hello,
I started fluoxetine today for my health anxiety and ‘moderate’ depression. If you are/were on this drug, what are your opinions about its side effects, effectiveness etc?
Thanks
Alex xx
Hi Alex,
I haven’t taken fluoxetine before, but have citalipram and venlafaxine.
Citalipram is in the same group as fluoxetine and most people find there aren’t as many side affects, only thing I noticed was a lowered sex drive! Otherwise appetite was fine and mood improved, just don’t expect it to work overnight, although I did feel my physical symptoms with panic attacks, which was mainly feeling like I could never properly fill my lungs, did seem to disappear fairly soon.
The main struggle with antidepressants is coming off of them as the majority of people get withdrawal symptoms. The main one being “head shocks” where sudden eye movements create a weird shock sensation in your head and sometimes chest. So its really important to come off of them properly and gradually, you’ll suffer if you just stop taking them!
Wheeze
thank you for your posts.
Yes, my doctor warned me that in some people the drug may cause temporary worsening. I’m having another appointment in two weeks to discuss how is it all going, whether I want to stay on it etc.
Alex xx