40mg extreme lightheadedness/fainting
Posted , 5 users are following.
2.5 weeks ago the doctor prescribed me 40mg of fluoxetine for anxiety and depression related to the anxiety. I've taken it before with success a few years ago. But that time I started on 20mg and then upped my dose.
A week ago I was constipated and so took 2 senna tablets, they worked. Then that night I went to bed for 2 hours. I woke up and went to the toilet, as I stood up I felt really lightheaded and faint. I sat down, fainted, then vomited in the toilet.
I thought it was perhaps dehydration from the laxative, so I drank lots of water and sports drinks, however even after well hydrating myself I haven't improved.
Upon waking up (without even standing up) I feel extremely lightheaded, my vision get distorted and I feel nauseous, and have an urgency to go to the toilet. This has happened everyday since.
I called a doctor to visit my place as I wasn't even well enough to go to the doctor or hospital. He was shocked and said "you shouldn't be on 40mg, it's too much, especially that you're small" (I'm 51kg) he said I had to reduce my dose to 20mg. So for the last 3 days I have taken 20mg.
I still feel exactly the same, I'm really worried there's something seriously wrong with me, I've never experienced this in my life before. Although the timing makes sense for it to be the medication, I'm terrified I won't get better. I can't find anything online about fainting with fluoxetine.
I've been off work for days now and I'm desperate to be back to normal. Does this sound like it could be the dose being too high?
0 likes, 4 replies
ricky04578 Brokenbottom
Posted
hi. i started on 20 and went up to 40 after 4 weeks. personally 20 to 40 id say is good. looking back it might have saved sometime to start on the 40mg. i was also prescribed an antipsychotic to calm me and act as a mood stabilizer. which really took edge off the prozac. you have done it before you can do it again. im lucky i have an understanding employer who is a mental health trust. i wouldnt rush back to work.though. it has taken me about 16 weeks to not feel.the side.effects anymore x
stephanie49853 Brokenbottom
Posted
i agree that 40 mg is too much and a veey karge dose to start with. The fluoxetine is still in your system so it will take a little to flush out. I also felt sputs if dizziness on 20 mg and decreased my dose. Was also on 20 mg a few years and did very well but second time around did not. it just did not agree with me and I had many side effects. I am convinced these drug companies are putting different things in the generic drugs. I even called the pharmacy to see if it was a different company from the fluox i used to tske. sure enough, it was and they told me they do not even make the one I used to take.
I am so sorry you are not feeling well… I know how you feel but it will get better.
Guest Brokenbottom
Posted
i was put on 20mg had awful side effects i would consider coming off meds slowly over the next few weeks and see if you feel better. or get second opinion from another doctor.
yu69395 Brokenbottom
Posted
Hello
i'm so sorry you're suffering a lot.
i was drained and was unable to walk or eat well when it increased to 60mg (2 weeks). My new doc decreased it to 40mg that is ok for me now.
PROZAC has a long half life that means it stays in our system for longer time.
it took for me for a while to feel better after the dosage was decreased to 40mg.