Re: Day 2 - is this normal?
Originally Posted by
Limeslime
So anyway...I’m on day 2 of Prozac, and both days have been hideous! The “obsessive checking” side of my HA has come out of hiding hugely! In fact, I hadn’t realised just how well I’d suppressed that aspect of my HA, til now! My brain is in overdrive with intrusive, catastrophic thoughts that I seem to have no power over!
I knew things would get worse before they got better, but I didn’t expect this so soon?
I’m not sure how to get through 12 weeks of this!
Is this normal?
Unfortunately, just about anything and everything can be "normal" when first taking an AD, especially the SSRIs and SNRIs. They can be horrible meds which no one in their right mind would take, no pun intended, except that when they work they can greatly change lives for the better. The fact this is your second? time on a SSRI may be exacerbating the side-effects. For reasons that aren't really understood initial side-effects may become progressively more severe each time ADs are taken again. They may be different each time too.
The increased anxiety is usually short-lived, usually diminishing within a couple of weeks, though it may return for a while after dose increases. It is caused by the almost immediate increase in serotonin activity - despite the popular myths, serotonin isn't a 'feel good' neurotransmitter, just the opposite as you're discovering - but after a few weeks the body and brain respond by down-regulating its synthesis and expression and the side-effects then begin to diminish.
I suggest you alert your GP to the problems you're having asap as there are ways of limiting the anxiety spike. You shouldn't have to suffer.
What is the starting dose?
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.