Strange Fluoxetine Side Effects?

[DaveT81]

Hi guys, I just had a short question (update - apologies not so short now) about side effects of fluoxetine.

I'd been suffering various health problems for months and it was really bringing me down so asked my GP to give me something to make the fun and games over Christmas more manageable. He prescribed fluoxetine for me.

Anyway, although I know they're not supposed to kick in for at least a fortnight, I immediately noticed that a lot of my symptoms had felt less crippling. Obviously, my anxiousness had been exacerbating a lot of them too.

Today would be the 7th day I'm due to take the drug but when I awoke after a decent sleep I found that I had a strange, not entirely unpleasant warmth in my chest. I lay there dozing for about 20 minutes before the warmth suddenly felt like it was spreading across my chest and I immediately had palpitations. On top of this I had a tingling in my fingers and my arms and legs felt quite weak.

I alerted my wife immediately, who was readying herself for work and she decided to stay home with me.

The whole thing lasted about 2 minutes before my heart rate lowered and the warmth reduced to a small spot in my chest again. Eventually it went.

I've since slept for about 90 minutes and have woken with a slight weakness/tremor in my arms.

I'm a bit concerned about what happened, it felt like a very short and sharp panic attack but I also have a-fib (which I had abated successfully last year) and so that returning is not something I particularly want.

I have a cold at the moment too so I'm feeling quite run down.

Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms whilst taking this medication? I'm debating whether to discontinue it after that but it had actually felt like it was already helping.

[AZ1970]

I would ask your doctor before stopping the medication. It sounds like a trip to be seen is in order. With a history of a-fib I would not take a chance.

[DaveT81 in reply to AZ1970]

Thanks, I am going to try and see him early next week. Or at least have a telephone call.

[TriggerPoint]

Does The Doc Who Prescribed This Know You Have "Afib" ?

A Little Info On This Med Fluoxetine HCL Side Effects :

Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, tiredness, sweating, or yawning may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (such as agitation, unusual high energy/excitement, thoughts of suicide), easy bruising/bleeding, muscle weakness/spasm, shakiness (tremor), decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, unusual weight loss.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: bloody/black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).

If you have diabetes, fluoxetine may affect your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication, diet, and exercise when you start or stop fluoxetine.

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

The TOTAL Possible Side Effects May Be Found Here :

webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1774...

[DaveT81 in reply to TriggerPoint]

He does, or should do as it's in my records. I also usually ask every time he or any other medical person prescribes me anything, whether I'm OK to take it with my afib. I didn't on this occasion. From what I can see, it's possible it can give you irregular heartbeat but few hiccups here (in my heart rhythm) are normal. Sudden palps this morning were definitely not, though.

[Humankind-BE_BOTH]

2 weeks in it and no nothing like that. I have headache, joint pain, inconsistent sleep and irritable.