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Fluoxetine/ Prozac advice

8 replies

Autumn54 · 20/11/2022 14:26

Hi all,

I started on fluoxetine 7 days ago. I know they can make you worse before they can make you better but I did feel better straight from the off, not 100% but I did feel less up and down and calmer, although this could be placebo. Straight away I had a few headaches, was constipated, but found that I needed to pee all the time. Last night I found my self feeling a little spaced out in bed but also my mouth has cracked in the corners, not cold sores but really sore, red cuts. So I thought I may stop taking them as I've not been on them for very long and call the doctor tomorrow to see if there is anything else which may suit, or see whether those side effects are normal. I usually take my tablet mid morning, but I haven't taken it yet today as I was going to see how I feel before calling the docs. But I don't feel great, a bit spaces out, like I can't focus but at the same time like I'm on high alert. It's hard to describe. I know antidepressants can cause withdrawal if you stop but surely not after this short amount of time? Also, I read prozac has a much longer half life compared to many SSRIs, idlf about 5 days, so it is less likely to give withdrawal or so soon. So my question is, is it possible I'm having these feelings because I've NOT taken my tablet today, even though its only about 3 hours over due, or is this the side effects of having the drug building up in my system. Any advice/experience/opinions would be greatly welcome.

OP posts:
Autumn54 · 20/11/2022 18:03

Any advice please 🙏

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 20/11/2022 18:07

My advice is
a) read the leaflet that comes with the meds to see side effects,
b) don't stop taking without speaking to your doctor first so get on and take it,
c) 7 days isn't long enough for side effects to wane.

unsync · 20/11/2022 18:25

You need to give them 3 to 4 weeks to see the full benefit. Do not stop taking them. It is normal to feel worse before you feel better. Hang in there, it gets better eventually

Januarytoes · 09/12/2022 16:51

How are you getting on now? I have just started taking them too and I have felt instantly quite a lot better and feel more focussed and able to do stuff. I was feeling quite overwhelmed, distracted and paralysed before.

I think the time of day you take them makes a big difference. Taking them mid morning made me feel bad like you describe, calm yet speedy at the same time. I now take them as soon as I can after waking (around 8 - 8.30am) (my kids are teens!) They have been more effective.

I have previously taken sertraline and they seem to slow me down. I am naturally quite slow, so this wasn't very helpful. They also decreased my libido. So I tapered off and stopped taking them some months ago. Now Prozac seems to be speeding me up which is brilliant - and I'm no longer constipated.

I'm glad I asked my doctor for a change. I'd say give them a reasonable try and ask your doctor to try something else if it isn't helping much.

So far (2 weeks in!) I'm feeling more cheerful, less flat, more alert, more efficient.
Don't be afraid to ask to try different ADs as they work differently for different people and maybe they aren't the exact right one for you.

I have tried sertraline, venlafaxine, citalopram and these all made me even more exhausted - now I'm pleased with my prozac prescription.

good luck OP

macskauk · 10/12/2022 21:14

Hi All
I'll be joining you next week, i'm just coming off sertraline after 6months and onto Fluoxetine, mainly due to night sweats, another leap into the unknown.
fingers crossed it'll sort me out, not having anyone to talk to does not help, social anxiety does not help :o(

Autumn54 · 26/12/2022 00:31

Hi, it's been a while but I did come off them.
I was having such bad griping stomach pains and they were making me feel really strange. The day after i posted i went to do my shopping, i felt sweaty, my hsart was racing, i felt very anxious and like i was going to pass out.I felt so run down as if I'd had flu and as stated my lips were all cracked and i got mouth ulcers. It may have perhaps been a coincidence and maybe I did have something flu like. So I decided these were not the AD for me.

How are you getting on @Januarytoes @macskauk

OP posts:
macskauk · 31/12/2022 13:09

Getting on ok here, i've been out shopping and felt dizzy a few times, but so far so good, no other major side affects.

are you looking to try another SSRI?

Januarytoes · 05/01/2023 17:09

I'm also getting on ok thanks.

I'm surprised by the side-effects on my appetite. I am just not hungry for breakfast or lunch if I've taken the Prozac in the morning. I am a bit heavy for my height and I have lost weight since I've been taking these, tummy has deflated quite a bit.

I have had more energy in the afternoon and so have got more stuff done. This has cheered me up.

I have long suspected I am on the spectrum (ASD) and lately, menopausal, that I might have ADHD as I couldn't get my thoughts together or follow things through. Prozac seems to have improved this. Still a bit scatty, losing things, forgetting what time it is, and feeling like my brain is a snow-globe of whirling ideas, but I'm noticeably better than before.

I hope you find something else to help you.
My NHS Trust offers self-referred CBT talking therapy, I found this helpful.

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