Fluoxetine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2016

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I have spent a lot of time reading threads on Prozac. They have all been very helpful during these past few months so I thought I should share my own experiences just in case anyone out there might find it helpful. I started Prozac 20mg about 2 months ago. I always knew I had anxiety and mild depression and was always curious about taking antidepressants. But when my boyfriend and I broke up, I literally went to my psych doc the very next day. I had done my research on ADs and thought that Prozac would be the best for me. My doc agreed. I kept a log every single day I took Prozac starting from Day #1 until Day #30. It took 24 days before I started feeling little random bursts of happiness. But up until day #24, it was pure torture. It hurt to smile, I completely lost my appetite, I could not sleep, I was sad, I experienced so much anxiety, it was painful. But thanks to reading all these threads, I did not give up and was hopeful that things will get better just as everyone said it will. Every day after Day #24 just seemed to have gotten better and better. And on Day #30, it finally hit me, and I understood what Prozac is all about. Yes, it is true that it is a life saver. If I had to put it in just two words to explain how I feel on Prozac, I would have to say “Calm” and “Clear”. But I’m not finished just yet… after a few weeks, I started feeling like the 20mg wasn’t really working. So my doc increased my dose to 40mg. This time around, I almost gave up and went back to 20mg, but thankfully I did not. For 3 weeks of taking 40mg, I was so tired, fatigued, and lethargic. I did not experience this on 20mg, and I was constantly hungry too. So after week #3, I called my doc, so I can make an appointment to go back down to 20mg, he was out of town, so I had to wait. When his office called me back to schedule me in, the awful side effects of 40mg were gone, and I was back to feeling clear, calm, and happy again. So here is my own personal advice from my own journey with Prozac… I’ve been on it for a little over 2 months. You have to get worse before you get better. No matter what you think, YOU WILL GET BETTER. Prozac is literally reprogramming and rewiring your brain, and that TAKES TIME. Side note: I’m 31 years old and ex-boyfriend and I are back together and happy. So were all those days of torture worth it? It sure was."

• Pum...
• January 7, 2021

For Depression "Again, another update - I’m due my 3-month review in the next 2 weeks, and a week ago I would have said I need it increasing (I’m on 20mg). But this last week, it's kicked in! I cannot tell you the relief and elation I feel now. Life feels good again, and I don’t even have to try to make it good. It just is. Please, please hang in there. If it’s unbearable, then talk to your GP - you may need to change meds. But if it’s still just really horrible, please wait until 12 weeks, then reassess. The 12 weeks haven’t been terrible, each day different and varying in “bad”, but honestly; I’m there now. I’m feeling good. Happy to talk to anyone that needs it x"

• Hel...
• May 10, 2019

Fluoxetine for Depression "I’ve suffered from depression since a teen and now in my 30s. I’ve taken Prozac a couple of times with success. The problem being, as soon as I feel good again, I feel like maybe I wasn’t bad off to begin with and stop. I would think I was in a good spot. Decent marriage, good kids, great job - and I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t be happy and grateful. I got to the point where I had no feelings and wanted to hurt myself. Outside of reading inspiring books and literally peeling myself from the bed in the darkest of moments, Prozac really helped me. It took weeks, very painful weeks. Once it kicked in, I became interested in my life again. I’m in a good spot right now and I believe it’s because I listened to other success stories and kicked myself out of bed every day regardless of how much I wanted to crawl under my covers. And I decided to take medication that did not work instantly, but eventually. I hope this helps someone to make their life better like I did."

• con...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 26, 2014

Fluoxetine for Depression "I can't say enough about how much this medicine has helped me with depression. I spent years in and out of deep depression. I was finally diagnosed with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder and started Prozac at 20 mg, then went up to 40 mg. I knew it was helping, but I didn't fully realize how much until I forgot to take it for about 5 days. Then I started to feel the hopeless feeling I get with depression, and I haven't missed a dose since. I'm one of the lucky ones with no negative side effects. My libido is better than ever, and I've actually lost a few pounds. I sleep great and wake up every morning feeling rested and more positive about life than I ever have before."

• Gwe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2019

Fluoxetine for Depression "I feared going on antidepressants for years. Like 20 years. I did not want to be someone who had to take a pill every day. Finally, I gave in after having a breakdown and I wish I could talk to the 35-year-old me and say, hey, dummy, you will feel like yourself again so just hush and take it! I have had an incredible experience with this drug. I've been on it for four months and feel like the Gwen I was years ago. If you are stopping yourself from trying this medication for similar reasons, I hope you will reconsider. Initially, it was difficult as my body adjusted to the medication but I expected that as my doctor told me the first few weeks can be challenging. I almost gave up but something deep inside me told me to push through. After 3 weeks, I really felt the benefits and now that my body is used to it, I am myself again. I highly recommend."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2015

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "This medication has turned my life completely around in about a month's time. First week just felt weird and confused. Had bad diarrhea... Week two, confused and not sure if I wanted to keep taking it. By week three, something started to really change. Had side effects still, but they were decreasing. Started feeling WAY calmer and rational, my children spend more time around me instead of hiding from me, and I am cleaning and organizing things around my home that have been sitting around for six months or more. I am becoming a functional person again, now for the first time in a REALLY long time. My advice, please stick with it if you can for a minimum of four to six weeks. It might just turn out to be the best thing you ever did."

• lik...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 13, 2014

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Prozac for approximately 25 years. Whenever I try to get off of it, I never feel as good as I do when I take it. I recommend this medicine to treat depression, anxiety, bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and stress."

• ki ...
• June 18, 2019

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I would like to speak about Prozac. When I first started it, I felt like giving up. I was on 20mg and I couldn't eat or sleep, and my anxiety got so much worse. My thoughts went on overdrive, and new OCD thoughts came. However, I am now on it for three months at a 40mg dose, and my brain is so much clearer. I can rationalize the thoughts. OCD is no fun, but don't suffer. I went on here when I first started, and I read a positive thread, and it kept me going. Please don't lose hope."

• Lan...
• August 28, 2020

Fluoxetine for Depression "I’ve only been on Prozac for two months. In that period of time, I have made a drastic increase in my mood, my ability to deal with daily stresses, and my ability to cope with my long-standing trauma. I was on Prozac originally when I was in high school, and due to my mother wanting me to stop, I stopped in high school. After being on Zoloft for a few months, more like close to a year, I wasn’t feeling anything. After not being on any medicine for a while, I’ve reached out to my primary care and told them Prozac was what worked for me in the past. I have been on Prozac since then, and I have nothing but positive things to say. I am 24, semi-underweight. I am also dealing with a lot of parental trauma and a great deal of issues with my work and parents. I am unsure if that last part is helping anybody, but I want to be as far as possible."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2019

Fluoxetine for Depression "I avoided going on medication for far too long, and now that I've been on Prozac for 8 weeks, I am amazed at the wonderful changes it has brought to my life. My depression is pretty much gone, and I feel so much more even-keeled. So thankful I finally chose better living through chemistry. I'm 57 - should have done this 25 years ago. :)"

• DGa...
• October 10, 2020

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I have now been on Prozac for 7 months now, and I can honestly say this medication has helped me so much! I used to have irrational thoughts and fears of getting sick and would not want to leave my house. I always told myself I don’t need medication, I can handle it myself. My advice: do not fear Prozac! It caused a few side effects in the first 2 weeks, but over time, it became better. It gave me my thoughts back, and I can do things without fear now. I started on 20mg and went up to 30mg after a month. My only regret was being scared and waiting over a year to finally do something to help myself. Do not be scared of the reviews. I have been where you were, and it WILL get better."

• OCD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2022

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was very nervous to try Prozac because of my horrible hypochondria and fear of trying new medicines. I was constantly struggling with OCD intrusive thoughts and compulsions, as well as TERRIBLE anxiety. I felt as though my OCD and being in a constant state of worry were taking over my life. I’m 29 years old, work full time & decided that this way no way to live. I caved and started 10mg daily. Week 1 I was exhausted and in a fog. Week 2 was brutal, I had peak anxiety and OCD. I almost felt manic. I had a panic attack, was nauseous, & couldn’t eat. Week 3 I started feeling better, I noticed my intrusive thoughts weren’t constantly haunting me. Week 4 I woke up one day and felt like a new person. I no longer have intrusive thoughts or OCD “routines”, irritability is nearly gone, and I’m not in a constant state of worry. I feel 100x better, Prozac has changed my life. I’m posting this for people who are nervous to try. Try fighting through the side effects, it’s SO worth it."

• ass...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2015

Fluoxetine for Depression "Incredible. To think a simple pill would be so life-changing. 21-year-old married mother of two. I've been struggling with depression and anxiety, especially social anxiety, my entire life. I was at the end of my rope, starting to think depression wasn't even a real thing, it was just normal to feel like crap. Literally the first day I felt okay. A month later, here I am exercising every day in my spotless house and playing with my kids. No more emotional eating. I've lost fifteen pounds! I have the energy and focus to do EVERYTHING. I only wish I would have tried it sooner. I thought it would make me feel like a numb robot, but I still feel like me, just a better me. Really looking forward to my future on Prozac."

• Sil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 24, 2019

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I keep meaning to share my review of this drug. I know there are many people reading these reviews just starting Prozac and extremely anxious. Because at one point, I was one of them. How long does it take for Prozac to work, you may ask? Well, the first few weeks are rough, then at 6 weeks, it was like a switch went off, and I felt so much better. Panic attacks gone, my OCD is under control (also with the help of ERP therapy with a psychologist). It has completely changed my life. I almost quit taking it in the first few weeks because the side effects were so terrible, but with support from my family and online support groups, I kept taking it. I’m here telling anyone struggling, PLEASE give this medication at least 5-6 weeks before you quit taking it. Please hang in there. Prozac has literally saved my life."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2021

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "My third bout of severe anxiety has been building up for 3-4 weeks. No reason that I’m aware of had caused this condition. My husband and I have carried on at home with a schedule, doing OK during COVID. All of a sudden, the anxiety hit with a vengeance. My pDr told me to up my Lexapro and Clonazepam. No help as I continued fearfully. I found a psychiatrist who would see me but took me off the benzo (cold turkey, no relief from severe withdrawal). He started me on 20mg Prozac (dropped Lexapro). Result was a tailspin. Now talking to a therapist and working with my pDr. I’m 7 days on Prozac and working on a consistent morning schedule. My husband is very supportive and caring. I depend on Clonazepam while adjusting to the new Prozac. I am very hopeful that the next several weeks will improve my mental and physical state. I will report back each week to let you know of my progress. Let us all do this journey together."

• Vic...
• February 1, 2017

Fluoxetine for Depression "I'm on week 6 of Prozac and it saved my life. I went through a semester of major life changes (engagement, graduation, moving across country, major weight gain from stress, living with fiancée's parents, and stopped being able to see my friends) which resulted in me becoming severely depressed. I've NEVER been depressed in my life. I'm the most bubbly person ever. Well, when I started to get into a deep black hole and also having suicidal ideation (never had before), I decided to go to the doctor. She started me on 10mg for 4 weeks and with some change (75% better), we decided to try 20mg for 100%. I'm only on week 6 of being on Prozac all together, and it saved my life, my relationship, and my joy. PLEASE give it time. I'm praying for you all!"

• aem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2014

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Prozac worked wonders for my anxiety and mild depression. I always struggled with PMS-related anxiety, but after some big life changes, morning anxiety was more and more frequent and my motivation and drive to accomplish anything was low. I didn't want to get out of bed, even though nothing was wrong with my life. I just had an overarching feeling of hopelessness. Went to the doctor and she prescribed 20mg. Had bad nausea the first two weeks, then it went away, but I was still struggling with anxiety some mornings. She bumped me up to 40mg, and although it's only been a few days, I can totally tell a difference. I'm more motivated, happy and content. No anxiety. No nausea. Grateful for this med. I feel good for the first time in awhile."

• wic...
• May 15, 2014

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Okay, this is my third review in just less than a year. Here are the pros: weight loss (16 pounds lost), eliminated my anxiety issues, no more Klonopin, very calm, cool, and collected attitude, improved vision, and I feel great! I can give presentations in front of many people without hesitation or anxiety buildup. Now for the cons: Be careful drinking alcohol after taking your daily dose. I have experienced severe impairment after just a few drinks that I normally handle with ease. Usually, it happens if I forget to take my dose in the morning and take it after work instead. If I don't give it time to metabolize in my system and drink on it, 2 beers can feel like 6. Be mindful of that and do not operate machinery/cars."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Hot Flashes "Was prescribed Fluoxetine 20mg by my doctor for my erratic mood swings and hot flushes which then cause bouts of anxiety... Yes, welcome to the menopause! When my doctor suggested these antidepressants, I was like, but I'm not depressed! I'm just menopausal! These are used for so much more than that, muscle relaxant and also to treat the symptoms of menopause. Yeah right, I thought, but had nothing to lose and wanted my life back. And well, hello! After 6 days, my hot flushes have almost gone, my brain fog has lessened, and I actually had a full night's sleep the last 2 nights. I'm now almost 2 weeks in - Ladies, we don't have to suffer and throw away the stigma of antidepressants. They're not just for depression. X"

• Pro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2020

Fluoxetine for Bulimia "This drug saved my life. 5 months ago I started on 20 mg of Prozac. This helped manage the binge cravings, but I relapsed a few times throughout that period. After upping the dosage to 40 mg, I have not relapsed for 3 months and 16 days. This is after a devastating secret battle with bulimia of seven years. I have now upped the dosage to 60 mg to manage a hair-pulling disorder, but my obsession around foods and eating beyond my needs are truly a thing of the past. I am so grateful for this drug. Please combine with an app that will track your relapse dates for awareness but also celebrate as you hit weekly, monthly, and hopefully yearly ‘milestones’. Sending everybody love who needs it."

• Abb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2021

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have OCD, anxiety, and occasional depression. My OCD is hyperawareness-related. I had an extremely rough time this summer. Getting on these meds was rough, but benzos helped me on bad days. I just have to say, this medication saved my life. I hope that this brings hope to whoever is reading this right now. You can get better. My anxiety is gone, depression is gone. OCD is background noise now. I was terrified I would never get better. I was suicidal. I am a mom of 2 kids. I was deathly scared of my own mind. Don't give up. Give this med a shot! (I take 40 mg)."

• Ari...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2021

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Prozac enabled me to start enjoying my life again. I started off on 10mg and then moved up to 20mg plus 10mg Buspar twice a day. I went from suicidal thoughts, feeling like I wasn't ever going to be able to have a normal life again, constant anxiety, severe anxiety-induced depression, to finally being able to wake up and enjoy the day again. It took a long time to kick in, probably 4-6 weeks before I felt any palpable improvement, but now after two months on it, I am finally starting to feel like myself again. I didn't have any major side effects in my experience, unlike other SSRIs I have tried. Stay strong and stick with it! Remember you are never alone."

• Shi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2020

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "It’s the first time ever I am leaving a review for something because I thought I owe that to myself and lots of people who are uncertain or hopeless. I took Paxil before Prozac for about 4 months with no effects at all. I asked my doc to prescribe Prozac because I was getting worse. I was so depressed, always in a sad mood, crying a lot, and did not have the power to do anything at home. I spent hours in bed at the weekends. Then I started Prozac, after 3 weeks I had some ups and downs, but I was giving up until I started feeling better after 4-5 weeks. Now I have been taking it for 5 months, have not cried for a long time, have no sadness, no depressed mood, and no anxiety. I am just so glad I did not give up. I am a mom and I needed to get up again. After years, I feel I am living. Thank you, Prozac."

• Zt5...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Having severe anxiety for 3 years now!! I have tried so many medications with no improvement at all! Headaches, muscle pains, insomnia, anxiety, and depression were my worst friends. Being on Lexapro for 3 years, I decided to switch to Prozac! Best decision I have ever made! No side effects at all. I was expecting to have nausea or sexual issues, but surprisingly neither of them happened. I am very impressed by this medication, no more anxiety or depression, my life has been improved drastically! I started feeling better even from the first days. No more headache, no more anxiety or depression. I am able to control my thoughts and my anxiety to a great extent. Seriously the best medication ever! Old but effective! Give it a try!"

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "If you are wondering how long it takes fluoxetine to work, I want you all to know that it took me 12 WEEKS for my Lovan/fluoxetine to work! I was giving up hope after 8 weeks, but decided to stay on them. Around 12 weeks later, I went to sleep, woke up, and I was a completely different person. Happier, outgoing, bubbly, and I could go out in public without feeling anxious. I wasn’t depressed and wasn't having bad thoughts anymore. I was suddenly a positive, happy, excited person. My advice is, please don’t give up until after 12 weeks because you could feel terrible one day and the next morning, boom, everything is better! It might happen slower for other people, but that was just my experience."