Prozac, also known by the generic name fluoxetine, is an antidepressant in the SSRI class (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). Prozac being labelled as an antidepressant is a misnomer, as in addition to depression, Prozac treats anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder.
Prozac can be initiated at 10mg once daily, then increased by 10mg every 1 to 2 weeks until there is clinical effect. The therapeutic dose is between 20mg to 40mg daily. If starting with 10mg daily produces significant side effects, then decrease the dose to 5mg once daily, increasing by 5mg every 1 to 2 weeks until clinical effect.
The problem with just starting Prozac on its own for panic disorder is that it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the Prozac to be effective. In addition to waiting for weeks until clinical effect, Prozac can have side effects in the first few weeks, which include increased anxiety, agitation, and restlessness. So to counteract the possible side effects with the initiation of Prozac, and to cover the period of time when waiting for the Prozac to work, a benzodiazepine can be started on a short-term basis. Prescribing a benzodiazepine short term also reduces the risk for addiction, as benzodiazepines have addictive potential. When choosing a benzodiazepine to start concurrently with Prozac, you want a benzodiazepine that has a longer duration of action, such as Klonopin, also known by its generic name clonazepam.
Start Klonopin at 0.5mg twice daily, along with your starting dose of Prozac. If needed, the Klonopin can be increased to 1mg twice daily. Once the Prozac is effective for the anxiety symptoms weeks later, then the Klonopin can be reduced and eventually discontinued.
Dear Sir, I am in a desperate need for help. I am not sure is it depression, obsessive compulsive disorder or anxiety that I am suffering from that is ruining my life. I have tried several antidepressants but none seems to work for me so I stop using them over 12 months ago. Over the weekend I hit rock bottom and decided to get help. Currently I am waiting for a Psychiatrist assessment and while I am waiting for assessment my GP prescribed me Diazepam 2mg (only 10 tablets) for temporally relief and continued use for Prozac 20mg and being told the Prozac will take up to 2 weeks to start working.
Following are some of my symptoms,
• sadness
• tiredness
• trouble focusing or concentrating
• unhappiness
• anger
• irritability
• frustration
• loss of interest in pleasurable or fun activities
• sleep issues (too much or too little)
• no energy
• anxiety
• isolation
• Repetitive or compulsive behaviours
• Changes in personality
• Relationship problems
• Issues at the workplace
• Wanting to remain isolated
• Increased fear of situations or doing things.
Please Sir can you give me some guidance, I just want to live a normal life and enjoy my family.
I’m sorry, I can’t give medical advice for individual cases…you will need to get a medical evaluation from a psychiatrist. Please look up the information you need on this website.