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Medication worries

Posted , 4 users are following.

hayley55397
hayley55397

hi I've been seriously depressed for a year.. I had a fear of taking medication , but things got to bad so  , finally 10 weeks ago I gave in to medication and was given 20mg fluoxetine , I was ok sometimes but not really ok .. My doc on Friday decided I needed to up my dosage to 40 I kinda wanted to try only 30 but my chemist can not get 10's can I just take 40 every other day to balance to 30 . Any advice greatly appreciated X 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • janneewawa
    janneewawa hayley55397

    Posted

    Hi hayley55397, 

    I was told by my psychiatrist that Fluoxetine will not have cause any harm to your body, if you are taking for long-term. I was given 20mg in the beginning, and increased to 40mg weeks later. It takes about four to six weeks for the side effects to subside. You should feel better after that. I would highly recommend you to see a psychologist as well. It will improve your overall health condition. 

    Do not stop taking Fluoxetine without Doctor's advise. At any point of time, you feel that your side effects worsen, etc, do contact the pharmacist. 

    Wishing you well. 

    Xoxo, 

    Janne

    • hayley55397
      hayley55397 janneewawa

      Posted

      Hi janne thank you for your reply , sorry I've not been on here sooner ..glad your having a positive experience on the fluoxetine .. How Jong did it take you to feel ok ..  I'm now on 40 .. I have been on fluoxetine now for 18 weeks only for the last 2 weeks on 40mg .. I feel awful my poor husband is suffering as I'm so anxious and feel awful I have also toyed with the idea to stop ..i see you say don't  tho ! 
  • katecogs
    katecogs hayley55397

    Posted

    These meds take many, many months to work for most people, and it's often just being patient on one dose and just sitting tight until things start to happen.  Took my son 9 months before he had completely recovered, but a lot of people feel relief much earlier than that.  My son was on 40mg too.

    Best wishes

    K xx

    • hayley55397
      hayley55397 katecogs

      Posted

      Hi K , thank you for your reply , I'm 18 weeks in and have just been increased to 40 a couple of weeks ago I feel worse .. My husband is suffering and I'm worried he's fed up .. My anxiety levels are through the roof I feel so bad .. I don't want to keep bugging the doctors as I've been there so much lately .. Your message saying it took your son 9 months would you share the experience with me as I'm feeling I should be better by now thank you so pleased yor son is feeling better tho xx
    • katecogs
      katecogs hayley55397

      Posted

      It was pretty tough, but it has made me appreciate life so much more now.  My son started the meds when he became ill, and then was unable to work for 4 months.  Recovery often comes in waves, just as my son found, so you may feel well sometimes followed by bouts of anxiety again.  It's normal, and the bad times get easier and less frequent.  

      It took me about 6 months to recover and it crept up on me without realising - that's how slow it worked for me.  Again I had waves of anxiety mixed with feelings of being completely well.  Morning anxiety was the worst, but it wasn't always an indication to how the rest of the day would be, as often I'd feel well by the evening - only to wake again the next day with anxiety.

      It's hard for partners to understand - but it's even harder for us who suffer.  How can anyone understand what it's like unless they've suffered from it.  The reality is far worse than its description ....... but the meds will help you back to health again.

      Try and take a relaxed approach to everyday life - slow down.  Eat healthily, exercise (daily walk is good), socialise if you can, get to bed at a good time, avoid stress if you can ........ and take the meds.  You should in time begin to feel better.

      K x

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