Fluoxetine Hydrochloride and fluoxetine

I had been on fluoxetine for 14 years- I have never heard of fluoxetine *hydrochloride*, but there doesn't seem to be plain fluoxetine on here. I have taken a year off, and the only side effect I am being hit with in hindsight are the DREAMS! On fluoxetine, dreams were a huge part of my life. I remembered so much of them, it was almost hard to tell what was real and what was a dream, and I loved the dream life that I lived at night. It was like I was never asleep! I have only remembered one dream in the year that I have been "drug free."

I have taken Fluoxetine for Depression/Panic Disorder for approximately 4 years, prior to that I had taken Paxil with terrifing results. On Paxil, I had terrible nightmares, sleeplessness and irratability. However, since changing to Fluoxetine I have been doing great. I still have occasional sleepless nights or difficulty staying asleep. I will start in the middle of the night to wake, I can usually go back to sleep within a few moments, but to do this continually through the night can defeat a good nights rest.

Also, since I am a female I have noticed that Fluoxetine has helped with PMDD, (Premenstral problems) however if I skip a dose accidentally or not, then I'm an emotional basket case. And these emotional distruptions can last up to a week or more. Just thought other women would like the info.

I've been on 20 mg of Fluoxetine for the past 3 and a half weeks to treat clinical depression accompanied by a very moody temperament. I feel completely zoned out and light headed. Waking up has become more difficult. I've gone to my psychiatrist and pediatrician with concern about the above but they told me its just part of my body adjusting to the new meds.