I had been on 20mg for 2 years and felt fine so i tried to reduce down to 10mg. After 4 weeks on 10mg the anxiety started creeping back in, it got considerably worse over a further 4 weeks so i went back to 20mg. I gave 20mg 10 weeks to work for anxiety, panic attacks and depression and the anxiety and panic didn't get any better, only a slight improvement in the depression. Now I'm on 40mg for three weeks and hoping to wake up one day feeling half normal. When will it get better? Week 1 was heightened anxiety when i thought it couldn't get higher. Week 2 i had some moments of normality once or twice a day and the constant anxiety was a little lower so i thought i was turning a corner. Come week 3 however the panic attacks have started again and my anxiety is still high every morning with a slight reduction as the day goes by. I'm hoping with every inch of my body that i will turn a corner in week 4 and feel some relief! Help i need some guidance!
Fluoxetine - Increased from 20mg to 40mg 3 weeks ago.
Question posted by Looking_for_help5 on 16 Feb 2021
Last updated on 16 February 2021
Answers
Hi, Looking!
You're probably suffering from what's called the roller coaster effect which is common when starting the medication and after dosage increases. You feel better then worse and better again and on and on.
Side effects after a dose increase usually last about 3-4 weeks... and remember that you doubled your dose. That's a big adjustment for your metabolism.
You really should be turning the corner quickly now and the anxiety should start dying down soon. If not, you need to talk with your doctor for professional advice.
Thanks for your words of advice!
Related topics
anxiety, panic disorder, fluoxetine
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- Fluoxetine uses and safety info
- Fluoxetine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Fluoxetine (detailed)
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