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Just been changed to fluoxetine from citalopram

Posted , 3 users are following.

rachaelgrace
rachaelgrace

Was having bad side effects after having my citalopram dose upped from 20 to 40mg. So now i have been changed onto fluoxetine 20mg. Reading all the threads on here i am really worried about it as it seems to have a lot of side effects too, and take a long time to work. I know all drugs take time to work and side effects are something that we have to deal with but i am really worried that its going to make me feel worse! Has anyone NOT had a bad time when starting fluoxeine?

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • lookingonwards
    lookingonwards rachaelgrace

    Posted

    Hi,

    How did they switch you from Citalpram over to Fluoxetine.. did they just have you start at 20mg the next day?

    • rachaelgrace
      rachaelgrace lookingonwards

      Posted

      Yes they said I could just do a straight swap without having to cut down or graduate the switch.
    • lookingonwards
      lookingonwards rachaelgrace

      Posted

      Ok I was on Cital for 20 years got up to 60mg... it pooped out on me and I switched to Fluox about 10 months ago. My Doctor has me wait 48 hours between the 2 medications and then start on 10mg of Fluox for 12 days or so then move up to 20mg.. After 7 or so weeks I went to 30mg for 12 days then up to 40mg where I am now.  Please know that if you do get some early side effects it is more than likely the Cital leaving your body... I did get side effects from Fluox I do not know anyone who has not had them... they seemed to be the worse around week 2-4 when you feel will more than likely a lot more anxious... but know it is just the medication! Push thru it.. keep yourself busy...  I found that having an Advil helped me as well during this time (check with your pharmacist if you can do this) for some reason it helped with the nausea and that really heavy head feeling. 
    • rachaelgrace
      rachaelgrace lookingonwards

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. I'm a little anxious that the doc has advised me to start on the fluoxetine straight away - i took 40mg of citalopram this morning before i went to the doctors. I have been advised i dont need to cut down or anything - just start the fluoxetine at 20mg tomorrow morning. I did specifically ask if i had to cut down on citalopram/start lower on fluoxetine or wait a few days but she said no it should be ok so i'll trust that it will be! I reeally hope this will be the one. The citalopram really he;ped me at first on the lower dose but went haywire when i upped. Before that they tried me on sertraline - that was awful. So fingers crossed fluoxetine will do the job. I'm expecting the side effects but will just push through them as you say. I'm a single mum and it is the summr holidays at the end of this week so no choice but to keep myself busy, just hope i dont feel too bad. Thank you for your advice.

    • lookingonwards
      lookingonwards rachaelgrace

      Posted

      If you are that worried then look at just doing the 10mg for 10-12 days and then upping to 20mg. If you have a good pharmacist you can go and speak to I also suggest you go and do that. I am a big believer that Pharmacists at drug stores know more about medication than the actual Doctors do. Though going on Prozac was hard work I feel way better on this than Cital...   I have lost 10kgs without even trying since going on the Prozac.. I feel not as much in a daze now as well. It took it time to get there but switching has been the best decision I have made. Good Luck! 
  • madeleine94884
    madeleine94884 rachaelgrace

    Posted

    I was on mirtazapine 45 mg for over fve years - again it pooped out so my G.P. changed me over to fluoxetine.   I had to decrease by 10 mg each week until I reached the five, then stop completely before I went on to 20 mg of fluoxetine.   I must be one of the lucky ones, I didn't get side effects from withdrawing or starting, although I have to say my sleep has suffered with fluoxetine but that's the only symptom I've had.

    Good luck,

    Madeleine.

    Madeleine

     

    • rachaelgrace
      rachaelgrace madeleine94884

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply madeleine. Yes you seem to be one of the lucky ones as you're the first one i've seen with no side effects. Has the fluoxetine made a positive difference for you?

  • madeleine94884
    madeleine94884 rachaelgrace

    Posted

    Hi - yes the fluoxetine has kicked in now, and I do feel less anxious.    However it could also be because the person who caused most of my depression has improved her attitude towards me - I'm keeping all fingers crossed that this lasts.

    Hope you feel better soon,

    Madeleine.

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