First-time ADer - Fluoxetine what can I expect?

[printmeanicephoto]

Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate depression and been given a prescription for Fluoxetine 20mg. Feeling a bit anxious about starting on them. Relationship difficulties. Can function in RL as long as no one asks me how I am and really means it.

Are side affects bad? Will I become a robot? Will I still be me when I'm on them?

Forgot to say internet keeps diagnosing me as moderate to severe depression - but doc says mild to moderate after doing one of his forms.

The side effects vary widely from person to person, so try not to anticipate anything, but just be aware of how you are feeling, but Prozac was designed to be minimally toxic, so don't worry about potential adverse effects

In answer to your other two questions, you won't become a robot, I promise, Prozac doesn't work like that, not will you lose sight of who you are, you will likely just be better able to function on a day to day basis and address some of the relationship issues that you have identified . As far as the diagnoses go, I would be inclined to go with the GP assessment, as this is likely to be more robust than many tests on the www. That said, don't worry too much, as depression is such an individual experience and what matters is that you are getting some help :)

Thanks Millie!

I had fluoxetine a few years ago. It really worked for me. After taking it for 2 weeks I was literally walking down the road singing!

Friends said I was a bit manic tho but I didn't care it was just so nice to feel happy for no reason ( had been crying every day for last 4 months and it just helped me pick myself up out of a hole)

Don't worry you won't lose any lucidity! You are also started on the lowest dose, so no worries there.

I found I lost my appetite for a few weeks- easiest diet ever!

Then appetite back to normal but didn't feel so darned depressed. Could cope better with life.
Really quite an improvement.

Good luck with your recovery xo

It saved me when I had PND. Stopped after six months, no bad effects. I really wish you well.

If it doesn't suit you, there are plenty of others.