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How Long Does Fluoxetine Take To Show Effect?
Question: I have been on 20mg fluoxetine daily for 3 years to treat anxiety. About 2 months ago i decided to take myself off them to have another baby (was basically only taking one every 4 days). Well, this past 7 days has been hell for me. My anxiety has returned 10 fold. I started to retake the fluoxetine 7 days ago but so far im seeing no improvement and im petrified that this means the tablets will no longer work for me. Can you reassure me that they will start to work soon?
Brief Answer:
There is good chance of working again
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
As you might be knowing Fluoxetine takes time to act so that could be the reason for not having effect despite returning back to it.
The 10 fold anxiety was probably arisen from withdrawal effects of fluoxetine coupled with relapse of the disorder. It is possible that in a period of 10-14 days you will fell alright and there will be no further problem at least of acute nature.
There is some chance that you may need to change medication for your anxiety as on few occasions medications fails to achieve the previous level. I understand this you did not expect but this is biological and beyond our control but we have many medications which can prove superior to fluoxetine.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
There is good chance of working again
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
As you might be knowing Fluoxetine takes time to act so that could be the reason for not having effect despite returning back to it.
The 10 fold anxiety was probably arisen from withdrawal effects of fluoxetine coupled with relapse of the disorder. It is possible that in a period of 10-14 days you will fell alright and there will be no further problem at least of acute nature.
There is some chance that you may need to change medication for your anxiety as on few occasions medications fails to achieve the previous level. I understand this you did not expect but this is biological and beyond our control but we have many medications which can prove superior to fluoxetine.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for your reply. I am hoping that they start to help soon. I have been prescribed 5mg diazepam to take at night to help me sleep. I took my first one last night and it did help. How long can i safely take these for? I do not want to experience withdrawal symptoms from them as well
Brief Answer:
Start reducing the dose of diazepam by two weeks
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back tome.
I am glad to know that dizepam is helping you out in this situation but as you expressed your concern it is always better to start reducing the dose of benzodiazepine by two weeks or earlier.
I hope this assists you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Start reducing the dose of diazepam by two weeks
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back tome.
I am glad to know that dizepam is helping you out in this situation but as you expressed your concern it is always better to start reducing the dose of benzodiazepine by two weeks or earlier.
I hope this assists you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for your reply. How long should i wait to maybe consider upping my dose if my anxiety doesnt improve?
Brief Answer:
I do not think you will require it
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back to me.
By all likelihood I feel you will need to decrease the dose of diazepam and will not need to increase the dose.
It is important to show patience as the medication takes time of atleast one to two weeks and by that time you can start reducing dose of Diazepam.
In case it is not helped by two weeks than you will need to increase dose of fluoxetine.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
I do not think you will require it
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back to me.
By all likelihood I feel you will need to decrease the dose of diazepam and will not need to increase the dose.
It is important to show patience as the medication takes time of atleast one to two weeks and by that time you can start reducing dose of Diazepam.
In case it is not helped by two weeks than you will need to increase dose of fluoxetine.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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