[TerriLynn]

So, now that the depression is abating, I am noticing more anxiety and ruminating/worrying excessively. Is this normal? Part of the cycle of depression, part of the Prozac side affects?

[StartingFreshNow]

It's interesting you posted this. In the last week I have also noticed that I have more anxiety as well. I'm not on Prozac so it's definitely not a side effect for me, but that could play a factor in it for you. I'd definitely mention it to the person that prescribes your Prozac, just to see what they think.

Personally I am actively researching ways to fight anxiety and I'm trying them - things like meditation, exercise, deep breathing, etc. There are a lot of suggestions out there. From what my counselor tells me it might take a couple weeks for those types of things to start being more effective, but I'm at least starting them.

Good luck!

[TerriLynn]

I absolutely cannot shut my brain off. If I wake up at 3am, there is no more sleep for the night cause my brain will start worrying about all the STUFF. Regular stuff like renewing my car registration. Which I am so stressed about, but cant seem to bring myself to do.

So it looks like maybe either a byproduct of the depression or just plain old anxiety separate from depression.

Originally Posted by TerriLynn

I absolutely cannot shut my brain off. If I wake up at 3am, there is no more sleep for the night cause my brain will start worrying about all the STUFF. Regular stuff like renewing my car registration. Which I am so stressed about, but cant seem to bring myself to do.

So it looks like maybe either a byproduct of the depression or just plain old anxiety separate from depression.

I'll come by for tea

Seriously though, I have depression and I consider sleep to be an escape from it. However, I dread going to bed because I have insomnia and even with the Ambien I know I'll just be lying there for a while just thinking and unable to relax. And I also am up about 4-ish. I don't want to get up because I might miss a slight chance of falling asleep again....

My husband can fall asleep in about 4 minutes. It sucks seeing that every night...

I hope this is just temporary for you.

[lima01]

Originally Posted by TerriLynn

So, now that the depression is abating, I am noticing more anxiety and ruminating/worrying excessively. Is this normal? Part of the cycle of depression, part of the Prozac side affects?

I have reduced deppresion I think, and the anxiety is still there. I am on amytripline and xanax . I am a type A worry person anyway so anxiety hits me hard .
I take them at bedtime to get some sleep . ususally seven hours . And I hate the dawn light when it comes up .
I can't take those ssri"s like you are taking . The times I tried to i had real bad side effects .
I"ve tried mediation , exercise and deep breathing at times . Still fighting it . But you have got to get better sleep . Better tell your doc if that persists, I understand ssri's take weeks to kick in .
Wish I had some of the answers , all I can do is share .

[eeyorestail]

TerriLynn, this unfortunately happens to me quite frequently. When my depression goes down my anxiety goes up and vice versa. While I struggle with both, usually one takes a back burner to the other.

Have you just started the Prozac? As others have said that can take a while--like 4 weeks--to really kick in. I definitely would let your health providers know so that they can help you find some coping skills in the meantime.

Sometimes listening to music or white noise tracks helps me sleep when my brain won't shut up.

[TerriLynn]

Thanks All. I have been on the Prozac for just under 2 weeks so maybe there is still time for some of this to resolve. Within a week I could feel an absolute difference in the depression, and the side affects of course, which aren't horrible, but let me know there is something different in my body.

Thanks for the input and I think I will try the music at night, that worked well when I was really young.

[Clara22]

Prozac helps me with anxiety ( to reduce anxiety)

[StartingFreshNow]

So yesterday I went to my med Dr to talk about my anxiety and see if I could get something for it. She refused to prescribe me anything like Xanax for it but guess what I was put on.....Prozac! I have been trying desperately to stay off meds but it's basically this or nothing so I promised I'd try it. Hopefully the Prozac helps your anxiety as it starts to build up in your system.

[TerriLynn]

Originally Posted by StartingFreshNow

So yesterday I went to my med Dr to talk about my anxiety and see if I could get something for it. She refused to prescribe me anything like Xanax for it but guess what I was put on.....Prozac! I have been trying desperately to stay off meds but it's basically this or nothing so I promised I'd try it. Hopefully the Prozac helps your anxiety as it starts to build up in your system.

Wow, that is interesting. Ok! Maybe it will get better.

What was her reason for not giving you something like Xanax?

[StartingFreshNow]

She told me that Xanax and those drugs are very dangerous and she only prescribes them for isolated panic attacks - my anxiety is too long term and consistent....

[TerriLynn]

Originally Posted by StartingFreshNow

She told me that Xanax and those drugs are very dangerous and she only prescribes them for isolated panic attacks - my anxiety is too long term and consistent....

Yeah, I think that would be the same for me. I don't have actual attacks, I am just always anxious! Or when something stressful happens, I almost cant handle it. Like today. Ugh.

Originally Posted by TerriLynn

Yeah, I think that would be the same for me. I don't have actual attacks, I am just always anxious! Or when something stressful happens, I almost cant handle it. Like today. Ugh.

Does it help to share?

[TerriLynn]

Yes, it does help to share. I just wish I didn't nearly flip my lid when these things happen.

[rossovers]

Originally Posted by TerriLynn

So, now that the depression is abating, I am noticing more anxiety and ruminating/worrying excessively. Is this normal? Part of the cycle of depression, part of the Prozac side affects?

I have experienced anxiety as a side effect of taking Prozac. In my case it has occurred only when initiating this med or upgrading the dosage. Anxiety is known to be a common side effect. One question is how long you have been on Prozac or whether you changed the dose recently. If the anxiety persists talk to the doc. I have also been prescribed Gabapentin (Neurotin) to help ease the anxiety surges I have experienced. It has helped a lot, I believe.

Rossovers

Lots of lovely people are here. If you need to vent or are worried about a potentially stressful situation perhaps it would help to post.

[confusedandstrange]

I have anxiety and depression as well, and I find that this happens to me a lot. Sometimes I am so anxious all the time and hardly feel depressed, but then other times I am really depressed and not as anxious. Mine cycles a lot. Right now I am more depressed than anxious, but maybe about a month ago I was much more anxious than depressed.

[Fuzzybear]