Will SSRI's help with phobias? (Emetophobia)?

Question

I know that an SSRI cannot cure a phobia.

I have emetophobia (a huge fear of vomiting.) I have not been able to eat for 2 weeks because I am so anxious and my stomach is so nervous I feel nauseous all the time. I just started taking prozac again for the 2nd time... started 4 days ago. I havn't taken anything for a while.

I was wondering if the prozac should help my anxiety enough so my stomach settles and I can eat again? I know it won't CURE the phobia, but can it help mask the anxious feelings and thoughs and the panic caused by the phobia? I'm so hungry and realy need to eat again! But I am so afraid to eat!

Anyone have any experience?

Answer 1

Yes, Prozac can be very effective with phobia's, though as you say, will not cure them.  I would suggest you also investigate some kind of therapy to learn other ways to deal with the phobia as well as take the medicine.