Am I expecting too much from Fluoxetine?

[Blacksquirrel]

I started taking 20mg of Fluoxetine 4 weeks ago & although I think I am feeling a bit better...a bit less angry & shouty...slightly less irritable I am waiting for some motivation & energy to kick in..for me to suddenly want to get out & exercise again or clean the house & cook meals but I just don't...when I'm not working & looking after the DC I just want to sit & do nothing and can't seem to force myself to do anything slightly energetic.

Will Flu even help in this way? Am I expecting too much? Will it help me snap out of the 'can't be bothered' state I am in?

Thanks

[ScottyLF]

Hi, I have been on flouxitine for almost six months, initially 20mg and the 40mg, I would say it took about eight weeks to really make a difference. You will see some improvement at the start but it does take time. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of a slightly higher dose? What time of the day are u talking your pills. Morning is better I feel. Are you doing any other things with the medication, CBT or counselling? Lee

[CatsInChaos]

I think it does seem to take a while to have an effect. I'm on about my fourth month of it and am really starting to notice a difference although I still get a few bad days here and there.

[SirBoobAlot]

Takes six to eight weeks for it to fully get into your system. Have you been offered any counselling to go with your medication?

[Blacksquirrel]

Thank you for your replies.

I take the tablet first thing in the morning and have been feeling so tired by lunch time but I am lucky enough to work at home so no one is here to notice if I'm yawning my head off. I have only started my 2nd month so I will wait until 8 weeks have passed & see how I feel then.

I haven't been offered councelling but to be honest I'm not sure I would want to. I went to the Dr thinking I had a hormone imbalance or was just a moody bitch only to find that a lot of my symptoms were infact depression. I'm not sure how councelling would help as I don't know what is wrong or why I am depressed.
Fingers crossed I will feel a difference over the next couple of weeks.

[didldidi]

Did the GP do any other tests to rule out physical causes - thyroid for example?

[Blacksquirrel]

Yes, I had a few blood tests. Found to be anaemic so had more tests & will get the results next month when I go back, but other than that all was 'normal'.

[SirBoobAlot]

Its worth going to counselling, especially if you don't know why you're feeling depressed. A lot of people feel cynical about it to begin with, you're not the only one.

I always took my Fluoxetine at night because they made me sleepy, and once they're in your system it doesn't really matter what time of day. So do what works for you :)