Prozac

[myheartbait]

I started Prozac 3 weeks ago for depression and anxiety. The first 2 weeks were great. I noticed a huge difference in my mood and anxiety. But last week I felt on edge all day, everyday. I had 3 panic attacks with hyperventilating (I don't get them!) and have had suicidal and impulsive thoughts. Other side effects have been nausea and headaches. I am worried about how I am feeling, but I don't know how to say anything.I have also said and done things I don't remember and have completely zoned out and then not known who I am or anybody else is. Any tips on dealing with this?

[Gidig]

Hey Tess-

Just to put it out there, it usually takes about 6 weeks to feel the effects of anti-depressants. (Except for the side effects of like headaches and all that stuff) Anti-depressants are known to cause people to feel worse, and even more suicidal.

Don't just stop taking the medication though. Put a call in to whoever prescribed them to you and explain what's going on. There are other types of medications you can try, different dosages, and even other methods of dealing with what's going on.

When you do talk to the doctor ask for some advice for how to deal with what's going on now after taking the medication until things get fixed.

Good luck!
Maria.

[CANDLEJA-]

Heyy, I was prescribed Prozac too for my anxiety and depression, and the same thing happened to me. It got to the point where I eventually tried OD'ing on it, so if I were you I would talk to your doctor and tell him how you've been feeling. Prozac tends to do this to people, my doctor said it's one of those drugs that make you worse before they make you better. It wasn't the right one for me, and you may have to try multiple anti depressants before you find the one that's right for you...I heard Effexor is a good one that helps people, so maybe ask your doctor about that one?
I hope things get better for you, for a lot of people, myself included I found that meds didn't help me at all.

[Konstantine]

Hey there Tess,

I think that it's wonderful that you've been seeking help for your depression and anxiety - that's a really positive step forward!

I take fluoxetine (Prozac) and during the first month or so of taking the medication I also had some terrible side effects, including the suicidal and impulsive thoughts, nausea and headaches, so I can sympathise with how you're feeling. I understand that it feels really terrible and it is difficult to get through this period, but it is possible. After around 6 weeks, these negative effects should begin to wear off and you should start to feel some positive effects of the medication - and it's certainly worth it. I think it is extremely important to keep in touch with your psychiatrist about how you're feeling right now, Tess, just to make sure that you're safe. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe you something for your nausea. It's important to talk to people about how you're feeling during this time, look positively towards the future knowing that this will pass and to keep yourself safe.

Keep strong and take care.