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Fluoxetine wrecked my self-discipline/ motivation???

AnonymousToeAnonymousToe Posts: 2,646 Boards Guru
edited May 13 in Health & Wellbeing
I’m so confused what’s wrong with me. I’m happier on fluoxetine and most things are better, but I’m a terrible student now. I don’t have the same drive to work hard and do well as I always used to. I dont know if it’s something to do with fluoxetine affecting my dopamine in some kind of way. I’ve got no idea. Just guessing things. It’s hard to get stuff done and I’m scared I’m gonna fail uni, but I wouldn’t be able to be here if it wasn’t for the fluoxetine in the first place. I dont know what to do. I don’t want to try a different medication because I’m scared of the withdrawal from this, side effects from other stuff, and I’m afraid nothing will ever work again.

I just don’t get why my motivation went away. I don’t feel like doing anything but I don’t feel low, I just feel… kind of alright.

Is this normal?
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Comments

  • RedemptionRedemption Posts: 4,011 Community Veteran
    Hey @AnonymousToe I'm not too clued up on this stuff but did a bit of research but it seems, what you’re describing can be normal for some people on fluoxetine. It helps lift the heavy lows, but sometimes that emotional “flattening” can also affect motivation and drive. You’re not lazy or broken your brain chemistry is just adjusting. It’s good that you’re feeling more stable emotionally, but it’s also okay to bring this up with your doctor. They might help tweak your treatment or add support without changing the medication entirely. You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to ask for help figuring it out. We're all here for you.
  • independent_independent_ Community Connector Posts: 9,523 Supreme Poster
    edited May 13
    @AnonymousToe I was on fluoxetine for nearly 2 years and I know exactly the feeling you are referring to. In my experience fluoxetine caused general fatigue, which certainly didn't help.

    I'm not sure if it's normal, i couldn't really say. A lot of people find that when they start taking meds their motivation is improved because it helps with mental health, which can lower motivation in itself. But I found when I was on them for a while they just made me feel strange.

    I don't take them anymore and haven't for 2 years, so it's quite a distant memory for me now, but you definitely aren't alone.
    “Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to, it’s not for them.”
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