Coming off of antidepressants

Hi so I've been on 10mg Fluoxetine for 3 weeks for my severe pms however my doctor wants me to come off of them for a 'break' to see how I do without them after two months. However when I come off the antidepressants I'll have my my ucas predicting exams a few days after, and I'm worrying that the withdrawal symptoms may effect my exam performance.

I was wondering If I should ask my doctor if I can come off antidepressants after my exams or If I should make my form tutor aware that I'll be coming off of my medication right before my exams. I've missed some doses of fluoxetine before and I ended up feeling very miserable and depressed, I couldn't get out of bed at all and slept all day. I'm hoping this won't happen during exam season. Does anyone have any experience of coming off of fluoxetine? do you think it'll impact my exam performance. I'm on a low dose so I'm hoping the withdrawal symptoms won't be as intense

Reply 1

hazza939

unless being on the fluoxetine as you are now is causing side effects you don’t like or something i would suggest waiting till after exams to change it. you absolutely SHOULD make your doctor aware of exams. i’m in a very similar boat to you: i’m a second year about to sit my a level exams i have severe pms/pmdd currently on birth control for it but they’re wanting to switch me from that onto fluoxetine. i mentioned exams and they said unless absolutely medically necessary to change me asap, they’re fine waiting till after exams. i have my appointment to review/start fluoxetine after exams but until then i’m taking my meds as normal. chances are your doctor will completely understand not wanting to suddenly change so close to exams. wishing you all the best with your health and your exams!!