Could you have strained a stomach muscle, maybe? I don't see how alprazolam would ease SSRI induced gut pain, in fact BZDs can and do themselves cause gastro issues, but they are pretty good muscle relaxants.
A month is still early days, especially for fluoxetine which tends to take longer than the other ADs because of that long half-life, so I wouldn't read too much into what is happening atm. That said, there is a case for taking a higher dose than previously rather than waiting to see if it will be enough and then having to wait more weeks for an increase to take effect if it proves inadequate. You can always ease back the dose once the anxiety has been bought back under control to check whether you really need the extra, although personally I'd stay on whatever works unless ongoing side-effects are significantly worse. With ADs being a little over medicated is better than under medicated.I'm thinking I may have to give the Fluox a little more time, if the anxiety doesn't lessen, I may have to see my doctor and talk about upping the dosage ?
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.
PDU, Thanks for the reply. What seems to be the issue, maybe, when I have stress/anxiety my abdominal muscle seem to "tighten,spasm ? " as soon as the anxiety is gone, the stomach pain seem to lessen or go. I do have a stressful job (emergency services) , so just going into work raises my anxiety before I even begin.I took 2 (1/4) tabs last night over a 6 hour period and my wife even noticed the difference... My goal today, as I'm off work, is to not take any Xanax and control any anxiety with breathing or mindfulness...hopefully..we'll see how that works...meh..
As per your info, and others, i'm going to give the Fluox at least 2 more weeks before I consider any dosage change at this point as I'm only into day 2 of week 4...
Last edited by Conelrad; 11-01-20 at 16:21. Reason: added info
Sounds like a plan, however, don't be a martyr. If you need to take Xanax then do so.
Cool. Fingers crossed that you begin to see a positive result soon.As per your info, and others, i'm going to give the Fluox at least 2 more weeks before I consider any dosage change at this point as I'm only into day 2 of week 4...
Is there a career pathway to a less stressful part of the service? I appreciate the personal rewards of these jobs, but you shouldn't sacrifice your well-being helping others.I do have a stressful job (emergency services) , so just going into work raises my anxiety before I even begin
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.
Jan 16 Update** Been a week since last update. Sleep pattern is fairly normal now. Appetite is pretty good also. Only issue at this point is I'm still having stomach area pain. I've had a colonoscopy and endoscopy with found nothing major that would contribute to the pain. I still have points of high anxiety, but I dont know if it's the anxiety issue or my body is still adjusting to the Fluox. It's been 5 weeks as of today and I'm starting to get a little frustrated at this point.....
Last edited by Conelrad; 16-01-20 at 21:20. Reason: correction
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.
Thanks PDU...I have a follow up appointment with my GP a week from tomorrow. So, I'll see how I'm doing by then. See if at that point a dosage change or something may be appropriate...I think the anxiety may be contributing to the stomach issue, but I've never experienced that before..Of course, it makes the anxiety worse...meh..
Jan 20th Update*** Friday and Sat I need half a tab of Xanax to help with heightened anxiety,kind of a background anxiety, but Sunday & today, so far have been really good. I slept great last night. Fell asleep about 11 pm woke up at 6 for a few minutes, fell back asleep until 8 am..Nice ! This Thursday will mark the 6 week point of my restart....
If you plot when ADs begin to have a positive effect you get the classic bell curve with the peak at around 6 weeks, maybe a week or two later for fluoxetine. So you are/have entered the prime zone. You may still get some setbacks, but as long as the length and frequency of the good days keep increasing you're on the right track.
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.
Thanks PDU !
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)