Help! I'm freaking out

[Rachms11]

I've just started back on fluoxetine 3 weeks ago after having a 5 week trial of going off it. Didn't work anyway.

Is it normal 3 weeks in to feel like going crazy or losing it?? Even a little suicidal? I'm scared

[blackcat64013]

Please book a visit to a doctor for a medication review.

In general terms, medication can take 4-8 weeks to take effect. It is possible you didn't stay on it long enough or the dose was too low. If you and your doctor believe it hasn't or won't work for you, there are lots of alternatives in the doctor's toolkit.

It is important to record the results for this medication so far because this forms part of the treatment record for you. Things to record include the start and finish dates, the doseage changes and side effects. You may have heard of the STAR sequencing treatment program which indicates you may have to try a few different meds to find the one for you.

You could also add in some therapy to the mix for your thoughts and feelings. It's not either or for mental health and wellbeing.

I found keeping a diary/journal of mental health journey really valuable. It helps to recall important information that otherwise would not be included in medical records.

[MedStudent1]

i agree with blackcat... seeing a psychiatrist is the best course of action. did this happen to you back when you first started fluoxetine? because i remember for me i felt like that for a month or so atleast before i started feeling better.

[Rachms11 in reply to MedStudent1]

I can't remember how I felt but I think it did that a month or so too. I felt good about a week after starting back on them but then I got my period and I suffer from pms and since then ive been feeling down. Period finished 3 days ago now... seeing my counsellor as soon as I can get in with her. Haven't seen her since last August. Lots happened since then and I was doing fine til I tried to wean myself off the meds

[Blueshirt]

I know its supposed to be some while before it kicks in, but having been on and off it for 20 years I have always felt its initial effects within 10 days. And its initial effects have always made me feel worse before feeling better.

I've been told by doctors that my reactions are psychological, but then that is why I take it; because of my psychological problems.

I now go to the gym 3 times a week, and walk 10,000 steps each day. And, I have got off fluoxetine. For me it's important to be off it and whilst I am not better I am happier being off it.

I wish you all the luck in the world, and remind you that it is only the insightful sensitive people in the world who have these problems

[Rachms11 in reply to Blueshirt]

Thanks for your reply. I hope one day I can be drug free but for now I can't do it without them. Don't know how I'm going to cope when I want to have kids oneday :/