Fluoxetine and fatigue

[Booblet]

Hi,

I have been taking 40 mg Fluoxetine for several months......however, I suffer from M.E. The fatigue I am experiencing is horrendous, plus constant headaches.

I have increased Fluoxetine from 40 mg to 60 mg hoping that I will feel better? I do understand that this medication can take a while to balance Serotonin level, and each time you change the dose its like starting again.

I am not sure what to do: is the tiredness a side effect that stays with you all the time? And, do the headaches go away?

I was taking Venlafaxine for 20 yrs and tapered and bridged over to Fluoxetine under supervision.

[Lalatoot]

Fluoxetine is an SSRI. Because this sort of drug alters the Serotonin level it affects the way the gut works. This in turn affects the absorption of levothyroxine.

Folks who take SSRI medication sometimes need to increase levo as a result.

It could be that you are now undermedicated.

[Booblet in reply to Lalatoot]

Hi,

I didn't mention a problem with Levothyroxine re: Fluoxetine, however, this for your reply

[Jazzw in reply to Booblet]

Ah, well, see—you posted on a thyroid forum. So we tend to assume people posting here have thyroid issues!

[Booblet in reply to Jazzw]

I understand, and, your reply is really useful.

I do have underactive thyroid, taking NDT (natural Desiccated Thyroid), when I can my hands on it, and, afford it! Only have limited amount left.

Regarding your advice - taking ssri and thyroid support meds, its really made me think: I do need to sort out exactly what and when I'm administration the meds:

I've not been too well and I have tended to take all meds in one go....for easiness:

Vit d, Vit B Complex , omega 3, vit C, NDT, and the dreaded Fluoxetine. I also take B12 injections 1 x every 2 wks.

Take Care ...