Can fluoxetine make you worse before you get better?

Question

This is my 5th day on fluoxetine, and I feel absolutely awful. It didn't seem to be having much of an effect on me the other 4 days, in fact, it strangly made me feel a little better. But today has been extremely hard and I feel lower than I ever have before... or at least in a long while. I can't do anything, and I feel as if i'm on the verge of a breakdown. Will it get better?

Answer 1

It usually takes at least 2 weeks before antidepressants start becoming effective for that purpose, although they can boost energy levels earlier, Peak effectiveness is not reached for several weeks, but I only recommend antidepressants for major depression, with suicidal intent, or complete inability to function.

There are many things you can do to help treat your depression.

Moderate exercise for at least 20 - 30 minutes, daily, and up to an hour. Brisk walking is good, and try to be mindful of the feeling your foot makes as it hits the ground: it is a relaxation technique. Also use daily, one of the relaxation methods in sections 2, 2.c, 2.i, or 11, and/or yoga, Tai Chi, and/or the EFT, in sections 2.q, 2.o, and section 53, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris whichever works best for you.

Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.

Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (the strength varies, but the supplier should be using a standardised hypericin content, so follow the directions) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55 at ezy-build ).

Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. Co-counselling is shown in the first 3 pages of section 2, or online therapy, or even talking with someone you feel comfortable with, and a much more detailed post is on page R.

Answer 2

I have never heard of Prozac making your actual depression itself "worse" as such. It can cause various side effects though in some people-I experience dizziness, headaches and problems sleeping in the first week or two but its stopped now.

Like all anti-depressants Prozac can make you more vulernable to suicide. This is because when we are very low we probably wont have the energy to think out a plan and carry it out, and as your mood lifts and energy increases you're more likely to.  You may see people on here and other sites saying Prozac is really bad and will make you suicidal but thats all it is I promise you.  Just be aware of this.

One of the side effects listed in my packs of Prozac is confusion and problems thinking-so this could be linked to you feeling bad. However it could just be a coincidence that you're feeling so low now.  I'd advise you to stick with Prozac a bit longer, and if the side effects dont go or you still feel very bad go back to your doctor as you may need to be put on something else.

In the mean time try to keep yourself busy and do things you enjoy, try not to be alone wherever possible, arrange to see friends and relatives.  I know its hard but these things will make it easier.  It will pass.

Take care.

Answer 3

I have been taking fluoxetine for 10 days now, I felt really really bad on Tue and Wed but now I feel a bit better.  Stick with it, I know I am at least going to give it a month until I hopefully see the effects of it