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Side effects

Posted , 3 users are following.

robert47678
robert47678

Hi there,

So 19 days ago I was prescribed Fluoxetine, I was suffering with some slight anxiety issues and I was originally prescribed Sertraline, I had a horrible reaction to it. So my GP looked at my medical records and decided to put me back on Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine helped me out years ago, I used to have terrible anxiety issues, I could hardly eat and I became incredibly underweight. Eventually I was put on Fluoxetine and my mind became more balanced and I started to eat again.

Jump to the present day, I'm suffering from some mild side effects with the Fluoxetine (Dry mouth, nausea, heightened anxiety that comes in small blips, loss of appetite and sleeping difficulties) it's made me kind of closed off from others, I still go to work and socialize there though.

I push myself to eat 3 meals a day, along with small snacks every now and then. A few days ago I thought I was doing okay, but Christmas and Boxing day I started to feel rough. 

Today I felt more ambitious, but after lunch I ended up vomiting. I keep worrying about my weight, and keep getting scared that I will become underweight again. 

I've talked to my GP about my side effects, she told me that they are to be expected, and should go away soon. 

I just wanted to ask: How long did it take for the side effects to go away for you? Did your appetite return as well? Did any of you have good days and bad days when taking fluoxetine?

I plan to stick with fluoxetine as it helped me years ago. It's just right now it seems so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • denise78065
    denise78065 robert47678

    Posted

    Hi Robert,

    i have now been on Fluoxetine for roughly 3 months was not easy going and I did have problems with sleeping and eating, my anxiety has susbsided now, but my appetite is not back to normal but I am getting there, I am on Zoplicone for sleeping but only if I need them, it does get better, tiny steps, one day at a time, and remember your are not alone. Merry Christmas from Scotland! ?🎄

    • robert47678
      robert47678 denise78065

      Posted

      Hi Denise,

      Thanks for your response, did you notice any significant changes after the first few weeks? I've noticed some improvement in my thinking pattern over the past week or so, seem rather calm from time to time. Are you still suffering from side effects?

      Merry Christmas from Hampshire! 🎄

  • denise78065
    denise78065 robert47678

    Posted

    I have the odd day, especially in the morning where I feel slightly anxious, but if if I have something to look forward to, or occupy me it helps, I managed to cook Christmas dinner I never ever thought in October I would manage that, it's difficult I know, but the future and your friends and family are the greatest thing ever, stay positive and if you ever need a chat let me know x

    • robert47678
      robert47678 denise78065

      Posted

      Mornings seem to be difficult for me as well, I wake up feeling a bit anxious. Usually by the time I get up the feeling goes away. I'm trying to remain optimistic, I just want these symptoms to be over and done with

      Thanks again x  

  • Kirk1970
    Kirk1970 robert47678

    Posted

    HI Robert

    On my latest stint on fluoxetine I lost a stone in a few weeks due to poor appetite. I'd advise buying a job lot of those healthy powder drinks that you add milk to - to make a milk shake. They work out at 200 calories each and are really easy to drink when you don't fancy eating much.

    It took me until week 8 before I started feeling better - although my worst side effects were weeks 3-6.

    Hope you feel better soon mate.

    • robert47678
      robert47678 Kirk1970

      Posted

      Hi Kirk,

      Thats a pretty good idea, my appetite seems to be okay every now and then. I'm eating 3 meals a day, along with fruit and snacks as well. I drink mainly water too.

      I'm just hoping that these side effects will wear off soon, they seem to come and go. I felt better a few days ago, and now the side effects seem to have acted up a bit today.

      take care smile

  • Stacey29819
    Stacey29819 robert47678

    Posted

    I lost my appetite too.  I used to worry obsessively about getting too skinny also, but just eat what you can.  The appetite will get better eventually.  
    • Stacey29819
      Stacey29819 robert47678

      Posted

      I’m not sure yet, I’m in week 2, I switched in week 6 of Zoloft, so I’m still having side effects.  I went up from 20 to 40 today, and not feeling great.
  • Stacey29819
    Stacey29819 robert47678

    Posted

    Were you on the Sertraline long?  That’s what I was on also, it’s also called Zoloft.  I was in week 6, it caused the worst anxiety I’ve ever had, so I switched to this one.  The Dr said I wouldn’t be starting over, but I feel like I am.  I see him again on Friday, which will be the end of 2 weeks on this.  I’ve heard we have to go through 6-8 weeks more of side effects every time we change dose or change medicine.  I hope not, but it seems like I’m very sensitive to these meds.
    • robert47678
      robert47678 Stacey29819

      Posted

      I was only on the Sertraline for five days. The side effects were absolutely horrendous for me. I had to go to A&E as a result. They told me to come off of the sertraline straight away. So I went from hospital to the doctors, my GP looked at my medical records and decided to put me back on fluoxetine (which I hadn't been on for over a year).

    • Stacey29819
      Stacey29819 robert47678

      Posted

      My side effects were in week 3.  I didn’t notice anything at the beginning.  Someone else I was talking too said they had the vomiting also.
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