Fluoxetine week 1

Hello micpty,

From my experience weeks 2-3 were the worst for me too, having both physical and mental symptoms. Insomnia and loss of appetite. Anxiety attacks through which I would actually physically shiver in arms, shoulders adn along spine (never had that before). Also some bad memories back and dreams processing painful issues. Also I overworried about everything, even what was not my situation; a friend would describe maybe their problem and I would be anxious that in their shoes I would not be able to cope, and really was taking that anxiety on.

In week 4, I started sleeping and eating little better, and usually afternoons I would feel quite calm. But mornings induced some suicidal thoughts (again I never had these before).

Now I am mid-5th week and I just had 2 days without any anxiety, felt calm, detached and able to enjoy outdoors and socialise. Somehow I was unable to think of anything upsetting or negative, or it just didn't bother me too much. But tonight same shivery anxiety came back again, I was crying for a bit and feeling unsafe, but I trying to breathe through it and keep telling myself not to judge the anxiety, just wether through it, that it will not last, it is only a side effect on way to recovery. And holding on any moments that have already been better.

All the best!

Thanks for your post Luci. It's so reassuring to know that other people are going through the same stuff. I'm 2 weeks into flu. Had my best day so far today but then sick feeling and anxiety and over thinking back in the evening. Probably not helped by watching a dark telly programme! Have gone to bed and listened to a gratitude meditation which has made me feel better. I'm also keeping a thought log as recommended by cbt therapist and that seems to help if I can make myself do it. Take care and I hope it keeps getting better for you

Hi Paul,

thank you for sharing your experience as well. Yes, it helps me as well to see perhaps these side effects are not so unusual. However I do sometimes wonder if simply this time the medication is not working for me. Overall, I feel with my depression/anxiety much worse before even deciding to go on it. That was not the aim. At 4 and half weeks now I feel like there should be more improvement, but perhaps I am feeling just impatient today as I have a 'low day'. The weekend was quite good.

I think we just need to take it day by day and trust we will be better eventually.

It is very good you keep a journal/thoughts log. It helps me too, but as you say it can be tricky to make yourself do it in the first place!

Keeping fingers crossed for you, and all of us, to feel well soon!

Luci

Hej Luci,

Thanks for sharing your experience. Now I am in week number 4 and as you said things are getting much better. Now able to spend time alone, going out and not carrying those suicidal thinkings and bad thoughts. Hope it really keep this way because it is such a release to start thinking a little bit more clear about the future and goals to achieve.

Hope you doikg great by this time.

Regards

Hello micpty,

good to hear too things are improving for you! Yes those are the signs of getting better...doing more step by step, handling being alone a bit etc.

I am close to 7 weeks now. From week 5 my suicidal thoughts have disappeared and have not come back. From week 6 the anxious shivers in my spine and arms stopped too, and so did the complete hopelessness. I am more ok also now on my own. At times now I even feel gratefulness for some things in life and I have some deep-buried belief that things will be ok; not strong enough yet to make some practical steps and set new goals but more self-belief is starting to build slowly. Also I am getting more perspective on issues that normally upset me; I don't get such overwhelming emotions around them.

I just had 4 days in a row with over Easter with no anxiety. Yesterday I was anxious and crying in the evening, feeling lonely and sad. I went to bed early and planned swiftly to spend all of today with a close friend, so I would not be alone. So also I am more able to now find 'coping ways'.

Please keep pushing through! I hope just like for me and others, the weeks to come will bring you more improvements!

All the best,

Lucie

I'm feeling worse today then yesterday

Hi Andrew

I'm on day 15 and last two days have definitely felt better. Still tired and mild nausea but not anxious. The worst day I had was day 9. Was travelling and had a bad anxiety attack at the airport. Like you I was on flu years ago and that time it worked quickly and hardly any side effects. So it can affect you in different ways at different times. Hope you start getting some benefits soon!

Hi Andrew,

best be patient with yourself and the medication. It may get worse before it gets better. My appetite and sleep started improving in week 4. Now I am almost 5 weeks, and also getting some days now without anxiety (3 in a row over the last weekend, bliss!). Then a blip came and last couple of days I was anxious again but with fewer physical shivers. It felt discouraging after a few good days but then I reminded myself that it may not be a straight line up with the improvements, but still up and downs expected. I am trying to be kind to myself whenever feeling worse now, accept the 'getting worse' days can happen before recovery and that it does not mean I will not get better eventually. There is a lot of us here going through the same. Hang in there.

Luci

Hello Andrew,

Need to keep strong! My first to week went out of control and in a point I thought I was literally going to die. Anxiety drove me crazy and I was not able to handle. I basically stopped eating solid food first 2 weeks and just could handle some yogurt and water. Couldn't sleep at all so needed to get sleeping pills to be able to get some rest.

Now I am in week 4 and I feel much much better and calm and able to deal with stuff that in the first 2 weeks were impossible.

Keep strong! It will get better.

Regards

Hi Ivan,

all you are feeling and experiencing is normal. Loss of appetite is common. Most of the time the anxiety increases in early weeks as the brain is getting used to new serotonin levels. Rest as much as you can! I am 7 weeks and my appetite is slowly coming back and I get more ok days than low days now. It takes time. Reading through the forums has really helped me to remain sane...feeling less alone and knowing what I go through is not weird or unusual. Hugs x L

Hi Luci, feeling much better. Just wanted to recommend an app I've been using which has really helped me understand the whole hormone cycle, which I believe is the root of my anxiety. Will DM it to you. How are you feeling?x

Hi Sarah, great, looking forward to receiving the app details. My moods are also so changable with the cycle; can be exhausting, and confusing!

I am much better too, thank you. Nearing 10 weeks on the meds. Not completely recovered yet but seeing improvements and feeling more optimistic about the now and the future xx

Wouldn't let me send it earlier! I'll try again xx