Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedy For Severe Anxiety And Depression
Question: I have probem of Anxiety/depression.
Doctors here have prescribed prozac/fluoxetine
First,second and third day i took 20mg.Then on the fourth day i didn't took any
On Fifth day i took 20mg followed by 10mg on the sixth day.
I have stopped taking them as i am getting severe side effects such as difficult in breathing as well lack of sleep.
I am asking for directions and guidance on how to reduce the dose -taper ! Or if there is any alternative medicine for anxiety/depression .
Doctors here have prescribed prozac/fluoxetine
First,second and third day i took 20mg.Then on the fourth day i didn't took any
On Fifth day i took 20mg followed by 10mg on the sixth day.
I have stopped taking them as i am getting severe side effects such as difficult in breathing as well lack of sleep.
I am asking for directions and guidance on how to reduce the dose -taper ! Or if there is any alternative medicine for anxiety/depression .
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Thank you very much for your question.
Oftentimes, when starting an antidepressant, people will experience paradoxical side effects, such as increased anxiety and panic symptoms, which I suspect are contributing here. If you stick with the medication, and take it as prescribed, these effects usually stop within a week, and the beneficial effects will take over. I strongly recommend you do this.
Alternately, talk to you doctor and tell them you are stopping the medication. This is not harmful to do, but your doctor should know about it.
There are many other antidepressant options. Consider sertraline or escitalopram next. These are equally effective as fluoxetine, and you may have fewer side effects with them.
In the future, write directly to my private link below. This will ensure continuity in your care here.
My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Thank you very much for your question.
Oftentimes, when starting an antidepressant, people will experience paradoxical side effects, such as increased anxiety and panic symptoms, which I suspect are contributing here. If you stick with the medication, and take it as prescribed, these effects usually stop within a week, and the beneficial effects will take over. I strongly recommend you do this.
Alternately, talk to you doctor and tell them you are stopping the medication. This is not harmful to do, but your doctor should know about it.
There are many other antidepressant options. Consider sertraline or escitalopram next. These are equally effective as fluoxetine, and you may have fewer side effects with them.
In the future, write directly to my private link below. This will ensure continuity in your care here.
My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thanks,
Is there a possibility of me getting withdrawal symptomd because I. Use fluoxitine for 6days then I stop.
If yes what is a plan for tapering and how long will the withdrawal symptoms will last.
Thak you.
Is there a possibility of me getting withdrawal symptomd because I. Use fluoxitine for 6days then I stop.
If yes what is a plan for tapering and how long will the withdrawal symptoms will last.
Thak you.
Brief Answer:
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
There is no need to taper fluoxetine 20mg after taking it for 6 days. It has a long half-life, and will naturally taper out of the system. You will not have withdrawal symptoms.
In the future, write directly to my private link below. This will ensure continuity in your care here.
My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
There is no need to taper fluoxetine 20mg after taking it for 6 days. It has a long half-life, and will naturally taper out of the system. You will not have withdrawal symptoms.
In the future, write directly to my private link below. This will ensure continuity in your care here.
My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
