I have been on Fluoxetine for 9 weeks now (1 week 10mg and 8 weeks 20mg) for depression and anxiety and I haven’t seen much improvement. I do not feel worse thankfully, and the side effects are mostly gone. I was hoping that after 6-8 weeks I would feel better, as most reviews I have read. My doctor says it could take the full 12 weeks but I am doubtful. Has anyone had no improvement for that many weeks or is it likely I need to increase my dosage/ change meds?
Will fluoxetine start to work after 9 weeks?
Question posted by Valerie369 on 13 May 2023
Last updated on 24 May 2023 by Ph_Tarek990
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Answers
Ph_Tarek990
24 May 2023
The effectiveness of fluoxetine appears after at least two weeks... If you do not benefit from this medicine, you should visit the doctor to add some other medicines to get an excellent benefit.
WildcatVet
13 May 2023
Hi, Valerie! It does take 6-8 weeks and sometimes longer for the medication to become fully effective, especially, for anxiety, to respond, but 9 weeks is a while. Everybody responds differently... 20mg might be effective for some people and others need higher dosages. Fluoxetine can be dosed from 20mg to 60mg and even 80mg in some cases so you'd have plenty of wiggle room. Maybe you could ask your doctor about a higher dosage and get their professional opinion? Regards and I hope you can get to feeling better soon.
Related topics
depression, anxiety, fluoxetine, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Fluoxetine uses and safety info
- Fluoxetine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Fluoxetine (detailed)
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