BAD SIDE EFFECTS FROM TAKING fLUOXETINE... can anyone suggest any remedies to reduce the side effects please

[hilarybarnett11]

Started on 10ml Fluoxetine 5 weeks ago for 2 weeks, now I have been on 20ml for 3 weeks and feeling a lot worse, shaking badly, diarrhea, loosing too much weight, but I do eat even though I have no appetite. I have very bad OCD, to which I have only acquired in the last 6 months. the mental health team have give me Lorazepan to help with the side effects, but only taking the edge off the anxiety... since have been taking the Fluoxetine I feel the OCD has gone worse, can this be normal when you first go on Fluoxetine.... I also take thyroxine for under active thyroid problem, my bloods came back normal last time.... I have been on and off AD's for 2 years now, and seem to have gone worse, but when I don't take them I'm now feeling bad,. It all started 2 years ago when I had late bereavement, all I wanted then was counseling, but with the long weight, the GP put me on antidepressants, I have lost over 2 stone, since then, i am very thin,.. did have Fluoxetine last year and it did give me the shakes, stayed on it 10.5 weeks, now maybe I should have hung in there, didn't have OCD then, so I am much worse this time..... the other AD's I have had Sertraline, Mirtazapine, Venlafaxine, wasn't on any of these long, but made me feel worse and loose weight..... Gone Fluoxetine again, as i know they are the easiest to come off when the time is right, and also for the OCD, which I think has gone worse..... Please Please can anyone help me with this as I feel i am going mad, and driving everyone else mad as well... I live alone.... I am also having CBT, but it is not helping, they also cancel some of my appointment, which upsets me..... Hilary

[DMM218 Ambassador]

Give it time with CBT. Once you get the idea of it - it can be really useful in tackling unhealthy thinking.

I've no info on your meds. I took fluoxetine for about 8 years - very few side effects. If you are worried or struggling speak to GP. That's what they are there for. Keep us posted - I'm sure someone will have some info on meds for you here.

[hilarybarnett11 in reply to DMM218]

Many thanks for your reply, I think maybe group CBT might help me better, I always been on the fussy side. but never like this. this is a nightmare

[DMM218 Ambassador in reply to hilarybarnett11]

You should be fussy when it comes to health. Seriously side effects are biggest problem in getting to the right medication so don't not tell GP. It all comes down to individual chemistry and GP may have a lot of options for meds available. Meantime, until it settles do what you can to keep on track. Talk to people etc Keep posting, we are here to help.

[hilarybarnett11 in reply to DMM218]

Many thanks, I will keep posting, and thanks for the support.... Hilary

[Hidden]

Hello hilarybarnett11

Side effects to anti-depressants can be quite common and may take some time to disappear altogether. The side-effects you are describing seem to have occurred when you have tried other anti-depressants. If the mental health team are responsible for your medication I would talk to your CPN about the side effects you are experiencing. If your GP is responsible for your medication then I think it would be wise to make an appoinment to see your GP.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get on.

Lottie

[hilarybarnett11 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Lottie I will keep you posted.... Hilary

[Gambit62]

Has anyone checked your folate and B12 levels. SSRIs can lead to problems with folate in some people and one of the symptoms of folate deficiency is anxiety and depression - ditto for B12 deficiency