fluoxetine - how soon will i feel better?

[spaghetticarbonara]

Have just seen the GP about my very low mood and she's prescribed 20mg of fluoxetine (Prozac). I am scared to take these. Have never been on antidepressants before. Does anyone have positive stories about taking them?

@spaghetticarbonara hi, I took these several years ago and I won't lie they made me feel horrendous at first, but they take a little while to get in your system and once your body has got used to them you'll know whether or not they're starting to work for you. At the time these were the only ones that worked for me. I went back on anti-depressants a couple of years ago following a really bad episode and the GP defaulted to these because I'd had a good experience with them before, but this time they didn't work for me and it took a while to find the right tablets.

Everyone is different so don't get disheartened if they don't work straight away - a lot of people dismiss them thinking they haven't worked but sometimes they just take a while to get in your system, sometimes they're the right tablets but you just need to find the right dosage, and sometimes it's a bit of trial and error to find the right tablets, but it's definitely worth sticking at it if you feel like you need them as it will get better.

And if you ever need someone to talk to I'm here xx

I take them at the same low dose and they make a massive difference to me. They take 2 weeks to kick in then maybe months before you will start to stabilise. I've not had any side effects but that low dose just keeps me on an even keel. Try not to worry, I know that's not easy. Sooner you start the sooner they will help.

I’ve taken twice.

First time I was knocked sideways with side effects and stopped taking after a few weeks (which I absolutely do not recommend without speaking to your doctor).

I’ve been taking them again for several weeks and had very few side effects (just dry mouth). They are working much much better now. Supposedly they take 6 weeks to work but after a couple I could feel the difference in myself. I’m generally a lot more balanced and content, and I’m able to get out of bed with a spring in my step rather than wanting to pull the covers back and shut out the world. I’m nicer to be around and can function in the outdoor world, previously would just hide in the house and have a panic attack about leaving.

Have you discussed your apprehension with the dr? It may not be the answer to your issues, as PP said various medication can work for different people, but you never know if you don’t try!

Took my first one this morning. Have an appointment to review at the beginning of January so going to give it a fair go until then.