Hi again...

Hi Angie, There are people who say it WILL work, it's all part of the process apparently, I've had a pretty awful seven days if the truth be told, but (and might be sound weird) I can actually feel the medication in me, I suppose they're side effects, when I had my good 5/6 days I felt literally like another person to what I'm feeling now, which of course was great, so If can happen once it happen again. I've never known a med like this tho..... it's bizarre.

Hi Luke, as Angie said lots people reported starting to have bad side effects again when increasing a dose as the brain is getting used to a new level of serotonin production, almost the same as when you get on the medication first. In my first week on fluoxetine I didn't know that and there were some days I took a double doze (I am on 20mg) and really bad states started then, anxiety like never in my life and serious ups and downs for like two weeks. My Dr said to stay on same at least for 12 weeks to get the body and brain get use to a consistent level of serotonin, then we can review if increase is needed. The fact you had the good days probably means that the meds are starting to work, so stay patient and hopeful, the blips are part of the process i hear. Best of luck! x Luci

I understand what you mean about feeling the medication inside you, I find when I feel that easy when I yawn🤔

I glad there are ppl who fully recover, it's like a pipe dream to me right now, been struggling for two days, just want my mojo back 😢

Not sure if I will ever be the same, I had depression years ago, never took medication, somehow I managed, ( by Gods Grace !) but this time although it's VERY similar, I just couldn't cope anymore,hence the Flux, just wanna be normal again...I've had it since Jan bloody tired of this mighty fight.....

Hi Luci, Well the last 14 days have been so much better, literally the day after I sent the original post it felt like the volcano inside me stopped erupting. The last couple of days I've dipped slightly but I was expecting that, negative thoughts and tight chest have popped back slightly but it's no biggie. I'm about 99.9% certain it was the meds doing their stuff (side effects), so many people have mentioned the 3 week mark as a particularly bad time regarding side effects. I'm starting an 8 week group therapy course tomorrow, see how that goes, nothing ventured and all that! All the best Luci x

Hi Luke, that is so good to hear! So the increase did not cause too many side effects! That's really reassuring to hear...I am also considering going to 30mg after next GP review which will be at 10 weeks of 20mg.

Group therapy is an excellent idea! I did group therapy for one year. It helped me immensely to feel less alone with my anxiety and other issues. It can be really challenging to participate at first but it is so worth it, in my experience. Good luck with it. xxx

Hi Luci, the increase DID cause side effects definitely! One of the toughest weeks of my life tbh, but all the while I was feeling hideous I kind of knew it was the meds making me feel like that, there was no way on earth it was a 'blip'

Not feeling great this morning but this DOES feel like a 'blip'!

How are you getting on? How many weeks for you now? X

Hi Luke!

Oh I see. Uff, I don't think then I am ready to up the meds to higher dose. I don't think I would be ready for a new batch of side effects this soon. I am just under 8 weeks now. For past couple of weeks the craziest anxiety has stopped, the meds are dumbing it down and I feel calmer but I have 'blip days'. Last Thu-Fri were really bad again, I felt discouraged, but since then I am calmer again. Just feeling a bit numb at times and unmotivated and very physically tired. The head pressure and head fog are not ceasing, it has been the same since day 1 of the medication and it really worries me. Did you also have this as a side effect? I am thinking at week 8 this should start improving now

How was your blip you wrote about 4 days ago? Are you feeling better?

Lx

 

Hi Luci, Andrew and Kirstie, I started week 12 yesterday, first six 20mg second six 30mg.

Yes I had that head pressure, to be honest, although unpleasant, I prefer to have physical symptoms or side effects, so when I get that head pressure (side effect) and that horrible tight chest (symptom) it doesn't bother me too much.

The blip is still there slightly, although today has been a really good day, some lovely thoughts and feelings have decided to pay me a visit!

100% 8 weeks is still early, I've been told 12 weeks is still early.

All the very best to everyone

Hi Luke, how are you doing couple of weeks on? Are blips getting less frequent now, and shorter?

After my 8 weeks I had very good 12 days of almost no anxiety and lots of energy, motivation and enthusism and experiencing joy again, taking up even new hobbies like running. Now today at 10 weeks, a bad blip struck again that has completely paralysed me all day and sent me into anxiety, fear and emotional pain and exhaustion again. It feels very discouraging .I hope it will be very shortlived, and good days will come again soon

Hi Luci, really sorry you're feeling like that, it absolutely stinks doesn't it, but, and it's an important but, this is VERY normal, and the blips/setbacks WILL happen. I've had about four weeks of good times, I had feelings I havent felt for 25 years, it felt bloody amazing, the last 3 days have been a bit sticky, obsessive thoughts and tight chest have reappeared but all in all I'm in a better place, I'm also ready for the blips/setbacks If and when they happen x

Luke, that is so good to hear, I am pleased for you, that sounds like a great progress in recent weeks!!! Yay. Hope the blip will be gone soon. I also feel like I handle them better now - encouraged by the good days, and I also have more strength to deal with them, making myself exercise when they happen, seek out support of friends, etc. Looking after myself when they happen. So already coming out of the bad one from yesterday. I feel at least 50% better again today. I am making lots of conscious hard work to get myself out of it.

Thank you for sharing with us about your progress and I hope it continues!!!

xx

You're welcome Luci, feeling crap today tho! Worst day for about a month, REALLY tight chest today and negative obsessive thoughts..... unlike the last month where I barely had any physical symptoms and my thoughts were mainly positive.... still it's all part of recovery so we've been told!

Stay strong Luci xx

I hope you are feeling better again Luke and the blip is over now? Yes I think it is part of the recovery...My blip was only for two days and now again on 5 good days, so feeling grateful for that. Only would like to feel more proactive; sometimes the meds give me too much of a lethargic feeling...better than anxiety though.