Overwhelming Panic attacks - Fluoxetine - Menopause
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I was prescribed Fluoxetine 20mg daily about 7 years ago as I had lost my job and had terrible insomnia which turned to depression - I just couldn't see the point in anything. By the 4th week I really started feeling the benefits. Soon after that, I started reducing the frequency of them until I was down to 1 every 4 days. My GP said she wasn't sure that they would really be doing much at that frequency, but I have since read that they stay in your body for quite a while. So anyway, I had previously had severe anxiety about 3 years prior to that. So, to present day, I had not had any anxiety or panic attacks for 10 years so apart from that short depressive episode (which I consider rational) I was mentally very well. However, 3 weeks ago, I started getting intrusive thoughts about my own existence (I had had these thoughts many years ago and was diagnosed with OCD - Citalopram really helped for that.) So my anxiety and panic started coming back and gradually getting worse. I was still taking Fluoxetine every 4 days so I thought I would start to increase the frequency again to help so I am now on 20mg every other day, as I know how bad the side effects can be in the first few weeks. 2 days ago, I was feeling so much better but then yesterday I started getting overwhelming panic and feeling disconnected from reality. I was out Christmas shopping with my daughter which I had been really looking forward to but just felt so overwhelmed and was scared of going mad (even though I have read this does not happen). My question is, has anyone else on here suffered crippling panic attacks at the beginning of taking Fluoxetine and how long did they last?
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paula29996 susan34142
Posted
From what I understand anything less than 20 mg daily is nontherapeutic which means it's really not doing any good. That is the lowest dose recommended to see any positive effects. Usually the panic attacks occur first and not as a result of taking fluoxetine. It is supposed to help with the panic attacks but everyone is different. I wish I had answers for you because I suffer with horrible panic attacks & don't wish them on anyone. They feel horrible & I have sympathy for anyone who suffers with them.