Back on fluoxetine ... am I the only one dealing with this?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hello!

So I was on 20mg of Fluoxetine years ago for about 3 years. Was at a place where I felt great and weaned off with not a whole lot of issues besides a blip in my monthly cycle. I wish i never stopped. Covid hit and triggered my health anxiety so bad so I decided I wanted my life back and started it again. I was on 1 week at 10mg and then up to 20. I just finished my second full week on the 20mg, but since day 3 of 20, I have 2-3 times a night where im jolted awake. Once it sent me to emergency with a panic attack. Normal ECG. Was told to stick it out. Also, I do get those body jumps when you are just about to fall asleep too often. My mornings are more full of anxiety and jitters than I ever was before being on my meds. I know it can get worse before it gets better and this is really just the main effect it is having on me. I just don't remember it being so bad or taking this long the first time around. Please tell me this can be normal and will go away and I will be good again?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Edited

    Hi! I too am in my first month starting back up again after being on Fluoxetine previously from 2015 to 2016 and from 2018 to 2020. I've found it much harder this time around, with many more side effects and things feeling like they're taking longer. I've been having a really hard time and don't have words of advice but just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.

  • Posted

    Hello JB4242, Yes, I am like you. I was on 20 MG for about two years, then weaned off because I felt great. Recently got COVID, and dealing with a lot of stress with Pandemic, and I am back on 20 MG. Today is the first day of week 6. I feel very anxious still. I can't explain it, but I am anxious about nothing. We are also in a part of the world at the time dealing with Frigid cold and power outages, and managing kids and family is getting the best of me. I am so glad I am medicated.

    But yes, from what I have read and researched, if the medicine helped you once, they should help again. Katecogs posts on here are extremely helpful and I read them in my times of weakness, and they help tremendously. try to look those up, trust me you'll feel better. Remind yourself, if it worked once, it will work again. Remember, there was a time where you felt SO good you weaned off. I try to remind myself of that too, although right now, with the anxious brain one cannot even imagine how I ever came off. This time I don't know when and if I will. Just focus on a day at a time, sometimes just an hour at a time, and know that it WILL work again. and Yes, My anxiety is intense right now, more than it was before. I think it's the medicine, and the general worry of "will I recover again". Hoping each day gets better for you.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.