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Fluoxetine - Is tiredness/lack of motivation a side effect?

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jaybee2712
jaybee2712

I have suffered with depression for some time. I used to take Citalopram but my Doctor recently changed my prescription to Fluoxetine. I had some very weird side effects at first - very strange thoughts - almost like hallucinations and felt quite 'spaced out'. However, after reading the leaflet, I saw that this can happen and will generally disappear with continued use. So I perservered.

I have been taking it now for about 8 weeks. I did stop for about a week when I was away on holiday. I hurt my back and had to take anti-inflammatory medicine. I was worried about the risk of stomach bleed that this can cause when interacting with fluoxetine so I stopped taking it. This was about 5 weeks ago. I became extremely low with thoughts of harming myself. I resumed the fluoxetine and these thoughts have subsided.

My problem is that I feel constantly tired with no motivation to do anything; I have difficulty concentrating and feel generally lethargic and lack lustre.

Does anyone else feel like this while taking Fluoxetine? I recently had a general health 'MOT' with blood tests for liver/kidney function, thyroid, blood sugar etc so it is unlikely there is a different underlying cause. Or is it just a symptom of my age/state of mind? I am 58, generally fit and active.

Any advice and comments would be appreciated

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Meganpooch
    Meganpooch

    Posted

    Hiya Jaybee

    Yup its definitely a symptom. However i don't know if its the fluoxetine that causes this (i've been on it for over 4 years) or the illness itself. Some days i could stay in bed all day....until guilt gets the better of me.

    Having a bad time at the mo having lost my Dad in Feb and a good friend last week. I have reactive depression and its certainly living up to its name. One has to go with the flow but it does seem a dreadful waste of time in these periods of lethargy. You have good periods and bad, thats the nature of the beast. I'm also in my 50's but don't think that has a bearing on things.

    Best wishes

    MP

  • angela133
    angela133

    Posted

    I have bipolar mood affective disorder and was once prescribe fluoxetine. It worked for me for a wee while but wasn't a suitable drug for me.

    I can't remember if I felt lethargic on it, I have tried so many medications however if you feel lethargic I'd go back to your GP and ask for a review of your medication. That's what I have learnt to do to manage my bipolar episodes.

    I am currently in recovery for my latest bout of mania, but have been in remission for the past 2-3 years, taking both lithium and aripiprazole. I know your depression doesn't sound like mine and that they are all different but getting advice from the medical world is the best way to go and speaking to someone is the most helpful thing I have done.

    Hope you feel better soon.

    Kind regards

    AW

    • louise79427
      louise79427 angela133

      Posted

      Hi Angela

      My doc wants me to try aripiprazole, and I wondered how you find it. Is

      Lou x

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