Prozac/Fluoxetine v Lorazepam/Ativan

[Jeansm]

Has anyone been prescribed Prozac/Fluoxetine for anxiety in PD? I am not depressed but I am permanently anxious and any unexpected stress puts me into panic mode. On the suggestion of my neurologist I started 20mg per day of Prozac this week, but since my full blown panic attacks have been unpredictable I am not sure how effectiveness of the drug can be measured. I notice that other PwP have been prescribed Lorazepam/Ativan. I would be interested to hear of experience of either drug for the treatment of anxiety in PwP without depression.

[laglag]

A friend, that does not have PD, has been taking Prozac for over 20 yrs and it has definitely helped her. It usually takes 3 weeks to totally do it's thing. I take Xanex occasionally, it takes affect in about 15 minutes and it takes the edge off & it helps me sleep better. I try to keep drugs to a minimum so, as I said, I take it occasionally.

[Jeansm in reply to laglag]

Thank you. I also don’t like taking meds so would have preferred something I could take more on an as needed basis than permanently. I will give it a six week trial. Will ask my neurologist at May appointment why he favoured Fluoxetine.

[Enidah]

I take Lexapro, which is an SSRI, the same as Prozac. I don't know which one is better, so far Lexapro is fine for me. I also take Xanax when absolutely necessary and as laglag said, it helps with sleep. I am slowly cutting down on coffee, as I think every little bit helps when it comes to anxiety. Also, I am always looking for ways to reduce the stress of my daily life. The best thing I found so far is exercise. Getting out in nature and walking. Getting really tired and sweaty. Haha, sounds so attractive.

[Zrii in reply to Enidah]

I take prozak and xanex and percocets for pain

[Zrii in reply to Zrii]

Why do I fall asleep while wide awake. I do this sitting at home and while driving sometimes I like jerk awake sometimes before I fall or driving in other lane or when I run off the road

[Bolero in reply to Zrii]

My friend you should not be driving whilst you are susceptible to these sorts of attacks.

[Sirgerlad in reply to Zrii]

Have you ever been tested for Sleep Apnea?

[Nitro53]

You don't need Prozac if your not depressed. Most of the anti depressant only work for a while if they work at all and all of them can have nasty side effects. I know, I've been treated for depression for over 20 years and after trying 28 different ones gave up. 60% of people anti depressant don't work for. As far as anxiety which I have also battled they recommend Alprazolam or Ativan for PD. I used Clonazepam as it has a longer half life and its the same stuff. Be careful though because benzodiazepines are highly additive and coming off them if you have used for a while is detox hell. Again, I know

[Jeansm in reply to Nitro53]

That’s interesting. My PD movement specialist is the one who recommended Prozac for anxiety, not depression. I didn’t have the chance to question his choice at the last appointment but my GP backed him. I have a PD friend who takes Lorazepam on an as needed basis recommend by the same doctor so I do intend to ask about the drug decision process.

[KWright59]

Hi Jeansm, I have been battling anxiety all of my life. About 15 years ago the doctor gave me Prozac. I thought it strange, because I never have had a problem with depression. I guess a lot of these drugs have dual uses. Anyway, after about 3 to 4 weeks I felt so much better and I haven't had any side effects at all. My anxiety is gone. I've heard that it stops working after a while. It is still working well for me and I can't tell you what a relief it is not to have to take any of the Benzo's. While I know that everyone is different, I promise Prozac is worth a try. Good luck.

[Jeansm in reply to KWright59]

Thank you. That sounds encouraging.