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Fluoxetine at 6 Weeks & Side Effects

Posted , 3 users are following.

luci11
luci11

I have been on 20mg for just over 6 weeks now. The first 4 weeks were extremely rough, with increased anxiety, however in week 5 I started feeling some relief on some days and at reaching 6 weeks I started feeling much better mentally. Calmer and more collected and with more perspective on issues that would normally throw me into emotional turmoil and anxieties the first weeks. By no means completely recovered yet but the last week the improvements were really noticable, and appreciated! Just to give hope to anyone who is struggling in early weeks on the meds.

The physically side effects are however still awful for me. I have head pressure like my head is in a non-stop pressure cooker; in the evenings I get hot skin and feel feverish. I feel unable to concentrate and my vision gets blurry at times. Sleep is erratic still and appetite not quite back yet, though better.

Has anyone experienced unchanged or worsened PHYSICAL side effects at 6-8 weeks? I would like to hear of anyone's experience to see if this is still normal, of if I need to consider to switch if my body is not tolerating the meds well.... Thank you smile Support on these forum has been incredible.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Phoebepip
    Phoebepip luci11

    Posted

    Hi. Am on day 28 and physical signs are tingling in hands and arms, loss of weight due to very minimal appetite, waking after couple of hours sleep, psychological signs, increased anxiety most of day, feel mentally exhausted on waking! Feel much worse than before taking them!!Am back at docs tomorrow so not sure what to do :-( x
    • luci11
      luci11 Phoebepip

      Posted

      Hi Phoebe,

      good luck at the doctors, let me now what they say...

      I clearly remember that my 4th week was still one of my worse, same as you describe it and feeling like I don't think it is working for me. I also remember though that the mental side effects started improving for me in 5th week. I got maybe 2 days in 5th week that I felt calmer. Then this became 3 days in 6th week. Now in 7th week I no longer have anxious shivers, just anxiety for max a few hours here and there and some completely calm days.

      So you can try to hang in there for a few more weeks perhaps, see what doctor says? I had my GP review at 4 weeks and undecided if it is working for me we set another review for 6 weeks which was last Thursday - I admitted there were improvements, so now we scheduled another review for week 10. Though I am starting to feel mentally better, the physical side effects are too much for me still, so if in 3 weeks this doesn't improve, I would be keen to switch medication.

      Good luck!!!

  • Woo3353
    Woo3353 luci11

    Posted

    Lucy

    I've been on flou for around 10 months, in my case all side effects have stopped, yes I get pressure heads but very rarely. I wouldn't worry about your appetite that will come back (i lost a stone at first but now i have put 2 stone on !!!) I cut out all refined sugar and ate no processed foods, but most of my problems stemmed from hormone imbalances. Its good you are feeling better but try not to rush your recovery take everyday as it comes

    • luci11
      luci11 Woo3353

      Posted

      Hi Woo3353,

      thank you for sharing your experience and for the encouraging words!

      Ok! I will try to be patient. I have another doctor review in 3 weeks, at week 10 of medication.

      Interesting about what you say about the diet. I have also observed that the head pressures and feverish shivers increase after I have a coffee. So I cut it out in the last 2 days and it improved a little. I also suffer from hormonal imbalance (I am also on medication for low pregesterone) so this also impacts my moods in addition to the fluoxetine.

      I am generally a healthy eater but like some sugar at times wink I will make attempt to reduce this and opt for slow energy releasers to stabilise the adrenaline.

      Thank you! xx

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