I have been prescribed fluoxetine and fluvoxamine for 2 months. Will I be able to see any improvement in one month so that I will know if this medicine is working for me or not?

Question

Dear Md Imtiyaz,
Fluoxetine and fluoxamine reaches brain after a latency of 2-3 weeks. That does not mean that you will see improvement. Improvement in OCD is delayed. Improvement comes at a particular dose that will be built up in your future visits.

Saranya Devanathan · Accepted Answer

Dear Md Imtiyaz,
Fluoxetine and fluoxamine reaches brain after a latency of 2-3 weeks. That does not mean that you will see improvement. Improvement in OCD is delayed. Improvement comes at a particular dose that will be built up in your future visits.

Ankit Gupta · Answer

Dear Lybrate user, it's difficult to advise without knowing the exact details of what symptoms you are experiencing. Although you have mentioned depression and anxiety in previous conditions, fluvoxamine is generally prescribed for ocd which I believe what your psychiatrist might have suspected. You must have been explained that these medications will take some time to start showing benefit and further more time to give complete relief. Generally these medications take around 2-3 weeks to start showing mild benefit in depression which gradually increases and takes about 2-3 months to show significant improvement. For ocd symptoms, the delay may be longer to a few more months. Also, the response also depends on the dosage being prescribed and sometimes patient need higher doses of medication to control symptoms. I believe you will see partial improvement in your symptoms in a month. If it doesn't happen, I would advise not to discontinue medication at this point and discuss your concern with your psychiatrist who might adjust the doses to help you.

Saul Pereira · Answer

You should know some changes by now with these medicines. Please go back tot he doctor and report the developments or the lack of it. S/he can determine whether the medicines need to be changed for various reasons or the dosage needs a little tweaking. I also recommend that you get some help from a counselor who can help you to develop some adaptations to enable speedy recovery. The counselor may also be in aa position to tell you whether the medicines need to be reviewed.

Prof Jagadeesan M S · Answer

Yes, but usually double ssri medications are not combined. Wait for results in 2 to 4 weeks, if you see any warmth in body, stomach upset or chills consult your psychiatrist immediately. Good luck.

Rajan P · Answer

Dear Lybrate user, generally one month period is enough to get the desired results, but in some cases it may take a longer time. It depends on many factors like the severity of the illness, age of the patient etc. Better complete the 2-month course as prescribed by your doctor, and then if there is no improvement you can ask the doctor for other medicines.