Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask about Fluoxetine

34 replies

Shinyshoe73 · 11/11/2019 16:17

Hi,

I’m on day 4 of Fluoxetine and am SO anxious. Feel like I’m crawling with nerves, is this normal?? I’ve been prescribed them for severe anxiety (I stress that I won’t sleep which sets of a vicious cycle!) and the doctor said that once the pills address the anxiety, the sleep will follow. Any positive stories are most welcome! One very frazzled and anxious Mum!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Emzylou29 · 02/07/2023 12:36

Hi I am currently experiencing this down to a t! Does it ever get better? Day 11 of fluoxetine 😔I am so anxious about my sleep its consuming me!

Livebythecoast · 17/11/2019 20:17

If you've definitely felt a positive difference then stick with it. Remember, depending on what you're going through (personally) will depend on your mood and with antidepressants the worst feeling sometimes is feeling nothing. Like flat line - no emotion good or bad.
I've just started hypnotherapy as I've exhausted medication, herbal remedies and books for my anxiety. It's not available on the NHS yet so I'm paying to make myself feel better and overcome this. I'm skeptical still but who knows?! I'm willing to try anything x

Original poster
Shinyshoe73 · 17/11/2019 19:59

I am definitely feeling better but the past two days my anxiety has been heightened. Maybe I just need to push through!

OP posts:
Livebythecoast · 17/11/2019 19:41

Normally it takes a couple of weeks but I think if you're not feeling any benefit then maybe go back to the doctor? You said you were feeling a bit better - did anything significant happen to put you back?. I replied when you first posted that I was on citalopram and I felt absolutely awful after just a few days (like suicidal awful) and changed to mirtazapine which I'm okay on. Not everyone suits an anti depressant and sometimes it takes a few to find your one iyswim.

Original poster
Shinyshoe73 · 17/11/2019 18:47

Now on day ten and thought I was feeling better but had a really anxious couple of days! Is this normal?!

OP posts:
Original poster
Shinyshoe73 · 14/11/2019 09:41

Thank you. Still feeling super anxious (day 7 of taking) but hoping it means that the fluoxetine is working and it’s just a side effect!

OP posts:
TiggerOfThigh · 14/11/2019 01:12

It’s honest and truly changed my life. Another long term taker here, but I take it for about 4 different mental health conditions and as a painkiller.
Defiantly have the CBT too, but it will get better!!!

Good luck!

ploofyorangebats · 14/11/2019 00:58

How are you getting on @Shinyshoe73 ?

Original poster
Shinyshoe73 · 12/11/2019 17:41

Thank you x

OP posts:
Diy2019 · 12/11/2019 17:12

By the way it has helped me to sleep better.

Diy2019 · 12/11/2019 17:11

I started it 5 weeks ago for pnd and anxiety. It has definitely lifted my mood and pulled me out of depression but I'm still very anxious. I spoke to my gp about this last week and will now be going to therapy for the anxiety. he thinks the therapy is needed aswell as the medication, so keep going with both

Vampyress · 12/11/2019 16:59

I don't take Fluoxetine my post should have started.

Vampyress · 12/11/2019 16:58

I take have fluoxetine but I am on Escitalopram for anxiety and it definitely made me more nervous, foggy and gave me either severe fatigue or insomnia depending on the time of day I took it. After a week the symptoms gradually easier and easier and I feel like a new woman after two years of post partum anxiety and pnd.

Original poster
Shinyshoe73 · 12/11/2019 16:56

Thank you - did it help out anxiety? X

OP posts:
flopsytheflatcat · 12/11/2019 16:54

Give it 2 weeks. It's amazing stuff. Life changer for me.

Original poster
Shinyshoe73 · 12/11/2019 16:50

Thank you hopefully the fluoxetine will help with the anxiety - I really hope so!!

OP posts:
Livebythecoast · 12/11/2019 16:19

The problem with anxiety is it grips you by the throat and doesn't let go. Then it's a vicious circle cos you can't sleep so you get anxious that you can't sleep and so it goes on. Hopefully you'll start to feel a difference soon - keep focusing on that and mentally think ' I will feel better soon'.
I'm just about to embark on some hypnotherapy to help with my anxiety. Years of traditional medication, herbal remedies, books etc - I've been recommended a hypnotherapist - a bit skeptical tbh but I'm willing to give it a try!
The trouble is there is no easy fix to anxiety. It's awful and you have my sympathy Flowers

Original poster
Shinyshoe73 · 12/11/2019 14:57

Thank you. Do you think fluoxetine helps break a negative thought process e.g. I worry about not sleeping, then don’t sleep, then worry that I’ll never be able to stop worrying about sleep!! I have referred for CBT too.

OP posts:
SlatternIsTrying · 11/11/2019 21:15

Sorry, I gave a quick reply earlier. I too had difficulty starting on fluoxetine - I was anxious, jittery and had trouble sleeping. It did pass and my quality of life improved as I could actually see the wood for the trees.

Original poster
Shinyshoe73 · 11/11/2019 19:00

Thank you so much everyone xxx

OP posts:
Ellegeebee · 11/11/2019 18:54

The first two weeks can be quite unsettling but then once they take full effect it really is amazing. When I went back on it a year after having my baby I tried to keep myself as distracted as possible and went for a lot of long buggy walks in the fresh air. It’ll pass and settle and you’ll be so much better.

peachgreen · 11/11/2019 18:46

Yes, I was prescribed it for PND and had similar sleep issues. It definitely made things worse before it made them better but then things hugely improved and it was a lifesaver, literally. Best antidepressant I've ever taken. It's made a huge difference to my anxiety and hasn't stopped me from feeling joy.

Livebythecoast · 11/11/2019 18:43

Yes please persevere - they can make you feel worse before you feel better. However, if you feel you're feeling worse in a few weeks then go back to GP. Not every antidepressant/anxiety medication 'fits all'.
I took citalopram for a short time and felt absolutely awful but know other people on them that are just fine.
I hope you start to feel better soon Flowers

ToTheRegimentIWishIWasThere · 11/11/2019 18:21

It made living with my husband bearable, and now enjoyable again. He's on month four and it's like I've got the man I married back. The positive difference is immense. It took a few weeks to feel the change for him.

Disneycrazy · 11/11/2019 18:21

It took about 3-4 weeks for mine to settle but it was mixed with other medication, I always had the shakes and wouldn’t leave the house alone, but after it’s worked wonders it’s just holding out the first few weeks as it settle s into your system x