Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• JaneDoe
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac is the best anti-depressant I’ve been on. It worked really well for 6 months and then it started to stop working (I wasn’t very consistent in taking my pills). I had very little side effects. The first month of being on it is very nice. It lets you feel happiness after not being able to. I’ve been off it since August and have not felt the need to start any meds again until recently. Prozac helped me be able to gain that sort of control. It’s okay to depend on medications for awhile or for a lifetime, whatever works for you."

• Awful...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 29, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "((My experience with Prozac, other people will have different experiences))At the start you feel great then after a month or so onwards no improvement. It's only a mood stabiliser to stop 'bad thoughts' no low moments, no high moments. Just walking through life like a zombie. Doubled my dose and for a week I felt productive then my tolerance caught up. Quitting was the best decision I made. I feel happier and my 'brain fog' is clearing. It's good for anxiety though as it numbs you completely:D"

• Depre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started a very low dosage and worked upward until I found what worked for me (40mg). However, as my depression got worse and worse, the Prozac actually stopped working altogether no matter how much it was increased! It's a good medicine for mild to moderate depression, but there are better choices for major depression."

• Invis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I went on Prozac several months ago after having been severely depressed for over a year straight (with a few days here and there of hypomania). It's made a huge difference! I'm only on 20 milligrams but I am a lot less depressed and more productive than I was. The only downside is that I am still having some bad mood swings, but overall it has helped my depression a lot."

• ether...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 24, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been dealing with Major Depressive Disorder for 9 years of my life, along with PTSD, and severe anxiety. I have been on so many different medications for depression, and have found that Prozac is the only anti-depressant that works for me. I have been as low as 10 mg, now currently on 20 mg. I am considering going to 30 mg. I have to see how I feel in the next number of days. I have been on this medication steadily for 6 months or so. I do have face twitches, but they are very minor and don't come very often. It really does help me get out into the world, and not be so affected by things emotionally. It's crucial to my well being and emotional state, and has prevented me from hurting myself for a long time."

• Blond...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac is my happy pill, it took me forever to find something that works, but this is definitely mine!! I was beginning to be skeptical that anything would work.. Effexor and Prestiq was what I was put on before this, and that was a nightmare... This makes me think more clearly and see things in a different perspective, I see the good in life, and I don't get so easily upset over everything anymore, and if I do get bothered by something, I get over it in seconds... Helps with my social anxiety as well.. I've noticed I'm more talkative, and can deal with being around people better, before I was so badly depressed with possible bipolar or personality disorder.. I'm finally getting to know myself as a person and am much happier now."

• MDA
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I am a male early 20s, I suffer from major depression, anxiety and occasional panic. I started Prozac 20mg and now in my 5th week of treatment. The first 2 weeks I felt no relief, suffered from side effects such as fatigue, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns. Beginning of the 3rd week I began to feel a noticeable difference. My thoughts became less negative, I just felt less depressed/anxious than usual, and side effects have almost gone away. Then into my 3rd/4th week I began to feel better and better each day. It seems much more gradual than other antidepressants. Now into my 5th week I do feel MUCH better. However, it is still early for me and I have had 1 set back caused by excessive alcohol/marijuana use. Overall, stick with it!"

• Rose
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been on this medication since I was 13 years old. It has worked great although the side effects after being on fluoxetine for so long are not so good. They are terrible vivid violent nightmares, and heart palpitations. I can deal with the side effects because this medicine helps me function. I am currently at 40mg."

• Capt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) "My Dad was 'special ops' Korean War. I was Training at 6 years old, I was a Marksman, a Black belt at 8, and by 24 years old I was a deep cover operative. SAP/ SCI missions. Night terrors /PSTD episodes were 'every day/evening' most of my life. Now at 63, my kids have degree's and are 'engaged the world'. I trained them. My son has ADHD/on Adderall, my daughter is fine. Hiding my past, I lived 2 lives. Severe increase in night terrors, rages, screaming. Lately as we have moved from Hawaii, wife found old paper about my past, scared her ass, she grabbed $, a bag and flew back to London. 'Dear John' text 4 days later. I am using Xanax, Zoloft, and Adderall for my 'Suicidal thoughts'. My family are 'scared to death of me'. I am hollow, but looking to move on. Trying Prozac for the 1st time, hope it has the desired effect. What better test subject?"

• Thunder
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "27year old male. Had anxiety and depression since 12. The anxiety became more prevalent in my 20’s. Things came to a head as stressors in my life did too. Doctors put me on 20mg Prozac and I sworn that an hour later I felt sweats, light sensitivity and so disoriented. Things got worse from there. Then I wouldn’t take it and feel great, like myself again and then the doctors started telling me I’m bipolar. I had to trust my gut as felt the Prozac was the variable taking my anxiety to the next level and making me feel like I was absolutely losing my mind. I stopped taking it and haven’t looked back. I have been feeling so much more like my self on no meds and talking to therapists. This drug did the opposite to what it was suppose to do to my psyche and I’m so happy I didn’t allow them to put me on all the other meds they wanted to once they started calling me bipolar. This was my experience with this drug and I’m an individual, so take everything with a grain of salt."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've tried many diffrent antidepressants over the years and never found one that worked for me. After each pregnancy my mood got worse. I couldn't get out of bed and get anything done. I never wanted to do anything outside the house. I also would yell all the time due to irritability. Prozac has made me more calm. I don't jump right to yelling cause someone was " annoying me." When you first start it, for about 3 weeks u feel weird. Spacy, clumsy and I couldn't sleep. I lost weight right away cause I wasn't eating to fill a void. Don't stop cause u feel loopy in the beginning! It has changed my life. Me and my husband are getting along better! 1 NEG I twitch. My legs arms hips will twitch when I stop moving. I take 60mg. Helps me before my period 2"

• Vaise
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 25, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Hi good people. I have been on Prozac (Fluoxetine) since 2000. I started with 20 mg, then 40 & now 60mg. I am also taking Navalpro 300mg, twice a day. Prozac is the only meds that has made me function as a "normal" person after being correctly diagnosed as having major depression. When I 1st desperately looked for help, my anxiety was unbearable. Prozac killed 2 birds with 1 stone-depression & anxiety. I had a rollercoaster journey, being prescribed other antidepressants together with Prozac. I have come to accept that the benefits outweigh the side effects. However, weight gain I have not accepted & am trying my best to watch calories & move around more often -"

• RosieHM
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2023

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have anxious depression, this came on suddenly earlier this year following a surgery, no one was sure why it hit me so badly. I was having very intense intrusive thoughts and feeling so low and hopeless. The first week I took 10mg and had mild nausea and a bad tummy, I then went up to 20mg and the nausea increased a lot and I became very agitated and restless. My thoughts became worse for 3-4 days and I didn’t feel safe to be on my own. I decided to power through, knowing that I needed to keep trying to feel better for my family. I am now on my 3rd week of taking the Prozac. I’m not better, but the side effects are easing off and my thoughts have been a lot clearer the last 2-3 days. Yesterday I even felt quite happy!! I’m Not sure what the future holds and I can come back and report more, but for now I’m pleased I’ve stuck on them and am hopeful they are already starting to help me."

• afay
• January 18, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I had a horrible experience with Prozac. I was actually very excited when my doctor decided it would be the next anti-depressant medication I tried, because it gets so much good publicity. Hell, there's even a memoir called "Prozac Nation." Upon beginning my daily regimen of prozac, I had increased anxiety (too the point that I was having uncontrollable heart palpitations, dizzy spells, trouble breathing -- I couldn't eat, and got down to 100lbs on accident) and my suicidal ideation increased to the point that I made a very serious suicide attempt. Thanks to quick intervention, speedy response from paramedics, and a life flight I am alive today. Be careful, and be aware of side effects."

• SSRIu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2023

"Taking fluoxetine and later other SSRIs had a terrible adverse effect on libido (sex drive), ability to have erections, and ability to experience orgasm. Tried other SSRIs and they just perpetuated the issues. Eventually weaned off all of them and have had some recovery - but not fully - and have since seen many reports of long term / permanent damage to sexual functioning and pleasure. A very high cost that’s been hidden and May create more misery that it’s intended to remedy."

• GoKni...
• March 21, 2015

Prozac Weekly (fluoxetine) "I have had major depressive Dissorder since I was 13 years of age. Had pretty much come to terms with the fact that this was going to be lifelong thing. Been to therapy, groups, and tried other meds like regular & generic Prozac, plus took Paxil for a little while. Prozac Weekly has been the ONLY thing that has made a huge difference for me other than being very careful about eating healthy. I forget to take daily meds so only taking it once a week is a bonus. The first time I took Prozac Weekly it took about 2-3 weeks to really "kick in" but once it did the difference was like night & day. Is this how normal people feel? You mean I can feel like this everyday? Not sure if it will be the same for you, just my positive experience. Good luck."

• MadiM...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 11, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I am twenty six years old and have suffered from significant depression since I was a child. For years I just dealt with it always going from one crisis to another. I've had a handful of suicide attempts starting from my early teens to young adult years. I would especially have trouble during the two weeks leading up to my period. Crying episodes and just an overall feeling of depression. I was put on Prozac about three years ago and it has made a world of difference. I'm happy again and able to function to my best ability, I'm focused and driven. Sometimes I forget to take it and the depression comes back. But as long as I'm taking my daily dose as prescribed, I'm great!"

• Beck
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder 2 months ago and have been taking Prozac ever since. I haven’t felt any different whatsoever, I still can not find the motivation to get out of bed or even leave my house. It’s different for everyone I suppose, but hasn’t worked for me at all."

• orang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 4, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been on Prozac since December 2014 and it had done quite a bit of good for me. I started taking it as an add on to Wellbutrin SR to help with my increasing anxiety and extreme irritability. It made me very lethargic for the first couple weeks, but that went away and it has since been helping me manage my anger and anxiety. I now also take separate anti-anxiety medication and I have found that the two work together very well. It is the only SSRI I have ever tried and I know I got very lucky with this."

• verid...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2023

Prozac (fluoxetine) "After being on Prozac 20mg for nine months, I have to share how amazing my experience has been. Along with therapy, it has changed my life for the better. Decreased anxiety, incredibly lighter mood and more stable emotions, restored motivation and reward from daily/social life, and most importantly dark thoughts are almost entirely gone. Female here, no impact on sex drive or function, significantly more manageable mood swings/tearfulness during PMS. I have to say that I was terrified of side effects at first, and it took me months to take the leap and start Prozac... my anxiety was a lot worse the first month, but I stuck it out because I knew living with untreated depression just wasn't an option, and I'm SO glad I stayed on the medication... anxiety went back to baseline and then improved tremendously, and I've truly healed from the depression more than I ever could have imagined. It may take a few trials with different medications or treatments, but healing is possible!!"

• Inter...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I lost my sexuality from the first pill, overnight it went from 100% to 0%. Was told it was a common sideeffect, so I continued using Prozac (called Fontex here i Norway), after a while I didn't want thouse sideeffect so I stopped using. But my loss of ibido and ED continued. Now 3-4 years later my problems is still the same, doctors refuse to belive me, but I'm certain, I had very high sex drive before my first Prozac/Fontex pill. No I can't keep my erection more than 5 seconds and my penis often feels numb. This pill should have been illegal. (Sorry for my poor english)"

• Juno
• May 27, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I went on Prozac to treat depression, anxiety, and bulimia. It was the worst medication I’ve ever taken. I ended up in the psych ward after the mental breakdown this medication led me to. Other than the awful SSRI-induced mania and mood swings, I also suffered terrible side effects. Even after stopping this medication, the insomnia persisted for months. I don’t recommend."

• Mynt
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 24, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was put on Fluoxetine 40mg daily due to a particularly bad bout of depression that left me unable to work or even get out of bed. That was over a year ago and it was a GODSEND. I started on 10mg and increased to 40 within a month, close to no side effects (some stomach pain), and the relief of my depression happened within the first week. After a month and a half on it I was feeling great and alive again! It was amazing! After 8 months on the medication, I decided to wean off. That went well, however anxiety started building up again. I believe my condition has now changed. I was put back on Fluoxetine 40mg but felt no relief of my anxiety whatsoever and had to add Ativan to my regimen. I am now exploring other options but it was great!"

• Lisee
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "If you are looking to COMPLETELY numb yourself out then this is the medication for you. But if you still want to feel your emotions and feel happy about things and a little sad about others, I DO NOT suggest this. It only numbed me."

• FrankA
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've been on prozac medication for going on a week for anxiety and depression. So far the side effects are really kicking me. I’ve been going thru nightmare these past of couple of days but like all meds I know you have to experiment with yourself and go thru it for a bit to finally understand. I used to take Effexor for depression and it was the same the 1st few weeks until I finally felt some benefits. After I year break from meds I decided to get back on meds since my depression was coming back. But this time my doctor recommended prozac. Due to experience I knew the 1st few weeks I was going to suffer until my mind and body adjust to the meds. It’s always like this for SSRIs meds and it sucks. But everybody is different with each med. I will try to push my way to at least 2 weeks and see if I can manage. I’ll keep updating to see if I made it, if not then I’ll discontinue this med. Hopefully this gives great benefits soon."