side affects

[pooky11]

how long will i experience the side effects of my med , i started it about a week ago tomorrow, i think i have every possible side effect that there is for fluoxetine! HELP!!!!!!!

[CanuckGuy42]

oh and one more thing... always update your doctor on how you are feeling...if something doesnt feel right to you let him/her know.....there was a time when i was on the phone or visiting mine almost every 2-3 days.... its ok and par for the course with these medications.....

[CanuckGuy42]

You are on an SSRI medication and from personal experience (on Lexapro) I can tell you it can take a while for the medication to ramp up in your system and start showing therapeutic effects. Like you I went through some nasty side effects for about the first 2-3 weeks. To the point where I was about to throw in the towel but I can tell you now that I am SO GLAD I didn't because it is working and I feel much better.  Patience truly is a virtue with SSRI medications and unfortunately there is no way around it. But if you give it a few more weeks you have a good chance of feeling a whole lot better.

In the meantime.. speak to your doctor about maybe getting a low dose of a benzo medication like Klonopin to take the edge off on days where the side effects have you edgey and jittery. That's what I did and it helped get me through it. Eventually didn't need the Klonopin at all anymore.

And another thing I would suggest is doing some form of regular physical activity if you aren't already. Going for walks, working out at the gym etc. That made a huge difference for me.

Hope this helps... good luck... there is a light at the end of this tunnel even if you can't see it yet!

[mammo]

It can last up to two weeks but if you're having a lot of side effects give your prescribing doctor a quick call about it.  He needs and wants to know how you're doing, and they are used to us calling when we start a new medication.  Hope this helps.