Fluoxetine and exhaustion

[Theraindropontherose]

DS (nearly 18) is on week 4 of fluoxetine - prescribed by CAMHS for anxiety/suicidal thoughts. It is clearly helping his mental health. But he is absolutely exhausted, physically and mentally. He hasn't been able to get to school this week. The GP said it was likely a side-effect (although more common is insomnia) and that it would be pass by 6-8 weeks on the medication.

Has anyone had this, or their DC had it? Would be great to know if there is anything I can do to help him recover some energy - especially as he is year 13 and has already missed lots of schooling due to his anxiety.

Not an expert, but my husband has been on Fluoxetine for almost two years and at first he was really exhausted, needed to sleep a lot, nap during the day etc. It did definitely settle, particularly when he went back to work and had a bit of a routine. They've changed his dose a couple of times and every time, it has the same impact - I guess part of it is when he's very low as well, its harder to fit against tiredness. I hope it helps your DS, it must be so hard for your whole family...

Also don't forget if he is starting to feel a little better and the anxiety is starting to subside he has alot of mental and physical energy to make up. Being anxious etc takes alot of energy in itself, some of this exhaustion may just be relief.
I've always found by week 12 all side effects have gone and the world is getting to be a better place. (Suffered depressive episodes from teenage years, started fluoxetine at 18).

Made me dizzy , shake badly in my hands, wish I’d never had it for 2 weeks