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back on fluoxetine and looking for support to ride the first few weeks

Posted , 5 users are following.

ana15328
ana15328

Hi!

Im new here and have been reading through lots of very helpful posts but all the threads have been very old and am looking to be able to share progress and advice with others out there.

Im not new to ADs (have been on them quite a few times in the past) but in the past few months ive hit a wall and am facing a big relapse.

Ive been started on 20mg of fluoxetine 8 days ago which will prob be increased in the next two weeks. (I suffer from anxiety and depression)

Ive had a few mild side effects: loss of appetite, upset stomach and dry mouth. Am wondering how long theyll last. Still, Those i can deal with but is the waiting for positive effects that im finding more difficult. My sleep is very disrupted and i feel low on another level. Sort of numb and sort of dead inside. I know it can be part of the process and am gonna stick it out but am really struggling with everything and would appreciate other people's journeys and progress to keep me going.

When did you start feeling more positive? Whats helping you get through the first few weeks?

Any help much appreciated. X

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • VaJaJa
    VaJaJa ana15328

    Posted

    Hi Ana

    I found the 1st 4 weeks the worse. Started off on 20mg for 2 weeks then upped to 40mg. I suffered with nausea, dizziness, jaw clenching, no appetite, overwhelming tiredness, crying & no motivation at all. I found the mornings the worse with crippling anxiety & depression but then it slowly lifted as each week passed. It's just over 3 months now & I'm feeling absolutely fantastic but I wouldn't have got through it without this forum. There is always someone on here who hears you & responds positively so just come on here & we will support you through the bad & the good times xx

    • ana15328
      ana15328 VaJaJa

      Posted

      Thanks vajaja,

      Its great to get supportive words and to know there's something good coming closer, it definitely helps to get through the humps on the road smile

  • Meganpooch
    Meganpooch ana15328

    Posted

    Hi Ana

    Although it was a long time ago i started out on the drug, i do remember that the 1st 4 to 6 weeks were the worst. As you may have remembered having taken AD's in the past, your system has to get used to this drug. It is a slow process. My progress was probably slower than VaJaJa because i was on 20mg for 9 weeks before upping to 40mg. Things do level out with time.

    I don't know if you are in the UK as this site is global now but i found/find a tea by Twinings called Settling Ginger is excellent for any stomach/nausea problems. In fact any tea with a large quantity of ginger should help.

    I was also advised to take a vitamin B12 supplement as this is lacking in us sufferers. Insomnia remedies i found were trial and error. I tried Lavender, various night time herbal teas and found the best one for me is Bedtime by Yogi Tea which contains fennel, chamomile and valerian root - all good natural ingredients to help relaxation. I have Diazepam as a final resort if all else fails.

    Keep posting your updates and frustrations and questions as there are a lot of people, me included, in the same position. I have used this forum for over 5 years now and have gleaned so much useful information from fellow sufferers.

    Best wishes for steady progression in the right direction.

    • ana15328
      ana15328 Meganpooch

      Posted

      Thanks so much for the response and tips. I am in the uk so ill be popping to the shops to get some Twinings and some vitamins.

      I've been on Ads on and off for the past 12 years but im finding this time around the side effects are a lot more severe. my previous depressions hadnt been caused by particular events and my body was stronger,this time around ive been going through some pretty bad circumstances for the past 7months and its taken a toll on me physically so maybe thats why im having more side effects or maybe its just age lol.

      Im brand new to these forums and am so glad i found them, its good to feel not so isolated in all this! I will stick around!

      Thanks again

    • Meganpooch
      Meganpooch ana15328

      Posted

      You are welcome and it is comforting to know you are suffering alone. I have found this site to be such a useful source of information and support over the years and have made real life friends through it, one of which came out the other side - so there is hope for us all.

      Maybe the reason you are suffering more this time is that the build up has been growing for some time. You are certainly not isolated - this is a very caring forum in my experience. 

      Best wishes

      MP 

    • Meganpooch
      Meganpooch ana15328

      Posted

      As you may have gathered on my 1st line there should be a 'not' between 'are' and 'suffering'. Sorry - i really should proof read before sending. x
    • ana15328
      ana15328 Meganpooch

      Posted

      Yes,i got what u meant, did read a couple times though! Lol

      Thanks so much, its crazy how a message from a stranger can help so much but it does!

      Am supposed to go see gp next week and cant wait, slowly but surely xxx

    • karen76145
      karen76145 ana15328

      Posted

      Hi, Ana. I've also been on it several times before and this time also seems more difficult for me.
  • newbigtech
    newbigtech ana15328

    Posted

    Exerscise helped me. It actually took my mind off the symptoms .  Everytime I would start to think about the numb feeling, I would force myself to stand up and do 5 jumping jacks or 5 push ups.  This helped get me back  on focus... I had to make myself do it.. But it worked for me.... Even just touching your toes 5 times worked to break the cycle  and in about 3 weeks I was feeling better. 
    • ana15328
      ana15328 newbigtech

      Posted

      Hi bewbigtech

      Thanks for your response, That might actually be a good idea to get the mind onto something different. Have been feeling like i should be exercising again but am lacking the motivation, short outbursts like that could be a way to begin . smile

    • newbigtech
      newbigtech ana15328

      Posted

      It stops the mind from wandering... I used to play music, but now find that the exercise is better. ..

       Just break the cycle

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