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When do you take fluoxetine?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Neondreams
Neondreams

I started taking fluoxetine in February as my doctor confirmed it was the best one to take when pregnant, and we want to try after we get married in December. In general, my mental health has been so much better (even though I was doing okay before I switched), after nearly three years on mirtazipine and 18 months on citalopram before this. The only problem is that I'm knackered all the time! So tired that I nearly fell asleep at the wheel on the m25 yesterday which was pretty scary. I've always had trouble sleeping, which is part of the reason why I was put on mirtazipine in the first place, but it's so much worse. I'm wondering if it's because I'm taking fluoxetine at night? Should I be taking it in the morning? Can anyone help? Thanks!

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • katecogs
    katecogs Neondreams

    Posted

    I take Citalopram in the morning, yet I've had this sleepy problem for a long time when driving.  It's such a pain as I love driving.  I'm ok on country roads as I suppose the bendy road keeps me alert, but once I hit motorways I can feel the sleep creep up on me which has scared me a few times.  I'm ok if I have passengers as chattering keeps me occupied, but if I'm on my own it becomes a problem.  I've fought this for ages and often feel worried when I have a journey to make.  I've had the radio on, windows open, chewed gum (hate gum), sung and I've even had to pinch myself ... it works for a while but in the end I've had to pull off in a Service Station.

    When I'm travelling anywhere which involves motorways, I make sure I know how many stop points I can make and my Sat Nav tells me anyway, and strangely focusing on that it seems to help stave off the sleepy feeling.

    I think try changing the time of day you take your meds to see if it helps and also have a word with your doctor.

    K :-)

  • david_25160
    david_25160 Neondreams

    Posted

    I think the majority of people including myself would take it in the mornings, and yes it can cause extreme fatigue at times, quite a scare when you are driving! perhaps you would be safer giving up the driving whilst on this medication if its causing such fatigue, not just for your sake, but other innocent lives on the road? no offence meant, just an observation from afar smile
    • Neondreams
      Neondreams david_25160

      Posted

      Oh I didn't mean to imply that it was making me tired when driving - I just seem to be exhausted and unable to sleep all the time, which was highlighted in particular to me yesterday when driving, I've driven distances further than this yesterday and not had issues. You're right though, if it happens again when driving I will definitely consider giving up - it's just a problem as I will be on medication forever and certainly this one until we have finished our family - which may (hopefully!) be years!

      Do you find that you are less tired by taking it in the mornings?

  • Neondreams
    Neondreams

    Posted

    Just to confirm - yesterday was the only time I've had fatigue when driving (although perhaps once is more than enough!) I just feel exhausted all the time, and have trouble sleeping. I'm not sure if taking the medicine at night time is causing insomnia and broken sleep?
    • Dengirl29
      Dengirl29 Neondreams

      Posted

      I'm actually pregnant right now and on fluoxetine. I was only on it 4 weeks and then found out I was pregnant and was on paroxetine prior to this. I am still depressed as I wasn't well when I got pregnant and now my hormones are making me worse. What dosage do you take if I could ask. I also take mine before bed and I toss and turn a lot. I'm am tired during the day. I was on fluoxetine once before and felt much happier and not tired sad wondering if it's the brand. I still worry constantly about the baby and side effects from the med because I've had two miscarriages which is why I'm on this bed.
    • Dengirl29
      Dengirl29 Neondreams

      Posted

      Med* the first miscarriage I took fluoxetine and was well in 3 months and stopped the meds. And then the second I took paxil. I said I wanted to become pregnant again after I was well and so I was recommended to take the fluoxetine.
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