Can you break open Prozac capsule to reduce dose?

[mervynmouse]

Obviously the advice on the packet is not to do this but I am very concerned about side effects and would prefer to start out on 10 rather than 20 mg. Is there really any harm in tipping it all out, halving it with a knife by eye and tipping half back in to the capsule?

Yes. Don't do it.

It really doesn't work. Don't play around with the capsules - there is a good reason that there is 20mg in the capsules.

It you aren't sure about side effects, see a doctor tomorrow and swap to something else. Don't edit the capsules, though.

I don't think it is a very sensible idea tbh.

I started on 20mg of fluoxetine and have had minimal side effects. Have you been on this medication before?

Don't break them open. You won't get the dose accurate and they are in said capsule so they don't cause stomach irritation. Discuss with your go if you have concerns. When did you start them? Side effects usually reduce after first couple of weeks if you can stick with it till then

Okay, I won't open the capsule, it does seem rather fool hardy. I was only prescribed them the other day, not had any so far. It's not the side effects from Prozac per se that worries me, I would be the same with anything and doc suggested this was considered more easily tolerated.

Just terrified I'll take it and be totally debilitated which I can't afford, just started new job which I am already finding quite overwhelming.

Not been on it before no, Seroxat many years ago, too long to remember details and since then Diazepam as and when for anxiety and panic attacks.

20mg is already a low dose, I went upto 40mg and you can go up even further.I had zero side effects from prozac, I'm sure yul be fine with 20mg. Good luck x

Thanks Silver, feel silly for making such a meal of it .

Take one every other day. I have just started on one every other day to build up slowly. My doctor said the half life of Prozac is quite long making this an OK thing to do with this medication, meaning the levels in your body stay pretty level doing it this way.

I was very worried about side effects which is why I did it this way. It has worked pretty well and I have just increased to one a day now. Side effects have been fairly minor and seem to have disappeared now after being on it for 4 weeks.

Thanks all for advice. I feel surprisingly alright so far, had the expected dizzy, headachey, slightly out of it feeling initially which made me a little panicky but it soon passed and now just feel really tired. Fingers crossed it continues as uneventfully!

Hi mervyn (love the name) you can also get fluoxetine as a syrup. I started on 20mg and had bad side effects, but was easier adjusting on the 10mg and can work up gradually to 20mg. So if the side effects become unmanageable your GP would just write you another prescription...

Good luck!

Prozac is brilliant - It has saved my life! Side effects will pass and it is one of safest SSRIs - even safe during pregnancy and bf

Thanks Queens both, it's good to hear about your experiences. CIQ- what kind of side effects did you have? I've felt okay today, just a bit spaced out and tired but having this very odd sensation in my left leg. It feels really heavy, like I am dragging it along. It also feels compressed, like I am wearing one of those surgical stockings on the calf.
I've looked at it and it's not hot or swollen or anything, it just feels really weird. Numb. I can't see anything in the leaflet that describes this happening, has anyone else had this or heard of it? It's unpleasant enough to put me off taking anymore tablets actually.

Hi mervyn I didn't have anything like your leg symptom - which tbh I've not come across. Sounds more like a circulation thing?

For me it was like 24hr morning sickness and feeling like head would fall off - so spaced - 45 mins after taking them, lasting an hour, and generally wiped out. But they did go after a few weeks and it helped building up gradually.

take care

Agreed with it sounding circulation related. I've felt very shivery too. Hmm, might wait til tomorrow to take the next one and in meantime try and get an appointment for the liquid prescription. Can you remember what dose you started on?

Yep I started at 10mg, had that for a week or so, then (using kids calpol syringe) went up to 13, 16 and then 20 over about 10-12 days. Is it possible to ring your GP re: your leg symptoms (assuming they're continuing) and poss request prescription if she/he thinks its related? Take care.

Take it in the morning. Not at night.

Thanks again for all the advice. Have an appointment tomorrow to chat about things and hopefully get a prescription for the liquid because I really want to try and give this a go, gammy leg allowing!

How're you doing mervyn? Hope the gp was helpful and the leg's improving.

I'm doing alright thanks, CiQ, although I've taken myself off the tablets. Ended up having worst panic attack in years on the Monday night which frightened me off them totally. I can't go back to that kind of situation again, even if it is only while your body gets used to them. Doc couldn't really give me an answer re the leg, other than it didn't appear life threatening!

Really kind of you to check by the way!

No prob.

Yes I can understand why you've stopped.... glad to hear the leg's not serious . Hope you manage ok without the ADs.

Hi mevryn. Same thing happened with me on fluoxetine. My panic attacks and anxiety became a nightmare. I became depressed (never been depressed before). However they work amazingly well for others.
Doctor changed me after a week to sertraline. These have been AMAZING. I feel a little like my old self again actually enjoying going out with my dd and can read a book without constantly thinking of myself. Hope you feel better soon.

That's interesting Teawomen, I've just read up on it and does seem like it might be better suited. Thanks, really useful