Fluoxetene. When does it improve

[wishiwasacollie]

Hi. I was on 10 mg for 3 weeks and am now on 20 mg and have been for 10 days. I feel like I am getting worse rather than better. I wake up with waves of fear and intrusive thoughts ( constantly thinking i have messed up somewhere) etc and they dont stop or ease until evening. Only way to manage is to keep busy during the day eg cleaning. I am currently signed off work for another 3 weeks as I cant function like this.
From all I read this is normal and should ease around weeks 8 onwards
Just looking for some positive stories?

I started on 10mg for 3weeks and moved to 20mg 4 weeks ago so a little ahead of you. I would say that after about 3 weeks on the higher dose I started to feel an improvement. I often wake up a bit anxious but about 2 hours after I take my meds it settles and I definitely have times in the day I feel relaxed and able to get on with things. Fatigue is my main issue and I’m still having a rest after lunch but will be returning to work in a couple of weeks. I’ve read 6-8 weeks for full effect and my GP wants me to stay on this dose for another month so I’m expecting an improvement still. But I feel so much better than 6 weeks ago with less anxious thoughts, more confidence and generally functioning better but it’s been a long haul of side effects and I’m sure I’ve had them all. Hopefully things will improve for you in the next couple of weeks

Trustymule. Thank you.

Sounds like you are taking them for OCD? It took a good 4 weeks before DSD felt ok on them and around 6 months working up to 60 mg before she was able to function properly after a complete breakdown. She is still on 60mg over a year later and her life has turned around - it does take time but definitely worth persevering

This is a very slow working drug. I started on 20mg back in December, and have gradually titrated up to 60mg, I’d say it took a good 12-14 weeks for me to feel stable, there’s been a lot of ups and downs, but it has changed my life, I feel like me again

Thank you all for the reassuring comments