My psychiatrist has just increased my fluoxetine from 20mg a day to 40mg a day. I'm 16 and i dont have an 'official' diagnosis but anxiety and depression have been mentioned. I've been feeling a lot worse lately so i'm willing to give it a go but my mum isnt very happy about me taking this much. Is this an ok dose for me to be taking? I know my psych wouldnt have prescribed it if it wasnt, i'm just a bit confused.
Perhaps it would be beneficial for your psychiatrist to meet with your Mum so she can discuss her concerns and you can also discuss any concerns you have. xx
I take 20mg a day, sadly Fluoxetine can have that effect on you. The half-life of it is about 14 days, so it takes roughly two weeks to get any feel if it's working or not. My doctor said I wouldn't see a difference for about a month, and he was right. For me it did work a little when I started out but it feels like it's fading once again.
I wont say the amount to take in order to do some damage but it's massive, you will get sick to your stomach and throw it back up if you that too much of it at once (far more than you should). For us in the states Fluoxetine is the only medication FDA approved for minors (under 18). Does it mean that other drugs are dangerous? No, they just haven't been tested.
Fluoxetine does work, but it just takes some time. I would say go a month at least before changing doses, if the doctors upped it in a week that is a little fast in my opinion. I'm not a doctor or anything close to it, but I'm just saying.
I can understand your mother's concerns, maybe it would help for her to see your psychiatrist. After all, this is a person with a medical degree, they know what is a safe amount and what isn't, and they would never change your medication unless they thought it was in your best interests. Many people take that dose of fluoxetine, some people take an even higher dose probably.
I hope it goes ok. Take care. x
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Right from my little mims book I have.... thats fine.... for someone over the age of age they can take you up to 60mg and in some cases 90mg's a day so you are fine. As a few other people have said your psychiatrist wouldn't of done it if it was going to harm you or to much for you :) Hope this helps :)
I recently went up from 20 to 40 and things are getting better for me. according to my doctor they can increase the dose up to 80mg safely. it's all about experimenting, finding the right dose that helps you. some people need only the one pill, others three or four. If you're taking the meds but not feeling the positive effects, then perhaps an increae in dosage is needed.
try the extra dose, if it doesn't agree with you then talk with your therapist and see what they recomend.
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thats the reason i dont have my family involved in my medications. My mum hates anti-depressents and my dad wont even take an asprin for a headache not to mention him thinking this whole thing is bullshit (what a lovely opinion he has of his daughter eh!). Anyway thats getting off the subject.
Your psych wouldnt put on something or dose that wasnt safe for you. I like to think they know what they're doing. As for your mum, she's just panicing because she doesnt want 'chemicals' in her daughter...its a mothers job im led to believe!
As for your mum, she's just panicing because she doesnt want 'chemicals' in her daughter...its a mothers job im led to believe!
I certainly have to agree with that.
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Remember compliments you received, forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how..~ Baz Lurhman.
Letting it get to you - You know what that's called? Being alive. Best thing there is. Being alive right now that's all that counts. ~ Doctor Who "The Doctors Wife" 06.November.2011
Thanks for all your replies :)
My mum's concerns were making me feel a bit uneasy about it all which is why i was worrying. I'd otten some effect from 20mg but lately it just doesnt seem to be working anymore, hence the increase. I've got my big care review at the end of the month which i am DREADING but my mum will be able to raise concerns about my meds then i guess.
Thanks again
Becky xxx
Ive only been on Fluoxetine 20mg for just over a month now, i saw my doctor for the second time last week, and we decided that i was doing a 'bit' better, and then she said something about upping the dosage....that got me confused, she hasnt done it and my next appointment is in 6 weeks so i think she might do it then, but i didnt see why she wanted to up mine either. but like everyone has said they wouldnt do it if it wasnt safe, hope it helps .x.
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i am only on 20mg a day, but know from experience that i need them, even if my parents dislike me being on them.ultimately you have to do what feels right for you- its your mental health.
i agree with what others have said-your therapist would not suggest an increasewithout a valid reason and certainly not to a dangerous level. if you are unsure as to why the increase in dose, just ask :) good luck x
i was on it in 2006 at first it was 20mg then after two months it went up to 40mg then i was taken off it coz it was not working for me.
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Well... medical research and testing says it's ok to take up to 80mg.
When I was 18 I was on 80mg of Fluoxetine for two and a half years and I was fine. In fact, I needed to be on that amount because the lower doses didn't work for me.
This is just a thought, I don't know if it's true or not... But I'm thinking to your mother, you are her baby and perfect as you are and she doesn't want you 'contaminated' or changed or damaged. I'm a mum myself and I know when my daughter's sick I try to give her the minimum dose nessercery of any medication. That's because I'm scared I'll damage her by giving her too much. When it's your child, the normal 'rules' don't apply and you tend to go on the side of caution.
I used to be on fluoxetine 40mg a day for ova a year and then i was dropped down cuz they thought i culd cope bt I didn't so yes 40mg works better then 20mg
i am takeing fluoxtine.i was told to take 1 tablet aday for a a month then go back.i did and they have put me on 4 tablets aday.which is working for me
