Fluoxetine - will side effects really pass?

[StephBug]

Hi - I started Fluoxetine 6 days ago as an alternative to HRT. Flushes have already reduced but experiencing the classic fluoxetine side effects - sleeplessness, tiredness, dry mouth etc - but the worst is a feeling of detachment (I simply feel like my brain has been switched off). I’m on 20mg daily and I’ve read that these side effects should pass. However, need encouragement from real people as, right now, I’m tempted to come off them and put up with the menopausal symptoms. FYI I have just had a successful complete hysterectomy following diagnosis of womb cancer hence HRT not an option

I took Prozac quite a long time ago but I do remember it took a few weeks for the side effects to calm down. Maybe give it another week or so if they are not too debilitating and then discuss with gp if no improvement

I was on a moderate dose for 5 years. The detachment you describe didn't go away. It also interfered with my laying down long term memories. So many parts of those 5 years are just blanks and fluffy recollection promoted by photographs.

However, it did get me through. I had horrific side effects for the first few weeks/ months. These did subside.

Eventually I swapped to Citalopram and this did the same job in a kinder way.

Thank you all for your comments. I’ve woken up this morning feeling much less fuzzy. Hopefully, I’ve got past the worst side effects... I’m going to keep going for a further two weeks as recommended by my GP. He mentioned Citalopram as an alternative to fluoxetine so that could be the option for me.