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Fluoxetine newbie.

Posted , 6 users are following.

twirl58
twirl58

Have been prescribed Fluoxetine 20mg for depression, stress and anxiety 3 days ago. I feel worse than ever! Can't seem to switch off my worries at all. Is it true that this is normal and I will feel better in 2-3 weeks? Any help would be grateful received- if I can just stop worrying 😐

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • katecogs
    katecogs twirl58

    Posted

    Absolutely this is normal - it gets worse before it gets better.  Please don't expect to feel better in 2-3 weeks though, that's often the time when side effects start to wean off.  It can take 3-4 months or even 6 months - but please try not to let this worry you as the wait is so worth it.

    Small progress should be monitored in months, not weeks.

    Its a long rocky road, but do persevere as they really do work once you're through it all.  Accept everything you encounter along the way - it'll be the medication, not you.

    After 15 years of depression I recovered by taking SSRI 's.  For me, having to wait months to recover was nothing to the years of being ill.

    Keep in touch on this site, there's many people that will give good advice.

    Best wishes

    K x

  • anne276
    anne276 twirl58

    Posted

    Hi there, you've done well to log into this site - very informative and supportive! I started Fluoxetine 20mg 13 weeks ago.  I can't begin to list all the nightmare side-effects - sleeplessness, suicidal ideation, morning jitters - afternoon lethargy++ - the list is endless.  I note some folk on this site have experienced improvement after a couple or so weeks, but for me, it has taken 12 weeks - so only the last fortnight have I started to feel the benefits.  I think a lot of folk don't realise how long it takes for Fluoxetine to kick in and they go back to their GP after a week or so, and get the dose upped to 40mg - which can bring on all those early side-effects - again!  The secret, I believe, is to be patient.  It might help to keep a log of how you're feeling, so you can properly see how you're doing, rather than relying on vague memory/emotions.  I'm starting to laugh again - first time in years, so it's worth the struggle!

    Anne x x

    • twirl58
      twirl58 anne276

      Posted

      Thank anne276and katecogs for your replies. I am glad that you have found relief from all of this. I have always been a worrier, think I was born sensitive, but lately it has become awful, taking over my life. Guess by going to the GP is the first step to my recovery, als didn't realise just how many people are affected. Best wishes to you both xx

    • anne276
      anne276 twirl58

      Posted

      Yep, I guess going to the GP to ask for help is the first BIG step towards recovery.  And it takes courage to do that - so well done; you've started on the road to recovery.  And remember - one step at a time, it's a test of patience now.

      Anne x x

  • Littlebluedog
    Littlebluedog twirl58

    Posted

    Hello , I am just over the 4 week mark and it's been tough side effects are awful I'm really hoping they pass soon it can take a few months to feel the benefits I've been told feeling horrible at the moment :-( hang in there xx
    • twirl58
      twirl58 Littlebluedog

      Posted

      Blimey doesn't exactly fill me with confidence Littlebluedag 😉 I do hope the side effects pass for you soon, take care xx

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