Fluoxetine for Anxiety: All About Dosage and Side Effects

Millions of people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorders, which is why it is such a serious issue. In the US, about 40 million adults over the age of 18 years suffer from anxiety disorders that negatively impact their lives.

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Anxiety is a feeling of persistent unease that can interfere with your personal and professional life. It can feel like a dark cloud is hanging over your head.

If you’ve been struggling with anxiety for a while, then you’re probably looking for ways to relieve your symptoms. You might want to consider Fluoxetine.

This article will discuss what Fluoxetine is, how it works for anxiety, dosage information, and side effects.

What Is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine or Prozac is a widely prescribed antidepressant medication that can also be used for people struggling with:

• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Panic attacks
• Depression

Fluoxetine controls two neurotransmitters within the brain:

• Serotonin
• Dopamine 

They play a role in regulating your mood and anxiety.

How Does Prozac Work for Anxiety?

Fluoxetine works by blocking the body’s natural uptake of serotonin, making it more available for the brain.

As a result, serotonin regulates:

• Mood
• Sleep
• Appetite
• Many other functions

This is because there is better communication between brain cells, giving you a sense of calm and wellbeing.

It also helps to improve symptoms caused by:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders such as:
  • Panic disorder
  •  Obsessive-compulsive disorder 

Why Is Fluoxetine Used to Treat Anxiety?

Fluoxetine is a popular choice for doctors because it’s not habit-forming and can be used long-term to treat anxiety symptoms.

It’s also generally thought to be safer than older antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants or MAO inhibitors which are commonly prescribed.

How Does Fluoxetine Make You Feel?

Fluoxetine Dosage

The dosage of Fluoxetine depends on:

• Condition being treated
• Your age
• Health
• Other medications you may be taking

Make sure you take your medicine regularly so that you don’t alter the function of the drug and prevent any anxiety withdrawal symptoms [1*] that may arise.

Fluoxetine may take between 4-6 weeks before you notice the results.

Therefore, it’s essential to talk to your doctor first before you stop.

Prozac is an anxiety drug that can be prescribed as: 

• Pill
• Capsule
• Liquid

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The usual dosage range for people with anxiety is 20-60 mg per day of Fluoxetine.

In some cases, doctors may prescribe higher dosages to achieve maximum effectiveness, especially for anxiety patients who are not responding well to lower dosages.

It is best to start with a low dose as you monitor your anxiety levels.    

Is 40 mg of Fluoxetine a High Dose?

The recommended dose for fluoxetine is 20 mg to 60 mg taken orally per day. The maximum dose is 80 mg. It is advisable to speak to your doctor first before increasing your dosage. 

Is It Possible to Overdose on Prozac?

Yes, it is. This can happen if you take more than the prescribed dosage or combine this medication with other antidepressants, anxiety medications, and alcohol at a time.

Please consult your doctor before taking any high doses of Fluoxetine for anxiety. [2*]

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Taking Prozac?

Prozac may cause a variety of side effects, some that are quite serious.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, therefore, talk directly to your doctor or psychiatrist if you want more information about the possible consequences of taking this drug for anxiety.

Some of the potentially serious Fluoxetine side effects in males include:

• Decreased libido
• Painful erection 
• Weight gain
• Nausea

Possible fluoxetine side effects in females include:

• Slight vaginal bleeding
• Lower sex drive
• Feeling faint
• Irritation
• Tremors
• Anxiousness

How to Cope With Fluoxetine Side Effects? 

Common side effects of Fluoxetine can worsen when taking for the first time.

The side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia

In some cases, these effects may go away after a few days, while in others, they can continue for several weeks or months.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Fluoxetine

If you are taking Prozac to treat anxiety and the symptoms get worse, it is recommended that you stop taking the drug and consult your doctor as soon as possible.

The most important thing to remember when taking Fluoxetine for anxiety is that it can take up to six weeks for the medication to start working and for these side effects to go away.

What Medications Interact With Fluoxetine?

Before you start taking Fluoxetine for anxiety, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the different drugs and medications you are taking. Other medications may interact with Prozac and worsen anxiety symptoms. 

These medications include: 

• Over-the-counter drugs
• Vitamins
• Herbs
• Other supplements

Some of these substances include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) – Fluoxetine should not be combined with MAOIs or taken within 14 days of discontinuing MAOIs. After stopping Fluoxetine, you should wait at least five weeks before starting an MAOI. 
• Pimozide can cause problems with heart rhythm.
• Thioridazine, when combined with Prozac, can cause heart rhythm problems.

Other substances include:

• Lithium
• Amphetamines
• Warfarin
• Aspirin

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In Conclusion

Fluoxetine is a medication that helps with anxiety symptoms.

Learn more about Fluoxetine and what it can do to relieve your anxiety, including dosage information and potential side effects.

If you are interested in finding out the most suitable treatment for your anxiety, contact us at EZCare Clinic to schedule an appointment today.