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Prozac effectiveness?

Posted , 7 users are following.

kim31778
kim31778

I just started Prozac 40mg about four weeks ago and though initially, I thought it  might be helping, I'm not so sure lately. I've been experiencing irrational fears, and an increase in crying spells. I'm so worried that nothing will work as I don't feel like myself. I've been suffering with anxiety and depression now for eight months. In April of 2016, I was finishing up grad school when I had a panic attack. The doctor put me on Klonopin and I returned to him a few weeks later to get off the benzo. He placed me on Lexapro and I had a reaction to it (uncontrollable crying). I then foolishly took myself down too far off the Klonopin-from 1 1/2 mg to .5; this threw me into a tailspin-no sleep for days and dp/dr feelings. I went to another doctor who placed me back on Lexapro as she knew I had had success with it years ago. Again, the incessant crying and brain fog would continue. PCP kept pushing me to 40mg. I could not take it any longer and tried to find a psychiatrist but all were booked except for a telemedicine practice. This psych PA lowered my Lex to 10 and added Buspar...didn't work; then CT'd me....I went to a clinic about four weeks later where they did a battery of tests: low vit D, B12, Folate and testosterone....They placed me on Prozac 40mg...I've been on it now four weeks with little let up in symptoms. I've never had this much trouble with meds...they always worked in the past. Now, I feel alien-spacey, afraid, tearful...The genetic test I did while at the clinic showed that ssri's would pose an intermed risk with me...Effexor and Wellbutrin were better matches but I was afraid to try them. My question is...is it worth staying on the prozac in hopes it will eventually work or is this a lost cause? I'm truly so desperate and frustrated.

0 likes, 122 replies

122 Replies

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  • monica62597
    monica62597 kim31778

    Posted

    It's okay to bounce around docs till you feel the right fit!Be persistent get referrals if you can .

    • kim31778
      kim31778 monica62597

      Posted

      Thank you...I'll try; so Monica, you have had side effects of crying? Did you feel not like yourself too? I've had crying spells too and just feeling generally off.

    • lookingonwards
      lookingonwards kim31778

      Posted

      Kim you can not compare anyone elses side effects with your own as we all started on different doses and increased at different times. Monica has increased very slowly so her side effects might be different to yours. I know you are looking for reassurance but please do not compare yourself to what others have had or you will just worry yourself sick!!
    • kim31778
      kim31778 lookingonwards

      Posted

      Okay...thank you; I guess I've just felt so strange from the beginning; even when I tried the Lexapro...they started me out on 10, then 20, then 30, then 40....felt horrible the whole time.

    • monica62597
      monica62597 kim31778

      Posted

      Ten can be high for some on lexapro to start.Lexapro is stronger like 10 of lexapro is equal to 20 of celexa.
    • monica62597
      monica62597 kim31778

      Posted

      Pharmacist can help you with question about med too.I didn't know lexapro could go to 40.Yes you started Prozac so much higher than me!I am just now on 20!I have slowly worked up this time around since I didn't handle celexa well this time!Please know that you will improve and please have a doc that you trust!

    • kim31778
      kim31778 monica62597

      Posted

      Thank you Monica...I am going to certainly try to hang in there...has been the nightmare of nightmares...
  • kim31778
    kim31778

    Posted

    Anyone have just off the charts anxiety? It seems I have a different symptom every day. Today, I had some clarity but at the same time, felt extra nervous and shakey; trembling and some fears. I fear a lot about my blood pressure; feeling it goes up with activity which gives me symptoms. I'm not sure how to cope. Some days, I feel as if I'm bursting and just want to escape my skin. I don't know how to deal.

    • RonVis
      RonVis kim31778

      Posted

      If you had clarity, you are in your way to recovery. Focus on that and not on the other, it proves you will get through it. This is a 1 step forward 2 step back journey. Celebrate the 1 step and when you're taking 2 steps back know that the 1 step will come again and hold on to that.

    • kim31778
      kim31778 RonVis

      Posted

      Thank you Ron...I think what is most troubling is not being functional...and feeling spacey/derealized. I pray these things subside. I've had no relief for eight months.

    • kim31778
      kim31778 RonVis

      Posted

      4 weeks on the 24th...I'm just terrified...have never felt so off. I had a similar response to Lexapro which I stayed on for three months-feeling terrible. I just feel high anxiety and spaced out...like just not myself at all...There was a part of the day I felt able to do one or two things but otherwise, I'm glued to the couch.

    • RonVis
      RonVis kim31778

      Posted

      Don't think about those 8 months. Everything started 4 weeks ago. You're only a week or two away from seeing a big difference. Hang in there.

    • kim31778
      kim31778 RonVis

      Posted

      I sure hope so; do you ever remember feeling spacey?
    • RonVis
      RonVis kim31778

      Posted

      Oh yes, not anywhere near myself. I'm 5 weeks done and last two days I'm feeling closer back than I've been, but not there yet.

    • kim31778
      kim31778 RonVis

      Posted

      When you say, "not yourself', what does it feel like? I guess I'm trying to match my experience with someone else b/c it feels so foreign-a thing I'll never escape.

    • lookingonwards
      lookingonwards kim31778

      Posted

      Kim.. you will not be able to match your experience as everyone is different. Please stop trying to do that to yourself as it is just not healthy at all. If people do not give you the answer you need then you are going to think something is wrong and it is simply not true. You mind is feeding you crap right now.. it is not the truth. You feel bad because your stupid doctor gave you a full dose of medication that is not even kind to us who started on smaller doses. I really do think you need to go and see someone at the drugstore or even visit a hospital... not because you are about to die or anything but because you need something else to help you cope with this crap you are going thru. You will feel so much better speaking to someone who can give you proper guidance and tell you more and remember most people started slow on this medication.. you did not!

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