Questions about prozac reactions

I just started taking 20mg of prozac last week. My psychiatrist said I may need a higher dose but for right now she wants to give it some time. Aside from headaches which are no big deal, my anxiety and panic attacks have gotten worse since I've taken this. I've heard it takes time to adjust. When does this medicine start to work? I am struggling so much. Anyone else experience this?

Agreed...it can take several weeks...

Initially Seratonin levels drop...leaving you more succeptible to increased anxiety and depression...

...but as the auto receptors and neurotranmitters in the brain adjust...and the medication can start to level out the balance of Seratonin and other feel good hormones...things will improve!

Try to be patient and get through this first few weeks as best you can with the use of coping skills.

We are here for your support as well...so post anytime!

S.C.

When I first started Prozac many years ago, I had a really hard time adjusting because it caused more anxiety and I felt horrible. But it does get better, takes about 4 weeks, anyway for me it did. But every adjustment would cause side effects.

Trying,

Have you tried some of the self help material from our Resources yet? ...

...or do yo h have some of your own that you can double up on at this time?

They really can make a difference in how younfeel!

Keep posting,

S.C.

Has anyone felt like every morning they wake up in a panic? I don't know if it's the medication but I feel like I want to jump out of my skin. Before starting prozac I had a lot of anxiety and depression on and off due to relationship anxiety but was able to feel positive emotions at some points. . Now it's just all panic, anxiety depression and on and off crying and feelings of helplessness. I try to tell myself things will get better but when you feel this bad it is so hard.

Morning anxiety is very common due to Cortisol levels being the highest in the body, as to help get us up and moving after sleep. Those of us with anxiety either make too much, or have a sensitivity, and sometimes end up waking to panic.

You can ceratainly talk to your doctor about a possible benzodiazapine, used as needed for actute anxiety and attacks...

...but you may find these coping skills help to pull you out of an attack very effectively.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/panic.asp

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Wishing you the best...hang in there, things will get easier!

S.C.