Oct 4, 2009
(Started Oct 23, 2007)
-
Effectiveness
Moderate
(for Treat my mood condition(s))
-
Effectiveness
Moderate
(for insomnia)
-
Effectiveness
Can't tell
(for depressed mood)
-
Effectiveness
Slight
(for anxious mood)
-
Side effects
Mild
(for Overall)
(vivid dreams, sleepiness, sexual dysfunction, somnolence, itchy rash)
-
-
Burden
A little hard to take
Dosage:
5 mg
Daily
Advice & Tips:
I'm sensitive to most medications: the rash kicks in for me at about 15 mg daily, at 10 mg daily I oversleep, so I was down to 5 mg a day. When I could only get capsules, this meant taking 10 mg every other day. Sexual adverse effects seemed to lessen over time. Discontinued for a trial of venlaxafine (Effexor), an SNRI.
Cost:
< $25 monthly
Side effects:
sleepiness, somnolence, itchy rash, vivid dreams, sexual dysfunction
Aug 20, 2008
(Started Oct 23, 2007)
-
Effectiveness
Moderate
(for Other)
-
Effectiveness
Moderate
(for Treat my mood condition(s))
-
Side effects
Mild
(for Overall)
(vivid dreams, sexual dysfunction, itchy rash)
-
-
Burden
Not at all hard to take
Dosage:
10 mg
Daily
Advice & Tips:
The rash was scary because unexpected. There are conflicting reports about whether such a rash or hives is serious, but common 'net advice is to discontinue and check with your doctor: http://www.google.com/search?q=fluoxetine+rash+hives
Adverse effects seem to lessen over time. Because of the long half-life, titration up or down should probably be done slowly and in the smallest increments practical in order to accurately judge effects.
Cost:
< $25 monthly
Side effects:
sleepiness, somnolence, itchy rash, vivid dreams, sexual dysfunction