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A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
I thought it would be useful to provide a typical timetable for the journey to recovery. I have been on fluox for over 8 weeks and have read many, many posts of people's experiences here. Though everybody is different, it seems there is a common path for those where this medication has been successful. Many people seem to give up too soon, or change their dosage too soon because this is a very, very slow acting drug. My hope is, this will help those who are questioning their recovery by giving hope that, with time, this is a magnificent med when it does work.
First, the disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor am I capable of giving medical advice to any one specific person. This is merely a summary of the experiences I have read about. Further, there are many exceptions to this typical experience. Many claim success the first week while many others find that prozac just is not the right medication for them.
Further, this experience is typical for the person who has taken fluox in the past. For some reason, first time users seem to get much faster results and usually less side effects.
Also, this is a typical timetable for those who do not change their dosage. Changes in dosage seem to lengthen the time for recovery, almost like starting over.
So, in short, here is what I have read to be typical:
Week 1: This week can go either way. Some find almost immediate improvement while other see the side effects (see weeks 2-3) after the first day.
Weeks 2,3: These are almost always the most difficult. Anxiety and depression can get worse than before the medication. Side effects kick in, these can include sleeplessness, nightmares, diarrhea, nausea, hot flashes, excessive sweating (especially at night), dry mouth, muscle twitches, overall muscle weakness and pain, zero appetite, and very negative mental outlook. My advice is, take these one day at a time and try not to get discouraged, not every day will be bad and better times are ahead!
Weeks 4,5: Some improvement. The side effects lessen to some point, and there are moments when you start to feel normal. Typically evenings are the best and mornings the worst. Many start playing around with dosage at this point because they are told that the Prozac should be working, my advice: hold the course!
Weeks 6,7: More improvement. Maybe 50% to 70% better than before starting. There are often blips where you feel just terrible for a few days, but not usually over a week. Some side effects lessen, but also you may get new side effects. Hang in there, you are getting ready to turn a corner!:)
Weeks 8-10: Even more improvement. There still are blips, but they are less severe and shorter, maybe 1-2 days. Not normal yet, but getting better day by day. The side effects are usually 75% or so gone. Light at the end of the tunnel!
Weeks 10-12: Maybe this is wishful thinking for me (I'm not here yet), but this is where most see the best results. Some quotes from this time period: "best in months", "Amazing", "Feel good", "brilliant". Again, this is for the people for whom the prozac did work, not everyone, and for those who stuck to their original dosage. For some, this happens at 7 weeks, for some, 3-4 months. But, from what I have read, 10-12 weeks is the payoff time.
I hope this helps, please let me know if it does! Others, please feel free to offer differences, or additions to this summery. The purpose is to give those struggling an idea of what to expect. I feel for everyone struggling through this terrible disease, it's truly awful, but you will get through it! There are many great posters here willing to help with questions and are very supporting. I am grateful to them all!
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Nice curation of other's experiences (and of your own), Betterdays. I hope other's find this to be helpful. It's always nice to see collated information presented in a linear visual way. I'm coming out of week three, meh.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Thanks for the reply copper. Week 3 eh? The worst is probably over, better from here! Please let me know how the rest of your journey goes. I'm at 8-1/2 weeks and starting to have some really good days. I wish you the best.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Thank you for this. Gives me hope. I start week three tomorrow. I'm just so done. Ug. I've been having panic attacks and sick to my stomach and can't seem to wake up. Just so down. Hopefully only another week left with these side effects. I really hope this works.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
You're welcome. So many people give up in the early weeks because the side effects are so bad. Others increase or decrease their dose. From the information I have read on here, my advice is to stick with it and stay at the same dosage, for at least 8 weeks.
Do I ever know it is hard! The good news is, this stuff works wonders when it works, and it seems to work for the majority of folks who stay the course.
Stay in touch, we will get through this!
By the way, is this the first time you have used prozac? If so, it seems to work faster the first time.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Great summary, betterdays! I think your summary should be included with the medicine instead of the one the pharmacy gives you, as yours is much more realistic.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Deepthinker, You are one of several who inspired me to keep fighting this battle, so thank you!
I am 9 weeks tomorrow, and still seeing daily progress. It was posts like yours that convinced me that my experiences were typical, and to stay the course. I am very grateful!!
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
thank you for those kind words, betterdays!:D so glad to hear that you are doing so well and even continuing to improve. you and others on this site have been such a blessing and encouragement to me.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Just a quick update on my journey. I'm now at 10 weeks, still on 20 mg. Still seeing improvement, but still not what I consider normal. True depression is limited to an hour or so in the mornings and that is mild, yet I remain frustrated by how slow this process is. I'm hoping the next 2 weeks for me are a big payoff as is per the "typical schedule" above. I will report again at 12 weeks.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Hi Betterdays, how are you doing now? Your timetable for recovery post is very informative and encouraging.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Hi Bissaf,
I'm in my 11th week and still doing better and better. I have the occasional blip, but it only lasts 15-30 minutes usually. I'm functional, not depressed but, I'm not the happy person I was, so I'm looking forward to even better days.
Thanks for your comment, I will try to post here again when I've reached the 12 week mark.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
thanks for this post it's very useful. I've just been prescribed this today so gives me an idea of what to expect. Do you take yours in the morning or in the evening? my dr has advised evening in case they make me drowsy.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
I have always taken mine at bedtime. That seems to be the best time according to most here. Thanks for the comment!
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Just a brief update: I am now at 13 weeks and probably 98% back to my normal self!
The timetable from my original post held pretty true for me though, even at 11-12 weeks I was wondering if I would keep improving. Even though I expect to have some blips, I can honestly say I am so happy I stuck with this. If prozac is the right drug for you, it works wonders, too bad it is so slow. Best wishes all!
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Betterdays - this is so good to hear!
You sound very positive.
I am almost 8 weeks in and feeling something like what you described at 11 weeks 'not really depressed but not the happy person I was'
So I guess things could keep improving!:)
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
That's great news, Betterdays. I'm so happy for you!
Gives me something to hold on to right now while I'm in the midst of the 2-3 week blues. I know it will get better, just really tough right now.
All the best!
RW
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Annaisabelle,
Yes, it does keep getting better, it did for me anyway. I can say I am enjoying life now. You know how huge that is!
Radiowave,
Hang in there, I know how tough it is right now. One day at a time, and week-by-week try to review the progress. You will probably notice some improvement when you hit the 4 week mark. And a whole lot more at 6 weeks!
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Just a quick note on my own progress. I'm on week 19 now and am 95% better. Since 14 weeks, I have been rather steady without an blips lasting more than 10 minutes or so. Best wishes to all.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Thanks for that better days
I am on 7and a half weeks and really struggling with anxiety and depression and new side effects - muscle pain in neck,back and jaw today
You have given me hope for a better future.
I used the name daffodil because I am hoping when I see the first daffodils I will be feeling better
Best wishes to everyone
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
hi
i'm at week 7 ( 4 or 5 time around ) but this time very hard
I feel like I'm not myself, and I will lose my control and I'm afraid to commit suicide
is it normal ? or just prozac dont work for me anymore
plz help
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Hello. Sorry to hear you are struggling so much. I'm not an expert by any means, but I will say that at week 7 most people feel a lot of improvement, but still have some very bad days. If it is just getting worse every week, perhaps you should talk with your doctor about it. If you are suicidal, definitely talk with your doctor. On the other hand, even as late as week 10, I still had some doubts about how well the prozac was working. My suggestion is to look for week by week improvement, not day by day. It's easy to think it is not working during the bad days.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Sorry my English is weak .. now six weeks and two days
I felt in the fifth week of some natural minutes or maybe it was just optimism, but now the worst ..
I did not try to kill myself, but there is a feeling of fear of this idea
Is this pass? Please help me
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
prozac g,
Sorry, I haven't been on here for a while. How are you feeling now?
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Quote:
Originally Posted by
betterdays
prozac g,
Sorry, I haven't been on here for a while. How are you feeling now?
I've been on Prozac for eight weeks (seven weeks 20 & one week 40) and then changed to Paroxetine
Day 23 (17 days 20 & 6 days 30) and everything is still bad : (
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Hi, Prozac G,
Are you moreso depressed that anxious? It is possible that a single-acting drug isn't enough for you. After at least two unsuccessful trials with SSRIs, you may want to ask your doctor to switch you to a different class. Perhaps one like venlaxafine (Effexor), which effects more than just serotonin. Just a suggestion, but that's what my doctor did with me, and it is working for me where the SSRIs did not.
Don't give up, there is a type or a combination for you, keep trying!
Marie :hugs:
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
How's it going for you Betterdays? I recently switched to Fluoxetine. Found this thread helpful. Been just a few days so hoping I can fast-forward to the good bit soon :D
Just need a time machine now :wacko:
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Hello, Thanks for asking. I'm normal, 100% my old self as far as I can tell. Still on 20 mg, and will remain there at least until spring and, most likely much longer. I've seen too many posts where folks feel normal and go off the prozac, just to go through the whole mess again.
Best wishes to you, stick with it!
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
It's interesting that the brain seems to go back to a pre-med state and then you have to go through the whole adjustment rigmarole again. I also read that even low doses of Prozac (5-10mg range) have been shown to be effective.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Hi, I Realize this is an old thread but I hope someone still might be around to give some friendly advise. I Started on Prozac 20mg 2 weeks and five days ago for anxiety/Panic disorder and Ibs. The first two weeks were ok and I was on holidays. I experienced a lot more energy and little anxiety here and there (not unusual for me). Now since hitting the 2 week mark and returning to work I am feeling WAY worse. I am constantly EXTREMELY agitated/ anxious and wake up after 2-4 hours sleep with a start like iv had a terrible nightmare. This agitated/anxious feeling lasts most of the day. Im really struggling and in constant fear I will loose my job if this does not subside.
PS. this is my first time on Prozac. I tried Lexapro a few months back but only lasted 6 days and stopped because I was sleeping 16 hours a day
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
hi, ibsanxiety. sorry to hear the anxiety is increasing. those early days on prozac can be rough but you should start to feel better soon. when she prescribed prozac, my doc told me up front that my anxiety would probably get worse before it got better. and it did! i have been on it a year now and it has worked wonderfully for me. try giving it a few more weeks and i think you will be pleased with the results. this med is one of the slow working ones but once it starts to work it is very effective. i wish you the best as you recover. :)
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Thanks Deepthinker, This is easily the most difficult thing i have ever been through. My anxiety is 10 fold, and im only sleeping for around 2-3hrs a night. 6 days left untill ive completed week 4. If there is absolutely no improvement by then im tapering off. I was much better before.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Brilliant post. Spot on.. im at week 7 almost and still feeling iffy but more better days!.. So hopefully im turning the corner.. doc wanted to increase dose from 20 to 40 but im going to hold off till 12 weeks and then see. Ty Ty a great reassuring informative read. x
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
IbsAnxiety, i certainly cannot blame you for tapering off if you haven't experienced any improvement by the end of week four. in fact, my doc actually prescribed pristique the week before she prescribed prozac and that was probably the most miserable week of my life. i hardly slept at all and i kept feeling faint after taking the pill each morning. after one week my doc said pristique was not for me. hopefully, the prozac will kick in, but if not, don't give up. there is something out there that will work. :)
polly, so glad to hear you are turning the corner! :)
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Thanks Deepthinker and to ibs anxiety.. i felt at my worst week 4! was horrible and i thought like you i was no where near as bad as this before.. i was told to keep going and that there should be an improvement soon.. week 7 and some improvement.. Read the betterdays diary.. its realistic and true! good luck.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Thanks Polly and Deepthinker. I made it to the end of week 4 and start week 5 today. Im sleeping again and pretty much feel like myself before Prozac (anxiety and all). My biggest issue now is (sorry for being so graphic) horrible watery diarrhea started last week and has not let up at all. Even my 'safe' foods are not helping :-( I hope this passes soon I don't want week 3 to have been for nothing! Thanks again for both of your encouragement
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
OMG hitting week eight and had two horrible days! Anxious,light headed and feeling sick.. arrgggghh. Due on so that could be contributing.. Doc said my blood pressure is low and thats why i am feel dizzy, then the dizzy makes me feel anxious and then i feel sick! nightmare.. however.. I shall keep going,, and hope its just a blip.. encouragement please. Hope everyone else doing ok
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
hugs to you polly!:hugs: so sorry to hear that things are rough at the moment. it WILL get better and more than likely is a blip. hang in there and stay in touch with your doc about the blood pressure issue. hope you are feeling better today.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
This is so helpful I'm on week 3 and have defo have negative outlook. This post has really helped today thank you.
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
rachh, so glad this post is helping you feel a little better. it is amazing how just knowing that you aren't alone on this journey helps. before i started my meds and during the early days of being on them, i would read on this forum and it would make me feel better as well. :hugs:
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Re: A timetable for recovery on Fluoxetine / prozac
Thanks Deepthniker.. Feeling a bit better again.. Week 9 almost. Back docs Fri for blood pressure, still anxious but not like it was so hopefully on its way out! Hope your feeling ok. Its a brill post by the way so thanks for that. x