How Prozac Works for Panic Disorder

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 of panic disorder and help reduce the likelihood of experiencing a panic attack.

This medication is known best as an antidepressant, but it also helps relieve symptoms of anxiety by affecting chemicals in the brain that are associated with stress and mood.

Understanding Prozac for Panic Attacks

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 of antidepressant medication. Due to the effectiveness, safety, and limited side effects of SSRIs, their popularity continued to grow.

Doctors initially prescribed Prozac to treat depression. However, research has shown that it can treat a variety of mental health and medical conditions. Currently, Prozac is used in the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder
  
• Bipolar disorder
• Bulimia
  
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and agoraphobia

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.

How Prozac Treats Panic Disorder

Prozac stabilizes your levels of serotonin, a naturally-occurring chemical in the brain that's linked to how we regulate our moods. People with mood and anxiety disorders have an imbalance of serotonin. As an SSRI, Prozac works to influence serotonin by inhibiting its absorption in nerve cells in the brain.

Common Side Effects

Prozac has the potential for side effects, which often vary for different people. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Increased sweating
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Sexual side effects
• Sleep disturbances
• Yawning

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.

Rare Side Effects

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:

• Accelerated heart rate
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Extreme nervousness and anxiety
• Feelings of confusion
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Rash or hives
• Seizures
• Strange bleeding or bruising
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
• Vomiting

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.

Stopping Prozac

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 and irritability, headaches, confusion, and lightheadedness.

Additionally, your panic disorder symptoms can worsen if you suddenly stop taking your medication. Your dosage of Prozac can be gradually and safely reduced with your doctor's guidance.

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.

Pregnancy/Nursing

Prozac can be passed on to unborn babies during pregnancy or through breast milk when a baby is nursing. If you're pregnant or nursing, consult with your doctor about the possible risks of taking Prozac.

Alcohol

It is recommended that you avoid alcohol while 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.

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.