u/kalopsiaaispolak

Took fluoxetine for 7 months - 20mg, then 40mg, then back to 20mg. Last dose was late June. Not feeling in perfect shape, but fluoxetine helped with most symptoms of depression, as well as PTSD-related anxiety and OCD-like ritualised behaviour.

Stopped treatment because of high sensitivity to side effects, especially emotional blunting, low energy / motivation, low blood pressure (was borderline fainting a lot). And I had zero to little interest in socialising and decreased interest in things I usually like.

1.5 month after stopping treatment, still no interest in socialising and other things that used to give me pleasure. I understand that alleviating depression and anxiety changes your reward system. But I don’t recognise myself anymore… I feel like fluoxetine has changed my personality, my interests, my curiosity as well my drive.

Can fluoxetine have a long-term impact on such things?

Thanks for taking the time to read :)

Context: Was on Prozac for 7 months. Started with 20mg and quickly went un to 40mg, and then back to 20mg before stopping. Last dose was a little over 1 month ago. Mainly prescribed for depression.

“Results”: Helped with anxiety, brain fog, PTSD-related behaviour that resembled OCD and, to some extent, depression. That said, even though it’s helped with pathological things, functional problems are still very much present and need to be further addressed in therapy.
Also, side effects were pretty strong for me - both physical and emotional / mental, including emotional blunting. This was confirmed by my psychiatrist and GP.

Problem: I noticed that some of the things I used to like don’t really get me excited anymore. Obviously the meds and recovery from depression change the way your reward behaviour works. But this is different. Some examples but there are many: I have little to no interest in socialising + I’ve always LOVED travelling and adventure and now I kind of feel like I can’t be bothered.
I feel like parts of myself have been chipped away… It sounds dramatic but I don’t know what I enjoy anymore. It’s been over a month since my last dose (and tbh I was taking it inconsistently for a couple of weeks before that because I know I wanted to come off the meds).

Question: Can prozac “change you forever”? How long do (side) effects stay after stopping?

Anyone willing to share their experience, and / or have some advice?

Thanks a lot <3

Hi!
I’ve already been to Athens and did most of the tourist / cultural “must-see’s”. Absolutely loved what I saw last time but I’d like to do something different this time.

I have less than 24 hours in Athens, on my way somewhere else, and I’d love to explore / experience a different facet of the city.

Any recommendations? Anything from neighbourhood exploration, to food and drinks, art, random activities, music, landmarks… Open to literally anything.

Thanks a lot

Been on fluoxetine for over 6 months. Started with 20mg, then went up to 40mg for about 4-5 months and been back on 20mg for a few weeks now (I’m quite sensitive to the molecule, strong side effects).

I’ve been feeling SO antisocial. I don’t want to hang out with my friends, I barely speak when in social settings. I’ve always been introverted in the sense I enjoy and need time alone to recharge but this is something else… For example I quit my job and treated myself to a solo trip and usually I really enjoy making new (genuine) connections and this time I felt like I was fleeing people / conversations most of the time. And when in a situation where I had to speak I had no idea what to say or ask the person in front of me. I used to be a little socially anxious but this isn’t that - it’s more like “I can’t be bothered” or like my brain is flatlining. Also wasn’t as curious as I usually am - I used to want to do and see way more things.

Might not be as simplistic as “it’s prozac’s fault” and there might be other factors. Depression also made me isolate myself at times, but this feels different. Also not as motivated by things I used to like anymore.

(That said - PTSD is much better…)

Anyone else??

Will there still be some parties (psytrance / techno but I’m open other genres) during May? Or do they end once it’s off-season?

Also - are parties sometimes planned in the South, near Palolem for example?

I know the North is more festive than the South and party isn’t my top priority but I’m just curious to get some info.

Thanks

Hi! I have a yoga retreat planned in South Goa (around Palolem) but I was wondering if I should stop by North Goa on my way there for a couple of days. What do you think?

Thank you :)