Does Prozac Stop Panic Attacks

Precautions When Taking Prozac

Prozac may not be safe for you if you have certain health or medical conditions. Ask your doctor for more information about the risks and benefits of Prozac for you.

• Liver disease. If you have problems with your liver, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Prozac or consider other medications to manage your anxiety.
• Seizures. If you have a history of seizure disorder, your doctor will discuss your risks if you choose to take Prozac.
• Bipolar 1 disorder. Prozac can increase the risk of manic episodes when used alone in people with bipolar disorder.
• Blood clotting disorders. If youre taking medications like warfarin to thin your blood, Prozac can increase your risk of bleeding.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding. It isnt known if Prozac is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of Prozac if youre pregnant or breastfeeding.

Is Zoloft Or Prozac More Effective

Zoloft and Prozac are similarly effective for treating symptoms of depression. In a double-blind, clinical trial, both Zoloft and Prozac improved depression based on different scores for depression and anxiety as well as sleep. While both SSRIs were found to be effective, Zoloft was found to have lower severity of side effects. Out of 108 randomized patients, 9.6% of the group treated with sertraline discontinued the drug compared to 19.6% of the group treated with fluoxetine due to ineffectiveness.

In a study from the Journal of Affective Disorders, Zoloft and Prozac showed similar effectiveness in patients with depression and anxiety. The results from the study showed no significant differences in improvement and treatment with either drug. Paxil, or paroxetine, was also included in this study and was found to be comparable.

Because every individual is different, one drug may be more suitable than the other. Consult a healthcare professional to determine which SSRI will give you the best results. Sometimes, it is a matter of trial and error.

What Medication Works Best For Your Panic Attacks

Understand that not everyone will have the same response to certain treatments. For one person, using an SSRI may work best for keeping panic attacks at bay. For another individual, benzodiazepines may be the only class of medication that provides any relief. Yet for others a combination of medications such as an SSRI plus a benzodiazepine as needed may be necessary. If you have taken a medication to help with your panic attacks, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below.

Read Also: Can A Relationship Give You Ptsd

Is Prozac A Controlled Substance

Controlled substances are defined as drugs that have a high potential for abuse and addiction, according to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Drugs that fit the definition of controlled substances are listed on controlled substance schedules according to the level of risk of abuse and addiction, as determined by the United States Department of Justices Drug Enforcement Agency . The DEA does not consider fluoxetine to have a high risk of abuse or addiction, so it is not listed on the controlled substances schedules.

What The Science Says

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, clinical studies of Prozac show it to be effective in managing symptoms of certain anxiety disorders like panic disorder.

There arent, however, a lot of that show Prozacs effectiveness for generalized anxiety disorder, or how it compares with other medications approved to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Other SSRI

Don’t Miss: How To Stay Calm During A Panic Attack

How Long Do I Need To Take Them

There really isnt any recommendation for how long to take Prozac or Zoloft. Some people take them for a few months, while others may be on them for years. You and your provider can determine when to stop taking them.;;

When you are ready to discontinue them, your provider can gradually decrease your dose to help avoid withdrawal symptoms.

How Much Prozac Should I Take For Panic Disorders

March 17, 2015 by Dr. Carlo

Prozac, also known by the generic name fluoxetine, is an antidepressant in the SSRI class . Prozac being labelled as an antidepressant is a misnomer, as in addition to depression, Prozac treats anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder.

Prozac can be initiated at 10mg once daily, then increased by 10mg every 1 to 2 weeks until there is clinical effect. The therapeutic dose is between 20mg to 40mg daily. If starting with 10mg daily produces significant side effects, then decrease the dose to 5mg once daily, increasing by 5mg every 1 to 2 weeks until clinical effect.

The problem with just starting Prozac on its own for panic disorder is that it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the Prozac to be effective. In addition to waiting for weeks until clinical effect, Prozac can have side effects in the first few weeks, which include increased anxiety, agitation, and restlessness. So to counteract the possible side effects with the initiation of Prozac, and to cover the period of time when waiting for the Prozac to work, a benzodiazepine can be started on a short-term basis. Prescribing a benzodiazepine short term also reduces the risk for addiction, as benzodiazepines have addictive potential. When choosing a benzodiazepine to start concurrently with Prozac, you want a benzodiazepine that has a longer duration of action, such as Klonopin, also known by its generic name clonazepam.

Don’t Miss: Do Dogs Get Separation Anxiety

Common Side Effects Of Zoloft Vs Prozac

Since both drugs are in the same class of medications, they both have similar side effects. These side effects are often mild and resolve on their own within weeks after starting treatment. However, if they donât go away or worsen, you may be recommended a different SSRI. Consult your doctor to discuss any side effects you may experience.

The most common side effects associated with Zoloft are nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and tremors. The most common side effects with Prozac include nausea, nervousness, dry mouth, and indigestion. Changes in weight such as weight gain or weight loss are also common.

Other side effects for SSRIs may include sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, or impotence. Insomnia and other problems with sleep can also occur. More severe adverse effects include serotonin syndrome, a rare set of symptoms that can arise especially if you are taking other medications that increase serotonin activity.

Source: DailyMed , DailyMed

Drug Interactions And Overdose

While benzodiazepines are relatively safe when taken only occasionally and in small doses, they can be dangerous and even deadly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining medications.

Dont drink on benzodiazepines. When mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines can lead to fatal overdose.

Dont mix with painkillers or sleeping pills. Taking benzodiazepines with prescription pain or sleeping pills can also lead to fatal overdose.

Antihistamines amplify their effects. Antihistaminesfound in many over-the-counter sleep, cold, and allergy medicinesare sedating on their own. Be cautious when mixing with benzodiazepines to avoid over-sedation.

Be cautious when combining with antidepressants. SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft can heighten benzodiazepine toxicity. You may need to adjust your dose accordingly.

Paradoxical effects of benzodiazepines

The benzodiazepines work because they slow down the nervous system. But sometimes, for reasons that arent well understood, they have the opposite effect. Paradoxical reactions are most common in children, the elderly, and people with developmental disabilities. They include:

• Increased anxiety, irritability, agitation, aggression, and rage
• Mania, impulsive behavior, and hallucinations

You May Like: Can Panic Attack Cause Blurry Vision

How Is Panic Disorder Diagnosed

Medical or mental health providers can diagnose panic disorder. Your provider may diagnose panic disorder when you have repeated panic attacks and you:

• Persistently worry about having more panic attacks or their consequences.
• Obsess about losing control during a panic attack.
• Change your behaviors to avoid situations that may trigger a panic attack.

Get A Mental Health Prescription For Just $12

Your doctor or mental health practitioner is there to discuss your concerns, help you find ways of coping you may have not considered before, recommend a form of psychotherapy, and if needed, see if you can benefit from medication. Normally you will be on fluoxetine for at least half a year but make sure you donât stop suddenly and suffer unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You will need regular monthly appointments with your doctor to check all is going as it should. If you feel that your symptoms are getting worse or you are noticing new symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Your family and close friends should be aware youâre on medication so they can support you and also because some young people can have thoughts of suicide when first taking an antidepressant. If you notice mood changes or suicidal ideation, especially in the beginning of treatment, notify your doctor or seek medical attention right away.

If you are taking fluoxetine, be sure to immediately seek emergency medical assistance if you have signs of a rare allergic reaction to fluoxetine. Look out for:

• Skin rash or hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

In the rare case you have a serious side effect, call your doctor straight away. Serious side effects include:

If you think you have overdosed on fluoxetine, seek emergency medical attention , or call the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of overdose can include:

Read Also: Can You Have Ptsd Without Combat

What Is Prozac And How Is It Used

Prozac is an anti-depressant medication. Also known by its generic name, fluoxetine, this drug is currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of major depressive disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder , bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and also for pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder , which is more severe than premenstrual syndrome .1 It is also prescribed off-label for anxiety, obesity, binge-eating disorder, premature ejaculation,2 body dysmorphic disorder, dysthymia, and post-traumatic stress disorder .1 Fluoxetine is typically used to treat depression in adults but may be used in smaller doses to treat depression in children and adolescents over the age of 10.

Prozac helps to elevate mood and energy levels, improve sleep, and increase appetite. It also works to decrease anxiety and fear and to suppress unwanted thoughts. Fluoxetine can help to decrease the number of panic attacks that a person has and to lessen their severity.

What Drugs Interact Prozac

As with all drugs, the potential for interaction by a variety of mechanisms is a possibility.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

CNS Acting Drugs

• Caution is advised if the concomitant administration of Prozac and such drugs is required.
• In evaluating individual cases, consideration should be given to using lower initial doses of the concomitantly administered drugs, using conservative titration schedules, and monitoring of clinical status.

Serotonergic Drugs

Drugs That Interfere With Hemostasis

• Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis.
• Epidemiological studies of the case-control and cohort design that have demonstrated an association between use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding have also shown that concurrent use of an NSAID or aspirin may potentiate this risk of bleeding.
• Altered anticoagulant effects, including increased bleeding, have been reported when SNRIs or SSRIs are coadministered with warfarin.
• Patients receiving warfarin therapy should be carefully monitored when fluoxetine is initiated or discontinued.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

• There are no clinical studies establishing the benefit of the combined use of ECT and fluoxetine.
• There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in patients on fluoxetine receiving ECT treatment.

Potential For Other Drugs To Affect Prozac

Drugs Tightly Bound To Plasma Proteins

Potential For Prozac To Affect Other Drugs

Pimozide

You May Like: Can You Get Schizophrenia From Acid

What If Youre Ready To Stop Taking An Antidepressant

Lets suppose you have been on an SSRI like paroxetine for several years and having been working with a psychologist whom you really trust. Your depression is better and you feel ready to stop your medicine. To help you avoid discontinuation syndrome, work closely with the doctor who prescribes your medicine.

While some drugs can either be stopped or very quickly tapered, almost all SSRIs and SNRIs need to be slowly decreased. You may be instructed to drop the dose by small amounts each week, or perhaps every two weeks, or even every month. If youve been on a higher dose of medication, a taper may take as long as six months. Its not worth rushing it because you dont want to develop discontinuation symptoms. However, if you do, your doctor can increase the dose and then after a little while, you can try the taper again.

We have had patients tell us that physicians dont want to start these antidepressants for fear of triggering discontinuation syndrome when its time to stop taking the medicine. But these are useful and safe medications for most people, and its worth exploring their potential carefully. Depression is a serious and common affliction that should be actively treated by all effective methods.

Christopher Bullock, MD, MFA, 19472018, was a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and writer. He loved Gary Snyder’s poetry; “all the junk that goes with being human” was a quote that inspired his life, his work, and his illness.

Ranking The Best Medication For Anxiety Of 2021

Medication for anxiety can relieve anxious feelings, reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks, and produce a sense of calm where there was agitation.

Millions of Americans use these medications on a daily basis to deal with general anxiety, panic attacks, various phobias, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.

If you believe anxiety is interfering with your day-to-day life, consult your doctor or mental health professional to find out if anxiety medication is right for you.

Below are the best medications for anxiety of 2021.

Read Also: How Does The Environment Affect Schizophrenia

Who Needs Medication For Anxiety

Feeling anxious now and then is part of life. It is a component of the bodyâs natural self-defense system and linked closely with the fight or flight response. But there is a difference between feeling anxious prior to performing in front of a crowd, and being afraid to leave your house because you might encounter people outside. Just as there is a difference between jiggling the doorknob once as you leave your home to make sure it is locked, and checking the doorknob two dozen times.

Essentially, anyone who suffers from an anxiety disorder is a potential candidate for anxiety medication. But, just because someone might benefit from anxiety medication, it does not mean they necessarily should take one. They may be served just as effectively by a combination of psychotherapy and exercise. The most important thing is that the decision to use an anxiety medication is arrived at only after careful consultation with your doctor.

Who Can And Can’t Take Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine can be taken by adults for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and bulimia.

Fluoxetine can be taken by children aged 8 years or older for depression.

Check with your doctor before starting to take fluoxetine if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to fluoxetine or any other medicines in the past
• have a heart problem, as fluoxetine can speed up or change your heartbeat
• have ever taken any other medicines for depression. Some rarely usedantidepressants can interact with fluoxetine to cause very high blood pressure even when they have been stopped for a few weeks.
• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding
• have an eye problem called glaucoma because fluoxetine can increase the pressure in your eye
• have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment – fluoxetine may increase the risk of having a seizure

If you have diabetes, fluoxetine can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable. Monitor your blood sugar more often for the first few weeks of treatment with fluoxetine and adjust your diabetes treatment if necessary.

Also Check: Can Anxiety Last For Days

Ssri Antidepressants For Anxiety

Many medications originally approved for the treatment of depression are also prescribed for anxiety. In comparison to benzodiazepines, the risk for dependency and abuse is smaller. However, antidepressants take up to 4 to 6 weeks to begin relieving anxiety symptoms, so they cant be taken as needed. Their use is limited to chronic anxiety problems that require ongoing treatment.

The antidepressants most widely prescribed for anxiety are SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. SSRIs have been used to treat generalized anxiety disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder , panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Common side effects of SSRIs include:

• Fatigue

• Increased sweating

How Do They Compare On Side Effects

You may experience side effects while taking Zoloft and Prozac. But these are often mild and temporary and may last a few weeks. The medications have very similar side effects, but according to clinical trials, Prozac is more likely to cause headaches, while Zoloft is more likely to cause dry mouth, stomach problems, and sexual side effects.

Common side effects include:

• Sexual problems, such as decreased libido and ejaculation problems

• Dry mouth

• Diarrhea

If the side effects are bothering you, talk to your provider. They may be able to adjust the dose to minimize the effects or change your medication.;

Some side effects of Zoloft and Prozac can be serious. These effects are rare, but if you think you are having them, notify your doctor as soon as possible.;

These rare side effects include:

• Suicidal thoughts. This is more common in younger adults.

• Heart rhythm issues. If you have a heart condition, Zoloft or Prozac could worsen your condition.

• Worsening of symptoms. On rare occasions, these medications can make anxiety worse.;

If you are pregnant, let your doctor know before you start or stop taking Zoloft or Prozac. Although studies show low risk to your unborn baby, you should use these drugs with caution, especially in the third trimester.;

Recommended Reading: How To Break The Cycle Of Health Anxiety