Prozac (fluoxetine) [SSRI]
Description:
Prozac is a common example of the group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are generally psychiatrists’ first choice prescription drugs for Social Anxiety Disorder. SSRIs are commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders, including depression and generalized anxiety, and have recently become more popular in the treatment of SAD. They work in the body by regulating the brain levels of serotonin, the chemical that regulates mood.
Many SAD patients using Prozac tolerate the medication well and report positive results and relief from their social anxiety symptoms, while others find other therapies more helpful. Side effects are quite common with SSRIs in general, with the medications affecting sexual function and appetite in many patients. It is important to be especially watchful for cardiovascular and muscular side effects when using Prozac.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoxetine
Askapatient.com Ratings:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=18936
RevolutionHealth.com Ratings:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/prozac
Many SAD patients using Prozac tolerate the medication well and report positive results and relief from their social anxiety symptoms, while others find other therapies more helpful. Side effects are quite common with SSRIs in general, with the medications affecting sexual function and appetite in many patients. It is important to be especially watchful for cardiovascular and muscular side effects when using Prozac.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoxetine
Askapatient.com Ratings:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=18936
RevolutionHealth.com Ratings:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/prozac
Too activating for me
Shared by Drew on Dec 23rd, 2008
12 out of 16 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
Even at a dose of 15mg I found Prozac to be incredibly activating. My anxiety symptoms were all amplified the entire time I was taking it. I was only on it for a few weeks. At the time, the registered nurse thought I should just bump up the dosage. Only later, when working with a qualified psychiatrist did I learn that I was actually overdosing, even at that low dosage. The side effects were too severe at a dose that wasn't effective for treatment.
As with all medications, your experience will be based on your biology. Everyone reacts to medications differently.
Even at a dose of 15mg I found Prozac to be incredibly activating. My anxiety symptoms were all amplified the entire time I was taking it. I was only on it for a few weeks. At the time, the registered nurse thought I should just bump up the dosage. Only later, when working with a qualified psychiatrist did I learn that I was actually overdosing, even at that low dosage. The side effects were too severe at a dose that wasn't effective for treatment.
As with all medications, your experience will be based on your biology. Everyone reacts to medications differently.
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Prozac
Shared by Keith on Oct 30th, 2008
11 out of 18 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I was on Prozac for a while for depression. It helped my depression alot when I was on 40mg. I had some annoying sexual side effects. It helped my anxiety slightly. No bad discontinuation symptoms. I'd recommend it .
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Prozac is horrible!
Shared by Sasha on Nov 3rd, 2008
14 out of 24 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
This was the first medication I was ever prescribed and it ruined my life more than suffering with the depression and anxiety did. It made everything a whole lot worse. I started self mutilating and I turned into a monster. I was constantly angry and taking it out on everyone. It was a horrible experience. I lost all of my friends and eventually started isolating myself from the world completely. I even quit school while I was on this medication. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone.
This was the first medication I was ever prescribed and it ruined my life more than suffering with the depression and anxiety did. It made everything a whole lot worse. I started self mutilating and I turned into a monster. I was constantly angry and taking it out on everyone. It was a horrible experience. I lost all of my friends and eventually started isolating myself from the world completely. I even quit school while I was on this medication. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone.
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a cure for depression
Shared by stealyourface722 on Jan 2nd, 2009
9 out of 16 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
but I had terrible panic and anxiety
but I had terrible panic and anxiety
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Bad side effects
Shared by g1gglez on Sep 17th, 2009
2 out of 4 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
Prozac made me have crazy thoughts about hurting people. One night I was driving home from work and I saw a guy walking on the side of the road. Something in my head was telling me to run him over. I didn't but its scary the thoughts I was having while on prozac. It made me paranoid,really bad panic attacks, detached from reality. I thought I was going out of my mind.
Prozac made me have crazy thoughts about hurting people. One night I was driving home from work and I saw a guy walking on the side of the road. Something in my head was telling me to run him over. I didn't but its scary the thoughts I was having while on prozac. It made me paranoid,really bad panic attacks, detached from reality. I thought I was going out of my mind.
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About Treatment Experiences
The individual experiences about treatment for social anxiety disorder (social phobia) are not a substitute for medical advice.
You should always consult a qualified health care professional before beginning, changing or stopping a treatment.
