Reducing dose

[Shadow19422]

I have been on 20m of fluoxetine for 17 days, my Doctor said if no better after 14 to increase the dose to 40m, so I contacted the prescription line to ask what I should do, they told me to increase the dose to 40m as per my Doctor said, I also sent a email to ask what I should do, I didn’t hear back so took the advise of the prescription person and went up to 40m, since I have felt terrible can’t sleep at night and hot sweats in bed, every side effect came back after experiencing it already.

Today I have been told after 4 days on 40m to reduce the dose back to twenty and give it two more weeks, I have low mood and very anxious.

Has anyone else been told to reduce the dose after taking a double dose for four days, I went from 20m to 40m for four days and am now back to 20m just hope I start to feel better it’s 3 weeks tomorrow.

[NWGal]

I've never experienced that. I took Prozac (fluxotine) for Major Depressive Disorder for years. Let it play out as long as you aren't experiencing bad side effects. There are so many good SSRIs on the market now I don't know why docs still prescribe Prozac but that's just my opinion. It does treat compulsive behavior disorders like OCD and also treat anxiety. I suppose if you are dealing with these other disorders and depression it could be helpful in that you don't have to take multiple meds - if it works. Good karma coming your way friend!

[Shadow19422 in reply to NWGal]

Not certain why she reduced the dose, but obviously Doctor thought 20m is enough, my Doctor said after two weeks to go up to 40m but he is on holiday, the duty Doctor said to just take 20m for two more weeks, so that will be 5 weeks in total.

I have only got depression and anxiety, none of the other things you mentioned.

My guess is they use fluoxetine because it’s cheaper, I have been on it before for many years, it worked last time and I am feeling slightly better today and yesterday, so I will give it time

I have dealt with all the bad side effects, just a bit shaky now, didn’t experience the bad night sweats last night and at least I slept.

[NWGal in reply to Shadow19422]

Sounds like maybe things are on the upswing! Great.

[OrthocerasMaximus]

Been on Prozac twice, both awful experiences, can't speak for anyone but myself however if you start to feel in any way not in control of yourself physically, like what you're doing or saying/struggle to understand/remember whether you're awake/asleep/dead/alive, stop taking them straight away and consult your doctor. Make mention that you're not able to understand why or how these things are happening but definitely not normal for you even with low mood and anxiety already on the table prior to taking these meds.

Hope you find your answer soon x

[Shadow19422 in reply to OrthocerasMaximus]

Thank you for your reply, I have had this drug before, and got better, then I took it for years but Doctors don’t like you taking it long term, so I had to take one every other day, and then suddenly the re-peat prescription had gone, I should have questioned it but thought maybe I should try to not take them, that’s about 2 years ago since my last one.

I have had several illnesses with a lot of pain, then I had a bowel problem, I was sent for a urgent referral for a ct colonoscopy, I think it pushed me over the edge waiting for the results, but thankfully they came back clear with just a bit of diverticulosis I was aware of that anyway with a previous colonoscopy.

I started to get the low mood and no interest in anything or anyone, so I realised I was going down that road, went to Doctors and it’s 3 weeks ago now, yes the first two weeks was a living hell, dry mouth, no appetite, couldn’t sleep, very shaky, today is the second day that I am feeling a bit better, so hopefully things will improve over the next few weeks.