Some advice please

[Johann]

I have just joined this forum. Have been taking 20mg Fluoxitine for past 4 weeks but started with Prozac (which is also Fluoxitine) 40mg this morning which I got from GP yesterday. Not feeling great at this moment. Could it be that the double dosage is too high? Any advice on how long it takes for medication to start making me feel better? Does councilling or CBT help? Have got 5mg Diazapam but I am reluctant to take ............ any suggestions/advice on this, please.
Thanks for any replies as I am feeling quite down.

[Zaf]

it usually takes me a couple of weeks to respond to an increased dosage Johann,  I would give it that long if you possibly can and go back to see your GP if there is no improvement after a fortnight - but if you feel worse at any time do go back before then

Z xx

[Sweetpea]

I would agree with Zaf, an increase in medication can take a couple of weeks to take effect, if your dr has prescribed Diazepam, then maybe take them as advised by your dr to help you through bad days.  Although they are very addictive so please only take as your dr advised.

S x

[Beetzart]

Johann, how did you respond to 20 mg prozac during the first few days?  SSRIs do tend to make you feel worse initially, although I became slightly hypermanic when I started citalopram and sertraline but only for a couple of days.  It might be a good idea to take the diazepam, sparingly, while your system gets used to increased dose of fluoxetine, maybe every other day.

I can certainly empathise with how you feeling though.  I started mirtazapine about a month ago and the first 7-10 days where quite bad but I stuck it out and it is now starting to pay off.

[Johann]

Thank you all for your kind and informative replies. I think I will take one 5mg Diazapam to-night and only one 20mg Prozac to-morrow morning and will just have to sit it out untill it all kicks in which I hope will be soon. Have also taken off work this week. Not getting more than 2 to 3 hours sleep at present. I do have an appointment with my GP next week for a review. Yes, I have been told that the medication takes a few weeks to have an effect but in the meantime life is so so difficult!! I have great support from my wife though who is doing everything possible to help me through it all ................ and also the support from you guys are fantastic; thanks again, much appreciated.

JT

[Zaf]

I often wish that antidepressants worked as quickly as paracetamol does for a headache

Z x

[smirfy21]

I have been on fluoxetine many times over the years and each time it took me a good 4 to 6 weeks before I noticed any difference however everyone is different. I found that I also needed CBT on the side to learn coping strategies, I also took diazepam but only when I felt really really anxious as it pretty much wiped me out.

gives the meds a bit longer to kick in and if you still feel bad then you should probably go back to your GP.
good luck
smirfy 

[Buttercup]

I agree with Smirfy, give a meds a few more weeks then go back to your GP.  I take Tamazepam 20mg when I'm feeling anxious or can't sleep, I think it's the same sort of stuff.  It knocks me out for a while and helps me to feel a lot calmer the next day.

[Sweetpea]

Its a very difficult time while waiting got the meds to work, I often have felt the same as Zaf that I wanted them to work as a pain killer does.  I remember going back to my dr's and saying these are not working.  For him to say they can take a few weeks to work, and remembering how can I cope with this.  But I did with support from my family and friends.  Sounds like you have a very supportive wife.

Take care

S x

[Got]

I disagree with the others when they say it would take a while for the medication to affect you. You are taking medication that affects your neurophysiological operation, and so it is possible that the uneasiness you are taking is due to your increased dosage in medication. Hopefully this will be just temporary, and so in the mean time take your diazepam which will help. It is nothing to be scared of. Hopefully in the coming weeks you will adjust to the new dose. However, if your symptoms persist go back to you doctor.


Steve

[Johann]

Sleeping a bit better now since taking the Diazapam but still dreading the wake-up. How does one handle getting through the day? Any oppinions on taking Calms?? I am going in to work this afternoon for a short while and also to-morrow morning. Maybe it takes the mind off things ......... Thank you all for your support.

[Zaf]

what are the problems you have during the day Johann?

Z x

[Johann]

No energy and having a feeling of anxiousness in my chest and abdomen. Late afternoon I start feeling better/normal. My legs feel a bit weak too. Have no interest in doing anything ............ Just generally feeling c..p!!! Is it all in my mind .....??? Do I need to force myself to go out and do things?

[Beetzart]

Take small steps slowly, Johann.  Yes is it a good idea to be active but it is very hard when depressed.  I try and go for short walks with my MP3 player on when the Sun is out, as I am off work at present.  If not I read, play the piano, have a game with my son on his wii, oh and surf the net.  At the moment I feel like you although without the anxiety due to being on buspirone, but I am down and struggle to rouse interest in anything.  I don't really know what else to suggest as I haven't found a way out of depression because it keeps returning.

[Zaf]

its fairly normal for me to feel worse in the mornings Johann but it may not be for everyone, apathy and tiredness is one of the worst aspects of depression for me too.  I'm not sure about the apathy but the tiredness does seem to be a physical symptom, when I had my first breakdown my GP advised me to do a little by a chore and reward system - break something like the washing up into small parts then do a bit for about 10 minutes, give yourself a reward (I often watch TV till the commercial break then do the chores in the breaks) then do another 10 minutes - it works for me, not sure if anyone has a different way of doing it though.

I would seriously not push yourself too hard or you will have a downward bump the next day

Z xx