How long till fluoxetine starts to work?

[signs09]

Hello,

I started fluoxetine 20mg. It's been 5 weeks and I don't feel any improvement. Sertraline didn't work, so changed to this one. Side effects are awful, just awful. Headaches, diarrhea, worsening depression and so on. Any thoughts how much should I wait for full effect?

[_Alex_]

Some sources will say up to 12 weeks for the full effect to kick in, but if you aren't getting any benefit at all at 5 weeks, it's perhaps time to either increase the dose, or switch to something else if you can't tolerate it.

You need to see your prescriber about it to complain about the side effects and zero benefit.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi signs09,

Welcome to our community. In answer to your question, most antidepressants take time to work, and Fluoxetine is no different. You should talk to your prescribing doctor who should be monitoring you, if after 3-4 weeks from the start of treatment you are not getting a therapeutic effect, then they may consider increasing your dose. You should read your Patient Information Leaftlet (PIL) in your medication box for more information, here is a digital copy from the Medicines Compendium: medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

Also check information from Mind UK charity: Fluoxetine: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. Do check out our Pinned Posts section for links to free mental health guides, international crisis support helplines etc.

Ok folks, please pop by and welcome this new member on board.

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[Dolphin14]

You are on a low dose, which is the best way to start. I would keep in touch with your md in between appointments. Call and ask questions.

[NHSseemstonotcare]

LIke all meds, everyone is unique, me, i was on 40mg for 15years by that time it had stopped really working as well. It like Sertraline, is a Prozac based medication so needs a long time to build up, or down when coming off it. 20mg is not that high a dose so the effect will not, in most cases, be dramasticlly noticeable. I think you should consider talking to your GP to answer these questions better, and to keep check on the side effects your having with such a low dose. Keep us informed though, and welcome to the place 🙂

[James1978]

Try also getting to the gym or trying a new activity in combination. Force yourself to do new things. Meetup.com is a good place to find new activities.

Hang in there it may seem it is not working right now but in time things will get better.

[Fluox1 in reply to James1978]

Are you better?

[Fluox1]

I am on week 3 of fluoxitine. Feeling anxious in the mornings

[Thegoddess]

I have been on fluxotine since 2006 and its make me feel all over the place and low mood and feeling depressed and suicidal thoughts at times