Fluoxetine - Seeing my GP

[cjt110]

Not really AIBU but posting here or traffic.

I've had depression for many years and have been on medication (citalopram and also setraline) and am currently on 20mg of fluoxetine.

I have been feeling very low again of late, snapping, shouting, angry - usually signs my medication needs tweaking. When I went on fluoxetine about 6 months ago, I had palpitations even though I was going from one SSRI to another.

I would like to ask my GP for help - to either up my dose or something - I don't know.

I feel like I'm exhausting lots of options and maybe this is just me. A miserable fucker.

Do ask them to help

Last year I came off the ADs I'd been on for a few years as they were no longer working for me. It took 3 attempts to find the right one but I'm so glad I persevered with it.

I am supposed to be having CBT which I was referred to in March, if not earlier, and it's still not forthcoming.

There are times when I feel so low I have wanted to just walk away. Get steaming drunk. Be reckless.

I'm married and a mother. I am taking my anger/frustrations out on my husband and son. Snappy and just an arsehole. I wouldnt put it with it if it was someone being like this to me.

And I hate it. I am worrying over all sorts. And I just want to be happy.

I'm not quite sure what your question is OP- but it sounds like a good idea to discuss this with your GP. 20mg is the lowest prescribed dose of fluoxetine so an increase may benefit you. Your GP will also be able to refer you for some talking therapy if you haven't already explored this option, which is recommended by NICE to be used alongside ADs.

I dont suppose I have a question really acquiescence I've explored as many avenues as I can.... Have been on a stress course, and wellbeing course through my local IAPT. IAPT have also assessed me as needing CBT. My GP says the only referral they have is to IAPT and I have now been in their system for around 12 months or so. Even at the outset, they said it sounded like I needed CBT but I have had to jump through hoops, or so it feels, to even be put on that waiting list.

I'm just fed up of feeling like I feel and like I can't access help.

I've been on many ADs over the years, Fluoxetine being the last one.
I started on 20mg but ended up needing 60 (could have been 80 even but I'm not 100% sure as it was a while ago). Definitely tell your GP how you are feeling and ask for an increase.
Good luck

Overall I'd say the fluoxetine is the best for me. When you increased Jg1 did you get the same side effects as when you went on them?

TBH I can't remember any significant side effects.
I went up in 20mg increments over a period of months

Thats good to know Jg1. The palpitations I suffered from when I went on them were horrid.

Bless you
Get booked in to see you doctor and tell them everything

Appt booked for 2.30 today.

Excellent! Good luck

Ref CBT, can you contact the department that will do this and chase up the date? In my area and the last one I lived in, it's a self referral system and I got in quicker on my own than with the GP, possibly because I was clearer about my issues than they were, so it was seen as more urgent. I didn't fib, exaggerate or stretch the truth - stuck to the facts and begged for help.

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers Done that. I rang last week. the 21st to chase it up. Was told someone would call me back. They still haven't. Called them today to be told someone will ring me today/Monday.

I hate false promises. It's unfair that you have to do all the work here, but keep going.

I think if you find meds that suit you stick with it, if you feel your depression rising, up the dose with support of gp

Well, as if by magic - I chased them this morning and have just had a call assigning someone to me and an appointment made too.

Thats one thing that's looking up.

That's fantastic, at least something is now in the offing.

So. Seen the GP who advised I go upto 40mg. Here goes.

I'm on citalopram 20mg it takes the edge of but I also do mindfulness exercises and art therapy to take my mind of the pain of having fibromyalgia