First week on Fluoxetine 20 mg

[How2Support]

Hello my DP is about to start taking Fluoxetine 20 mg. Has also been prescribed diazepam to use ad hoc if gets overwhelming anxiety.

DP has been on long journey of realisation of not being well but finally getting help. It's been a big strain on DP, us and on me (have felt like I'm "doing it all" for 2 years) and I have a long planned weekend break next weekend where I will be away for 2 nights and 3 days (first in over 6 years). DP will be with our 2 DC (3 and 6) although I have arranged for some extra support to help.

But this was before we knew DP would be starting meds. Should I be cancelling my weekend away?

We've agreed we'll review mid week anyway but should I just cancel. Grateful for thoughts on how first week on these meds will go.

DP is day to day "fine" so more worried in case there's any out of the blue reactions. Anyone with experience to share?

Hi I am on day 5 of 20mg and have a few minor side effects but nothing unmanageable. Mainly just a bit drowsy, dry mouth and a little on/off nausea. My dh works long days and I have nearly 6yr old and nearly 2yr old and I can handle them on my own just fine. Everyone is different but I'd say give it a few days and then decide. Tiredness hit me on prob day 3 or so. Hope this helps some.

Hello cake - thank you for sharing that info. I appreciate your experience. That sounds encouraging but yes we can see how it goes with DP. I hope the good effects come soon for you. Wishing you well

Everyones different, but I just had a slight loss of balance and feeling of motion sickness during the first 2 weeks, nothing major. I would see how it goes. Remember you need to look after yourself in order to look after others, this break sounds like it could be a really important part of that. Supporting someone through mental illness can be really really hard.

Thank you for that NolongerAnxious (your username gives me hope!). It is really helpful to get your experience and thoughts. My thoughts are going out to all those helping themselves and others.

One day at a time.

I support my husband with depression and psychosis and I've suffered with depression, anxiety and PTSD. There is hope, right now I am well and my husband is relatively well, long may it last. Don't under estimate the effect of caring for someone else on yourself. I am getting better at looking after myself and putting myself first.

Thank you for taking the time. It is really helpful and very much appreciated. Long may it last indeed.