4 weeks into increased fluoxetine

Mental health
1

Hi. I have severe anxiety and depression which I have had years before. Since that time I have been taking 20mg fluoxetine a day; unfortunately my symptoms returned tenfold following an awful family trauma (not a death) which is still causing me distress. My GP increased my meds to 40mg four weeks ago and I'm desperate to recover. I have had a few patches of 'normality' but they are short lived and then the problem becomes more distressing! Do you think the meds will take effect soon? I also take 3.75mg of zopiclone as I simply can't switch off at night. Any advice would greatly appreciated. Thank you.

2

Hi I suffered severe anxiety where I always feel liek my head will explode and I was so scared, medicines havs no effect at all! My Anxiety vanished through my experimental way! its all about neck exercise! just rotate your neck 8x to left and 8x to right and then stretch it! and all time drink hot water! in just this way my anxiety is gone lol 

3

Thanks, anything is worth a try. Sadly my anxiety is coupled with depression so its a double whack of distress. Glad your method worked for you.

4

Hi Claire

Snap!! I have been suffering with depression on and off for years, and now have anxiety on top of it, it won't go and I'm trying everything and yesterday I started taking beta blockers.

Morning are my absolute worst time as soon as I open my eyes, then the panic attacks start.

So you're not on your own. What have you tried so far to help you?? 😕

5

I take 60mg! I would think the 40 should be kicking in my now - give it another week and maybe go see your doc to increase it further or try a different ssri???

6

Hi Maureen. Yes, the symptoms are generally more severe in the morning. Today is a crying and feeling helpless/hopeless day! This is an unforgiving and relentless illness, isn't it?! I am just off for my 3rd session of Psychotherapy but not sure if its actually helping me at the moment. Are you taking antidepressants?

Thanks for replying to me x

7

Hi Louise, I'm just praying that some of my clear patches are a sign of improvement as I'm too scared to change meds, especially as they had helped me so much before. I guess I have to be more patient but its hard.

Thanks for replying, really helps x

8

Hi Claire

Yes I take antidepressants Citalopram 40mg.

Lyrica/pregabalin and beta blockers.

I feel hopeless all the time, and so alone even though I have family friends etc.

I try to keep myself busy and not think negative thoughts, not as easy as it sounds huh?

Hope you get On Well At The psychotherapist, I'm still waiting for my appointment.

I have done CBT and Stress control.

Listening to downloads reading, anything to help.

Wish you luck anytime you want to chat I'll be here x

9

hi

i could've written this word for word because I am going through exactly the same thing under the same circumstances the only Difference being that I take mirtazapine at night to help me switch off. It's just so hard isn't it. Everything is such a struggle and when you have a good patch you get frightened to admit it in case you ruin it. I just try to take each hour at a time but it's not easy. I hate depression and anxiety so much xx

10

Hi Maureen. This is a very lonely illness and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.....it's bloody agony! I do try to sort my thoughts out, but as you say, sometimes it's easier said than done.

How long have you been taking Citilopram and how did you get on with CBT?

Thanks for your support and I'm here too if you need anything x

11

Hi Maureen. This is a very lonely illness and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.....it's bloody agony! I do try to sort my thoughts out, but as you say, sometimes it's easier said than done.

How long have you been taking Citilopram and how did you get on with CBT?

Thanks for your support and I'm here too if you need anything x

12

You poor thing.....its so awful, isn't it?! How long have you been on your meds?

I'm exactly the same as you when it comes to good patches (and they literally are patches!) Too afraid they are real as you know the agony and disappointment which will rear it's ugly head.....so unfair.

Keep your chin up and lets hope tomorrow is a little kinder to us sufferers tomorrow!x

13

Hi Claire

Thanks for your reply, it's always nice to chat to other people that actually understand. ☺

I have been taking Citalopram since January and I get on well with them, with no harsh side effects.

I done CBT several years ago, but as it was first time ever knowing about cbt, it helped me a lot, it's all about getting rid of the negatives and following the positives.

I do have a book on cbt, and do read it quite often, but I would recommend it to you.

Take care, chat again soon I hope 😊 x

14

I've been on 20mg of Prozac for about 3 years but they've been upped to 40mg and I've been taking the higher dose for a month. The mirtazapine I have only been on for 2 weeks. I'm so shaken today. I actually slept last night after 2 nights of being unable to but I woke up with a start after 30 mins of going off then I fell back to sleep and woke with the worst headache ever. I took painkillers then slept till 8.30 but all day I've struggled. I'm back at the docs 4.30 to see what can be done or whether it's just a waiting game x

15

I know exactly how you feel poppet...I got a reduced dose of zopiclone yesterday. I was taking 7.5mgs then broke them in half, which was still effective. I jumped the gun last night and broke the 3.75mgs......big mistake as I got myself in such state and couldn't sleep so had to take the other half eventually.

Amongst other things, I feel really shakey and clumsy today!

Good luck at docs and let me know how you get on xx

16

Thanks Maureen......what's the name of the book pls?x

17

I'm the same, too scared to change as it might make me even worse. What are your anxieties centred on? Do you know your triggers?

Lxxx

18

Hi Claire

The book is cognitive behavioural therapy for dummies, the authors are Rhena Branch and Rob Wilson. You're welcome x

19

Thanks x

20

Am the exact same. I had an accident that caused me to pass out and resulted in needing an operation in my leg, at first I was fine, and then it just hit me, I was started on Medication for it a few weeks ago. And I felt normal for like a week, and I feel recently an just as bad again, I just want to have a normal life again😣