Fluoxetine....

[Lolly68]

Have been prescibed these - anyone had any experience of them? A bit scared to start taking.

i am on these. have been for a while now. they did make me feel sick to start with but it didn't last long. What dose are you on? its always scary starting any new meds, but if you have got an infection you take tablets, so i see it as the same thing.

got to agree with AnAngelWithin.

I just stopped taking them at 40mg/day to ttc. They really got me through the bad times. Was quite sickly at the beginning but after a couple of weeks it stopped.

Dh has been on them for 9 months, they work for him, he does have a few side-effects (finds it hard to sleep some nights). They have made him more relaxed. I think they take a while to start working, the gp told dh he had to take them for at least 6 months before deciding if they are helping him.

Took them for 3 years (20mg) and had no probs. See how it goes, if you are on a low dose they should be fine, but if they don't work for you don't be afraid to go back to Dr and tell him.

In case you haven't noticed, and it takes you by surprise when you find out - fluoxetine is Prozac. So you'll find out a LOT of people have had experience of this drug! I was on it for a year after DD was born. I suffered from dreadful anxiety for about a week, kicking in a couple of days after starting, but no noticeable side-effects after that. I was advised by a GP friend they worked better if taken in the morning, so I moved my dose from evening to morning. Oh, and according to DH I was a complete bitch when coming off them, but I didn't actually notice. Not sure if anyone else did.

Oh - but do try to keep an eye on any side-effects, and keep in touch with your GP if they seem disproportionate. Like most anti-depressants fluoxetine is fantastic for some, just what the doctor ordered, but makes things worse for others. Didn't suit my mum at all.

i stopped the sickness by taking them before bed, so i didnt notice it. i came off them for a while cos i thought i was ok but in actual fact i turned into the bitch from hell and came crashing back down again big time.

I have been presribed 20mgs - I cant seem to cope over little things and get really stressed out. Have 15 month old and a partner that doesnt really help - it took its toll yesterday and went into complete melt down. Very embarrassed. Went docs and he really took time out to listen which I was suprised about. He only gave me 30days supply and said that I wouldnt probably not feel effects until about 3 weeks but to go back and see him before I run out. Just want to be calmer...

They certainly helped restore a little calmness in my life - just gave me a little boost in mood to cope with the things that were sending me into a tailspin before.

Good luck

lots of good advice
yes, take them before bed
yes they get you through a bad time and give you an even keel and take away an edge (and sex drive but that's by the by)
Have an end date in sight and get back some equilibrium in your life.

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HOnestly, the stoned feeling wears off after 2 weeks, and the dry mouth is a tad inconvenient but take a big glass of water before bed.

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ahem, so I am lead to believe

be careful if you have a glass of wine as one may feel like 3 as seem to potentiate strength of alcohol. They also seem to make you feel outside of your own body ( almost diassociated) as well as nauseous for first 2-3 weeks, but when they work they're a fab mood leveller so that you can wallpaper over the cracks and get on with life and getting better.

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Thank you for all your comments. I think will give them ago although a bit worried about the sex drive thing... as it is non-existent anyway after having a baby!!

Some people find they increase your sex drive. If you have trouble sleeping, take them in the morning. And if they make you lose your appetite or feel nauseated don't worry - it wears off.

Many people feel benefit sooner than three weeks too.

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Well if it increases my sex drive and decreases my stress levels. I'm sure my DP would benefit then! Lets hope I do...

God, I remember when The Matrix came out. I went to see it with my sister. The Prozac was having such a good effect that dh benefitted!

Have been taking these for 5 days now... how long does it take to start feeling "normal" on them. I feel as though am having an outer body experience on them at the mo; also feel nauseous (which I know is quite common)...

I've just started taking these (20mg); like you Lolly68, I was given a 30-day supply and have to go back to the docs to see how I'm getting on. Whilst at the surgery, I had to complete an HAD form (can't remember what it stands for). I have noticed no difference at all in how I feel physically or mentally so I presume I'll need a higher dose. Quite honestly, I've felt so awful for such a long time I'll try anything. I'm hoping for a positive result but know it will take time.

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saythatagain - how long you been taking them for? It will be 2 weeks this Friday for me. I must admit I still feel a bit strange but have heard that once you get over the initial stages you start feeling a bit better. Doctor said that I have to allow at least 21 days like what Mellowma says.