Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding Prozac for Panic AttacksHow Prozac Treats Panic DisorderProzac and Panic DisorderCommon Side EffectsRare Side EffectsHow Quickly Prozac WorksStopping Prozac
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding Prozac for Panic Attacks
How Prozac Treats Panic Disorder
Prozac and Panic Disorder
Common Side Effects
Rare Side Effects
How Quickly Prozac Works
Stopping Prozac
Close
If you’ve ever had a panic attack, you know it’s much more than feeling anxious. Your fight-or-flight mode kicks into overdrive, leaving you feeling terrified and even out of control, often for no apparent reason. For many people, Prozac (fluoxetine) can help ease symptoms ofpanic disorderand help reduce the likelihood of experiencing a panic attack.
At a GlanceIf you experience panic attacks, you will likely be treated with antidepressant medication. Prozac is one popular antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat panic disorder. By influencing the neurochemicals in your brain that affect mood, you may feel less stressed and anxious, which can reduce the risk of experiencing a panic attack. However, it’s important to remember that it takes time for Prozac to start working (usually a few weeks), and there’s also a chance you will experience some side effects. Fortunately, many of these unpleasant effects diminish once your body adjusts to your medication. Your doctor will also talk to you about specific concerns, including an increased risk for suicidal thinking and potential drug interactions to watch for.
At a Glance
If you experience panic attacks, you will likely be treated with antidepressant medication. Prozac is one popular antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat panic disorder. By influencing the neurochemicals in your brain that affect mood, you may feel less stressed and anxious, which can reduce the risk of experiencing a panic attack. However, it’s important to remember that it takes time for Prozac to start working (usually a few weeks), and there’s also a chance you will experience some side effects. Fortunately, many of these unpleasant effects diminish once your body adjusts to your medication. Your doctor will also talk to you about specific concerns, including an increased risk for suicidal thinking and potential drug interactions to watch for.
Prozac is the trademark name of the drug fluoxetine, a medication belonging to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs first became available in the United States in the 1980s and quickly came to be the most commonly prescribed type ofantidepressant medication. Due to the effectiveness, safety, and limited side effects of SSRIs, their popularity continued to grow.
Being the first SSRI introduced in the U.S., Prozac is the most well-known and one of the most prescribed antidepressants.
Doctors initially prescribed Prozac to treatdepression. However, research has shown that it can treat a variety of mental health and medical conditions.Currently, Prozac is used in the treatment of:
It is also approved for treatment-resistant depression when used in combination with olanzapine.It is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat binge eating disorder, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic pain.
Prozac for Anxiety Disorders
How SSRIs Are Used in the Treatment of Panic Disorder
Common Side Effects
Prozac has the potential for side effects, which often vary for different people. Some of the most common side effects include:
Many people experience side effects that later subside or become less bothersome. Please note that these are only some of the side effects that can occur while taking Prozac. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects that become unmanageable or don’t go away.
Your doctor will need to monitor your reaction to your medication, especially when initially starting with Prozac or when adjusting your dosage.
Understanding Prozacs Side Effects and Drug Interactions
As with any medication, there is the potential to experience an allergic reaction to Prozac.Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare side effects:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
How Quickly Prozac Works for Panic Attacks
Don’t expect Prozac to immediately make you feel better. Improvements are often noticed days to weeks after starting Prozac, but it can actually take up to several months before you experience the full effect.
Try to give your medication some time before determining whether or not it’s helping you.
How Long Does It Take for Antidepressants to Work?
If you want to stop taking Prozac to treat panic attacks, you should never abruptly stop taking your prescription. Although Prozac is long-acting and tends to taper itself, discontinuing it on your own may lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as increased anxiety andirritability, headaches, confusion, and lightheadedness.
Additionally, yourpanic disorder symptomscan worsen if you suddenly stop taking your medication. Your dosage of Prozac can be gradually and safely reduced with your doctor’s guidance.
How to Taper Off Your Antidepressant Medication
Precautions Before Taking Prozac for Panic Attacks
Before you start taking Prozac to treat panic attacks, there are some things you should know. There are several precautions with Prozac, including:
Black Box Warning
In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning for all SSRIs.The FDA cautioned that SSRI usage has the potential to increase thoughts and behaviors related to suicide. This issue was found to be particularly concerning for children, adolescents, and young adults who are taking SSRIs.
Prescribing doctors must be especially observant of young people just beginning SSRI usage and monitor for signs of worsening mood or any suicidal thoughts.
Pregnancy/Nursing
Are Antidepressants Safe in Pregnancy?
Alcohol
It is recommended that youavoid alcoholwhile taking Prozac, as it may increase the medication’s toxicity or decrease its effectiveness.
Lightheadedness, Dizziness, and Drowsiness
Prozac can make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, and tired. It’s important to be cautious while driving or performing any other duties that require your full alertness and concentration.
Older Adults
If you’re 65 or older, you may be at higher risk for some side effects of Prozac, so it needs to be used with greater caution in this group.
Drug Interactions
You should be cautious when taking Prozac with other medications, as drug interactions can lead to serious issues. Keep your doctor up-to-date on your current medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, as well as nutritional supplements or herbs you take.
Can You Overdose on Prozac? Symptoms and What to Do Next
Takeaways
Prozac can be a helpful treatment for the panic attacks that occur as part of panic disorder. However, what’s right for you can depend on individual factors, so always work with your doctor to figure out the most effective treatment plan for your unique needs.
It’s important to remember that the information provided here is simply an overview regarding the use of Prozac for panic disorder. It doesn’t cover all potential variables, including possible side effects, precautions, and contraindications. Always talk to your medical provider about any questions and concerns you may have about your prescription.
Panic Disorder Treatment
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