. But if I know it's coming, I think I can handle it better. Who wouldn't love to be able to "time" their symptoms in order to be one step ahead? I'm going to keep an eye on that pattern.

Thank you for that information Merrida! Right now I am on 10mg of prozac and after 2 weeks my doctor instructed me to up it to 20 mg. Although, I will say I plan to do 15 mg for two weeks, then up to 20mg after that.

I have finally come to terms with the fact that I will need medication to help me. Not to heal me but to help. I am tired of revolving my life and my family's life around the "what if's" of having a panic attack.

I did take my full dose of propranolol 20 mg this morning (instead of taking 1/2 tab) and to be honest, I have felt "normal" all day today. I felt a little blip here and there of something trying to come on but I kept myself busy all day and was fine. My husband even said 'I can't believe how much you got done in the house'.

I will be calling and setting up that intake appt for counseling as well. And with all these things, I plan to be successful. This forum has been a great help! Good support system here and not tons of negativity like some forums. So thanks again for that!

Starkle, you are on the right path, distraction, distraction, distraction, it works. "My Wife and Daughter take
Prozac both of them have been on it, now the generac for over ten years. Peace

Larry ***

Heck Kid you should see some of mine, and without meds. Peace

Larry ***

Great attitude!

As S.C. pointed out, that will take you far!

Keep us posted.  We're here for you.

M.