Why does my anxiety kick in at the same time every day?

[TolpuddleFarterOATB]

At around 5pm my anxiety kicks in, almost everyday without fail. I stop tolerating everyone around me (DH, DS1 and DS2.) I start to feel I want everyone away from me and that I need quiet. I feel I need space before I lash out. Sometimes (though I try not to very often) I find I need a glass of something alcoholic to calm me down.

Background-
Diagnosed with health anxiety beginning of this year.
Take 20mg fluoxetine approx 9am everyday.
Medication has succeeded in taking my health anxiety away almost entirely.

So, this evening anxiety is what I am left with. I feel massively improved by the medication, so don't feel that it is disargreeing with me.

Is it just I've reached my limit with my children by this time? BTW, my DH does bed and bath so it's not like I dread the evening routine, though I do cook tea.
Is it to do with it going dark about this time of night?
Could my fluoxetine be losing its effectiveness throughout the day?

I just wonder if there is anything obvious that I could try and change? Do I need stronger medication to make it through 24 hours?

Any thoughts would be welcome!

[AnxiousCarer]

I've been on Flouxitine in the past, the first time I tooknit in the morning, the second time in the evening and I can't say I noticed any diffence frombthe different time of day to be honest. That doesn't mean thats not whats happening for you though as everyones different, if you are new to it the half life is 1-3 days if you've been on it a while its 3-6 days so it will still be in your system, but not sure if at an effective level. Your GPs the best person to discuss it with. It could be as simple as you just being tired and less able to cope with everyday stresses in the evening at the moment.

[WrongTrouser]

Could it be something as simple as feeling tired and possibility hungry at this time if you haven't had your tea yet? Apologies if that sounds a bit simplistic but sometimes just starting to feel tired or hungry really effects my mood.

Is there any scope on your daily routine for having a bit of a 'break" to recharge earlier in the afternoon - might not be possible but if it, perhaps worth a try?

[WrongTrouser]

Not necessarily a break from DC but just say (depending on ages) all flop abd watch TV together.

[fallenempires]

Hmm,I would say that that it's a mixture of many things.Simple stuff like having to plan & cook a meal,dealing with tired & ever needy dcs & sometimes not having enough left in you to think about being there for your DH let alone yourself.It's the illness.I would definitely recommend seeing your GP again and discussing how you feel.It doesn't sound from what you've said that fluoxetine is working for you fully at that dosage.It may be that your GP will raise your dosage or they may try to switch you to other AD's.Your DH sounds hands on with the children,which is as it should be.How is he with you?Is he aware of your illness?