Fluoxetine severe reaction and withdrawals

[LFE12]

I was on Lofepramine for about six years. Unfortunately before Christmas it became unavailable due to two of the manufacturers relocating.

In January my GP transferred me onto fluoxetine after tapering down the Lofepramine.

Almost from day 1 of taking the fluoxetine I got severe migraines on a daily basis as well as nausea and ringing in my ears . After four weeks side effects were so bad I was unable to get out of bed. GP said looked like severe reaction, low sodium etc. Told me to halve doe for a couple of days then cease to take. I ceased after 33 days. I had got to the point I could barely focus, rainbow effects, severely sore eyes, only seeing in black and white, eczema on my hands, to name a few effects I was experiencing.

5 weeks later and I still have migraines most days, severe nausea, very sore eyes and trouble focusing.

Does anyone know how long this can go on for?

I so there anything I can do? (Using euphrasia for the eyes, it does help a little)

I should add that I have no thyroid, was started on T3 a couple of years ago. Endocrinologist suggested trying without ADs as I have no triggers and T3 is useful as a therapy to help with depression. Depression and anxiety are no longer the issue. Just these dreadful side effects.

Help?

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi LFE 12,

You really must ask the GP or your pharmicist for advice and help. They need to report the MHRA (Medinces & Health Regulation Authority) these adverse reactions to your medication. But also, they need to be closely monitoring your withdrawal regime and side effects and come up with a satisfactory solution to help you. Get back in touch with GP asap.

Here's copy of the Fluroxetine Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) which describes the possible side effects and how to withdraw from the medication safely.

Electronic Medicines Compendium: medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

I hope you start to feel better soon. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[LFE12 in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Many thanks for this. I have been back to my GP and her response was that I should only have had symptoms for a few days. She frankly does not understand this aspect of medicine. I have asked for them to yellow card it and I’m going to yellow card it myself as well.

I am slowly improving. Now mainly awful nausea, and being incredibly hungry, causing me to pile on weight. I’ve just got to be patient, I know. Very frustrating as I have a very healthy diet and lifestyle!

[Hidden]

I took fluoxetine circa few days, I wouldn't ever touch one again. I couldn't work out if I wanted to sleep, clean or decorate, crying my eyes out, pacing, agitated. Never again

[LFE12 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and yes I can believe that. I have friends have been on it for years with no problems. But if it gets you it gets you bad.

The days I wake up with no migraine are such a bonus!

[Hidden in reply to LFE12]

It's weird how different tablets affect different people, I'm a pansy

[LFE12 in reply to Hidden]

You’re not a Panay. My Endo feels it’s all down to genetics and that half the time we are prescribed stuff which they don’t truly understand and we are often guinea pigs. It’s mixed in with blood types, inherited conditions etc. Gene profiling will be the way to go in the future, but it’s a long way away.

Thank you for chatting, it’s been reassuring.