how long would it take to get used to anti anxiety meds (Fluoxetine)?
on the upcoming saturday (8/25) i have to go to a competition which i am really nervous about. For one part of the competition I am in charge and i would have to be talking and working with people and my team really wants to win so there is pressure on me.
I have lack of communication skills so over the years i developed social anxiety and whenever i get into a situation that i have pressure and talking to people i dont know i get really nervous, i sound unconfident, stutter, pause, and cant think of things to say.
I am going to get anti anxiety meds and how many days does it take usually to get used to the meds (I only have a couple of days left). And any other tips you can give me that would help my problem would be great Thank you
Fluoxetine (Also called Prozac) is effective for treating anxiety/ depression and other stress related disorders. However it can take anyting between three to six weeks before you start to benefit from it properly. There will be side effects from taking Fluoxetine - your GP will probably have made you aware of this already? if you find that you can’t get along with this medication you could either ask your GP to change it for something like Citalopram or Sertraline though Sertraline is I feel a better choice. If prescribed medication doesnt appeal to you at all then you could try an alternative method such as St Johns Wort. Again, it can take three to six weeks before you notice an effect but unlike prescribed medication, it has far less side effects. Just ensure you do not take any prescribed medication with it and slap on the sun factor cream as it can make you more sensitive to sunlight. You can buy St Johns wort for as little £6 from Holland and Barrett. Also, have you tried the homeopathic spray, Rescue Remedy or Kalms? they are both known to contain Valerian which is great for relieving anxiety and irritability. You can purchase these from good stores like Boots or any pharmacy.
October 8th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
oh, please don’t take that stuff! it ’s soooo bad for you!
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October 8th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
It could take a month to six weeks, or maybe less. A couple of days would be an unrealistic expectation, for several reasons. When you start a med, it takes time to build up and assess your tolerance to a therapeutic blood level of the drug. You yourself may not be used to taking psychoactive drugs which is a challenge in itself.
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October 8th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
It really depends on the drug. Some of them will show results immediately, and if there is going to be immediate side effects. Other medications, can take up to 2-4 weeks for them to completely start showing some results and help. Some may have delayed side effects that don’t show up for a couple of weeks(example: insomnia, constipation, headache, weight gain or loss etc..)
With the medication you named it can take up to 4 weeks or longer before you notice a change and start feeling better.
Go to this site for info on the drug Fluoxetine:
http://www.drugs.com/fluoxetine.htm
As far as other ways to help with the anxiety, you may try these:Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety.
Also, aromatherapy is helpful and relaxing:
Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base of many relaxing blends.
You may want to ask you doctor if there is anything that he can give you that will help you immediately, instead of having to wait for results. Explain the situation and express your need for something that will help you on Saturday! I wish you luck, I know what it is like to have this problem!!! I have severe panic attacks daily, sometimes they completely keep me from activities that I love and places too. I take medication when I feel an attack coming on or I am going into a situation in which I know came make me anxious, I will take one. I also try a lot of times to just wait it out and not take medication, but will go for a walk, exercise, take a nice hot bathe while listening to relaxing music, sometimes these things help and I can stop the anxiety from getting full blown. I wish you luck on your competition on Sat. and I know that you will do a great job! Think positive, take deep breathes, and just do your best! When you do your best, you let nobody down, not even yourself! I hope you do well and win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless and Prayer is also a great tool which can help you through anything. Pray and ask God to help you and calm you and get you through your task on Sat. I think prayer is a great way to help with anxiety, it has helped me get through many days! Again, Good luck with everything!!!
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:38 am
Fluoxetine (Also called Prozac) is effective for treating anxiety/ depression and other stress related disorders. However it can take anyting between three to six weeks before you start to benefit from it properly. There will be side effects from taking Fluoxetine - your GP will probably have made you aware of this already? if you find that you can’t get along with this medication you could either ask your GP to change it for something like Citalopram or Sertraline though Sertraline is I feel a better choice. If prescribed medication doesnt appeal to you at all then you could try an alternative method such as St Johns Wort. Again, it can take three to six weeks before you notice an effect but unlike prescribed medication, it has far less side effects. Just ensure you do not take any prescribed medication with it and slap on the sun factor cream as it can make you more sensitive to sunlight. You can buy St Johns wort for as little £6 from Holland and Barrett. Also, have you tried the homeopathic spray, Rescue Remedy or Kalms? they are both known to contain Valerian which is great for relieving anxiety and irritability. You can purchase these from good stores like Boots or any pharmacy.
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Holistic therapist
October 9th, 2009 at 1:01 am
I agree,,,DO not take that stuff…i have a family member that took that for depression and anxiety and it only caused more effects ….i did some research and referred to to start taking the Zidiz detox pads. It helped calm her down since it detoxifies your body against any ailments…its all natural as well ….check out their cool commercial ..
http://www.zidiz.net
Mike
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