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Fluoxetine two weeks on/two weeks off. Anyone else been prescribed this?

4 replies

Youhaditoncebutnowitsgone · 26/02/2022 14:11

My doctor has just recommended I go on Fluoxetine for two weeks a month, then take two weeks off. Over the last couple of years I have experienced worsening anxiety in the week before my period, combine with really low mood, major irritability and sleeplessness. After a couple of days of being on I'm mostly symptom-free. I'm finding it increasingly hard to cope and have started having panic attacks. I'm just wondering whether anyone else has experience of taking fluoxetine in this way? I've never taken SSRIs before and need to try something but this seems unusual? Thank you.

OP posts:
Phyllis321 · 26/02/2022 14:14

I take Fluoxetine continuously. It took quite a few weeks to 'settle' so I'm puzzled how two weeks on then 2 of withdrawal would help you.

Youhaditoncebutnowitsgone · 26/02/2022 14:40

Hi @Phyllis321 thanks for replying. I've read on other threads that it takes time to settle too. I have a call with the GP on Monday - she gave me some time to think about it and I am going to quiz her more about the two weeks off. I'm worried it will make things worse!

OP posts:
2022IamHavingYa · 26/02/2022 21:29

I’ve just been put on it for the same. My Gp said I could do two weeks on and two weeks off but she’d recommend all the time. I’m now day 17 and I think I’ve started to notice a difference. My patience has improved and I feel calmer and today my anxiety has dulled a little. I’ve just looked at my calendar and I’m 7 days away from my period. Id usually already have rage and epic anxiety by now but it’s more than manageable, so must be doing something

Patry · 08/04/2022 02:54

It took a good month for mine to settle.
I have read about the two weeks off two weeks on but I doubt it would settle well.
However,I do leave a gap for two weeks,then take more the other two weeks. Not agreed by my GP but it definitely works for me so I’ve been doing it for months

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