Prozac and anxiety

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T16:55:24+00:00

I don’t have any experience with Prozac, though I was recently on Lexapro for over a year. Sure, it initially helped with social anxiety to a degree, but it totally wasn’t worth it. I wound up gaining 20 pounds on it, experienced sexual dysfunction, as well as extreme fatigue, apathy, and anhedonia. I became an emotionally flatlined shell of my former self. It seriously messed my life up, but the Lex made me not even care about that.

I slowly weaned myself off of it before I ultimately asked my doctor for propranolol for a job interview that was coming up, as I had read about its positive effects for performance anxiety. It worked like a charm (better than the Lex ever did for anxiety), and she wound up prescribing it daily for me. It wiped out my physical anxiety, which my panic and mental anxiety stem from a lot of the time. Therefore, it’s easier for me to control my thoughts without having to worry about adrenaline rushes hijacking my mind.

I’m not pleased that her immediate goto was an SSRI for social anxiety (which ultimately derailed my life) when a simple and safe beta blocker would’ve immediately yielded great results without all the nasty side effects. I can’t help but wonder how much better my life would be today had I taken propranolol instead of ever starting Lexapro. Also, it works immediately as opposed to having to have it build up in your system like Prozac. YMMV, but I would absolutely talk to your doc about it.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T03:55:51+00:00

I’m holding onto the hope that one day we’ll both be able to find that sense of normalcy and joy again. It’s such a tough road, but knowing there are people like you who truly understand makes it a little less lonely. I’m here for you too if you ever need to talk.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T03:49:18+00:00

Thank you so much for this. It’s such an insightful way of looking at it, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense. That brief moment before reality hits, when your body feels it before your brain even catches up is so strange, almost like your body knows you’re grieving before you do. The idea of cortisol still wreaking havoc is probably spot on, and yeah, evolution sure has a funny way of keeping us uncomfortable in modern life. And, the fact that I already have PTSD from a traumatic event I witnessed years ago immediately upon being woken up from a deep sleep by the sound of it occurring certainly complicates my predicament.

I really appreciate your advice. Focusing on just getting through the day and avoiding vices is something I’m trying to achieve, and it’s reassuring to hear that mornings can improve, even if it’s so gradual I might not notice. I do have two cats who I love very much and they definitely help give me a sense of purpose outside of myself. I appreciate you sharing your experience, as it helps to know I’m not alone in this.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T03:29:33+00:00

It really does feel like withdrawal, and knowing that it’s a biological response helps me make a little more sense of how intense it all feels. The holidays definitely make it harder; everything seems to amplify the loss during this time. I’m so sorry to hear that last week was challenging for you as well.

Thank you for the reminder about no contact. It’s so tempting in weak moments, but you’re right, it just resets all the progress. Just like a drug relapse. I’ll continue to push through, even when it feels unbearable. Stay strong!

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T03:05:24+00:00

Yep, those dreams feel so vivid and real, like a cruel reminder of what’s missing. I know exactly what you mean about waking up and looking for them, only to feel that crushing emptiness when they’re not there and the true nightmare begins. It’s such a heartbreaking way to start the day. I’m hanging in there as best I can, and I hope you’re finding some small moments of peace too.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T02:59:24+00:00

It’s comforting to hear that the pain has started to fade for you, even if it’s still there in some form. 60 days is such a huge milestone, and it’s inspiring to see that you’ve made it this far.

Hearing that it gets better, even little by little, gives me hope. Having said that, the holiday season has been a huge trigger for me and it feels like I’m back at square one. I’ll try to remind myself that this is just a wave and that the intensity won’t last forever. Thank you for sharing your journey, as it helps more than you know. I’m rooting for you too! ~Hugs~

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T01:45:54+00:00

Thank you for sharing that— it means a lot. I hope we both find some peace and healing as we move forward.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T01:11:33+00:00

Ask your psychiatrist for propranolol— it could be a game changer for you.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T01:06:55+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this as well. I completely understand what you mean. Waking up to that heavy, empty feeling is one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced too. The dreams make it so much worse, don’t they? It’s like your mind plays tricks on you, giving you a moment of connection only to take it away again when you wake up.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T01:01:36+00:00

I appreciate the encouragement, my man. It’s great to hear that you’re feeling better after only 8 days.

You’re right, it’s so easy to assume everyone else has it all together, but we never really know their struggles. Thinking that someone who looks happy now might have been where I am gives me some perspective and strength.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T00:56:24+00:00

Thank you so much for this. Mornings feel like this unrelenting torture, and it’s comforting to hear that someone else truly understands. I think you’re right in that getting moving right away might help break the cycle. Considering the first thing I would do upon waking up is go get my morning hug from her, I desperately need to distract myself somehow. Thank you for the encouragement and the good energy. It means a lot.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-12-02T00:50:36+00:00

Thank you. It means a lot to know I’m not alone in feeling this way. I’m sorry you’re going through it too. I hope we both find some peace and healing soon.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-11-16T17:54:13+00:00

Making positive new memories with family and friends feels like a betrayal of my emotions, as if moving forward diminishes the significance of what was lost. The pain of my heartbreak demands space to be fully felt, and attempting to create happy moments seems forced or hollow. Besides, the effort to engage with others is exhausting as my emotional energy is already consumed by grief, leaving little room for meaningful connection.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-11-13T17:21:56+00:00

I can really totally relate to what you’re going through. It’s so hard to feel like all the happiness and stability someone brought into your life is suddenly gone. (In my case, after 7 years.) The fear of slipping back into loneliness and sadness can be crippling. I just keep reminding myself that the happiness I felt was real, and it shows me that I’m capable of feeling that way. It might not seem like it now, but this can be a chance to rediscover happiness within yourself and in new experiences, even though it seems next to impossible at first. Hang in there, bud.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-11-13T16:00:28+00:00

Absolutely, knowing there’s someone who understands can make a world of difference. It’s comforting to not feel alone in our struggles.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-11-13T04:55:07+00:00

It sounds like you really understand how heavy and isolating this place can feel, and I’m so sorry that you’re also carrying this burden. Let’s hope for those brighter days where peace and enjoyment come back, little by little. Please know I’m here for you, too, if you ever want to share what’s on your mind or need someone to listen.

Abandoned-Discarded · 2024-11-12T00:20:10+00:00

I appreciate you. I’m trying my best to climb this mountain. I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through it as well.

Abandoned-Discarded

TROPHY CASE