fluoxetine. will 10mg extra make a difference

Posted , 3 users are following.

20mg for 15weeks been good for 7weeks but anxiety and some days depression has come back doctor increased to 40mg but I'm so scared so took 30mg (day 2) will this make a difference to help me? I was so bad on start up for 8weeks I really don't want that again which I feel will happen on 40,mg but on other hand 30mg has to b enough to pull me through this dip (iv post natal depression and anxiety)

Thank you

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Rachel

    I can't guarantee but the side effects from the increase shouldn't be as severe as going from nothing to 20mg. I have just had mine upped from 20 to 40 so am waiting to see if that is true. I did similar to you...I had an extra 20mg every 2 days... maybe this 10mg increase might be the right thing for you to do. perhaps see how you feel after a week on 30. you could up it to 40 if you feel the need.

    Good luck

    Richo.

    • Posted

      I took 40 today I thought why drag it out. I'm anxious and sweating badly its awful
    • Posted

      Does it not imbalance u to take them like that? Say 20 one day 40 the next ? I'd of thought ud never level out xx

      I'm going crazy after 40

    • Posted

      It was slightly different, i must say.

      Strangely it seemed i had the stronger side effects when i had the 20mg and less when i had the 40mg, but i dont think the drug works like that entirely.

      Fluoxetine seems to "build up" over time so there is a cumulative effect.

      Now i have had 3 days on 40mg. Im feeling that the side effects are lessening - maybe i am hitting the right level.

      My mood is better in the last few days too, in fact i have had episodes of "happiness" - Yay!

      I think the 40mg decision you made is right - get through it as quick as you can - hold on to the thought that this stuff does work.

      Good luck!!

    • Posted

      I called doctor and he said take 20mg today but I'm scared I can do this if I know it will settle but at the moment the anxiety is unbearable !!! I was on 20mg and it working but I started going down again so if I'm only on 20again surly I'll go back. I'm so scared and a mess I'm stopping with my parents
    • Posted

      I would love to hold your hand through this if i could.

      I picked some friends that id not known long to tell about what was going on with me.

      They keep my spirits up, ive no idea what i would have done without them.

      Does the anxiety kick in after you take the meds each day? or is it building up?

      Im a little "on edge" as i type this, but i am at work with people in the office...

      You may be sooooooo close to achieving your balance, if you could hold on in there for a few more days...

      Keep your friends/family in the picture...talking things through is helpful.

      I keep seeing that excercise too is of benefit. I have back issues and am doing some basic stretches...its a bit like yoga...which i also hear is good for us too.

      I short - occupy yourself....burn time...sleep...relax....distract...talk

      Richo

    • Posted

      Its worse on waking, I wake through the night with it and its gets better through the day but its still bad. Morning is crippling. I want to carry on with 40mg in hope it will pass but any worse then this I'll b begging to b kept in hospital. It doesn't seem normal, it was bad nothing to 20mg but this is worse by far. Iv heard people take 20 one day 40 the next but I thought this would imbalance you ? Something I must ask the Dr
    • Posted

      Yes - ask him asap...

      Do you take the meds in the morning (like me).... i have heard that switching from morning to evening (or vice-versa) can have a dramatic effect...

    • Posted

      Did ur anxiety increase?? I'm seeing my consultant today but she's a consultant for pregnancy/post natal. Hopefully I'll get help. After the huge anxiety attack from 2am I now feel drained and dazed
    • Posted

      I take mine at 8am and always have so far.

      I get anxious (mildly) for a couple of hours afterwards only - has only slightly increased over this last week or so.

      I do wake upto 20 times a night, though this is easing slowly i think.

      Sleeping for an hour or 2 after eating helps sometimes also.

    • Posted

      Yes I take them in a morning. On 20mg I tried morning and night was same effect really. Iv just took 40 in hope it will settle I don't wanna cut down if its nearly over x
    • Posted

      There definately IS an end to it...

      It will improve...

      You will feel stronger...

      You will be you again...

      Time is both your enemy and your healer

      Get out and about...somewhere quiet where you can walk for no reason... then walk...for no reason... walk with energy...taking very deep purposeful breaths...

    • Posted

      How long do I give it to settle its awful my body is not happy at all
    • Posted

      I think someone earlier said the weekend...

      I know it seems such a long time, but i would say the same.

      If there is no change or at least some easing off by then, i would say revert back to the lower dose.

      Keep your doctor informed even if it means seeing him on Wednesday AND Friday...

      This is the rock and hard place scenario...you have this chance to get it right, but you must not suffer beyond your threshold..

    • Posted

      I can deal with thinking till the weekend but I'm thinking what if its all for nothing and it doesn't settle. Loosing hope. Keep thinking I'll loose my mind soon and loose reality. I showed mild anxiety creeping up after getting to a happy place and boom serve anxiety like I'm a cold turkey heroin addict if not worse
    • Posted

      By the weekend you will have seen the light at the end of the tunnel or will have just had enough and at least gave it enough time to see if the corner can be turned and this is or isnt for you.

      I sincerely hope that it is just a matter of a few days of suffering through this bit...the reward is worth it.

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