Fluoxetine Information and Advice?

[Mutilated Memories]

Hi everyone,

So I'm 16 years old and last week, after procrastinating for about a year, I went to see my GP about my social anxiety and depression. He intially mentioned counselling, but as I had tried that 2 years ago when I first started self-harming, and I had felt worse afterwards, that idea was pushed aside for later. He then prescribed me Fluoxetine (in 20mg capsules). He discussed a couple of the side effects with me (saying that my sleep may be disrupted and that I may have suicidal thoughts or feelings, in which case I would need to see him ASAP). My mum has also taken fluoxetine in the past and said that she didn't really have any side effects. Having now been on them for a week, I'm not really sure what to think. I take one capsule every morning with a glass of milk (my mum's advice). I tend to feel quite nauseous in the morning and very tired when it gets to late afternoon, and I also have crazy mood swings throughout the day. I haven't noticed any changes in my anxiety or depression though.

Can anyone tell me what I could possibly expect over the next couple of weeks? I've heard that after about a week is when side effects can get a bit crazy, but mine are driving me mad already. Also, when can I possibly expect a noticeable change in my anxiety and depression? I've only got a months dosage, and it will be hard to give feedback to my GP if they don't do anything!

Any advice/tips/information would be much appreciated!

[Pi.R^2]

The first time I was on fluoxetine (40mg) I don't remember getting any side effects at all. This time I'm back on it at 40 and have lots of sleep issues and increased compulsions and anxiety. My partner is on 60 and she says she has sleep issues too, though I think she had them before anyway!

We really can't say what you can expect over the next few weeks, as everyone reacts differently to medication. But hopefully your side effects will settle down.

As it should say on the information leaflet, fluoxetine takes 4-6 weeks to have an effect on your mood, so don't be put off that you haven't experienced a change yet.

The main thing to keep an eye on at the moment is the potential for suicidal thoughts, especially as you are very young, and be sure to report back to your doctor asap if you do experience them.

With the other side effects, try to remember that they are not necessarily side effects (there's lots of things that can cause mood swings, nausea and tiredness) and that they may well go away after a few weeks. If the nausea is becoming a problem, you could try something like Domperidone (available over the counter as Motilium), but of course check with the pharmacist as whilst it doesn't interact with Fluoxetine, you should check for any other contra-indications.

Fluoxetine is a good anti-depressant, and I wish you all the best with it!

[cloudedmind]

I found that when I started on Fluoxetine it really increased my anxiety (to the point where at an assessment I was diagnosed with anxiety even though I'd never been anything like that before) That didn't go away until I switched meds. I also had vivid dreams which at times were a bit distressing / confusing but they stopped after a while. It also generally made me very tired but all ADs seem to do that to me :P I hope the meds help :)