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How long for Fluoxetine to kick in?

15 replies

Orangeanddemons · 22/12/2015 15:38

Ds 22 is quite badly depressed. He's been taking fluoxetine for 3 weeks with no, but they've had absolutely no effect so far. I know they take time to work, but whenever I've taken anti depressants, I've felt something by about 2 weeks. I'm so worried about him😰

OP posts:
DrowningInSellotape · 22/12/2015 16:37

2 weeks IMO.
Can DS see the doctor again soon?

Orangeanddemons · 22/12/2015 17:22

He's got an appointment tomorrow. I've been googling a bit, and apparently fluoxetine can take a bit longer than others. I'm beside myself now, I really thought these would work.

OP posts:
PurpleBun · 22/12/2015 18:18

IME between 2-4 weeks depending on the dosage and severity of depression.

Notrevealingmyidentity · 22/12/2015 18:22

Some say up to 6-8 weeks for fluoxetine I believe. However my experience was around 2 weeks too. With better effects later but a noticeable difference at 2 weeks.

Both times.

Orangeanddemons · 22/12/2015 19:45

Does fluoxetine take longer than others?

OP posts:
Playdoughcaterpillar · 22/12/2015 19:51

Up to 6 weeks is the quoted from literature.

colouringinagain · 23/12/2015 00:00

Took about 6 weeks before I was on a therapeutic dose - ie one that had an effect.

Flowers for you and your ds

Orangeanddemons · 23/12/2015 09:26

Was that 6 weeks before you felt anything at all?

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Candlefairy101 · 23/12/2015 19:18

Unfortunately fluoxetine never worked for me, literally felt nothing from it!

It's so frustrating that with mental health medication is all trial and error so you have to go through the process of trying something new then wait weeks to see if it works, and if it does the whole pros tarts again Confused

When your depressed all you want is a magic pill and for it to happen instantly it's very frustrating when your so low, I currently take venlafaxine and quetiapine, quetiapine is expensive for the NHS but it is known to work very quickly

colouringinagain · 23/12/2015 21:39

I had to use liquid form to build up to 10mg and then 20 as it made me so sick. So if you're not having to do that should be faster x

Wishtherewasawayout · 23/12/2015 23:22

Did anyone get bad nausea with fluoxetine? I'm on my second week and have started to get dreadful nausea, feeling as if I've got morning sickness Sad and my body aches terribly. I've felt so awful today I have taken any.

colouringinagain · 23/12/2015 23:28

Yes that's exactly what I had wish. Like severe morning sickness - I had to go down to 10mg/day and then increase gradually via liquid version. I ate plain food, little and often, ginger tea, ate a lot of softmints...

Wishtherewasawayout · 24/12/2015 00:16

Thanks colour don't know if I'll get an appointment for the gp now to change the script. I just can't bare the thought of taking another one though, I'm considering stopping altogether.

colouringinagain · 29/12/2015 20:12

I spoke to my GP on the phone.... And she wrote ourt a prescription.

Hope you're surviving.

mumof2teentoddler · 18/03/2026 17:22

@Orangeanddemonshi just came across this threat as I’m now 7 days in looking for advice when it can start helping, how is your son now ?

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