... been sweaty, shaky, extremely anxious (feel like constantly on edge of panic) plus have not been able to eat. I manage a smoothie a day. I can’t sleep through the night either, I wake up several times sweating and anxious. I was on the same med at the same dose before, for years, and I don’t remember having any side effects when i started - just really minor ones like a dry mouth. Will these go away? I feel so much worse than I did when I decided to go back on the med. I don’t know if I can stick this out much longer
When will these side effects go away? I have been taking fluoxetine 20mg for 2 weeks and have...
Question posted by Bailie on 10 June 2018
Last updated on 13 December 2021
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Answers
Sam009
13 Dec 2021
I'm exactly the same stop fluoxetine about 6 months ago now decided to go back on it currently taken 20 mg what I was taking before and I feel absolutely awful waking up with panic and anxiety also sweaty clammy hot flashes only been on it nearly two weeks and now I want to come off it because of the side effects . I feel like I'm in limbo can't think don't know what to do just want to feel normal it's a horrible feeling
WildcatVet
13 Dec 2021
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
If your side effects, especially anxiety, are severe let your doctor know and perhaps they can prescribe a mild sedative to get you through the next couple of weeks until the fluoxetine fully kicks in. Most people will begin to feel improvements in the first several weeks... try to focus on the good that's coming and be reassured that side effects will subside soon now.
Portsenior2015
10 June 2018
I think that you should go back to the doctor and say that it isn't working because since you haven't taken it in so long that it might affect you're body because of the difference of levels of stuff from the medication in you're blood. I would also go because you should be able to eat no matter what medication you are on. Please update me and let me know what happens stay safe!
Bailie
10 June 2018
I haven’t been able to make an appointment to see the doctor until week after next week. I called him and he said the side effects were “common” and should go away in a few days but they are almost intolerable for me and don’t seem to be lessening.
TryingToLiveLife
17 June 2018
Bailie-I am I’m the EXACT same spot that you are in. Has anything improved yet? I weaned myself off Prozac just a couple months ago & restarted about 2 weeks ago. I’m feeling exactly like you are & don’t know what to do.
MarkAndrew
26 June 2018
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I too was on fluoxetine and handled it like nothing else and then after trying to restart it the anxiety and side effects were just as you described! I hope you feel better soon! Lee ya updated and please please hang in there!
TryingToLiveLife
26 June 2018
I’m about 4 weeks in now but Dr brought me down to 10 mg because my side effects were so bad. Finally had a great day yesterday but not until a lot 4:00 pm. I felt so normal. I ate like crazy because I finally had an appetite. Now I just woke up this morning with racing heart & nauseated again. I hate the mornings as this is how every morning has been now.
Jyde
10 Sep 2019
Is anyone here feeling better? I’ve been on it two weeks, and I can’t sleep, I’m nauseated, constipated, and tired all the time. My anxiety is worse than it was before I started these meds. I’m wondering if I should get off?
Related topics
anxiety, panic disorder, fluoxetine, side effect, sleep, 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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