Fluoxetine question

[zaphod37]

Hi folks.
Its been a while since I last posted here. I have been looking after my elderly mum. She has been taking fluoxetine 20mg twice a day for a year. I have noticed that soon after she takes her evening dose, she becomes more depresses. last night she forgot to take it and seamed to be in a better mood. I am wondering if the evening dose is too much for her and how safe it would be to stop the evening dose. I cant get hold of the doctor it being the weekend. Was just hoping for some guidance.
thanks


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[catherinecherub]

Hi zaphod,

It is nice to know that you are trying to look after your Mum and want the best for her.

Please do not alter the dose but get some guidance from the prescriber. You need to be careful with changing the dosage as it can cause problems and over time it may even make the depression worse.

We are not medically qualified to answer your question and I doubt that one forgotten dose is going to lift her depression. Monday is not far away to consult her G.P.

 

[zaphod37]

thanks for your reply, i do intend to see the doc on Monday or at least talk to her on the phone. just really trying to understand the way antidepressants work. I think its about time she had a review anyways.... getting her to go is another matter lol.

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[catherinecherub]

I cannot understand why your Mum has been taking Prozac for a year without any follow up.
The usual procedure is for the GP to see her at regular intervals and use a depression score test to see if there is any improvement.
It really is in your Mum's best interests to have a face to face interview with her GP to explain how she is feeling.
It may be that Prozac does not suit your Mum and there are plenty of other anti-depressants that can be tried along with Talking Therapies.

 

[zaphod37]

its something i need to ask the doctor. I think i need to take a more active role in her care. she is at a stage where her care needs to be managed. thanks for your advice. I appreciate it

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