[made08]

I'm currently taking Fluoxetine 30mg in tablets since my doctor increased my dose from 20 mg to 30 mg in September and told me to take it until December to see if it would decrease the anxiety and panic. The last few months I have been more anxious and stress due to money problems and i'm still an older college student, but taking it online. I'm taking 2 tablets of 10 mg in the morning and 1 tablet of 10 mg at night. I used to take it a night. My doctor told me that by the end of December if i still have anxiety I would get switched to another SSRI.
I wonder what happens if my doctor increased to 40 mg instead? What other SSRI is similar to Fluoxetine?

I have only been on Fluoxetine and Clonazepam so I don't know how other SSRI would be.

[WastingAsparagus]

My personal opinion is that waiting until December might be too long to wait--I don't know if you agree--but it seems like that's a long time. I mean, antidepressants take a while for their full effectiveness to kick in, but waiting that long isn't such a great option if you're still having severe anxiety.


Also if you're experiencing panic (and anxiety), the best option is usually a benzodiazepine (such as clonazepam). Clonazepam is not an SSRI.


This is all based on my research I have done for myself personally, so I don't claim any responsibility or medical knowledge. Just what has worked for me in similar situations.

I hope you can figure something out that helps!

[mothtoaflame]

There is still room for increases before trying a new SSRI. I take 60mg alongside 100mg Lamictal.

[metamorphosis12]

Two things, imho going straight to a daily dose of benzodiazepine, if prozac doesn't work at the therapeutic range and adding another 5HT SSRI???. It is a very poor choice. I can think of pregabalin or its younger brother gabbapentin before that. Also there is research coming out on CBD oils derived from hemp affecting CB receptors in the brain That can hold a whole variety of cannibidol benefits. There is more scientific research that needs to be conclusive of the benefits vs negatives but it seems to be shifting up with pharmaceutical grade companies. 2019: Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series Also, holistic benefits like a good diet, regular exercise, cbt or act and various supplements ie magnesium, L-theanine, melatonin,holy basil, pre - probiotics etc. Also why add 100mg of lamictal?

[sarahsweets]

Do you mind me asking what your mental health condition is? Is it bipolar or depression or something else?

[made08]

Originally Posted by sarahsweets

Do you mind me asking what your mental health condition is? Is it bipolar or depression or something else?

It is mostly general anxiety and sometimes panic.

[metamorphosis12]

To put it straight; It has to do with in the half lives in the Benzodiazepine class of meds. There are charts concerning the half lifes of the different "pams" Longer half lifes like diazepam and clonazepam are generally used for GAD with other co-morbid issues. The type like xanax are quick/ short acting and have a very fast half life usually for panic related issues. Study this in basic psychpharmo. classes at community colleges! Benzodiazepine Equivalency Chart: Benzodiazepine Equivalency benzo.org.uk : Benzodiazepine Equivalence Table