I’ve been on a 10mg dose of fluoxetine for about 3 months. It’s helped my anxiety tremendously. I have experienced a lot of the side effects, though, and I reported them to my PCP/prescriber. He was shocked that I reported loss of sensation, SI, and other side effects and said it “shouldn’t happen” at 10mg. He then decided to move forward with his original treatment plan to increase the dose to 20mg.

I’m worried about filling it because I’ve had extreme negative side effects from similar meds (Lexapro) in the past. One of my side effects is the lack of “spark” or motivation my ADHD and anxiety usually gives me to initiate a task. I’ve been working on routines and mindfulness and CBT strategies for that, but also take a daily stimulant.

I’m looking for reassurance, I guess, that even if my body was super sensitive to the titration dose, that maybe things will move in a more balanced direction with the increased dose?

I experienced a whole laundry list of negative side effects such that when I finished writing it I had to remind myself why I asked my doctor for the meds to begin with. But it does slow my thoughts down enough for me to manage my emotions or something - whatever that feels like to y’all - and that’s been worth all the side effects to me. I just don’t want the balance to go in the wrong direction. Or if it does, tips on how to catch quickly and adjust? I journal my moods daily.

TIA.