Finally diagnosed + Fluoxetine help

[LynnSalv]

Today I finally went to a psychiatrist and got formally diagnosed with dysthymia. Not sure how to feel about it. On one hand, it sucks having this but in the other, now I know it is something else and not just me being dramatic and exagerating my feelings.

Anyways, they gaved me Fluoxetine for 1 month. Do any of you have any particular experience with taking this specific drug or any other SSRI? I know I have to take them, earlier this year we studied about antidepressants and know somewhat well how they work and what to expect, but I am still nervous/afraid about finally starting treatment.

Any info or experience would help thanks in advance 🙏

[maza1]

They will make you feel worse before they start working but I have had them for a long time this is my 3rd time on them and each time I have found them helpful ,when you start taking them you feel awful (or that was my experience) but keep taking them and I assure you you will feel the benefit from them and you will start to feel like the real you again soon , If you have any questions or I can help just put a message on here x

[IceMaiden82 in reply to maza1]

How would you describe "awful" ? I am two weeks into a low/reduced dose of Fluoxetine. I feel tired, floaty, unreal, off balance which causes more anxiety. I have started face-to face therapy and have been taught breathing exercises. The problems causing the anxiety are not going to go away, so I am desperate for help in coping.

[LoveforAll41]

Hi LynnSalv, I am excited for you to try something new. I went on fluoxetine for a few years and really liked it. I did find that the SSRIs make me feel tired, and quite mellow, but that is so much better than unbearably anxious.

My Drs scaled up my dose pretty slowly so I think that side effects for me were minimized for me when beginning.

When I started my current drug I did feel a great spike in anxiety, but knowing it was just my body adjusting to the new drugs helped me stay calm.

Also, I really hope you are able to do therapy in conjunction with medication. I truly believe that if we can change the way we think we can change the way we feel.

May you have peace, hope, and strength.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

I’m on that now and it’s working for me. It took the psychiatrist a year to get me on a cocktail of drugs to get me stable. But they’re working now. And it’s a blessing. Good luck. I don’t think you need to be afraid.