Re: Fluoxetine, heightened anxiety when first starting…how long?
Originally Posted by
Limeslime
I am going on holiday in 3 weeks. I remember from last time that my anxiety became hideous when I first started taking fluoxetine, but I cannot remember exactly how long that lasted.
Does anyone know, if I restarted fluoxetine this week, would the heightened anxiety that is caused when starting the drug be likely to still be present and ruin my holiday in 3 weeks? Or should I just wait til I get back to start the drug?
Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting how long any initial side-effects may continue. Side-effects and their severity can differ each time so your previous experience may, or may not be repeated this time. However, starting on a small dose and ramping it up by the same amount every 2-3 weeks should moderate their severity.
I suggest you ask your GP to prescribe it in 10mg tablets initially (if they are available) and starting on only half a tablet daily for the first couple of weeks (get the GP's okay to do this). If it is only available in capsules their contents can be dissolved in a measured quantity of water or fruit juice (but not that of grapefruit) and then dividing the amount drunk to get the 5mg dose. The mixture will retain its potency for at least a week if refrigerated.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.