Positive Fluoxetine Experience - with warnings!

Treatment and medication
1

I've been on Fluoxetine for about 7 months now (20mg a day). I really didn't want to be on medication but therapy was not working for me and I was having horrible thoughts every day and the last straw was when I went to A&E on my own and told them I hated my life and please could they help me. 

FOR PEOPLE JUST STARTING - I was vomiting, shaking, having panic attacks, crying uncontrollably, not eating properly for about 2 weeks. I didn't have any of these experiences before going on it, I had never even had anxiety or panic attacks. 

I thought it is DEFINITELY not for me, but I waited it out. 

Now, I have to say it has actually changed my life for the better - I never used to have a sex drive which nearly broke up my relationship with my boyfriend, I used to get horrible anger tantrums all the time where I would smash things, I used to feel like everyone was staring at me all the time, I used to cry in public, at work, on buses, trains etc. Now all of this is gone BUT it doesn't mean I don't have emotions! Just the right emotions!! 

One big warning though, that my doctor did not tell me about, is be aware of your alcohol consumption - I'm a student so I go on a few nights out a month and drink a lot, and it does not mix well AT ALL!!!! I have had nights that I have just blacked out the whole time and one morning I was told I punched my boyfriend in the face.... (I am not a violent person I am actually very against violence). and other times where I've woken up with no emotions and just stared at the wall or ceiling for hours. 

P.S I'm 20 and female and studying at University

If anyone has any questions PLEASE ASK because when I started I honestly thought I was going to die from them I couldn't even bare to speak to my family or friends for those 2 weeks.

2

Hey! Great post and so good to hear positive stories rather than the negatives!

Couple of questions though I have been on fluoxetine for about 6weeks now and although generally feeling ok and sometimes myself, I am not there yet, just wondering when the pivotal time when you felt the effects really kicking in? I am dealing with terrible anxieties and intrusive thoughts and its really awful I just want it to stop cause I know its absolute pants but doesnt stop my mind from believing it.

Any positive feedback would be so grateful. Karen.

3

Hi Karen,

I can't say there was a specific time I felt the effects, but there have been a few days where I really realize how happy I am and I'll be smiling for no reason and just back to my old self. I keep a diary and the first time I felt truly happy and had no bad thoughts was around 2 and a half months after starting. Obviously I don't know if that was the fluoxetine or not but its likely that it was.

Make sure to tell your doctor about these thoughts and anxieties (however mine isn't very helpful, she only wants to know if I've physically harmed myself but I've never done that - so hopefully yours is a bit more supportive). 

I hope you experience some good effects like I do in the next few weeks!!

xx