Posted by jms600 on April 5, 2004, at 15:49:05
In reply to Need advice on SSRI for severe anxiety, posted by cpallen79 on April 5, 2004, at 14:59:13
Hello cpallen79,
I suffer from both depression & fairly severe anxiety and take Prozac 20mg per day. I switched from Effexor 225mg as the Effexor tended to make me a bit apathetic and lethargic. I find Prozac is more helpful for that, as it is more stimulating.
To start with Prozac did cause my anxiety to worsen slightly, but this only lasted about 4 or 5 days then eased off. I also had some withdrawal symptoms switiching from the Effexor to the Prozac, but again this only lasted 4 or 5 days.
Now Prozac doesn't really aggrevate my anxiety at all, but I wouldn't say it helps it all that much either. I find Prozac to be fairly neutral when it comes to anxiety after the first few weeks of treatment.
I too have heard Prozac is very easy to come off, although I don't plan to do it yet, as it is a very good anti-depressant!
If you try the Prozac, and for the first few days it makes your anxiety worse, than as Kathryn said try a benzodiazepine. I had great success with 10mg of Valium when i first went on the Prozac.
poster:jms600
thread:332948
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040402/msgs/332964.html