4 weeks on Fluoxetine, all I need is some reassurance!

Treatment and medication
1

Hi All,

After a lifetime of untreated anxiety and depression (I didnt even know I had a problem this severe) which became worse and worse, things came to a head and I eventually took the plunge and sought help.

Some awful experiences to start with as first psych suggested admission and I was terrified!

Fast forward 4 weeks later, and I have been diagnosed with severe clinical depression and anxiety (as well as OCD but mainly intrusive thoughts around ROCD)

Started on 5mg for a week, upped dose t0 10mg for another week and have now been on 20mg for 2 weeks.

Startup side effects have been absolutely dreadful. I felt out of it and had a massive increase in anxiety (still struggling with that), as well as loss of appetite, severe low moods (think that is linked to the acceptance of depression) and just a general feeling of disconnection and weirdness! Had a headache and a fuzzy, thick head for days but that has cleared and appetite is better.

I still struggle with continuous racing thoughts at some points in the day and have been prescribed Valium 5mg to take up to 3 times a day but I have never taken it more than once a day and I sometimes skip a day. This is just for the short term, while my body adjusts.

Also have been put on Zolpidem 10mg to sleep, as I have never slept well and hear for the first time when I was diagnosed, that waking up on average 6 times a night is not 'normal'.

I guess I would just like to connect with others who have had positive experiences on this medication. I cant imagine switching or going through something like this ever again and wondering when the real benefits will be felt, especially surrounding the low moods and constant thoughts.

Thanks for all the support, this group is great and somehow makes one feel a little less crazy.

 

2

Do not worry. It will get better. I felt so afraid at that 4 week mark and I understand your fears. Tomorow I will hit 8 weeks and I've been on 20mg. It is a world of a difference since when I began. You will have low days but slowly they'll lessen. The support I received here was amazing .. Everyone helps and listens so feel free to post and talk it helps. But try to assure yourself, try to relax somehow I know it's hard. It will get better.

3

Thank you so much Pink. Such a scary and lonely journey really. Even though I have an amazing support system, I just feel so disconnected and isolated. 

Not pleased that I am taking a valium every day, but my Doctor assures me that it is ok to just get through the initial stages of the fluoxetine.

Glad you got through the worst of it and that things are looking up. Would you say you are back to your old self?

Scariest thing is that I think I feel worse now than even before the medication,  but I guess that is because I am dealing with it and have accepted it now.

Many thanks for your reply and have a great day!

4

I understand. But don't worry it will get better. Yes I think I am almost there. But I have had some low days last two days. However that is expected. You will get them and what I have learned from the support here is that you have to ride them out and understand that it's all anxiety.

Hopefully in few weeks you're going to be much much better. Remind yourself every time

That it's just anxiety. Understanding it is half the battle.