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New to fluoxetine

Posted , 6 users are following.

sarah1515
sarah1515

Hi I've just started to take 20mg and I'm on day 3. I don't feel too bad very tired but it's making me anxious worrying about the side effects. How long does it take before you start to feel normal again?

Thanks

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • carol62649
    carol62649 sarah1515

    Posted

    Hello Sarah,

    im sure you have probably read lots of the posts about expereinces with prozac. Reading helps me understand this process, everyone is different, you may have few side effects. Try not to focus on what you MAY feel, its normal to feel anxious, nauseous, little appetite but these will go.

    as for feeling normal again its a very slow acting med, therefore it can take many weeks. But think positive everyday you are getting closer to being in that normal happy state again. Ive been taking prozac for 19 weeks, my anxiety is definately much improved, im on 40 mg.

    20 mg may suit you and do the job, but it wont happen overnight. You will benefit from being busy, trying to take your mind off how you feel. Can you knit? Read a book, watch a funny DVD. Walking, even short ones, go to shops, library etc. Eat small meals, veges, fruit, plenty of filtered water, take care of yourself. 

    As i said everyone is different and you may recover in four weeks, but it seems that eight to twelve weeks is more the norm.

    there is a post here that gives a general time line, over twelve weeks and what to expect.

    good luck, keep reading here there is great support for us all.

    caroline 🌺🌸

    • sarah1515
      sarah1515 carol62649

      Posted

      Thanks Caroline. I'll have a read. I've just had surgery so the worst thing is I'm in bed recovering for a little bit so I'll read some books x

  • jan_63161
    jan_63161 sarah1515

    Posted

    Hello Sarah......I just wanted to add a few words of encouragement.  Carol62649 is absolutely correct in everything she said it will take time don't get discouraged usually you will feel worse before you feel better.  The medication has to build up in your system and that will take time it took me 6 weeks to feel better not perfect but I did see improvement.  Try not to spend alot of time thinking about it just tell yourself I will be better soon because you will.

  • kain
    kain sarah1515

    Posted

    I'm on day 4 and no side effects.

    It can take 1-2 weeks to notice any effect on mood sometimes longer.

    3-4 weeks you should see some improvement most find it takes 6 weeks but if after 2 months you feel absolutely no improvement you should talk with your doctor.

    Day 3 is really early and if you do get side effects they'll be manageable.

    I found citalopram made me nauseas and tired so I started talking it at night after i ate so the upset stomach wasnt so bad.

  • dianne32733
    dianne32733 sarah1515

    Posted

    Hi.sarah.it can take up to a month to properly get into your system ..I've been on them for years and it truly has made me a better person .you just have to over the tiredness .one day you will get up and a light has been turned on that's how it 2as for me .kind regards dianne..ps I never had side effects does not effect everyone .x

    • sarah1515
      sarah1515 dianne32733

      Posted

      Hi Diane,

      How long have you been on them? My doctor has said min 6 months. I do hope one day I just start to feel like me again and my energy returns. Thanks for the reply x

  • luci11
    luci11 sarah1515

    Posted

    Hi Sarah,

    Not everyone gets harsh side effects, so do not despair. I had almost none taking 20mg in the past. And if you do get them, they will subside eventually; like others already have said here, give it 5-6 weeks to start seeing imore mprovements. Expect some up and downs so don't get discouraged if you have suddenly low days after some good days. Stay strong and be kind to yourself. Hugs.

  • Pinkrozez
    Pinkrozez sarah1515

    Posted

    How are you feeling now? I am on day six of 20mg and I feel my anxiety is higher at some times .. It could just be because I keep fearing I'll never get better and be on this drug forever .. Trying to read posts and find comfort. Hope you have had positive results..

    • luci11
      luci11 Pinkrozez

      Posted

      Hi there. The posts have been a life saver for me, really reassuring, when I was feeling at my worst. I am on fluox 7 weeks today. The first 4 weeks were really rough for me, my anxiety was also higher than before the meds, but I have been much better in the last 2-3 weeks. I know what you mean about the fear of not recovering. When feeling even worse in early stages of the meds, recovery feels so impossible. But people do recover. Some take medicine for long and some are able to come off it. But for now we have to accept the help of the medicine, as a start of the recovery! smile We can all do it. All the best! x
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