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Original poster

Scared of taking fluoxetine

11 replies

MyLiETra · 20/10/2019 08:40

I am 47 years old and scared of taking fluoxetine for anxiety. Also too scared to try any other antidepressants. Please help

OP posts:
MarjoryMinor · 20/10/2019 08:46

I refused to take it for years but started in September. It's ok. Still feel like me and can still physically feel if I am very anxious but mentally am no longer in a panicked fog. The doctor said it is one of the easier medications to come off too which was a big factor in why I agreed to it rather than citalopram.

IScreamForIceCreams · 20/10/2019 08:48

PM me if you want OP. You're not alone.

Original poster
MyLiETra · 20/10/2019 08:55

Thank you for your reply. The thing is I’ve been on these before without any major problems until I went on them 2 years ago. I got every side effect going. Didn’t know what was happening to me. After about 5 weeks I felt amazing. Came off them a year ago. Felt amazing until a few weeks ago when I started feeling mood was down and started feeling very anxious. Not sleeping very well either. Dr prescribed these and I panicked. They’ve been sitting for 3 weeks without being touched. Another doctor keeps throwing out names of other medication they can give me but I’m scared to try anything

OP posts:
Talkmedownnow · 20/10/2019 08:59

I started taking it on Monday and can already see some improvement.

I used to wake up every morning thinking I can't believe I have to go through another day, but already I don't feel like that any more.
I also have slight periods where I have more motivation.
I left the house yesterday without being terrified to do so.

I am sad that it got this bad and I need medication to get through this but now I wish I had looked for help and started taking it sooner.

Why are you scared to take it OP?

Talkmedownnow · 20/10/2019 09:01

Sorry cross posted.

Are you afraid of getting all the side effects again?
Do you think the side effects are worth it when you know that after a few weeks you will feel 'amazing' again?

Original poster
MyLiETra · 20/10/2019 09:10

Yeah afraid of getting all the side effects again

OP posts:
Original poster
MyLiETra · 20/10/2019 09:12

Keep getting flashbacks to the last time

OP posts:
happyasasandboy · 20/10/2019 09:21

Oils you try something else if fluoxetine gives side effects? I tried citalopram and sertraline with horrible side effects until I moved to fluoxetine and I finally realised what antidepressants can do!

I have been on fluoxetine for about 4 months and have recently stopped (no tapering etc, just stopped) and all has been fine.

Can you talk to your GP again? They should work with you to figure out what is holding you back from taking them and either reassure you sufficiently or offer a different treatment. They really do want to help and won't be annoyed that you haven't been taking them; they'll want to help change the situation rather than continue to prescribe medication that isn't being taken.

Original poster
MyLiETra · 20/10/2019 09:38

The last doctor I saw basically threw out a list of medication and told me to take my pick. Said if everyone else could do it, so could I

OP posts:
MarjoryMinor · 20/10/2019 12:37

That was really unhelpful of them! Can you see a different GP in the practice to talk through the side effects you experienced and if any medications are less likely to cause them? Also SSRIs vs SNRIs?

happyasasandboy · 21/10/2019 10:23

I agree - see another GP. Ideally you'd be referred to something like CBT alongside medication, though I guess that's the GP's decision.

Please see another GP. Anxiety is shit, but medication and a sensible GP really can help.

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