Fluoxetine side effects

Posted , 6 users are following.

Ive been on fluoxetine for a month and i still have side effects. I have been experiencing stomach cramps, loss of appetite, loss of motivation and mood swings. I do not feel like myself. How much longer will they take to go away or will I have to switch medications?

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    your side effects are very typical Erica, and it is way to early to think of changing medications I reckon, typically it's 8-12 weeks before you will feel the full benefits of Fluoxetine with the unwanted side effects lessening week by week, occasionally a person will need a stronger dose to get the desired benefits, perhaps increase from 20-40 mg dailly, so give it another 4 weeks please and see how things are, good luck, keep smiling smile
  • Posted

    I hear it really takes 3months to start to feel like yourself. I'm on week 8 and I still have side effects
  • Posted

    Hi erika

    Yes I am in week 7 and the side effects are getting better but I still have anxious days. My appetite is back but I lost a lot of weight and the stomach pain and nausea were bad. Sleep is also getting better but very lethargic in the mornings. I have been on this medication before and don't remember the awful side effects, perhaps it's an age thing? I'm 46. But it is getting better smile

    • Posted

      Jean I've been on them before too and they seemed to Kick in at like 3 weeks then. I am now struggling with feeling lethargic too. Are you taking them for depression or anxiety? Also are you taking the same mg as you did prior?
  • Posted

    I'm on the same dose 20mg for anxiety.
    • Posted

      Hi I have just done my 2nd week on 20mg fluoxetine I take it for anxiety it is something I have always battled with so trying this one having been on citalopram previously which stopped working or I thought it did and sertaline which I did not like that much.  Still got side effects, still very anxious had the mother of all panic attacks in a restaurant last week I could not eat as I did not want to let go off the chair with my hands as I was dizzy and thought I may fall off and I could not breathe awful!  Hoping fluoxetine will help but after last week bit negative and I am still quite jittery......is it too early to say whether it is working?  Also I have bad heartburn, a dry mouth and feel sick every so often but have not been sick and I feel quite tired was feeling spaced out but that seems better now xx

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