Hi there! I've just started taking Fluoxetine Sandoz 20mg... It seems the more I read about it, the more worried I am about taking it! The side effects seem worse than what I'm experiencing & taking Fluoxetine for! Although my Doctor has said, I may experience some, all or none of the side effects I'm wondering what other people's experiences are taking this medication for depression/anxiety?? Did you suffer any side effects, did they last for long & how long till it started working??
Bit of background... I haven't had depression for long, just a few weeks. I didn't think it was bad, just mild but the K10, Doctor & Psychologist says its more severe! The depression started after I'd been unwell for weeks. All the tests the Doctors have done have come back fine & they've come to the conclusion it's from anxiety (to which I agree with). Lots of stressful events have happened in the last 8-9 months which have led up to this. I've been seeing a kinesologist, which has helped lots. I thought I was on the mend & didn't need to fill the script but the last few days the nausea, worry, headaches & tears have started again. So I've filled the script & started taking them.
I knows there's light at he end of the tunnel... there has to be! I've got too much to look forward to with my ever support-full husband & 3 gorgeous kiddies!! I guess I'm just looking for reassurance from others who have taken Fluoxetine.... many thanks
Advise on taking Fluoxetine... side effects suffered if any?
Advise on taking Fluoxetine... side effects suffered if any?
Posted in:
Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression
6 Replies
When they list of possible reactions on medications, they are just that 'possible'. My son has taken fluoxetine for anxiety and depression and had zero reactions and it was life changing for him. So although it's important to be aware of possible side effects in case you are one of the unlucky ones and can report back to the dr it's worth trying.
I have taken that medication and had very minimal side effects. I was taking it for more severe depression/anxiety and it really helped me. I did gain a bit of weight whilst I was taking it but I was also eating quite a lot at the time to help ease those yucky feelings if depression! If u exercise and eat well whilst taking it I am sure u will be fine. I ended up coming off it after about a year as I had worked through my feelings with a counsellor. But it was a huge help in those early days. I think they just give you the worst case scenarios with these medications. I wish you all the best xx
I am currently taking it. I was put on the lowest dose (one/day), it didn't really help and in fact I was really angry when I first started, but my counsellor says that I was moving onto a different stage of grief. I tried them for a while and found they didn't help. However I went back to the doctor and told him it wasn't working and he suggested doubling the dose (2 daily). This has helped. As for weight gain - well I won't lie, I have been eating a block of chocolate a day and I have stacked it on. I have started on weight watchers and have started walking and trying to eat much better. According to my doctor the weight gain on anit-depressants is more linked to comfort eating than the anti-depressants themselves.
By law they have to list every side effect recorded. You may gets lots, you may get some or you may get none! All medications have side effects but you have to weigh up the risks of potential side effects against the benefits of taking the medication. If you do get any side effects, it's important to speak to your doctor as he may try you on a different medication that is more suitable and/or will cause less side effects. Good luck
You say there that you didn't think that your depression was as bad as the Dr is suggesting? Are you sure that you even need to be medicated for it? Drs are paid highly from pharm companies to push their product - sad but true, i had an experience where I attended a Dr's to start on anti-depressants again as I was in a deep hole, I told the Dr which ones had worked previously, but apparently there were 'new, fantastic tablets' that would be much better for me. Fast forward 4 days where I hadn't slept, had the pupils of an E-head, was starting to hallucinate and started suffering anxiety. There are many different types of anti-depressents around, it can take time to find one that suits you. Could you perhaps discuss with your Dr a lower dose (if you take 1 a day, maybe cut it in half? but of course talk to your Dr first) - If you have been feeling better with other therapies and are concerned with the many side effects of the tablets, maybe that is an option? All the best from someone whos been there - there are better days ahead :)
I was on Lovan (Fluoxetine) for 8 years with no adverse side effects. I only changed medication when I became pregnant as there are ones that are lower risk during pregnancy. Every single medication has "possible" side effects and drug companies must list these, however the risk is so low it is not really worth worrying about. Just keep an eye out for any changes and mention them to your doctor if you are worried.