Just started on Fluoxetine 7 weeks ago

[eliza1968]

I was started on Fluoxetine 7 weeks ago and I have noticed that my severe panic attacks are better, but I still wake up every morning with a nervous stomach which escalates unless I take a 1 mg Klonopin. I can usually go untill around 2 or 3 before I start feeling jittery and have to take another Klonopin. I started on the Fluoxetine at 40 mg and I just went to the doctor today and she increased it to 60 mg. Does this medication really work for panic attacks and anxiety? I'm so afraid it won't work, and I just don't feel like myself. Sometimes I cry which does relieve the anixety, but is it normal to be so tearful? I'm not usually a depressed person but I just feel sad that I have this problem. Any information would greatly help.

Thanks!!

[eliza1968]

Thanks for all the advice. I should have added that I was diagosed with anxiety about 15 years ago and went through counseling for about four years. I got off all medications for a while and just recently started back on medications due to panic attacks brought on by a hypoglycemic event, (low blood sugar, I am type 1 diabetic and take insulin).  Anyway, that is what caused this to flare up again. I used to take Effexor and this worked really great, but since I don't have health insurance and it costs $300 dollars a month for Effexor my doctor put me on Fluoxetine which only costs $4 dollars at Walmart. So starting today I have to increase the dose to 60 mg, and I am going to see how this helps with the anxiety. I also am going to purchase a stair climber so I can exercise every day to help relieve any stress that I may have. I make sure to get eight hours of sleep and I also do deep breathing to help. Some days are better then others but I'm going to hang in there a little bit longer before changing meds again. It's nice knowing there is this web site where you don't have to feel like your the only one suffering with anxiety and panic attacks.  My doctor said if over the next couple of weeks I don't find improvement she will change me to Celexa. Any advice on that?? I have to reserch it myself too.

Thanks again, I appreciate your help. Liz

[Prizma]

I agree with Cj in saying that medication is only a crutch and you should consider getting some therapy to help you co-exist with anxiety and depression ( I never thought I was depressed until I tried Fluoxitine for my anxiety and it made a huge difference).

There is no magical cure-all solution to anxiety and depression--it's a combination of things. Look at your life and what stressors you may have. Are there ways to relieve the anxiety (such as swimming, meditation, etc)? what makes *YOU* feel better? I know this sounds really cheesy but try not to look at having anxiety and depression as a problem. I grew up with a mother that was supportive of medication while my father was against it. I don't know how many times I heard "it's just in her head". Now, I've come to accept and realize that I have to take a pill every day (yes I have played the game of being off of medication for a while and having to go back on it--several times in fact) and I'm going to have my good days, and my bad days. I'm no different than someone who has to take a shot each day to live (diabetics). Completely different situations, however similar solutions.

[michaxx2]

Maybe this medication is not working good for you?I  sometimes it takes a while to find the right one...I am on lexapro 10mg and doing great on it....and I am on klonopin as needed...maybe it is better for you to go back to the dr and discuss it with him cause after 7 weeks being on it you should be feeling much better....I am like you about the stomach issues in the morning...I use to wake up with nausea and it was horrible untill I started on lexapro....I have the feeling that what you are on is not the right one for you....
Good luck
Micha

[cj29]

These types of medications work well for anxiety and depression in my opinion.  However, I am a HUGE proponent of using these COMBINED with talk therapy.  Have you been talking to a therapist?  There is no magic pill that will 'cure' anyone of this without learning why someone thinks the way they do.  The panic/anxiety cycle quite often follows set patterns even though it can seem very chaotic at times.  By gaining knowledge about this, it can enable you to gain long term freedom and understanding about anxiety.  Keep us posted!

[eliza1968]

Hi Katie, thanks for commenting. Any info helps. It makes me think I'm not the only one suffering from anxiety.

Have a nice day too!!

[Katie35801]

I have taken Prozac (fluoxetine) off and on for 10 yrs. But I've never taken more than 20mg per day. It helped the panic attacks alot, and depression. But not the overall general anxiety. I am VERY tearful off of it, but not as bad on it.