Fluoxetine / Are you supposed to feel really depressed & more anxious before they start to work?
Question posted by lydmcd123 on 8 Aug 2022
Last updated on 8 August 2022 by WildcatVet
I am on day 6 of Fluoxetine, I feel really depressed, anxious and sad. I've been feeling like this since end of May, therefore I had to go on something whilst waiting for therapy, but haven't felt any changes, maybe a little worse, but I know it's got to get into my system and I have to give it time, maybe even a month for it to settle in my system. Thinking of upping my dosage to 20mg soon as I am currently on 10mg as I'm starting out. I am holding out for this medication, because I've seen the most amazing reviews and how they have been worth taking, as I'm an incredibly anxious person and I over-think to a point where I make myself ill.
Hi, lydmcd! Ironically, it's very common to feel more anxious and depressed when initially starting an antidepressant/anxiolytic. These side effects generally resolve within days to a week or two... and they should lessen as the days go by. Most people will begin to feel improvements in the first couple of weeks although it may take the medication 4-6 weeks to become fully effective. You probably shouldn't consider raising your dose at this point because once you feel the full benefits you may find that the 10mg dose is therapeutic. Give it a little time... you can always raise the dose in the future if needs be. Try to be patient during this adjustment period. Your anxiety may tell you that the drug isn't going to work and that's because it doesn't want your depression/anxiety to be resolved. You do want that as you've reached out for help and don't want to continue feeling the way you have. Stay positive! If you have questions or concerns along the way always feel free to post again.
