Increasing dosage

Posted , 4 users are following.

Ive been on 10mgs of fluoxetine for a little over 5 weeks now- have been battling the anxiety side effect which im hoping will go away soon. My Dr is suggesting that I up to 20mgs because its not working, but Im scared it'll just increase my anxiety. Not sure if i should wait on the increase in a few more weeks.

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Posted

    Go up to the 20 mgs, Deb. You've been on 10 long enough. I've been where you are.....make the switch. Listen to your Doc & stay optimistic & upbeat!

    • Posted

      Thanks Barbara. i told my doc ill do it. im very scared of the anxiety side effect, but im getting no relief from the fluox now. Maybe 20 will help.

    • Posted

      I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND how you are feeling You are not alone. I went thru the same thing. Give the 20 mgs a good try. Anxiety side effects or just plain anxiety is THE WORST. Trust me-I know.

      I dont know where you live but I'm in the U.S. & my psychiatrist gave me a prescription for Xanax to help the anxiety until the pills kicked in & then I have them for occasional anxiety.

      There is hope! Dont give up!

      we are here for you!

    • Posted

      Thanks so much Barbara. i am in the US too and this Covid really set me back anxiety-wise. I will try the 20 and let you know how it goes. Im willing to try anything to get rid if this anxiety. My GP did prescribe Lorizapam which helps, but that is very controlled.

      thanks for the support!

    • Posted

      Hi Deb-YES, this Covid thing really started to up my anxiety. I'm trying to control how much news I watch about it.My brother the other day said to me....." Barb, we're probably all going to get it, but 80% of the people recover well from it". So-I tried to focus on that.It's hard though....

      Please keep in touch & you can always private message me if you need to.

      Hang in there, Deb.

    • Posted

      Yes, im very careful how much need i watch too.

      thanks for the encouragement. I'll definitely be in touch!

  • Edited

    I used to suffer from severe agoraphobia, panic attacks and depression. Mine, ironically were a direct result of TAKING Prozac. Against advice I stopped taking them altogether and have been well ever since, using relaxation videos, EFT and positive thinking. I do feel that Fluoxetine does more harm than good personally and having experienced the side-effects (mainly suicidal ideation) whilst taking a 20 mgs dose it concerns me to see your post. For years Prozac ruined my life with many suicidal thoughts, self-harm and terrible anxiety. Of course your GP is the one to consult but I felt it valid to tell you about my own experience. In any case, please stay safe xx

  • Posted

    hi Deb , may i ask why you was given fluoxetine by your gp ?

    • Posted

      she put me on Lexapro first and all i was doing was managing the horrible side effects. Then we tried Buspar, which did nothing. She then consulted with a psychiatric nurse practitioner who recommended fluoxetine. i agreed to try it and here i am. 7 weeks into it starting at 10mg and just upped it to 20 because it wasnt working yet.

  • Edited

    Is anxiety part of your diagnosis ? all the meds take time to kick in sometimes a few months for some people .. but usually after 5 weeks the doc should see an improvement but if not they would ask you to increase thats perfectly ok .. then in another 5 weeks he/she can see how your doing then .. it is a steady process .. i wish you all the best sweetheart X

    • Posted

      Thanks for the encouragement and kind words. Yes, this is for anxiety. Because ive been so sensitive with 3 other meds the doc started me real low at 10 mgs fluoxetine. Now Im 7 weeks into with not really any change so she upped it to 20. Unfortunately Im now dealing with side effects again like increased anxiety, especially in the mornings. Its rough. Im visiting family in 3 weeks so I hope the side effects are gone by then.

    • Posted

      Hi Deb!I STILL am dealing with a bit of morning anxiety & I have no idea why. It had gone away & has now started back up again. I'm going to be discussing this with my Dr soon.I'm on 20 mg Fluoxetine & take Alprazolam (Xanax) as needed & I've been using that to help me thru this morning & early afternoon anxiety.

      Maybe I need to go up to 30 mgs fluoxetine-I'll see what Doc says. I have 10 mg pills at home so I could add to my 20's.

      I just don't know what has changed with me.I have been on this dose of fluoxetine for YEARS.

      I have very low appetite lately. I don't like that because if I don't eat-I feel sick.

    • Posted

      Hi Barbara!

      Its such a battle, isnt it? Ive been working with my GP all this time and finally took the step today and reached out to a psychiatric nurse practitioner to have my meds evaluated. I speak with her on Thurs. I hope im on the right track cause i really dont want to start something new.

      Maybe your Fluoxetine does need an increase. I really hate all this added anxiety from side effects. 😦

    • Edited

      Oh good Deb. I'm glad that you'll be speaking with a psych nurse. Hopefully he/she will offer some help. We'll get through this !

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