Posted by GLYN on October 12, 2000, at 18:55:11
In reply to Re: Prozac and paranoia, posted by Linda already exists on October 12, 2000, at 17:16:11
Hi
I too felt chronic anxiety on my antidepressant and was sure I was going completely crazy for a full week. The good news is that it usually wears off within a week or two at the most and (so my doctor told me) it can be seen as a good sign for some reason. I agree though, it is living hell. However, you are NOT actually paranoid. If you were genuinely paranoid (in the psychotic sense) then you would n't think you were paranoid but would beleive your delusions were genuine (i.e. the spacemen really are trying to get you). I suspect what you mean by "paranoid" is excessive worry about your condition (which is normal considering the sudden change and possible fears that you are going crazy). The most important thin I ever learnt about anxiety is that it is actualy a con. Although you fear the worst your symptoms are probably just a false alarm. I'd tell your doc about the tablets and either try another pill or else give it a couple of weeks. Also, if you are taking the tablets for an anxiety or panic disorder it is very typical for symptoms to worsen before they get better - they dont warn you about this though.
Just remember - your anxiety is NOT indicative of any real danger, disease or more serious mental problem but is purely the temporary result of chemical changes in the brain and the symptoms could safely be ignored if you can manage to do so - at least you now know its not a placebo :)
> Ed,
> Thanks for your response. I don't know what to do now. I have this important appointment tonight and I am wondering if I should take a Klonopin or if that will make matters worse.
> I will be leaving in about 40 minutes.
> I mean I can't say to these people - Oh excuse me, I took some prozac and I am out of my bird.
>
> > Yes, I felt very nervous and paranoid on Prozac, within a couple of days. Indeed, I think I would have gone downright insane if I had not stopped taking it. And it took 2-3 days for it to leave my system.
> >
> > > I am on day 6 of Prozac. I am feeling very hyper, nervous, and all of a sudden VERY paranoid about my health. I started taking it to help with severe PMS (and I am not in PMS mode now).
> > > My husband said that this could just be a normal initial side effect that may go away - but I feel crazy.
> > > Has anyone else experienced this?
> > > I have a very important appointment tonight and I can't appear as if I am spaced out or crazy. Oh God!
poster:GLYN
thread:46218
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001012/msgs/46224.html