Fluoxetine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder User Reviews

• Aibar
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have PMDD, OCD and anxiety. I have tried almost every single medication out there for years. I feel as if I was never going to be unchained from the torment I faced. When my doctor prescribed me Prozac she let me know that during the first two weeks I would likely feel “uncomfortable” , in my case it made me feel TERRIBLE. Three days in, I thought , omg I do not want to go through with this medication, but I couldn’t help but think maybe I will see some benefit if I just push through, I gave it 3 weeks, if I didn’t get better I was going to discontinue taking it. Sure enough, with 2 weeks I felt so great, I have never ever felt this way in my entire life. This medication has turned my life around. I’m only giving my own review, because every person is different and reacts differently to each medication but always be open about finding a medication that works for you!"

• Virgo
• October 29, 2013

Sarafem (fluoxetine) "I have been on Fluoxetine (Generic for Sarafem) for exactly 2 years. This medication changed my life. I was hesitant to take it (or any medication like it) because I thought I was going to feel numb to my feelings/emotions and be a completely different person. I have been suffering from depression & PPMD for as long as I can remember. My doctor never picked up on it and I never realized how much it was affecting my life. I was moody, irritable, had no patience. I would cry for no reason, have panic attacks for no reason. I would wake up in the morning with that empty/dreadful feeling. Everyday was a struggle. Some days were much worse than others. I feel SO much better now. I really wish I started taking this sooner."

• JecM
• January 18, 2014

Sarafem (fluoxetine) "I have been suffering from PMDD for years now. As I am getting older, symptoms like tender breasts, bloating, crazy cravings, fatigue, moodiness, crying, anger, have become stronger. I finally decided to talk to my obgyn about this and see if that's normal PMS or is it more serious.. She prescribed Sarafem and now I have been taking it for 2 months. I, the person that's against all drugs, am a changed person. Every day of the month my mood is the same.. I don't have any side effects most people above me stated. If you think at all that you might be suffering from PMDD, talk to your physician. It really helped me get myself back."

• Nurse
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Where do I begin....wow this medicine has really given me my life back! I truly felt like I was loosing my mind before I started taking this. I am in my late 30's, and for the past couple years I have tried several other medications for my severe mood swings (PMS). Being a mother of 3, with a husband, and working as a full time critical care nurse, I needed my life back!! My doctor said she had been going back to the "old faithful" Prozac for a lot of her patients. And boy am I glad I finally tried this one! I haven't had any of the crazy side effects I was scared of, and I feel calmer, happier, and not so socially awkward. I'm only on 20mg, but I feel wonderful with this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I am 22 and have been taking prozac for almost two months now. Before I started taking it, my life was a wreck. There were only two weeks out of every month when I felt semi-normal/happy. The rest of the time, I was miserable. I would lay in my bed and cry, thinking my life was ending for no reason. There was nothing bad happening in my life, but my mind would make me think everyone hated me and that I was disgusting. I was overemotional all the time and constantly to torturing myself with sad thoughts. I put off going to see a psychiatrist for so long because of the stigma. I regret it so much. Had I gone on this medication sooner, so many of my relationships could have been saved and I could have been truly enjoying my life."

• Danep...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Taking Prozac for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a miracle! But when I hit forty it really got worse.. especially at period time, my thoughts were so messed up, I would think things that I knew wasn't normal and cry because of the most ridiculous reasons or just non- stop crying for no reason. Irritated beyond expression and like my body was on speed. But all out of my control, I could not get in control of my moods or thoughts. So last year at my Gyno appointment I mentioned this bizarre experience I would have prior to my periods! She explains PDD and prescribed Prozac. I take mine 14 days prior and every other day or every third day because it makes me feel draggy! Just depends how it affects me that month. I take it before I go to bed. Works great! New life!"

• mamajen
• June 5, 2014

Sarafem (fluoxetine) "I have suffered from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder for most of my life but wasn't aware that's what I was going through. Just last month got diagnosed FINALLY and I am a totally new person on the Sarafem. Not different in terms of my personality. Just who I am without all the rage and mood swings. My relationships with my husband and kids is drastically improved. I did have some sleeplessness in the first week but other than that, no side effects. It has changed my life. I look forward to actually living now. I don't like resorting to medicine right away. But I really wish I would have considered this sooner."

• Feeli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2015

"Taking for 2 mths. I have had some side effects...in the beginning just overall weird feeling, exhaustion, wake up feeling like I hadn't slept, dry mouth, headaches, at the one month mark I started getting bad indigestion (now I take an acid reducer pill and half glass of milk). But they almost all have gone away and now I feel great! The anger, the negative thinking, the impulsive verbal reactions, the depression, the anxiety...all gone. This was hugely affecting my relationship (he almost walked away) and work life too. My relationship is now in the best place ever and I am happy going in to work. The little things do not bother me like they did before. I do not have blunted feelings and I have not lost my sex drive! Hang in there!"

• Dot
• May 13, 2020

"After battling with bad PMDD for too many years and trying yoga, vitamins, YAZ etc, with only very limited results. I ended up trying Fluoxetine as a desperate last alternative. I was very nervous to try it as I had read there could be a lot of side effects and I was scared of them. I however have had no side effects and it has fixed my PMDD totally. I wish I had tried it years ago. Started at 10mg a day for 8 days then went to 20mg. It has been such a relief as I can operate as a 'normal' person the entire month. My head is clear and I remain my happy positive self even in the dreaded 48 hours before my monthly starts which was the worst time before. My husband is also very excited to see the change as he was very worried about me and what I was going through every month. If you have PMDD and are struggling I would say talk to your doctor as this just might be the closest thing to a cure you will find."

• Amand...
• March 6, 2014

Sarafem (fluoxetine) "I have been on medication for over 20 years to help with my mood and anxiety. Some I stayed on for a few years and then I would change. Some even less because of side effects. I went on Sarafem after doing my own research and asked the Dr to prescribe it 2 months ago. Thank goodness he did because this is the first time in as far back as I can remember that I actually feel happy every day. Less mood swings. I don%u2019t let things bother me as much as I did before. I am honestly a happier person now. This stuff honestly has changed my life."

• Dora
• April 9, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been prescribed Prozac 20mg for PMDD . Guys coming off this med is worse than any PMDD/depression/anxiety and mood swings. Coming off means (PMDD+Depression+Anxiety Symptoms) x 1000 - I promise you. Just like you now, I ignored others' comments. However, most of the positive comments about Prozac is given by people who are on Prozac - but wait for the day they try to come off this meds. The reason people stay on this meds is because they cannot come off. I found a good doctor, told her my story she did a blood test immediately; she found my iron, d3 levels and B12 close to none. That's what Prozac do to you - it depletes you of all your vitamins in your body and so when you tell your doctor they increase your dose instead of trying to correct your lack of vitamins which in turn lead to depression."

• GFriend
• December 27, 2018

"I'm 49 and have been suffering from PMDD since I was 20. I have destroyed every relationship I have ever been in. I turn into an absolute monster for a week every month. I say the most destructive things possible to the people I love the most. 11 years ago my gynecologist diagnosed me with PMDD. At that time she gave me Zoloft, but it didn't really help, so I stopped. 8 years have gone by, it has not gotten any better. I've been engaged now for a year and a 1/2 to an amazing man. I told him I have PMDD. He asked me to talk to my new gynecologist about it. She prescribed Fluoxetine, 20 mg, for 14 days before my period. Been taking it 2 mo. now. I started taking 10 mg the 1st few days and then started taking the whole pill, 20 mg. I have not had an outburst since I started taking it! even my daughter, who is now 12, said mom, "why you so calm all the time now?" Lol. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me I wish someone would have given this to me 20 years ago!"

• Nomor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2015

"This has literally changed my life. I was depressed, angry, anxious and didn't like myself very much. I could not stop my angry comments or pick myself up except for the children. Now I feel like I did 20 years ago. Happy, grateful for my lovely husband, enjoying socialising again. I wish I had taken it years ago."

• Anne
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 20, 2018

"A lifesaver! I didn’t “believe” in PMS/PMDD until it started happening to me. It took me years to recognize it, but when everything was going great in my life and was under low stress, it was easier to recognize that my crying and my feelings of hopelessness were not justified. My gyn had me chart my symptoms on a graph and the PMS pattern became evident. I was very resistant to taking any medication and tried all the other remedies first with no luck. Then tried fluoxetine at just 10mg/day for only the 10 days prior to my periods. WHAT A WONDERFUL CHANGE! No more weird crying spells for no reason, no more angry outbursts, I was my normal self all the days of the month. No negative side effects that I know of and I took it for years. During perimenopause, started to have crying spells and went to 20mg every day. Now in full menopause and weaned myself down and off of it and don’t seem to need it now. It was not working to control hot flashes, but for PMS/PMDD, it was WONDERFUL!"

• Yay
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 5, 2019

"I was diagnosed with PMDD at age 35 and am now 42 years old. The only regret I have about my 40 mg Fluoxetine is not getting on it sooner. I destroyed friendships, marriages and was about to self destruct when I finally sought help. If there are side effects I am not aware of them. This medicine didn't make me in the clouds happy, but it takes the edge off and levels me out so that I can think clearly, reason normally and control my emotions and irritability. I will NEVER not take this medicine. It's changed my life!"

• Prozac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2015

"I am in control of my thoughts and emotions and that's all I can ask for ! I don't easily cry or become depressed anymore.. I don't say hateful and mean things when I'm angry... I feel mentally stable and am in a much happier place just 3 weeks in. Didn't have any side affects only think was that people asked why I've been so much happier. I recommend Prozac and never take any other kind of pills."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I hesitantly started Prozac after trying lexapro and Zoloft. I found out I had PMDD and thought for sure nothing was going to help at this point and boy was I wrong. Prozac has given me my life back from intrusive thoughts, cyclical depression with PMDD and daily anxiety. I desperately wanted the old me back to how I was before I had PMDD and this is the best I’ve felt in 9 months. I would for sure recommend trying this (and sticking with it for the first couple weeks) to anyone with PMDD who feels lost and hopeless! I do take this in combination with birth control and am 6 weeks in. Keep pushing for a better tomorrow! ❤️"

• CLR
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 30, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been on 20mg daily Fluoxetine for past 3 years for PMDD. This definitely helps me feel more normal at that time of the month. No more crying, mood swings and feeling out of control for 7 days every month. It has taken me 20+ years to get diagnosed with PMDD after seeing lots of dr's who didn't really understand. In the end i kept a diary. For 2 weeks of each month i would be fine followed by around 10 days of feeling low, irritable, moody, anxious etc. I did increase the dose to 40mg daily at one point but kept getting bruises on my thighs and itchy legs (side effect) so reduced it back to 20mg. I would definitely recommend this to anyone else suffering from PMDD."

• Gambit
• May 22, 2013

Sarafem (fluoxetine) "My OBGYN gave me this for Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and it took me a while to actually take it because of the stigma that goes along with taking Prozac. I WISH I had taken it sooner as it has made such a difference. I have more patience, I don%u2019t get angry as much and am happier than I have ever been. I originally was prescribed it for 14 days a month (2 weeks before my period), but it has been so helpful that I am taking it every day. I take 20mg in the morning. The first couple of weeks I had a hard time sleeping. I would wake up in the middle of the night and couldn%u2019t fall back to sleep. That went away and I have no other side effects. I know so many people who should be taking this. Someone mentioned that it should be in the water and I agree!"

• Worth...
• May 19, 2015

"I was prescribed Fluoxetine 20mg for 2 weeks of the month and it has changed my life. The first week I had some nasty side effects - kept waking at night, nightmares, nausea, generally spaced out and tired - but also some more welcome ones - loss of appetite and really wanted to exercise. I barely noticed my period coming that first month. For the first time in as long as I could remember I didn't hate everyone or want to cry, and I was able to have normal social encounters without complete paranoia setting in! It was like I had got my old self back. 9 months in now, I am quite happily still taking them. Definitely worth trying if you do get really bad PMS."

• Kay...
• April 15, 2016

"I was on 20 mg for PMS and I CANT TELL YOU ENOUGH IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE ! I feel great , yes there are side effects but seriously I can deal with that. I nearly lost my husband and family due to my moods. I have only been on it for a couple of months but WOW it helped me be in control of me! "

• busy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2019

"I was having the worst irritability with my PMS, especially on the 7th or 10th day before my period started. Felt like I was being a terrible monad wife, just felt so angry and grouchy. Thank God my doc helped me by giving me prozac for the symptoms. My irritability disappeared, and when she followed up with me I said, "I can't believe how nice I am!", which is kind of depressing in itself but it illustrates how terrible I felt before. No more grouchiness with my poor kids. I have been able to lower my dosage to 10 mg, starting 10 days before my period. Feel so great, like a dark cloud has been lifted and I do not dread PMS anymore. I am writing this to encourage other women out there to try this if you are having "crazy days" before your period! BTW, I did feel some nervousness as a side effect when I first started taking it... was at 20 mg per day, but that has all but gone away. Oh yeah, and it has also helped with my premenstrual headaches."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "After suffering for some time with PMT I decided I couldn't continue the way I was as it was interfering with my personal life aswel as my work life. I spoke to my GP who offered me some different options, Prozac being one of them. At that point I felt I couldn't carry on the way I was so gave Prozac a try. I've been on it for around 6 weeks now and already feel 'normal' again. I don't feel anxious or hate myself. It seems to have cleared my thoughts. It's still early but it's definatly helped me get back to my old self."

• Maria...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2020

"I got Fluoxetine prescribed to me for PMDD. My doctor told me I could just take 10 mg a few days before I get my period instead of taking it every day. This was the first time in MONTHS (maybe years) that I didn't cry, feel depressed, overthink, feel anxious, nor feel irritable. My only side-effect was feeling a little bit jittery the first time I took it, but no big deal. It took me a very long time to get the courage to try an antidepressant for my PMDD, but I'm SO glad I did."

• Toast...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2015

"I am me again my premenstual Dysphoric disorder was destroying my relationship with others and with myself. For a week to two weeks a month I had severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and interpreted others actions as hostile. I would feel at times like breaking up with my boyfriend leaving my family and job and saying f u to life. This is the second time I have taken fluoxetine over long periods of time. Last time I stopped cold turkey (many years ago) thinking I was cured of my PDD. However over the years it worsened until I lived in fear of it. Now I really see understand and feel grateful for the effects of fluox. I feel I am clear, in control, calm and me again. It has improved my relationship with everyone. The side effect -breast growth! WIN!!!!!"