Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Help! Please don't ignore this 🙏
I started taking fluoxetine 80 mg again after a 6 month break. The reason I stopped was because of my poor financial situation, Although I'm taking the exact dose that my psychiatrist previously prescribed, I couldn't afford an appointment, so I restarted the medication on my own.
I've been taking it for only two days, and I've been sleeping a lot... more than 15 hours a day. Is this something I should be worried about? I'm asking here because I can't afford to consult my psychiatristt right now,
I've also noticed that my appetite seems to have decreased a little.
Answers (6)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hi
Next Steps
psychotherapy session (email me)
Health Tips
hi
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced psychiatrist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+151
Restarting fluoxetine directly at 80 mg/day is generally not recommended, even if that was your previous maintenance dose. After a long break, most psychiatrists would restart at a lower dose and gradually increase it over a few weeks to improve tolerability. A mild decrease in appetite can occur during the first few weeks of fluoxetine and often improves with time. Increased sleep may also be related to the underlying mental disorder.
Next Steps
Visit a low-cost government mental health institution as soon as possible. Do not increase the dose further.
Health Tips
Avoid stopping the medication abruptly without medical advice and vice versa
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
"Hi there, I understand that seeking help can feel overwhelming, but you’ve already taken the first brave step. I can guide you with a clear treatment plan tailored just for you, so you can feel better and regain control over your life. You can reach me directly on WhatsApp for quick support on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two."
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, start with low dose and increase slowly over a month
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vishal Bhatt
Psychiatrist
6 yrs exp
Rajkot
You may divide dose two times or three times a day
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Mrinal Gautam
Psychiatrist
3 yrs exp
Kolhapur
Restarting fluoxetine at 80 mg suddenly after a 6-month break is a highly intense shock to your central nervous system. Fluoxetine is typically started at a low dose (like 20 mg) and titrated up slowly over weeks. Jumps straight to the maximum therapeutic dose of 80 mg explain why you are experiencing profound hypersomnia (sleeping over 15 hours a day) and a dropped appetite. These are acute, dose-dependent side effects of rapid serotonin accumulation, and while not an immediate medical emergency, this approach carries a high risk of worsening distress or inducing Serotonin Syndrome.
Next Steps
Do Not Stop Cold Turkey, but Lower the Dose Safely: To prevent severe withdrawal on top of your current side effects, do not stop abruptly, but you should not continue at 80 mg unmonitored.
Access Free or Low-Cost Psychiatric Care: Since private consultations are a financial constraint, please visit a government hospital, medical college OPD, or community mental health clinic where psychiatric consultations and essential medications are provided free or at a nominal charge.
Get a Supervised Taper Schedule: Let a doctor at a public facility guide your restart. They will likely lower your dose to a safer starting point (like 20 mg or 40 mg) to let your body adjust without extreme exhaustion.
Health Tips
Serotonin Syndrome Warning: Seek immediate emergency medical care at a public hospital if you develop severe red-flag symptoms such as high fever, severe muscle twitching or rigidity, extreme restlessness, shivering, confusion, or a racing heart rate.
Stay Hydrated: Since your appetite is low, focus on drinking fluids, coconut water, or small frequent meals to prevent dehydration while your system stabilizes.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.