Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews

• Patrick
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was encouraged by my psychiatrist to try Prozac for the first time, 20 mg a day. I spent many many years always worried about other people's feelings to the point of overthinking things constantly. Worrying what people thought of me and I had low self-esteem and low self opinion. Social anxiety was always a serious problem for me also. With that being said, anxiety and worry crept in to full-blown depression. So my doctor put me on Prozac 20 mg. At first it made me a little drowsy but it gave me a way better feeling of calmness, peace and basically not worried at all about little things or what people thought of me. And after about a month, all of those chronic worry stress and fears were totally gone. Totally. In my own personal experience Prozac allowed me to tackle the important things of life and not worry or even think of petty things and other people's behavior. It basically gets rid of toxic stress and worry. And makes you mentally "strong" if that makes sense."

• Peach
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Hello! I was prescribed Prozac for anxiety and depression. I started the first week only taking 10mg and moved to 20mg on week two. I’ve been taking this medication for less than a month, but I already feel so much better. I would spend about 2-3 nights a week crying from worry and stress. I also suffer from PMDD and a week before my periods I would become extremely depressed. Since I started taking Prozac I haven’t had any crying spells, I’m much more calm, I am able to think clearly about things instead of becoming overwhelmed with stress. I also feel way more motivated in my daily life and I actually look forward to the future instead of being scared of it. The only side effects I experienced was a little bit of nausea and feeling tired (this lasted the first two weeks, but it’s gone now.) Everyone reacts differently to medication, so don’t let the bad reviews scare you!"

• Ellie
• April 20, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This medication has been great. I was so afraid to start, and the first 5-6 days I didn’t feel well. On day 8 I felt so much better! I don’t have panic attacks, I can breathe, I sleep better and don’t get stressed over tiny things. I still have negative thoughts but let them go immediately. I feel like I’m a nicer person and I feel like I can listen to other people again without my thoughts taking over. On day 14 of 20mg and staying on this dose at the moment. Don’t let reviews scare you!"

• SCano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This drug has been life changing for me, no more anxious or obsessive thoughts. If you are scared to try it please don't be. I can't believe the way I used to think and live life before taking this. Now my thought process have changed and I feel like I am myself again. I sleep better at night, and I eat better. I used to use food as a way to cope with my emotions. Now that is not the case, I eat normally and anxiety does not plague my life. No more obsessive thinking over small things. I have nothing but good things to say about Prozac. Honestly I just wished I had took it sooner, but now I am just glad I am able to live life, no more being held prisoner inside my own mind. I am free."

• Scare...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I’ve been on Prozac for 7 weeks now, I started 10mg & increased 20mg after 10 days. I absolutely did feel worse before I felt better. I was already at an unbearable level with my anxiety & the Prozac did increase it for me for around 2 weeks. After around 3 weeks I started to feel good, I can drive again, I’m starting to enjoy being outside & doing things. I’m a lot happier, settled & at least 80% less anxious. I still have moments & I’m definitely not cured but I’m managing. Side effects for me are vivid dreams, loss of appetite & some weight loss. In the beginning side effects were insomnia, increased anxiety, intrusive thoughts & agoraphobia. I got through it & it was like the sun finally came out once they started working. I spent hours researching & reading reviews scaring myself silly. If you’re doing that also, I can’t say what it will do for you as everyone is different but for me, it has improved my life. If I can get through those 1st tough 2 weeks anyone can."

• Panda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've been crying and overwhelmed every day. I'm a health care worker in a hospital & before this pandemic, I didn't need any meds for anxiety/stress. I have a happy life. But then this pandemic struck us & I lost it control ... I have been on 10mg/day for one week & so far so good. I'm not freaking out as bad anymore. Crying way less. But I'll see how I feel as time goes on."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I just want to say if you are hesitant to take this medication, don’t be! it’s wonderful! and STOP GOOGLING SIDE EFFECTS! I did this and it this put way too many ideas into my head when I finally started taking Prozac. I put off taking this medication for far too long, and finally caved in taking it when my anxiety started causing me to fall into depression. I was too afraid to even go to sleep by myself before taking this, and within my first dose (only 10mg) I slept through the night all by myself. Everyday I have continued to feel a bit better. 1st month I started taking 10mg and by month 2 I am now on 20mg. Before taking this I was suffering with panic attacks multiple times a week and now haven’t had one since I started. The power of medication is truly amazing. Once you start, stay strong and power through! Be patient. Even if this medication isn’t the fit for you, don’t fret, there are plenty of other options available. You will get through this!! Start taking your meds TODAY!!"

• 18 yr...
• September 5, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started at 10 mg dose of Prozac for GAD and some depression. I took 10mg, and moved to 20mg and it made me bleed (menstrual bleed), like a period NOT in my pee. Blood in pee can be a negative side effect of prozac, but my blood work was fine. I went back on 10, and every time I go up on dosage I bleed again. I look back now and see that suffered from anxiety for so much longer than needed to, I couldn't be more happier to have taken that chance and I want to encourage you not to be afraid because the pros beat the cons. Also before Prozac, I had EXTREMELY bad stomach issues, and taking prozac has dramatically helped my pain. Also my dreams are CRAZY. They are always nightmares and often wake me, sweating. My doctor prescribed me a drug called clonidine only 0.1 mg and I've been taking it for 3 nights and my sleep and nightmares have gotten much better already. Although these drugs can have side effects, there are ways around them to make your life better. You are not alone, it gets better. Thank you everyone whose shared here you are LOVED."

• guest
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have battled anxiety for years. I have a supportive family, a loving husband and child, and could not understand why I wanted to sleep or cry the days away, the months away, the years away..... My breaking point was my family was struggling to comprehend why I did not want to do anything we loved anymore or be active in our daily life. It hit me hard I could not walk into a room of people without going into a panic. Prozac is the 3rd medicine I tried. I feel like a million dollars now. I am me again. I was on 10mg for 1 month and now 20mg a day. I'm crying as I write this because anxiety is real. It effected everything in my life. But not anymore. My fear and panic are gone. I can run circles around my loved ones! It's great."

• Macar...
• August 9, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Hello! So I have been taking Prozac for my anxiety, it will be a year really soon. I definitely feel such a positive change in myself. I remember before going to school I would have panic attacks, I would stress so much I'd become sick, and I would shake and sweat badly from the stress. I would cry so much from becoming overly stressed. Now, I feel a significant change. I am much more calm in stressful situations. I also don't cry or get angry easily. I'm young, so my parents let me decide if I wanted to try the medication. I was worried about all the side affects, but after some overthinking, I decided to try it out. It took about 1 and a half months to start feeling a change, and I wish I took it earlier. I 100% recommend this medication to anyone with anxiety. It has changed my life and it is one of the best decisions I've ever made!"

• Anonymous
• February 8, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Man, what a journey/nightmare. Dealing with OCD & Anxiety & intrusive thoughts is absolutely no joke, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I swear I wouldn’t. But man I’ll tell you PROZAC SAVED MY LIFE. Where do I even start. I was dealing with so much OCD & Anxiety - From intrusive thoughts, to literally doing things over & over again, to realizing it wasn’t the thing that I was doing that was bothering me, it was that I didn’t know how to control my OCD. I was completely lacking self control in every way shape & form. But man, I’ll tell you. The first month on Prozac, I didn’t feel any different, honestly, I felt worse, but that was because my body was adjusting & I wasn’t being patient, I wanted immediate results & I still was lacking self control! But let me tell you, after 2 months on this medicine, I AM ALIVE AGAIN!!! :) I can breathe properly, I can think properly, I understand what triggers my OCD, BE YOURSELF."

• Liv
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since high school...I’m a 21 year old college student now. I was prescribed Prozac over 6 months ago, but didn't have the courage to take it. I initially came here and read the reviews which freaked me out. The past months I have been dealing with unbearable anxiety and panic attacks, that I could no longer manage. I gave in and have been on Prozac for 1 month now. The first week I had no side effects besides a headache. The second week came and the symptoms I had were obsessive thoughts, one bad panic attack, increased anxiety, feeling out of body, etc. This continued into week 3, but eventually got better. The middle of week 3 going on week 4 I feel very good! I have had little to no anxiety issues and can actually function in the world! This medication plus therapy once a week has been a good combination!"

• Chris...
• October 6, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "For anyone who is hesitant about trying an anti depressant like Prozac because maybe you have too much pride, or you're embarassed that you have to take a pill everyday to feel like yourself. I was suffering with anxiety and depression for about 5 years after a really traumatic car accident and refused to try anything. I'm in my early 20s I thought I was too young. I only wished I would've listened to my body and mind sooner. Prozac changed my life. I only take 20mg and it is incredible. I feel happy.. I feel calm. I feel like my old self. I haven't had any anxiety in months.. I'm not moody. It's like that big dark cloud is finally gone, don't be afraid to try this anti depressant. Im a brand new Me, because of it. I feel invincible"

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "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 anti-depressants. But when my boyfriend and I broke up I literally went to my PsycDoc the very next day. I had done my research on AD’s 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 soooo much anxiety is 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 soooo tired, fatigue 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."

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been on Prozac for approx 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."

• 20mg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2024

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Today is officially my third month on Prozac. I was suffering from anxiety for too long, worrying and stressing about trivial things and letting everything overwhelm me to a point when I had panic attacks and was diagnosed with GAD and MDD. Man, I wish I started taking this sooner. That constant feeling of my heart beating out of my chest, my legs shaking, and sweat dripping when anxiety takes over is long gone. I just say it feels so strange because I'm so used to living with anxiety and stress. And when I stopped feeling it on my second month, I felt truly at peace. And I can do a lot more nowadays. There isn't a voice in my head telling me how worthless I am. I still have all my feelings intact, I still get emotional, happy, sad, and angry. But they are all very balanced and it feels so normal. If you experience something similar, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. It definitely will not work for every person, but it might just turn your world around. No weight gain for me."

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "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 Clonazapam. 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 Clonazapam 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."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This medication has turned my life completely around in about a months time. First week just felt weird and confused. Had bad diarrhea... Week two confused and not sure if I wanted to keep taking in. 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."

• Anxiety...
• February 19, 2024

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've been on Prozac for about 5 months now, suffered with extreme anxiety, restlessness, stress, and constantly feeling nervous on a regular daily basis. This is the best way I can describe how Prozac makes me feel and act: my anxiety isn't present anymore, in situations where I know I definitely get anxious (even for the right reasons). I feel like there is some sort of shield, or like a protective layer on my nerves and anxiety. It's like I don't feel the 100% raw effect of the anxiety and stress, more like 20% to even zero sometimes. As a 32-year-old woman, I came to a point where I knew I need to stop feeling everything all of the time at its most intensity, I just want to experience feelings in a moderate and balanced state. At first, it was weird to not feel the 100% anxiety and stress when you're in situations where you know you would feel them constantly before, and it keeps getting better after. I feel free to go on about my day without my emotions, stress, and nerves hijacking me."

• Arizona
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "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."

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "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."

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Having severe anxiety for 3 years now !! I have tried so many medication 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 taken!! 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 have been improved drastically! I started felling better even form the first days!! No more headache no more anxiety or depression!! I am able to control my thoughts and my anxiety in a much a great extent!!! Seriously the best medication ever!! Old but effective!! Give it a try !!!!!"

• wicke...
• May 15, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Ok 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."

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "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 complete 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 advise 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"

• sash
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This drug Prozac has completely changed my life. A few months ago I had to take the quarter off during my last year of college. I was so anxious 24/7 that I had developed a severe headache that lasted for two months, and even affected my vision. After 5 weeks of being on prozac, I began to feel lighter, and the headache went away. Increasing the dose to 40 mg made me feel happy for the first time in years. I have bouts of a few hours of anxiety usually twice a week, but they're usually triggered by something. I no longer have an impending sense of doom. I have not gained any weight, and have had no bad side affects."