Fluoxetine?????????

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-12-2010
Fluoxetine?????????
1
Sat, 11-20-2004 - 12:53pm

Hi all,
I have a few questions regarding Fluoxetine. I am dealing with SAD right now and have tried some home therapy that has helped but not to the extent I would like it to, so I went to the doctor, not really looking for medication, but advice information. She said that by the time people make it intot he doc they could use some medication. The first thing I am concerned about is that she said I woudl have to be on it for about a year for relapse reasons. I dont' like the idea of being on meds that long and I am only dealing with SAD right now, in a year when I could potentiall come off this drug it will be the same season...it seems like a never ending cycle. I am also concerned with weight gain and sexual side effects on this or any drug. What experiences has anyone had with this drug? Oh and dose anyone now the time it takes to be effective? Thanks for any and all help? I feel confussed and usure what to do, I want to feel better, but dont' want bad side effects of on meds forever. Oh, also a bit of info I have an apt dec 1st with a therapist.

Thanks,
Jen

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
Sat, 11-20-2004 - 8:40pm

Hi Jen -


First of all, have you tried light therapy? I'm on meds for chronic depression, but I also have SAD on top of it and I have one of those lights that I sit in front of for 10-20 minutes every morning. This is the first year I've used it - in the past it just sat in my closet - so too soon to tell. But i know a lot of people swear by it.


Floxetine can take 4-6 weeks to take effect although some people have a reponse sooner. Recently data has come out that people that are weaned off the SSRIs too soon after a first depressive episode have a higher chance of relapse than those that stayed on the medication for a year. And you are right - I know first hand the side effects, which i don't like, but i need the medication.


Two other antidepressants, Effexor and Wellbutrin, may be other options for you. They usually kick in within a couple of weeks. I found Effexor to be too activating for me - gave me agitation, but I know it works well in others.


I don't know if this is helpful or not. maybe some other women on the board have some other experience to add.

peace and love,


just_a_big_kid


Sue

peace and love,

just_a_big_kid