QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I was prescribed Prozac, because my head feels tingly at times. I have panic sometimes. I'm afraid to take it because I heard bad things about this medicine. Are they true or will this help me? I've heard that people feel like their going to kill someone on this medicine, or want to hurt themselves. Please answer!
Thank You!
ANSWER:
You almost certainly have the generalized anxiety disorder, particularly the
"cognitive component" (persistent worry). It's a genetic trait - our
ancestors with this gene were likely responsible for guarding the cave at night. It
appears to be due to an elevated serotonin #1 receptor, which is increased by Prozac.
BuSpar will stop this phenomenon, usually within two weeks.
Those with the GAD and the borderline disorder can get increased anxiety which triggers
dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair). During dysphoric spells, bad things can
indeed happen. I always look for this diagnosis when evaluating for the BPD or other
causes of biological unhappiness.