Should I take Flouxetine 20mg/1 per day, without consulting with my doctor?

Question

Hi, I am a 23 year old male and university graduate. I suffer from OCD, depression, anxiety disorder, social phobia and dermatillomania. I am pretty sure I suffer from all of these as I did a bit of research over the years. Don't get me wrong, I am not self-diagnosing myself but I feel I relate to all of the symptoms shown in the above illnesses. However, I am yet to speak to a doctor with my problems as I am affraid to do so.
I have found some Flouxetine in my mother's cupboard. She has a regular supply for herself from the doctor. Should I take them without informing my doctor?

p.s. I haven't been to the doctor for anything since I was 17 or so. Along time ago, I don't know his name or even if I have a doctor at the moment.

micksmixxx

Well, that wasn't nice. That's exactly why I am affraid to get help because I fear people like you.

annie

a) It was just a question
b) I haven't taken any of my mother's medicine.
c) I am not self-diagnosing myself.

Referring to c) - if you took a look at my hands then I'm safe to say the doctor will diagnose me with dermatillomania imediately. But I am affraid to do so.

micksmixxx

I studied Mathematics and Chemistry at University. I was no lay about stereotypical student who did a course unble to open doors.

When I said I am not self-diagnosing myself I meant it. Not for you to laugh.

Answer 1

no you should never take anything that is not your own medication this is in case you have a reaction to the medication the doctor needs to know you are on it. I really think that you need to go and see your doctor and as you said your mum is on anti-depressants I am sure she will be very understanding to how you are feeling. take care good luck

Answer 2

I think you have your answers! Of ocurse you should not take any medication not prescribed for you, and should never give your medication to anyone else.
You have had some rather harsh answers, and part of me agrees witht he sentiment if not with the rather harsh method of delivery!
The fact that you feel a need to look up symptoms suggests that you need to talk to someone about your problems.
When I was nursing a wise tutor once told me there is no such thing as imaginary pain - if a patient tells you he has pain - he has pain - end of story. The difficulty is finding the cause and the treatment.
Psychological pain can be equally as detrimental as physical pain, and needs correct treatment.
Being a nurse I know that I could look up a set of symptoms and find at least ten different diagnoses for the same set of symptoms. It s not as easy as looking in a book.
You need to have a detailed history taken by a professional (nurse/GP/psychologist/psychiatrist). Only when a clear picture of your health as a whole emerges, can a diagnosis be formulated.
Your first point of call must be your GP. RIng your nearest surgery and ask if you are registered. If not - get registered! Then make an appointment. Don't put such a burden on yourself - leave it to the professionals - that's what they are paid for, and that's what they choose to study for!
Good luck, and I hope your rain clouds lift very very soon.

Answer 3

It's time to pay a visit to a psychiatrist and get your own prescription. Let him determine the best medication for you and leave your mother's meds alone. They are especially for her. I'm not a doctor, but I doubt if 1 flouxetine 20 mg per day is enough to treat the 5 diagnoses you came up with. Anxiety meds are different than antidepressants.

It usually takes some experimenting with the various new medications out today in order to come up with the right combination that works for you.

I have schizophrenia, major depression and anxiety attacks and even though I haven't had any symptoms for 4 years now, I take a different medication for each diagnosis. It took me 5 years of experimenting to find the right meds for me. Good Luck and don't be afraid.

Answer 4

No always go and see a dr before takin anything like that, it could be too strong for you, or not mix with something else you are takin etc. Plus those tablets are supposed to be monitored by the dr, so if you take ur mums and she need to go back early for more they may be hesitant about giving her more so soon, and she will have to go without. And also if you are depressed its best that you make an appointment to see a therapist, pills wont work alone you need to get to the cause of it and fix it, rather than look to start floatin along in a drug daze.

Answer 5

NO,NO,NO. Fluoxidine is a seritoin reuptake inhibitor and is prescribed for your mothers condition. It may and probibly will not suit you. Never take any medication that is not prescibed for you even if your symptoms appear the same as the person they belong to. You will most likly make matters worse.
Don't assume you have any condition until it is confirmed by a qualified practioner and if required by a second opinion.
There are many different drugs for different conditions and the stuff your thinking about taking is not for most of things you discribe.
Depression has different causes eg neuro transmitters of different types may be at the root of the cause so you cannot be sure until you have been tested. So don't take them, go see your doctor.

Answer 6

So if you have not been to a doctors since you were 17, and you have been diagnosed with the stuff you list and you didn't self diagnose who was the non medically trained ape who did the diagnosis.
Take the first step cure your self of your phobia of doctors and go see one take a print out of your question with you as it will help him with his diagnosis.

Answer 7

Ha ha. A university graduate and you say "I suffer from OCD, depression, anxiety disorder, social phobia and dermatillomania", going on to say "I am not self-diagnosing myself but I feel I relate to all of the symptoms shown in the above illnesses." What are they teaching you? That, sir, is precisely what you are doing!

I don't wish to make light of your concerns, but you really should be seen by, at first, your GP who will refer you to see a Psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

You may, or may not, be suffering from any of the above named conditions, but this needs to be properly assessed. Treatments are many and varied, and will require the close co-operation of your and your doctor.

Do NOT take your mother's Fluoxetine. This could have quite adverse effects on your condition(s).

Even if you are no longer registered with your family doctor, there's every chance that you will be able to register on a temporary basis. You will, of course, need to satisfy the doctor that you are in need of medication, and that it will be taken by you. Give him/her actual events that lead you to believe that you suffer with the above conditions, but don't go in there telling him/her what you suspect. There's little sense in doing that. If you're that sure of your diagnostic prowess, continue university to do Medical training. (No doubt you'll appreciate that some university students are known for taking drugs not prescribed for themselves.)

Don't be afraid to see your doctor. Believe me, they've seen and heard many many stories, and there really is no need for embarrassment on your part. Many people suffer with Mental Health issues .... assuming you're sticking with your 'diagnoses'.

Come on, my friend, do the right thing. You know it makes sense.

Answer 8

no never take these without consulting a doctor,they are not an instant cure.another name for this drug is prozac,you should speak to a doctor.they are used in cases of ocd but you cant diagnose youself. i have taken these but for depression, your case is different they didnt help me but could help you if you see a doctor. your been your own worst enemy by putting up with the way you feel and not seeing your doctor. anyway your mum will notice!

Answer 9

No, espe. not this medicine. I take it and that exact dose, but it comes with very bad side effects. I have been on it for 5 months and I love it now...but it causes severe muscle jerking and twitching to were it effects my life at times...it has reduced greatly, but someone with the wrong medical history like seizures, dang, that would be bad. It is a very cheap drug, under 4 dollars moslty get a prescrip.

Answer 10

Absolutely not! Whether you care to admit it not you ARE self-diagnosing. If you really feel symptoms of these conditions then you must visit a doctor. All else aside, if your mother is prescribed this medication and uses it instructed - you are taking away her meds, which are presumably helping her?