I'm a 21 year old male university student. I have been taking fluoxetine for 4.5 weeks now. The first two weeks I experienced insomnia and extreme dysphoria - confusion and pangs of agitation where I would pace about not knowing what to do with myself. Also, about 6 hours after taking the pill I would have whole body twitches which made me very self-conscious if with friends. I am still having these spasms although not as often or as intense, as I started to take the pill 2hours before going to sleep(as opposed to morning) - on the advice of my doctor. I have lost my libido and I'm experiencing sexual dysfunction. I have the hot flushes and sweat more than usual after exercise or when entering a building after being outside. In the past week I have begun to feel so lethargic that all I want to do is sleep and getting out of bed is challenging. The only positive thing that I can say about the drug is that it's reduced the negative racing thoughts and feelings of worthlessness, but I think for me personally the side effects are becoming too much. I have got very drunk on 3 ocassions and the hangover was terrible, felt edgy for the whole day - do people who have taken fluoxetine for months or years completely avoid alcohol as suggested? I am seeing my doctor again next week to talk about coming off the drug.
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It seems it has been ten months and no one has responded to this posting...not a positive sign when people with mental illness are desperately seeking advice!
I am on the same medication as the OP and have been taking it for about 4 weeks too....20 mg in the mornings. The lethargy is annoying me. It has taken the edge off my anxiety, but sleeping too much and not getting my work done just adds to it.
The psychiatrist wasnt very helpful, saying 'its weird' that im feeling lethargic and that its not supposed to make one feel that way...perhaps I should see a consultant than a seemingly new registrar
Would anyone who has experienced something similar please comment...perhaps on how long it took to get that zest for life back again.
Additionally, has it negatively affected anyones concentration and memory? I feel like its harder for me to get things into my head while Im on the meds than when I wasnt....and its not very helpful when I am in full time education....
I was on citalopram and now on this one....to be honest with you- once you are diagnosed and start taking tablets for it any sympton or anything you feel, you as a person are not quite sure if its directly related to the tablets or not...I asked my GP about tiredness and IBS and really these sort of things are a result of the stress and not the tablets- so you gotta kind of focus yourself. Its a time of year where the stresses and pressures of life can take its toll doesnt mean that tablets are the default reason here you could be tired for many other reasons..you are human dont be so harsh on yourself otherwise the circle gets more vicious!
we are on the same path here mate....anytime you want any advice or to know anything just ask me..
Thanks very much for replying, Lou123....thought I might have to wait another ten months like the OP!
Youre absolutely right about not knowing whats causing the symptoms...especially when Ive been battling this for four years now and this is the fourth medication I am taking. It seems ive lost my own calibration of my feelings...its hard trying to work out whether what i feel is a natural response to whatever is going on in my life, or if i am reacting unnaturally because i am still depressed or because the medications are causing unwanted side effects.
My biggest concern with the depression was my loss of focus on the academics and lack of concentration...i went from a high flyer to nothing, so any side effect that affects memory or concentration adversely, worries me.
How is your focus/concentration/ability to learn/recall while on the meds, if you dont mind me asking?