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I know Prozac is for depression, but is it also for anxiety?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/10/2015 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Have I been doing this all wrong? As I said before, my pdoc prescribed Lorazaphan to take when needed. But I haven't because I don't want to take another pill and I get drug anxiety. But reading so many of your post and seeing how many are taking benzos along with their other med, makes me think I have been doing it all wrong?
Posted 9/11/2015 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
prozac will ease anxiety however in too large a dose it can cause anxiety . its a very strong ssri and people should take the lowest dose thats effective for them-not what the dr thinks is the right dose. i was ok at 20 mg but my dr insisted i go up to 40 and it was way too much. as for the benzo-take them only AS NEEDED . not every day . this way you reduce the chance of dependency. there are drugs to reduce anxiety that arnt benzos. vistaril and buspar are examples.
Posted 9/11/2015 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Deb,

From what I've read about Prozac is a stimulating antidepressant, so that's why it's used a lot for depression.

Regarding the benzo situation...I used Xanax 3x daily for about four months and had no problem coming off. I felt better, so I tapered off. But I understand that regiment isn't for everybody.
Posted 9/11/2015 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
D.S.,

Anti depressants are often prescribed to treat both depression and anxiety.

You have not been doing it wrong...

...you have just been using an anti-anxiety as needed...

...rather than a daily maintenance med such as an SSRI, a common anti depressant.

I would say since you have a phobia about taking meds...that an anti depressant might not be a good choice for you, since it HAS to be taken regularly...and can have undesired side effects.

Talk to your P-doc about it though, and get informed for what is going to be best for you.

S.C.
Posted 9/11/2015 8:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

It's a tough question to answer as we all react differently to AD and what works well for one person may not work as well for an other.

I take Prozac 60mg and have found it to be really effective my pdoc told me that Prozac works better for anxiety at higher doses and in my case that seems to have been the right advice. I agree Prozac is a very activating AD but I like that as I also suffer with depression.

Hibee
Posted 9/11/2015 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
I think I'm being misunderstood here, I have been on 30 mg. Prozac for many years, what I'm asking is, should I have been taking the Lorazapan as needed, and would that help my break thru anxiety? Should I always have been doing that? Sorry, French is my first language and I sometimes have trouble getting my point across.
Posted 9/11/2015 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Benzos are for when you have extreme panic or want to get through something that you know might trigger a panic attack. I take lorazepam .75mg a day, I'm supposed to take 2 mg a day, but I don't want to take that much. I think it has helped me reduce my panic attacks. I also use coping skills, I also don't like to take multiple medications so now I only take this one, but I'm scared.
Posted 9/11/2015 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
DS,

Okay, I see understand your question now...sorry for the confusion!

Basically, yes, a benzo is often used along with a daily A/D for breakthrough anxiety and/or panic attacks.

It is used 'Pro Re Nata' (PRN)...or as needed. (some do use a benzo daily, but this is usually temporary, for an acute episode of anxiety/panic disorder)

It is a safe and common practice to take your SSRI, along with a benzodiazepine as needed.

I hope that you can come to a decision that is comfortable for you, and one that helps!

With encouragement,

S.C.
Posted 9/11/2015 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
My pdoc shakes her head at me cause I don't take it. So maybe I will start, I mean why suffer.
Posted 9/12/2015 9:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi DS

I get you now sorry for the confusion.

I would say yes take your lorazepam as prescribed as it will work well on breakthrough anxiety.

Hibee
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