What does it feel like if Fluoxetine is actually working?

Thanks for your reply Kate. This is the first time I go through depression and anxiety. At first I was on citalophram and had a horrible reaction to it that sent me to the ER. Then my GP put me on Cymbalta, but did not see much improvement in 11 weeks. Most of the time I was feeling dizzy and drowsy throughout the day and with very low energy. I also had horrible insomnia.

My Psychiatrist took me off Cymbalta and prescribed Fluoxetine 20mg. I've been on it for 31/2 weeks. During this time the dizziness and drowsiness is almost non existent and my energy seems to have improved. I still have to take 1/4 of Lunesta 3mg. Will the natural sleep eventually kick in? Also, every morning is quite a challenge getting out of bed. I just don't feel like starting another day. No motivation at all. Once I get up and take a shower I tend to feel better. By the evening time I feel better than the morning and afternoon.

will the morning energy get better? 

 

Different meds suit different people and It's often trial and error finding the right one for you.  Glad to hear you're having good progress with this one.

Yes Imany people find the mornings the worst.  It isn't always an indication of how the rest of the day will be though. 

Every morning was awful for me, and like you, once I got up and got going the day got better.

You'll probably find your days will get better and better over time - just let it take its time - you can't hurry it, but it will slowly happen.

Expect to have bad mornings for now - they will eventually ease.  Your sleep should eventually return to normal too.

Remember, you are recovering and it will take time.  It does get better and your mornings will eventually be pleasant and full of energy.

K x

Thanks Kate! Your words are very uplifting. I was starting to get a little desperate, since this whole thing started almost four months ago.

Thanks again!

It's horrible isn't - people underestimate what depression and anxiety actually are - completely different to what anyone can imagine.  Only suffering with it can give you a complete understanding of how it feels.

You're not alone - it's very common.  You will get over this - you never think you will at the time, but you will.

K xx

 

Thanks! I'll complete 4 weeks on Wednesday. Should I give it more time to make more improvement? I heard of people saying that 4 weeks should be enough time for an AD to work.

Does that sound accurate?

Thanks for taking the time to respond. You are a tremendous support.

Four weeks is very optimistic. It can take up to 12 weeks, depending on how well you metabolize the med. I don't say that to depress you even more but to tell you to give it the time it needs to work for you. I'm completely me again after 12 weeks. And I feel like I'm a stronger person for going through it all.

It takes different times for different people - took me 6 months - but please don't be alarmed by that timescale - we are all different.  During my recovery it wasn't intense all the time, it had got easier as the time went by.  Don't put a timescale on recovery for yourself, because if you're not better by then you'll feel despondent.  Just let recovery come to you in its own time - I often say count recovery in months, not weeks.  It can take a long time as its quite gradual.  But ..... the wait is worth it.  You might however feel much better in 4 weeks - but please don't expect it.

During recovery you might be up and down too.  Sometimes you think you're feeling better and getting there and suddenly find yourself down again.  This is normal and this pattern often repeats itself throughout recovery.  Some people get better real quick.

Take the meds, let them work, and just wait - and when you're fed up with waiting, then wait some more.  Perseverance and patience will pay off in the end.

Please don't worry about how long it takes - you will get there.

K xx

Thanks Cheryl! Your comment certainly gives me hope.

Thanks Kate! Since I'm not working at the moment, I find it difficult to occupy my mind in other activities and I feel that makes things a little worse.

I look forward to the days where I will have the energy back.

Since your recovery was quite lengthy, was there any specific activities that helped you through the process?

Thanks

Hi Moises

It is difficult trying to keep occupied because usually you just want to slump on the sofa, stay in bed because of lack of energy.  Occupying yourself won't distract your mind completely, but its a start of trying to carry on as normal and eventually you'll begin to enjoy whatever else you're doing.  Even a daily walk in the evening helps - and its free

Its no good frantically trying to do something else and then keep checking to see if the illness has gone, because it won't be.  You can't get rid of the illness like that, and doing things frantically causes tension, and tension leads to anxiety.

My son had a breakdown 2 years ago and had a hell of a time and couldn't work for 4 months.  I encouraged him to take up music and I accompanied him to an African djembe drum class and he also joined a guitar class - things he found difficult becuase socialising was hard for him.  Throughout his recovery he religiously went to these music groups and he began to take real interest in them.  He recovered after 9 months and today, 2 years later, he still plays drum and guitar and is now in the performance group.  He's now off medication.

Also during his recovery I went walking with him every evening and also cycle rides.  He didn't enjoy them and didn't really see any scenery .... but he kept going.

For me, I joined a dance class - again the music was such a healer.  15 years later I'm still dancing and now a teacher

Music is good for the soul - movement too.

Exercise is good as it helps burn excess adreneline (anxiety), and it also raises endorphins (feel good hormones).  It is difficult to do anything too strenuous if your body isnt ready, but walking is good.

Also taking a calm attitude to life in general is good.  Anxiety thrives on stress, so learning to calm down really helps.  Walk slower, drive slower, just float along and try not to rush from A to B.  Eat healthily (if you can) and sleep (if you can).  All of this whilst you wait for the medication to work helps to heal your body.

K xx

Hi Kate,

Thanks. I'll pick up some of the great suggestions you mention. I've been going to the gym every other day to at least fast walk and run on the threadmill for 30 minutes.

You are absolutely right about the "wave" like recovery. Yesterday I had quite a bit of head pressure and weakness, but today is much better.

Thanks for all the support you provide, not just to me, but other members of this forum. I've seen your comments on other posts and are full of hope and inspiration.

The gym is perfect - great for anxiety and depression.  It'll help elevate your mood.  

Yes that's it - this recovery wave happens little by little ljust ike that - it starts small like perhaps not so much head pressure and weakness, then it might come back for a while.  Next something else will be relieved and will come back, and then something else and before you know it you'll start realising you feel ok - and then you'll feel really ok and then you'll feel 'omg I feel wonderful'.  That's how it creeps up.

Am only too glad to help.  It'll might be you on here one day helping others when you've recovered 

K x

Thanks Kate! I look forward to that day.

My doctor increased my dose to 40mg as of this week (week 5). Should I expect side effects? I have read some comments saying that it's like starting from scratch when the dose is increased.

You often do get side effects with each dose increase - yes, it can feel like starting again, but again they will settle.  Always best to increase when the previous dose has settled.  

I always think its best to let a dose settle and then stay on that dose for a lot longer afterwards too as you might recover on that particular dose.  If you find your side effects don't settle on a particular dose then it might be that the lesser dose would suit you more.  Its trial and error finding the right meds and the right dose .....

K x

 

Just to reassure you that Fluoxetine can really help. I have had depression since my teens, now 35. I've tried most SSRIs, and this one was the one that helped me. Stupidly I stopped taking it earlier this year as I wanted to get pregnant. Just had a painful breakup and things have not been great last 4 months or so. I've started fluoxetine again and very hopeful. It also helps talking about our struggles.

Take care

Hi all, first time on this forum and yes totally yes to your comment katecogs.  I totally underestimated depression and was quite 'dismissive' of it when my father (he still does) had it when I was growing up.  You truely do not know what it's like until you have experienced it.

As for the topic of conversation, for me personally it did take around the 6-7 week mark before I started to feel better (on 20mg per day).  I guess they way to explain it is you become more stable if that makes sense.  Have read all kinds of horror stories about the effect pf prozac but it's been great for me.  Best advice is to also maintain a healthy die, exercise, socialise and generally live your life.....all these plus the prozac are what did it for me

I was the same Jae - I never knew anyone who'd had depression but heard of it and used to think why can't people just make themselves happy?  Something I found out when I became ill with it.

Totally agree - healthy lifestyle and treat yourself kindly and gently when having bad days.  Don't know where I'd be without SSRI's.

K x  

Thanks Isabel! I'm on week 10 on 20 mg. I have noticed some improvement, but still have no interest or pleasure for daily activities or things I used to enjoy. I'm also battling insomnia. I take 1/2 pill of Lunesta in order to sleep.

It all started with sort of a break down, back in late March. At first I was put on citalopram, but it gave me a bad reaction, ending in the ER. Then I was on Cymbalta for 11 weeks, with no improvement.

I'm really hoping that Fluox will take me all the way to recovery.

I don’t know if you still are on here. I have been on Effexsor XL 37.5  for 20 days, a low dose because I am a poor metabolizer. Is it common early on to feel good one day, then anxious/depressed the next needing a Klonipin. I feel like a yo-yo.

Hi Lynn

Yes I'm still around  ..... and yes it is very common to feel good one day then anxious / depressed the next.  It can even be like this in one single day.  Your body is adjusting and you'll feel like its 3 steps forward and 2 steps back all the way.

Shows the meds are working.

K x

 

Thanks so much 

Did you have to take any Xanax or the like when you first started on the antidepressant. I was on 50mg of zoloft for 20 years worked great then pooped out in June. I am trying Effexsor now but it’s been so long since I started an antidepressant I’ve forgotten what it’s like. The anxiety is awful at the start. 3 weeks today at a dose of 37.5 and I have had two days last Friday and Sunday when I felt just about normal no need for xanax. Then yesterday horrible anxiety needed Xanax. Today starting okay not bad anxiety. When do you know if you need a higher dose. I am a poor metabolizer so don’t know if I should kick up to 75 if I am seeing improvement at 37.5. The 4th year anniversary of my daughter’s death has thrown me for a loop. Should I stay on my dose until I meet with my doc next Tuesday when it will be a month, and just take Xanax on the days anxiety is bad. Confused about what is progress in the beginning. Thanks for your help.

With previous anti depressants I used to have Ativan as well - but on SSRI's no I didn't have anything else.  

Usually when you start SSRI's the dose can take 4-8 weeks to settle so its a good idea to stay on one dose for a while.  A larger dose doesn't always mean it'll make you any better than a lower dose - its just what suits your body.

Oh gosh I am so sorry to hear of your daughters passing - I just cannot imagine  xxxx.  Anniversaries are always tough ....... 

Yes I'd stay on one dose until you see your doctor next week.  Xanax will bound to help through this difficult time for you too.

K x

Three weeks in,just had a few good days,then woke up at four am this morning with anxiety am I backsliding or part of the recovery.

That's absolutely normal and seems to be part of recovery.  It'll feel like 3 steps forward and 2 steps back all the time.  They're called blips / setbacks and they'll come and go.  Try and go with them - they'll pass.

Shows the meds are working xxx 

Hi Kate, go to the doctors tomorrow for med check. It will 4 weeks on 37.5. Don’t know whether she will have me go up to 75 Effexsor the regular starting dose. My anxiety is much better, I could go without any anxiety Meds on many days the past 10 days. Yesterday felt long waves of sadness but kept myself busy in the garden. Did you increase your dose on Meds during recovery. Did the side effects come back as bad as when you first went on. How long did it take for you to feel your old self. Some days I have felt just about my old self

 

Hi Lynn

Are you taking these meds every day?  Its just that you said you could go with meds on many days over the last 10 days ........  

Glad you're feeling the anxiety is better - you might feel the side effects again when increasing, its normal, and will wear off after a few weeks.

I think the long waves of sadness are expected at the moment - your body is still settling on the meds.

No I didn't increase my meds.  I originally started on Seroxat (can't remember the dose), stayed on them for a year but they didn't suit me so I was swapped to a different sort, after another year they were discontinued so was put onto Citalopram 20mg and stayed on that dose for years.  I recovered on Seroxat but seem to remember I had side effects when I swapped from meds to meds as my body settled on them.  I only had side effects on Citalopram when starting them, and never had any more because I didn't increase my dose.

It was around 3-4 months I started noticing small changes like feeling normal, and it was 6 months when I recovered - and I got better more and more after that too.

 

I take the antidepressant Effexsor everyday, but have not needed the anxiety medicine Klonopin. I still have the waves of depression during the day but the anxiety has gone way down. I hope the depression eases in the next month. 

Ah I see   

That's good you can feel the anxiety has eased - the depression should ease over time too.  My symptoms went little by little, one after the other.  They didn't all go together.

K x

Last night I had horrible gas and then cramps and stomach ache can side effects come and go like this it’s been a month

Mmmm I didn't have any of those, though have read it can upset the stomach a bit.  Maybe make a note of what you ate in case its that combined with the meds?  Check with your doctor too, though I'm sure it'll pass.

Went to the doctor and was raised to 75mg of Effexsor 5 days ago the usual starting dose. Thankfully the side effects are not as bad as the initial ones getting on were. I see slow improvemnent and hope to stay on this dose for awhile. Anxiety comes in waves but some days not at all. I feel tired around 4 in the afternoon but stay awake so I can sleep at night. I need to take a Klonopin most nights so I can sleep. I have been going out more and go to the gym to exercise most days. I am trying to be patient and have confidence that I will get back to normal. Start therapy tomorrow for PTST and have done acupuncture twice now which helps. How long did you stay on the antidepressant after you were well? At 67 I might never go off it gets me back to my old self. Thanks for your help.

Thank you so much for this report. I have been on week 8 (most of the time I was adjusting to 20mg then 60mg). Recovery is coming slow and I was looking for a little inspiration to keep me going with it.

Thank you!

Hi radiant

Glad you found my post helpful - not many doctors tell you what to expect so it can be confusing.  Yes recovery is slow isn't it ....... you hardly notice it really.

Hope it goes well - just keep going, it does get better.

K x

Hi katecogs. I have now been at 75mg of Effexsor for 5 weeks and getting much better. At about 85%. Wondering if I should go up one more time or stay at this dosage for another month. Today had anxiety and some racing thoughts. Can you have blips in your treatment this far in. I keep thinking I should go up to 112.5 to get a full recover. Did it take you more than 5 weeks to fully recover?

Hi Lynn

I didn't take Effexor so am not sure of its dosage.  I took Citalopram, though all these SSRI's do the same though and give the same side effects etc.  Citalopram maximum dose is 40mg so I'm not sure if 75mg Effexor is high or low.

However ... I do know you should stick on one dose, especially as you feel its working.  I recovered on 20mg of Cit which is half the max dose.  Increasing doesn't always means you'll feel any better on it, but its what suits your body.  

Yes you'll have blips throughout recovery - it took me 6 months to recover and I had them all the way through.  They did ease through this time though and were easier to cope with.

Recovery can take many months and it looks like you're doing well.  5 weeks is a relatively short time, though equally a good way for progress.  

I took meds for 16 years - and have read its recommended to take them for at least a year.  I believe you can take them for life if needed and I certainly wasn't in a hurry to come off them 

Racing thoughts are just a side effect of the anxiety - as the anxiety eases so too will the thoughts.  Just let them come and go and they will go in time and eventually not bother you.

Hope that helps xxxxx

I am on the lowest therapeutic dose goes up to 225mg. I have been feeling much better except for the last 24 hours anxiey when anxiety came back. Did not know if this sometimes happens out of the blue

Ah I see.  The dose you're on seems to be working for you I reckon, and think its just more time thats needed so the blips will eventually ease and stop.

Yes it does happen out of the blue - often.  You think you'e doing well and suddenly find yourself feeling like you're back at the beginning.  Its quite normal and they will stop in time.

K xx

 

Been doing well after 5 weeks at raised dose. but had a couple of days of steps backward is this normal. 

Hi Lynn

Yes perfectly normal on these meds and recovery.  You'll get many times when you feel like you've gone backwards.  They get less as you progress until they don't happen anymore.  Just carry on ... it will pass.

K x

Thank you so much. I was so worried I was going to fall in the hole again.

It can be confusing on the meds sometimes - hope it goes well.  Let us know how you get on xxx.

Tried going up another dose for a week but way too high for me. I will stay on the lower dose where it is an ssri and wait it out for anther 6 weeks. If it doesn’t work I’ll try fluoxetine .

A higher doesn't mean you'll get better any quicker and we all suit different doses.  If you're getting good days on the dose you're on then maybe stay on that for some time yet.  You will get good and bad days on any dose - low or high.  I took Citalopram and only ever took 20mg (the highest dose is 40mg).  I didn't need to go that high.

Also remember recovery can take many months (6 months for me), so its best to stick on one dose and one meds for many many months before you can tell.

Lots of people chase recovery and hop from dose to dose then meds to meds and all this to-ing and fro-ing with side effects from increasing and symptoms from withdrawing, then the same starting new meds only to find they have to go through the same process all over again.  SSRI's will not give you a quick fix - they take a long, long time to work.

Just give the meds / dose lots of time xxx 

Did you have bad anxiety when you first woke up/

Yes - and all through recovery too.  Waking was the worst time I think.  Throughout recovery I'd still wake feeling dreadful, full of anxiety but though the day started like that it got better and by evening I'd feel completely well ....... only to wake again the next day and go through it all again.  The good feeling spread more into my day until at 6 months I woke with no anxiety at all.  

These feelings don't go in an instant, but they take time for all to disappear bit by bit, one by one.  You won't suddenly wake up one day and its all gone, but it will creep away slowly.

 

Thank you. I am going to Houston Texas to visit a friend and then going on a cruise in mid February. Don’t know where you live but this winter in Vermont in the states has been brutal with snow, greyness, and below zero a lot this January. It hasn’t helped getting out miss working in my garden. I just want to thank you again for all your help. You are such a wonderful person. Just knowing you can get through this is wonderful. I am going to therapy to deal with the trauma of losing one of my daughter’s four years ago. The antidepressant helps dealing with it all.

Ooooh I love cruises!!!!  Where are you off to?  Last we did was 4 years ago to the Caribbean ....... heaven 

I'm in the UK and whilst we've had some snow, it's not as much as you've had.  I've never liked January as always find it grey and seems a slog to get through (following Christmas too).  I so look forward to the Spring (my favourite time of year).

Yes its good getting outside - being amongst nature and the fresh air and sunshine helps lift the spirits so much.  My mum loved working in the garden and called the flowers her babies 

Oh bless you - I am so sorry about the loss of one of your daughters  xxxx.  I'm sure you'll find therapy very beneficial and help you deal with this and yes the anti depressants will help you too. xx

Did you ever have running thoughts sometimes of anger and sorrow and fear of letting it out

We are also going to the Caribbean, a stop in the Cayman’s, Cozumel, and Jamaica. My first cruise

Yes I had thoughts running through my head all day - fearful thoughts, negative thoughts and I felt lots of sorrow and sometimes anger too.  At one point I had lots of anger which used to frighten me.

The medication helped with all this plus I read lots of books about what was happening to me.

Oooh the Caribbean too!!!  How lovely   We went to Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Barbados, Grenada and stopped off at the Azores sailing from Southampton and back again.  You'll love it - there's so much to do on board and you're waited on, and the food!!!!!  Our first cruise was the Baltic - Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Germany.  We're looking at New York next which is then followed by a train journey to the West coast and back ........ 

Not long to go until your cruise then 

It feels discouraging after having a couple of really good weeks in early January and then having the anxiety come back in the am. Did this happen to you?

Yes many times - it happens to everyone.  Its called a setback or blip and it seems its how recovery works.  Doesn't matter what dose you're on - you'll still get them.  Just think they're a necessary part of recovery and try and just let all feelings and thoughts be there - they'll go.

Recovery doesn't mean the symptoms will just east over time and disappear, but instead they disappear and come back time after time ........ but it does get easier and they'll finally stop.  Its always 3 steps forward and 2 steps back.

8 weeks in did you still have horrible anxiety when you first woke up. I feel better as the day goes on.

Yes exactly - as I recovered and got better I'd still wake every day with horrendous anxiety which got better throughout the day - only to wake again and do it all again.  Groundhog day 

This is completely normal and that anxiety first thing in the morning will eventually stop.  It took 6 months for me to be completely anxiety free and the early morning anxiety was the last symptom to disappear for me.

It will go.

Did you see your prescribing doctor all the way through recovery? Did they tell you it could take a while to recover?

It was a while ago ..... about 1998-ish when I started recovering.  I think I saw my doctor often when I was recovering, and I think I only saw the psych team twice.  The meds were relatively new here back then and remember the psych doc explaining with diagrams how the meds worked but don't remember anyone saying it would take a long time.  I wasn't told there'd be setbacks either.  I actually just thought they were just another medication to try and didn't expect to recover at all, so it was quite a surprise when things started happening.

Thank you. I went to see my NP and she assured me that it could still take a while for me to feel like my old self. She is keeping my Meds where they are after 8 weeks. She told me that trauma can take a while especially losing a child. She said too keep going to the gym, therapy, and a trip to a warm relaxing place could help me a lot. My husband and my other daughter don’t really speak much about Kyra so I cry and get angry ,when I am alone now it helps with the aniety when I let it out

Hi katecogs, Just wondering if you are still on this site and if were you on anti depressants for anxiety and what were your symptons?

Hi raj

No I'm not on medication anymore - but yes I was on it for anxiety and took it for a good 16 years - came off it about 18 months ago.  Do you mean symptoms due to the meds?  Apart from having anxiety symptoms i.e. anxiety, depression, restlessness, feelings of unreliability, headiness, unable to concentrate etc etc, the meds exaggerated these symptoms plus gave me nausea, insomnia and an inner shake.  The nausea and insomnia subsided after a month or so, and the anxiety symptoms eased over the next few months with anxiety being the last symptoms to disappear after 6 months.

 

I just started fluoxetine and reading your encouraging and motivating words has been very helpful and has made me very excited to feel better! Thank you so much you are truly making a difference

I just started taking fluoxetine two weeks ago.  I don't know if it's helping.  How can you tell? Is it possible to tell this early? I had good days when I first started taking it because I was in the hospital in a safe environment, but now that I'm out I've slipped backwards.  I cried for almost three hours last night.

People deal with loss differently.  I'm someone who needs to talk through any situations whereas my husband tends to go quiet on things too.  Yes exercise is one of the biggest things that's recommended - exercise helps burn excess adrenaline.

How are things today?

Its good to talk isn't it - and knowing people have gone through this and out the other side too is helpful.  It will get better.  For me, though it was horrendous to suffer I strangely now feel grateful for the experience as its made me look at life differently and to also appreciate every little thing in life.

K x

2 weeks is really early to tell.  Some people do feel well in the first few weeks then find side effects start setting in, and a few people start feeling well straight away.

Throughout recovery your emotions and mood will be up and down (down days are blips / setbacks).  One day you'll feel hopeful and can see the way forward and then next day you'll feel like you're back down in that dark hole again.  That's perfectly normal and seems to be the way recovery works.

Many people start seeing changes around 3 months ...... some earlier and some later.  Just keep going with your meds / dose, relax towards those difficult days and remind yourself this is just part of the healing process.

There'll be many blips, but pass through each one and you'll begin to see in time they'll get easier and you'll begin to feel like yourself again.

K x

Got back from my cruise which was nice to two feet of snow in Vermont. Finally went to see a psychiatrist when I was in Texas and the antidepressant I was on was not working well at all. I am cross tapering to get on Lexapro which is an ssri., from venlafaxine which is a snri. He said he rarely prescribes venlafaxine because it is very hard to withdraw from. I am now down to 37.5 for 3 days but have brain fog, headaches and exhaustion, but I think after 10 days the Lexapro is starting to work.My anxiety has been better the past two days so I am optimistic. I will not attempt to withdraw from the old antidepressant to zero for a month when the Lexapro is fully working. Hope you are doing well. I’ll keep you updated.

Ooooh the cruise!!!  How was it?  Wow 2 feet of snow?  Makes us in the UK look feeble as we struggle with a few inches haha   Trouble is we're never equipped to deal with it and everything grinds to halt here. 

Yes Venlafaxine is an SNRI - similar to an SSRI but work on different neurotransmitters.  An SSRI and an SNRI both affect absorption of serotonin, but an SNRI also affects norepinephrine levels in the brain - so depending on which 'chemicals' are depleted depends which of these meds would be more suitable for you.

Withdrawing from meds can be tricky, but cross tapering will help stop the full side effects I expect.  Glad to hear the anxiety is feeling more eased.  Don't forget it could rise occasionally, but don't worry as its often just the way meds work and its your body settling down.  

Good idea not to rush to withdraw from the old meds - slower the better so your body adapts.

Thanks am doing well, though suffering with a cold this week   I hardly ever get colds (I swear its because I always take zinc ....... and strangely I haven't take it for a while) ...... mmm 

Yes let me know how its going!!

K x

Hey Kate! You seem to be quite the popular person on here! Thought I would run something by you, I have been on fluoxetine for almost two weeks now. Started at 10mg and upped to 20mg over the course of 10 days, this is my second day taking my 20mg (I’m set to take another I. About 2 hours) but is it normal to wake up feeling way better and that the world seems like a safer place? Like does that mean that the meds are working? I still don’t have interest in things I normally do but went for a walk and felt like I was viewing the world differently like it wasn’t an anxiety filled hellhole. Sorry if not allowed to use that language. Pretty much I am having some side effects still but when I drag myself out of bed I feel almost semi normal

Hi I'm not Kate, but a recent fluoxetine patient. Anxiety and Depression mixed, confusion, hypervigilent, exaggerated fight or flight. Forced off work. All caused by long series of incidents at work. My new personality didn't play well at home either. A year of therapy and six months off work did not make enough improvement so went for meds. My life had felt like what I think you are describing. Within a couple days of starting the 10's four months ago I felt the new world you are seeing. Forced my way back to work, where I am no longer triggered by abusive boss. Side effects were possibly some light dizziness that could also have been caused by rapid weight loss from unrelated surgery a few weeks after pill start.  Another possible side effect is occasionally feeling cold and "quiet". Like low energy needing a time out, nothing bad. Also, needed much less sleep at first. Woke frequently but could actually go back to sleep. That leveled out after several days.

Good Luck!

Yeah only side effects for me so far are dry mouth at night, slight headache that lasts like 1 minute and an up and down feeling, like I woke up this morning feeling great, then I was bleh and took a nap then I was ok again then not. So sort of like a roller coaster. I’m guessing that means the meds are starting to work and that gives me hope, I want to be rid of my anxiety and my agoraphobia. Good luck to you too man

Haha am I?    I know I talk too much lol 

Yes agree with Brian.  Some people do find at the beginning they feel great but sometimes its short lived and that is often then followed by side effects which last quite a while.  Also some people do recover quite quick and some take a really long time - everyone is so different.

But yes, usually you go through a mixed bag of feeling great with some symptoms still lingering, and this can also change day to day.  But it does sound like the meds are working and this mix of emotions and feelings is just your body adjusting to the meds.  It should eventually even out so you feel good all the time.

Don't be in a rush for it to happen and don't be surprised if you have a sudden bad drop.  It doesn't mean the meds aren't working or you're ill again, its just a blip and more body readjustments need to happen before it evens out.

As you recovery you'll find your interest will pick up.  I remember when I recovered I suddenly started noticing everything around me from how pretty flowers looked to how leaves on a tree shone in the light ........  Before I'd have just said 'what flowers' and not even seen them 

Yes thats right - you do start viewing the world differently and you won't be constantly thinking anxiously, or seeing everything through anxious eyes.

Mornings are often the worst - but once up, your day can be quite different to how you first feel.

I took 6 months to recover on meds, for some people its much quicker and others even longer.  Give the meds as much time as they need, ride that bumpy road and just keep going.

K x

Hey Brian

I know that feeling of having an abusive boss - I left my job 6 years ago because of a vile b*tch who I'm sure had a toxic personality - this wasn't the cause of my anxiety btw as was recovered by then, but it started to affect me and as I wasn't being listened to decided to quit as couldn't go down that road again.  Its appalling how much of it is around. 

Yeah today is much worse than yesterday..I kept having dreams of people killing me, not attempting to but actually doing it, it was very scary. Constantly tossing and turning and didn’t get a restful nights sleep at all and my anxiety is at an all timw high right now, thank god for the klonopin I took an hour ago or I would be toast. I’m getting to the point where I can’t handle this anymore, I’m getting scared of my doses and want the side effects to stop. I’m so overwhelmed at the moment and don’t know what to do.

Yes that happens - some days can feel really bad, and others bearable.  Over time this up & down different days gets easier as the anxiety eases. The first weeks really are the worst on the meds - they heighten your anxiety (oh joy), so it'll get worse before it gets better.

It can take months to start feeling better, and getting through those early weeks and beyond that can be tough.

Exercise is good as it helps burn the excess adrenaline.  Just a daily walk will help as also being outside is very therapeutic, but if you can't walk far from from home then just being in the garden is good.

I'll message you too.

Hey Kate, so I took my first dose this morning and have been extremely emotional! I’m assuming it’s the fluoxetine. What do you think? I didn’t think it would have an effect on me that fast.... maybe it’s just me

Hi Jennco - yes it probably is, it can play up your emotions.  There'll be a few strange side effects I expect but they do wear off.

K x

Made it through 2 weeks today. Side effects mostly stomachaches and cramps, constipation and of course anxiety. Have a horrible cold virus so hard to know what is a side effect now..  I am eating and sleeping better. Trying to stay patient. It’s still really cold here so not able to work outside. Spring is supposed to start next week. 2 “ of snow this morning.

Ah a cold can sometimes set you back a bit too - weird how the body responds to everything.  The side effects usually wear off which can take a few weeks or even months sometimes.  Glad you're sleeping better - all these side effects ease little by little, one at a time 

Blimey - is it still snowing?  Sprint is here now and we've gone from snow a few weeks ago to 25° sunshine!!  Crazy British weather ....

I just hit the 4 week mark 28 days in. Just reading your posts keeps me going when my patience gets real low. Just knowing others have made it through gives me hope.

Hi Lynn

Well done for getting to 4 weeks!  Yes it can be tough, not only suffering with anxiety / depression, but dealing with the meds too.  Glad my posts have helped - and yes just that little bit more patience - just keep going as you'll begin to feel small changes.

K x

 

Therapist who was pre scribing Prozac at at a clinic I was going to told the social worker that at  28 days I should not be having bad anxiety still and maybe I need another antidepressant. Did the drug initiationly heighten your anxiety for a bit.  I am eating again and sleeping again. I see a new psychiatrist on Monday near home. I know from my last experience it can take 8 to 12 weeks to kick in. Also from reading this forum. Why do educated doctors pull the rug out from you.

Sadly educated doctors are often clueless about these medicines, which behaves like no other medicine.  They, along with patients who first start out taking them, have no idea what it feels like or just how long it takes - until they try them.

It seems the most educated are the people who take these meds.

No don’t change meds.  If you tried another type of SSRI’s you still wouldn’t be well by 4 weeks, so would he want to try even more?  Yes it can be around 3 months that you start noticing changes and it might be more months before feeling really well.  Everyone’s different so it could be quicker or longer for you.

Recovery comes in waves too, so when you start feeling better don’t be surprised when the anxiety comes back as it will come and go.

I am sorry your doctor isn’t knowledgable ... but don’t forget it’s your body and you’re in the driving seat.  When you’re better you can go back to him and say ‘see, I told you so’ lol.

K x

Sorry forgot to say - yes the meds will heighten anxiety at the beginning.  It gets worse before it gets better.

Hi Kate thank you so much for all your posts they have helped reading them this morning.  I have completed four weeks on fluoxitine and had an awful day yesterday anxiety adrenaline rushes went to gp who prescribed me a sleeping tablet to take if I need it.  Don't feel to bad at the mo just feel sick any advice wouldn't be greatly appreciated .  I was one of the them who was doing really well and then had that really horrible day yesterday

Hi Edward

4 weeks is still early, and you're doing well getting that far already.  Those first weeks are the worst.

Recovery does come in waves, some days feeling far worse than others.  Exercise helps as it burns excess adrenaline, and endorphins make you feel better too.  Sometimes even just a daily walk in the morning is good - and its good to be outside amongst nature.

Those blips will come and go though (waves) - it seems all part of recovery.  Accepting they'll happen, don't fight them, relax towards them and let each one pass is better than tensing and fighting them.

Sleep is good, though of course that can be an issue for a while, but it should return.

Just keep going ....... the meds can be tough and they do heighten symptoms for a while, but it really does get easier.

K x

Well guys this is 10 weeks and 1 day had a awful week and a half failed to get to my local shop after walking half way there yesterday so today I'm going to try again I'm shaking but we have to keep trying so that's my intention today I have my son with me today so hopefully this will help wish me luck guys simple things have become so difficult and I'm sure a lot you can relate to this but I know baby steps is needed just trying to stay calm and control my thoughts I will post later how I got on fingers crossed for me x

I just hit 30 days today too Edwardsamy. Worked all day in my garden with horrible anxiety and intrusive thoughts. I forced myself to go into town and not give in to the fear. Yesterday was better, when will this stop. I take 50mgs of Trazadone and I sleep through the night . Then morning comes and back to the horrible anxiety.

Hi lynn I am waiting for things to calm down a bit doctor prescribed me zopliclone to take to help sleep had first one last night never again woke up feeling empty low it's horrible will just stick with it and a few hours is better than no hours sleep

Hi Jane how are you doing today hope you are feeling a little bit better keep fighting Hun 

I take a very low dose of Trazadone 50mgs.  It’s an old tricyclic antidepressant which is used a lot in the USA for sleep, works real well for me fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for 7 hours. Even my Fitbit shows I am getting more deep sleep. I was on Ambien a couple of years ago, which was like what you were subscribed

Hi Hun thank you for your support I'm feeling ever so slightly better than I did I went to the shops with my son yesterday and then I just took a walk to the shop with my niece and walked back alone a neighbour was talking to me when I was walking into my close I kinda panicked a bit just wish I could feel more relaxed although I'm not as anxious as I have been how are you doing Hun ? Xx

Had a rough day today feeling pretty worthless to be honest but have had a good chat with my husband and it's calmed me down a bit not taking anymore of those sleeping tablets they are horrible 

I got given some kind of anti anxiety drug couple of weeks ago and omg the next day after taking it I felt pretty much right back to square one felt so bad so I didn't take anymore I seem to be sensitive to these meds although never used to be like this I go and see mental health nurse in a few days I don't particularly want to change to a different med so maybe I ask if mine can be upped a little I been on 20mg since I started hope your ok your doing amazing it's horrendous what where going through but by hook or crook we will get through this xx

Well done for 10 weeks   Staying calm is great, relaxing towards the feelings is the way forward.  Don't try and control your thoughts though - you can't.  Just let the thoughts come and go - they're only there because of the anxiety.  They will fade in time and become less bothersome .....

K x

My husband says that My outlook is happier 

I have been on it many years at 20 mg

More energetic to accept the downers.

Meaning you can get through people challenges.

Try and stay active drink water  for hydration.

I try to drink 3-20 oz containers is my goal and up fiber intake

To prevent constipation.  I really like Oat bran cereal, Grapenuts or all-bran

is a great way to start the day  and then I walk 15 min. in the morning and 30 min in afternoon with a dog The app on my phone is telling me steps .About 4000. and I pushing to up the steps

 

Thank so katecogs you are a massive inspiration and it's a very kind thing your doing helping others not a lot of people will do that sounds like you are a very caring person and that's a massive quality I would like to say I appreciate every bit of advice I see you posting and thank you from the bottom of my heart xx

Aww thanks Jane   xx

Could I ask you katecogs if you ever upped your dose through your recovery I have been on 20mg from day 1 and now nearly 11 weeks in I think I need a extra boost so was wondering if you ever upped your dose ?xx

Hi Jane

I was on Citalopram which is another type of SSRI's - my son was ill with anxiety 2-3 years ago and was put onto Fluoxetine 40mg (also recovered now).  I took Citalopram 20mg from day 1 and no I didn't increase my dose at all - only because I didn't really know you could lol  

It is difficult knowing what dose is best suited to you personally, and a higher dose doesn't mean you'll get better any quicker.  It does though mean it could suit you better as everyone responds to different doses and different SSRI's.

Have you had any moments of clarity (feelings of being 'normal', like you) at all?  Do you feel the side effects have eased or the anxiety is eased, even if only slightly?  That's often how recovery seems to start, and its often so slight its not noticed.  Its just that if you haven't felt anything at all then it may be a good idea to increase, but if you've been feeling those moments of feeling normal / happy, then it may be well to sit it out further.

Increasing meds will give you side effects temporarily again (oh hum) .... and no matter what dose you take you'll still go through the same pattern in getting better (still get blips / setbacks).

Because its all so different for each person its always hard to know what is best.  What does your doctor say?

K x

Thanks katecogs not really felt myself at all it's like a constant on edge feeling it's awful not getting much lift when I achieve things like going shopping or speaking to people I feel like I'm petrified of people focusing on me so if I'm walking alone and I bump into someone I panic and my head starts shaking not that people notice I just feel it when I make eye contact I'm like that even with my own family never experienced that before it's horrible xx

I'm so glad to hear you and your son have recovered it's so nice to hear every time I go down like this I feel like I'm never going to get out of it this is scaring me more because different symptoms I'm experiencing which is like a constant anxious state it's just horrible I been on this drug 11 weeks tomorrow god only knows how I have come through the side effects which have been the worse I have ever felt off any antidepressants but stuck with it because I had tried a few others before it so had no choice really my doctor makes me feel like I'm a constant burden been waiting days for her to get back to me so I can ask for my dose to be higher xx

Hi Jane

Yes I remember feeling constantly on edge - irritable and angry too, almost as if I had constant PMT.

No you don’t get instant relief when you’ve achieved something - its almost like you have to recover ‘blind’ (doing things and take meds but not having anything to show for it - not for a long time anyway).

Yes it was bad enough when I went through this, but it was doubly worse when my son did.  I’d rather it had been me as watching your own child suffer was torture.

That’s very typical of anxiety - when you’re in the midst of it all your thoughts turn negative and you won’t see a way out at all.  When you’re having good times your thoughts turn more positive and you gain confidence ……. then of course as soon as a blip happens all that ‘good’ goes completely out the window.

I spent 16 years on antidepressants which did nothing for my anxiety - eventually was put onto SSRI’s (when they first came out) and within 6 months I’d recovered.

Oh I’m so sorry you have that experience with your doctor - ‘bedside manner’ makes all the difference.  You have a genuine illness just the same as anyone else - it does make me cross when people have this behaviour towards those who suffer with anxiety / depression.  Its real - its not in our heads.

Did you get to speak to your doctor?

K x

Hello, just read through this whole thread and it was really helpful, if anything to make me feel like I'm not alone in this battle.

Kate, you are amazingly helpful. Really hoping you can give me some words of wisdom to help my though.

I was on lexapro for a month, it made my depression SO MUCH WORSE. I talking constant crying, constant sadness and hopelessness. It was awful. Before the meds, I would have good days and bad days, but those all went away and were just bad. All the time.

Ive been on fluoxetine for 3 days now and I am concerned with some conflicting feelings. Im on 20mg and have been taking at night. I tend to stay up very late and sleep about 5 hours a day on work weeks. Im on a diet that gives me more energy so generally I am not tired even with 5 hours sleep. 

I found that within 1 hour of taking the meds I feel an energy burst, and the bad anxious thoughts are quieter. I go to bed shortly after this though. When I wake up, the thoughts are still there and sometimes racing. I find I do not cry for the first half of the day, but sometime I have to fight back tears. Around hours 12-15 I crash. It feels like the meds just completely stop and a veil is lifted and the depression comes back. The anxiety comes back. Everything is upsetting. I feel alone, hopeless, like no one cares about me if I even existed. This happens when I am at work, and especially when I get home. Im fighting a lot of issues with being afraid of losing my best friend or being replaced or hated by other people, and those feelings come at my full force. I just cry, and want to dissapear all the while feeling horrible.

Im sure it will take time to adjust, but I feel like if its doing anything at all for part of the day that is a sign it might help me. But what if the dose is wrong, or what if this isnt the right med? I can't take much more of this... I just can't. When Im in the heat of a panic attack I am so afraid, and I cry because I am so scared of how much it hurts. Right now I am coming up on the 14 hour mark.... and I am afraid. I can feel my chest getting heavy, and I can't focus on my work. I know what is coming soon..... Please tell me there is hope  [sad]  I cant even talk to my best friend about this anymore because Im so scared to push him away by constantly daily being a problem with my isses. I feel alone.

Side effects also include being cold quite often, loss of appetite. Sometimes my stomach will make sounds, but I feel like if I ate I would be sick or just pick at my food. I skipped my lunch today and haven't eaten since last night. 

Ah - just replied to your other thread AllySan xxx

Hi lynn not sure if your stil on here but just seeing how your getting on feel like am reading my self when am reading what you have written am having awful anxiety in the morning and then ok afternoon so hard JUSY wanting to know if your feeling better yet x 

I switched Meds couldn’t take it anymore. On venlafaxine for 12 days. Stayed on Prozac for 8 weeks at 20mg couldn’t go higher.

I am so glad you shared this with the community. I loved reading that recovery can come it gives me hope from a very dark place.

I was on 250 mg of Trazadone at night to help me sleep and I'm having difficulty getting through most days.

The doctor put me on 40mg of fluoxetine for and I foolishly tried to come off the trazadone.

This resulted in a very bad experience of withdrawal. My whole body started sweating and I was in full flight mode, screaming at my partner to help me and hitting myself. I wanted to go somewhere, anywhere just get away. I only had tee shirt and underwear on, if my partner hadn't been there god knows where I would have ended up.

I'm struggling fighting ugly, tormented feeling every minute of every day. I know I was foolish trying to come off the trazadone now, but the whole process of putting more and more chemicals into my body scares me too.

I had to take the trazadone to stop the withdrawal feelings a d it worked but I'm in so much angst a d turmoil, I cant seem to find a way through this.

I attempted to take my own life last year at this time and was found barely in time and spent 5 or 6 days in hospital getting through the overdose.

Right now I wish I'd never been found. it's too hard fighting all these feelings every day.

I know iam pretty lost right now and I'm supposed to be going back to work in 4 days time. I cant see that happening but I don't want to continue to feel like this either.

I so wish I could get past these feeling.

I try to meditate and do breathing exercises and splash freezing cold water on my face. it's hard to keep these things going when all you want to do is give up.

I desperately need for my medication to kick in and allow me to function again.

Hi Kay

Absolutely you can recover - I was also in that same place you’re in …..

How long have you been on Fluoxetine?

There’s always someone to talk to - you can recover from this.

Fighting is the wrong thing to do - it took me a long time to understand that. Once I understood anxiety it made life easier.

Can you enable messaging and I’ll message you.

K x

Hi there,

not sure if anyone is still active on here but looking for some help/answers.

i have been on fluoxetine for 7 weeks and 3 days, for depression & anxiety. there has been some small changes where i dont continuously cry everyday and im not as vacant and scared but i still cant think freely / look forward to anything, its like im just in tunnel waiting for hours/days to pass. i want my happy bubbly self back but it is scaring me that i may not fully recover. i hate not having no get up and go 😦

the anxiety in the mornings seem to of stopped 2 days ago now so im hoping this is a sign?

lots of love x

Hi Kimberley

7 weeks on meds is really early days still - recovery often takes many months, not weeks, and though you still feel anxious etc you are making progress which is often overlooked.

Not being so vacant, scared etc are small beginnings and this is often how recovery starts.

Instead of looking for the end result, look for small subtle changes, which are happening already.

Recovery isn’t a straight forward you’ll start feeling well and that’s it, but instead its an up and down affair all the way through, and si uts 2 steps forward and 1 step back all the time. The downward spirals are setbacks and part of recovery.

You won’t think freely or towards anything yet - it will come.

All that you’re feeling is normal at the moment - just keep on with the meds and give it much more time.

Recovery comes is tiny little bites - it chips away bit by bit mixed with setbacks, until you start to have those normal times. As each month passes you’ll see little changes.

hi kate

im so glad you have replied - thank you.

ive just been so worried about my progress because people (outsiders) have been saying that by now you should be better as these people have taken other brand anti depressants and have worked for them within 3-4 weeks so its worrying me thinking that fluoxetine arent really working even though i saw a couple of changes a few weeks back and now everyday im waking up i cant see anymore changes and its frightening me because i know im just not 100% yet and wondering if things will change and i can go back to normal. i just feel at the moment im stuck in a rut, still cant think of anything just the hear and now and dont feel like im here. i just want hours to pass and days to end because i feel so aggitated with myself.

have you been in this situation before?

love ❤

Yes I’ve been in this exact situation before and know it’s a very frustrating and frightening place to be in.

Never compare your recovery on anyone else’s - it’s all very personal to each individual, and don’t ever listen to others who claim they’ve recovered in a matter of weeks. They might have, but I’m guessing they didn’t have anxiety as we know it - anxiety takes a long time to recover from.

You won’t feel relief for a long time yet - it doesn’t work like that. Recovery happens really, really slow over many, many months, and you’ll be up and down all the time - feeling ok some days, bad others, with it getting slowly easier.

Anxiety is the result of stress - your body has become sensitised and it will then produce symptoms such as anxiety, panic, racing mind, thoughts etc. The mistake we then make is to fear these sensations which creates even more anxiety, keeping us in a cycle.

I’ll pm you.

this has made me feel so much better this post. i cant wait to start enjoying life again

You will in time 😉

Hi Kimberly. Your situation is very similar to mine - I will hit 7 weeks tomorrow (the last 4 of which have been on 40mg). I am having symptoms nearly identical to yours minus the crying, it's pretty rough. I spoke with my Psychiatrist today and she said she wants me to give it another 4 weeks on it since I have had some improvements, which like KateCogs has said, has very much been a 2 steps forward, 1 step back kind of thing. I had 2 days last week with no anxiety whatsoever and I have no idea why, then the last few days I have been super anxious. We just have to weather the storm, unfortunately but thank goodness for this forum, know we are not alone in this makes it a little easier to swallow.

Hi there,

omg really you have identical symptoms? its awful isnt it.

im on 60mg of fluoxetine and been on them for 8 weeks now. although the vacant'ness and the crying has settled all my other symptoms are still there, im so frightened im going to be stuck like this and it really is no fun.

i want my life back!!

everyday im waiting and hoping to see an improvement and i know we shouldnt wait like that but focusing on how ill ive got is all i can seem to think of. hours seem to pass so slow because im so aggitated with myself, i dont know how i filled my time before?

hoping that we will fit back into normal life soon.

i had 2 days last week where the anxiety wasnt there but its back 😦

I hear ya... just yesterday I was having a bad day with the side effects and asked my Girlfriend "What if I never get better?" I know that is irrational and unrealistic to think like that but when you are going through it like we are, it very much seems like a possibility - it is that bad. But, then there are days like today where I have had little to no anxiety at all. And when that happens, I wonder A) why is recovery so inconsistent and B) is it going to show up out of the blue later tonight?

To summarize what I am still feeling after 7 weeks:

Insomnia (I can now fall asleep without taking a benzo after not being able to for the first 5 weeks but I wake up after 2-3 hours and have the jitters/adrenaline flowing through me once I wake up - then I usually take a benzo to go back to sleep and only sleep for another 2-3 hours)

Jittery feeling/restlessness throughout the day, which starts randomly at times and then goes away/comes back

Muscle twitching/jerks (especially when trying to relax or sleep)

Tiredness (likely due to the insomnia)

I have to say that I have seen some improvements overall, especially in my mood, being able to fall asleep, intrusive/obsessive thoughts have gotten much better so that is good. Just gotta keep hope alive that you, I and all the other people struggling with getting acclimated/re-acclimated to SSRI's get over this side effect hump and we can all go back to enjoying our lives to the fullest - and right in time as the pandemic is (hopefully) winding down 😃

I've just started back on Prozac and this is the same way I'm feeling. I was on 20 mg week one and was doing okay. Then my doc raised it to 40 mg. and I started having bad side effects. I just went back 3 days ago and I'm back on 20 mg. Side effects have improved but still there. I've lost about 10 pounds in the 2 1/2 weeks since I started, cant eat. I realize its going to take time but its hard to be optimistic right now. I spend my days laying around because of dizziness and fatigue. Please tell me this is going to get better.

Hi Ang63

Increasing your dose will often give you side effects again, though these should ease off in time.

You could of course ask your doctor if you can first go to 25mg or 30mg first and ease your way up to 40mg? Going straight up to 40 from 20 is obviously doubling your dose and probably why you felt the side effects.

It does get better and never feels like you will (anxiety lies to you) 😕 Did you recover on Prozac before when you took them?

hi katecogs,

thanks so much for responding. im on 20 mg now since Friday. mornings are still bad but i dont have that awful anxiety i was having on the 40s. its only been 3 weeks since i started taking it again. i was off it since christmas and recently realized i needed to go back on. i was on 20mg for about 20 years and it worked well for me. it was a mistake to stop. (sorry for the lowercase, im on my ipad, laying on my bed). i seem to feel better in the evenings. yesterday i actually had a couple of instances of normalcy.

A lot of people do struggle on 40mg - it’s not always the more the better, but its what dose suits your particular body - and we’re all different.

It’s only been 3 weeks so you will still be feeling out of sorts for a while yet.

When I first recovered on the meds I found I first started feeling better in the evenings, and this then increased over the next few months so my afternoons, then mornings became better too.

Everybody wants to stop these feelings now, this very second, but you can’t just step out of it overnight. You need a lot of patience to recover, and it’s this that will bring you out of this too.

But give it more time - the meds will start to work for you.

That should have said 'some people struggle of a higher amount of Prozac' ....... not 40mg.

We all need different doses.

😃

hi, thanks for the encouragement. yesterday was a good day, but today not so much. i was feeling hopeful, but today i just feel tired of it all. didnt sleep well. oh well, i guess i just need to be patient. youre right we do want an immediate difference but i will just have to wait. hopefully tomorrow will be a good day. take care and happy easter.

That’s the nature of anxiety and recovery - ok one day, bad the next, ok the next day, good the next, really really bad the day after ........ and so on. This is what you’ll experience as you recover, ok, good, bad, dreadful for random hours, days and weeks ...... until slowly, slowly over many months it gets better.

It’s an up and down affair all the way right through recovery - feeling bad one day does not mean you’ve gone backwards, so look at it as part of recovery. You are still moving forwards.

You will not wake up one day and it’s all gone, but instead it’s a very slow and gradual process so symptoms will ease off (often one at a time) over many months.

So we must stop trying to fix ourselves, stop watching ourselves, take the symptoms with you, and the least you react to them the easier they’ll feel. Recovery will creep up on you and one day you’ll realise you’re not thinking of ‘it’ without even trying.

It is very tiresome, but just keep going, through whatever is thrown at you. 😉

Hi, just wanted to check in with you. im doing a little better. in week 5 now. Thanks again for all your wise words. I go back and reread them when im feeling down. it really helps.

Ang63

Hi Ang63

That's good to hear you're feeling somewhat better - it will continue to be up and down whilst you recover, but feeling down doesn't mean you've gone backwards - it actually means you're recovering. You can't recover without being up and down, so treat all the downs as moving forward as they're part of the healing process.

K 😃

Kate cogs are you still on antidepressants? I'm 36 and I've always suffered with anxiety/depression. Back on Prozac and still having trouble at 6 weeks.

Hi Brighterday

No I’m not on antidepressants anymore - was on Citalopram. Did you have success on Prozac before? 6 weeks still early days so do give it much, much longer. You won’t feel any benefit yet - I found a tiny improvement as each month passed.

Just persevere - it will happen.

Yes, it worked before. I had "blah" days. I had withdrawls 4 months after getting off. I feel it's taking forever for my body to get use to it again. I still have days and my anxiety is still there. 😒

I found it took longer second time on meds - but they'll work for you again. Its a pain having to wait, but they will.

We take anxiety with us on our recovery journey, rather than just leaving it behind suddenly. So it'll be with you for a while but decreasing as time goes by.

It will go xx

i just went up from 20 mg of fluoxetine to 40 mg and i feel worse, is it because my body has to get used to the new dose? thanks

Yes most people feel worse when they either start meds or increase their dose - and yes, its just your body adjusting to the new dose. It heightens all symptoms of anxiety - but it does settle.

Hi Katecogs! Ive been reading this thread for a couple of weeks, and your advice and ability to relate to others from your past experiences is priceless. Thank you for that, as its really helped me in my first 2 weeks of taking flu. I see you have mentioned a book on anxiety several times which i would be very interested to read; would you please be able to let me know the book details? Thanks again 😃

Hi Charles. I’m unable to send the book details I’m afraid as this site has temporarily disbanded the private messaging and they don’t allow links or advertising on the forum either 😦

Recovering on the meds can take many months - just keep going 😉

thanks for the encouragement K , i'm at week 3 and still anxious x

Hi Martin

Week 3 is very early days still - keep going, it can take many, many months.

K 😃

hi Cheryl glad to see you are doing well and that you completely you again i am now 9 weeks in. The last 2 weeks felt much much better and the last two days felt anxiety especially in the morning and a but flat and low again

is this normal?