Have GAD. Prescribed Fluoxitine And Propranolol. Having Buzzing Sensation In Brain. Help?

Posted on Mon, 7 Oct 2013

Question: I have GAD and my first anxiety episode was in 2005. I was prescribed fluoxitine and took it for 6 years before weaning off it in 2012. In May 2013 completely out of the blue my anxiety came back, so I had to see my GP for fluoxitine and propranolol. I am on 20mg of fluoxitine daily and 80mg of propranolol for the past 3 and a half months, and have noticed a strange 'buzzing' sensation in the front of my brain when I am out. Is this my body trying to have an anxiety attack and the tablets are stopping it or do you feel that maybe I am on the incorrect dosage.

I would be grateful for any advice you can offer as the buzzy feeling is the only thing that is delaying my return to work (I am currently signed as fit to work from home, but need to be able to travel into the office at some point).

Hope you can help

Answered by Dr. Susanta Padhy (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dose alteration may be helpful

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for the query

The "buzzy feeling" may be because of incompletely resolved anxiety.

In such instances increasing the dose of of the antianxiety drug would help. You can discuss this aspect with your doctor

Usually, with subsequent re-starting" of Fluoxetine the response rate decreases compared to the response rate to the previous dose

Till that time, you can take the help of etizolam, a non-sedatve benzodiazepine that might help your buzzy feeling

Hope this helps

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Susanta Padhy (3 days later)

Hello again, thank you for your reply.

My doctor originally wanted me to take 40mg of fluoxitine but during my 2005 GAD episode, I found that it was a bit strong and I felt depersonalised.

As discussed the 20mg was not quite doing the trick as I was having buzzy brain feelings so I have increased my dosage to 40mg as of 3 days ago. I am finding that I feel a little bit anxious again, is that normal with increasing the dosage of fluoxitine?

If so, how long is this likely to last.

many thanks in advance for your advice

Vicky

Answered by Dr. Susanta Padhy (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it is common, might take 7-10 days to ward off

Detailed Answer:
Thank you XXXXXXX

Feeling a little bit anxious is normal with increasing the dose of fluoxitine

It should subside with 7-10 days of regular use of increase dose

Do not skip the medicine dose in between, it might worsen anxiety

If anxiety is intolerable with this, as discussed before, one can consider taking etizolam

Hope this helps

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E