Fluoxetine

[JustMyName]

I've been to my gp today, as my depression is back with a vengeance. He prescribed capsules 20mg. I've called the surgery to request tablets instead, as I want to be able to take half a one first for a few days to minimise side effects. I suffer with health anxiety and Emetophobia and I know I'll go to pieces if I feel nauseous etc. He said tablets aren't available and liquid is too expensive.

I've looked online and tablets of 20 mg are listed, but maybe it's a local thing.

To be honest it was the shortest, coldest consultation I've ever had. I was in there for about two minutes. I don't have the confidence to stand up for myself.

I've been feeling suicidal and now just feel worse and don't see any point in even trying these. I can't face going back to see a different doctor. Just leaving the house is a massive issue at the moment. Also I'd be waiting at least two weeks to see another doctor. I felt a bit more positive once I'd made this appointment, but it all feels a waste of time.

Does anyone take tablets rather than capsules? Also is there a lower dose to start on?

Have you taken fluoxetine before, and had bad side effects?

I was prescribed 20mg capsules and felt a LOT better within 24 hours of my first one. Unless you're certain youd have a bad reaction, I would recommend taking the 20mg capsule as soon as you can.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time OP. It's really shit, but the sooner you start your medication the sooner you will get better

I took it about twenty years ago and had bad headaches. But I've been looking online and it seems nausea is a common side effect. I suffer with Emetophobia and couldnt face suffering with nausea. I'm also worried about restless legs which I suffered with on sertraline, it made me very miserable and unable to sleep.

I take the 20mg capsules every other day, instead of every day as prescribed (because they were making me too sleepy). They still have a very good effect for me. Could you try that?

It is also available in a liquid form. Sort of weird minty flavoured but ok in black coffee. You really should be talking to a doctor though if you are not wanting to follow prescribed dosages. Would it be worth making an appointment to see someone else on the practice? Hope you start to feel better soon.

Sorry just saw that the gp refused liquid for you. When I was cutting down I also did the every other day thing so that could be an option. Definitely try to talk to someone else though too as your appointment sounds like it was horrid.

When I was first prescribed them I was told to take them before bed, if I was to get any side effects then they would pass while I was sleeping

I found the side effects on fluoxetine a lot less than with sertraline. I'd take the 20mg tbh. 💐 Hope you feel better soon!

And definitely take them at bedtime!

Thanks all. I've taken one.

I read online to take it in the morning so it doesn't affect sleep, but I think I'll try every other day at first and take it at bedtime. I'll see how I feel today.

I've got a mental health assessment end of February, so I'll speak to them about it too.

@JustMyName I started taking fluoxetine 11 days ago. 20mg. I haven’t felt sick or nauseous at all, the only side effect so far is insomnia.

Thanks Dontknow. I've not been sleeping anyway, so no change there probably!

I feel ok at the moment, hope it lasts.

Are you starting to feel a bit better?

The tablets are definitely helping with my mood so I want to carry on with the meds, but I just feel so exhausted! I’m in bed now, stressing about going to sleep ...

I'm glad they're helping though. When do you take them?

I take them in the morning as it’s supposed to help with sleep ... is today your second day? How are you feeling?

Yes that was what I was thinking. But if you're not sleeping anyway, might it be with trying taking it in the evening for a change just to see?

No it's my first day, I took it at lunchtime.

Yes I think I’ll try tomorrow and see if that works.

Good luck, I hope the meds work for you!

My son has been on a few different anti psychotics and anti depressants and fluoxetine is the one that has the least side effects and the most improvement in his mood. He is currently on it now and doing so well compared to even a few months okay.

He has tablets though, 10mg ones and has now built up to taking 2. They have let him stay on the tablets because he hates capsules. So if you are still anxious about it you could ask about 10mg tablets.

Good luck and I hope it helps soon.

Thanks English Rose. Interesting, they told me there were no tablets ... I managed today with lots of water. I just prefer tablets. I'm glad it's helping your son.

I took a second one tonight, just before getting into bed. I've felt ok today, although tired, but I didn't sleep well, I never do.

Today I feel awful. I couldn't get to sleep for hours, only slept five hours. I've tried to sleep this afternoon, but can't. I feel sick and drained. I hope this passes quickly.

@JustMyName - how are you today? I felt awful on Wednesday and Thursday but managed to sleep better on Thursday and Friday night so I’m starting to feel better. I hope you feel better soon too

Hi Dontknowwhatyoumean, I'm ok today. I went to sleep quicker last night, but my smoke alarm started beeping in the night because the battery was low and it woke me up. I managed to get back to sleep eventually, but didn't really sleep enough, so I'm tired. Otherwise I think I feel ok.

Sorry you felt rubbish yesterday Wed and Thurs, glad it's improving and that you're sleeping better.

I had to leave a day out yesterday because I wasn't sleeping and had restless legs. I've taken one today after sleeping well last night so fingers crossed.

i tried this one 9 years ago, wasn't suicidal, just a bit depressed. A few days after taking it, suicidal and I'm lucky my ex was there as I was determined to end my life. Never again. Don't want to lecture or anything but the things that have helped me, were support of a good therapist and a good diet with additional vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, green leafy veg etc.

Finding a good therapist on the nhs seems impossible

I'm taking it every second day at the moment, will hopefully increase to every day soon if I start sleeping ok.