Trying Prozac for the 2nd time

Thank you so much for your professional answer. I was afraid people might be mean on here pertaining my specific phobia. But to answer your questions, yes I am seeing a psychiatrist. The Prozac has not interrupted my sleep at all. But, a few months ago, I was having no appetite, sleep issues + worsening anxiety symptoms, and my psychiatrist put me on 7.5mg of Remeron (Mirtazapine) at bedtime. I am still taking this at bedtime, have been since September, but it has not helped with my anxiety. So, he added Prozac for me to take in the morning. And during the day I usually take one 0.5mg of Ativan. My psychiatrist said I could take that more, but am worried about getting addicted to it. What is your opinion on that? Do you have experience taking Prozac yourself?

Why would anyone be mean? Emetophobia is one of the most common phobias actually. And one of the most common panic disorder triggers for many people.

I have been put on Prozac briefly during pregnancy to bridge a fast taper off another medication. That did not really work out for my specific case. By nature Prozac is a bit of a stimulant and can aggravate anxiety especially at first. It can alter sleep patterns and this can further worsen symptoms. However this should be transient. Prozac is very well tolerated generally and gives consistent results. It is also kind to the stomach compared to some other drugs, which is great for emetophobes - others often cause nausea at first and this naturally sends emetophobes into added spikes of anxiety.

As with all psychotropics - it is important to see your therapy through. This time around please do not just stop once you are better. Some maintenance is required once you are all better. Maintenance can range from 6 months to a few years depending on each case. As this is a relapse, i.e. you have prior history, I would think you need to stay on maintenance at least 1 year after all your symptoms withdraw - but your psychiatrist will know best. I am always relieved when someone is seen by a psychiatrist as opposed to GP. GPs tend to be less competent in dosing and duration of therapy often causing unnecessary difficulties.

Technically, you can take Ativan at more notable doses 3 times per day for about 2 weeks followed by a brief taper without issues. Ativan is in my opinion the mildest of the group and not as highly addictive. Taper is usually uneventful. Most patients i have discussed with have been given ativan to take as needed and as soon as their other therapy took hold, felt no more need for it. Some patients are given benzos for over 4 months to help with adjustment symptoms to their antidepressants followed by a taper, then as needed for a couple of weeks and then they are done.

I was given xanax (alprazolam) for 2 months 3 times per day steady doses for my notable anxiety escalation, followed by a taper of a few weeks. never looked back. Don't miss it. No issues.

Ativan (typically dished out at ER where i live) never made a dent in my anxiety as neither did diazepam (previous ER favourite at 5mg and send us on our way taken "as needed". So if ativan works as needed for you: awesome and don't worry about it at all at the moment. Take when needed (within reason obviously LOL) and do not worry about addiction as long as you do not exceed the maximum prescribed dose. This is supporting your adjustment to Prozac and helping you unwind to kick-start your therapy. Healing starts once your body and mind unwind a little first. Mirt will also help to this effect. Great combination of the three.

That based on my studies in psychology and pharmacology research during studies...brought about by a need to know more after my experience with GAD. At least it was productive!!! All the best and a quick recovery!

Thank you for making me aware that Prozac is more kind on the stomach than others - I did not know that and it gives me a little bit of relief. And also thank you for your input on taking Ativan. Even my psychiatrist tells me not to worry about getting addicted to them, and to use them as they can help me. I don't always feel that taking one of them helps, but that's situational for me. Thank you for your advice and the well wishes.

What did you have for side effects when you increased your dosages on Prozac? Were you nervous to take them/increase the dosage because of your Emetophobia?

I was very nervous to increase my dosage it took me awhile to tell the dr I was willing to the only side effect i had was sweating but that went away after a few months.