How will fluoxetine make me feel the first time I take it?
Question posted by klee42 on 15 Dec 2018
Last updated on 17 December 2018
I’m 19 years old and just recently got diagnosed with OCD and GAD and was prescribed 10 mg of fluoxetine (prozac). I’ve never taken an SSRI before, or any other “mood” medication. I have no idea what it will feel like, and I’m too nervous to even take the first pill. The only thing my doctor has told me is to take it once a day for 30 days and that it might make me feel “weird” at first. After several failed attempts to contact my doctors office, I’ve decided to come here to see if any experienced Prozac takers can share their wisdom.
Here are a few of my questions: I know I won’t start to feel benefits until 4-6 weeks, but how will I feel when I first take it? Will I feel high? tipsy? normal? How long does the “weird” feeling last? Can I take it with other things, like alcohol or caffeine? What time of day should I take it? It’s currently almost 5pm here and I want to take my first pill today, but I don’t want to have to take it EVERY day at 5. Advice?
Thanks so much for reading this; ANY help, advice, or encouragement is much appreciated.
Added 15 Dec 2018:
NOTE:
It has been over a week since I’ve had this bottle of fluoxetine sitting at my desk. I know I need to take it, but I’m genuinely terrified it will give me an intense panic attack... Although I get panic attacks somewhat often, I tend to stay away from things that might cause them. They’re scary and they ruin my day. I’ve become pretty good at calming myself down when I feel one coming on, but when I’m on the influence of anything I feel like I have a lot less control. This is probably my main concern with taking fluoxetine; if anyone has a similar experience with anxiety and had a positive experience with this drug, please let me know!!! I have not heard enough positive stories.
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Answers
WI
WildcatVet
16 Dec 2018
Hi, klee! The first thing you need to do is educate yourself about fluoxetine (Prozac is the brand name). You should have received a product insert along with your prescription that you should read or you can go to https://www.drugs.com/fluoxetine.html to learn what the drug is, how it works, what the potential side effects are, etc. What you need to keep in mind is that many people have no side effects at all and if you do you certainly won't have ALL of them. My concern for you is that with your already present anxieties you are far more apt than most to experience them. Keep in mind that they are generally mild and only last a few days to a week or two... and they are less pronounced every day. You may feel an increase in your anxiety level (from the drug itself OR from your fear of it), some nausea, headaches, insomnia, etc. Go ahead and read through the literature and post again with any specific concerns or questions you may have, okay? Prozac is one of the top three drugs prescribed for patients diagnosed with anxiety orders and it's very effective for most people. If you get through the first couple of weeks you'll probably be amazed at how much better you feel.
Votes: +1
KL
klee42
16 Dec 2018
Thanks for your answer! I have read the insert, and I’m aware of the possible side effects, however; the instert really didn’t tell me anything about how I can expect to feel the first few days... I guess I’m just not really sure what to affect as far as my mental state. Some people have said it even made them feel as if they were in a dream, which scares me. I don’t like feeling like I’m not in control. So I guess my question would be: Besides the anxiety that might come after I take the medication, will I feel “weird” or impaired? Besides the physical effects, will I feel like I’m on some recreational drug initially?
Also- I think I might just take half for tonight/tomorrow... Just to ease in to it a bit. Is that advisable?
Thank you again for your help.
WI
WildcatVet
16 Dec 2018
That would be a very low dose and much less apt to make you feel "spacey" or "weird". Even if it does it shouldn't last more than a couple of days. Maybe take it at night so you sleep through it? Did you decide to take it?
KL
klee42
16 Dec 2018
I did, I ended up just taking half... My head hurt and I felt a bit more forgetful than normal but that doesn’t necessarily have to be from the drug. Overall I felt pretty normal. I almost feel silly for even worrying, haha.
Thanks again for your help- I really appreciate it. :)
WI
WildcatVet
17 Dec 2018
It's not silly... it's a valid concern. Did you take another low dose or did you up it... and how are you feeling today?
