Fluoxetine for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2009

Fluoxetine "I took Prozac for several years to treat my depression, and it was awesome. It had few side effects but gave me my life back. I went from not leaving my bed to actually being a productive member of society again. I did lose a good deal of weight while I was on it, but that eventually balanced out. I took it until it got to the point where it stopped working for me, and I've never found anything that has worked as well. Hopefully, I will be able to take it and have it work for me again one day."

• Sox...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 4, 2018

Fluoxetine "It literally saved my life. I have been on antidepressants and mood stabilizers for about 25 years now. Up until about 8 years ago, I was on sertraline and Depakote plus other mood stabilizers... nothing worked. I was horribly depressed, suicidal, and had gained so much weight. Then I had a breakdown. I was rushed to a doctor's out of town and changed my meds. I was put on Prozac. I have been on it for about 8 years. You have to stick with it. If you stop it for whatever reason or miss more than a couple days' doses, then you will start feeling bad. It does help. I probably would not be here today if it was not for my doc and Prozac. Just give it time and stick to it. Do not give up. You have to give it time to kick in. A couple of days of side effects is not a reason to quit. Good luck."

• Kru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2014

Fluoxetine "At first, when I began taking Prozac, I had a lot more episodes. I just cried in my bedroom for hours. I can't even describe the emotions, if I could even call them that, going through me. It was like a dark part of me took over, and it wanted nothing but an end. I don't even know to what. Everything was way worse, multiple suicidal thoughts per a single day were not uncommon. Gradually, I started feeling better, there was no sudden happiness or peace, but I felt normal. Now, I just don't know what's going on with me. Stress and everything is piling up on me, once again. Eating is a chore. I feel like I'm on the brink of falling apart, on the thin line between sanity and insanity. I don't want life or death. I want to not exist. I'm just confused."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

"Two words to describe Prozac 'GAME CHANGER'. I have spent years suffering from depression, overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, and, as of recently, extreme anger and outbursts due to the circumstances of a horrible divorce. I spent 20 years in a marriage with a man who had borderline personality disorder. His emotional and physical abuse resulted in me taking the easy path and I ended up being a victim. I had given up on my life. I hated everything and everyone because I was so angry. I cried every day over everything. I quit working and crawled under the covers and stayed for good. I tried to take other antidepressants (Celexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin) only to quit because the side effects were unbearable. Now, 6 weeks in on the Prozac and I feel like a completely different person. I can't even believe I allowed myself to fall so hard. But we do sometimes, and that's OK. Please don't give up. There is a solution out there for everyone. Life is worth living!"

• vin...
• February 9, 2014

Fluoxetine "It's always a test of one person. Everyone will have antidepressants that work best for them. I tried Lexapro and Wellbutrin. I hated Wellbutrin. Prozac gave me ZERO side effects. No sexual frustration, no irritability, and no insomnia. I'm on my 6th month and just got bumped from 20mg to 40mg because of seasonal depression and feel a HUGE deal better. I've lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks because my appetite and drinking are also under control. I've also heard Prozac is associated with weight loss. If something isn't working for you, give it a try."

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2016

Fluoxetine "At first, it made me feel really sick constantly and have stomach aches, but after 2 weeks, it started to help me cope with my anxiety and depression way better. I wanna make it clear, I wasn't looking for a cure when I started taking Prozac, but just a way to better manage my feelings because I don't think I will ever be cured since I've been chronically depressed my whole life. And it does really help me manage way better. I still have depressive episodes though, but I don't break down crying easily or feel anxious all the time, and I stopped dissociating."

• SAV...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2015

Fluoxetine "Living all my life and only knowing highs and lows of depression, I've taken many pills. Sure they worked at first but then the depression came back, Prozac is quite a ride from when you first take it, there are so many changes. I'm at 40mg, 6 months later I have diarrhea and have lost a lot of weight. I hope I'm not dying. I was a complete idiot and delusional the last 45 years, this pill made me feel like I'm supposed to feel, it doesn't feel fake. Yes, I did experience memory loss, fatigue, have to look back and live with my mistakes before Prozac, Prozac made everything clear, I feel sharper as well, it actually cured my depression. Just made sure to follow instructions as you increase dosage."

• mer...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 25, 2020

"Fluoxetine is the best medicine. It changes my life by producing a good and relaxing feeling. I was suffering for seven years... my feelings toward people were just hating them due to my past grievances which I suffered from people."

• LWH...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

Fluoxetine "I've taken this medication Prozac for about 7 months. I had a little nausea, weight gain, sleeping more, and felt like less energy, but for once I was content and happy. I dealt with the loss of a child and the father of my kids at 22. I never sought out help or treatment until last year. I finally drew a line with my depression and anger. Felt like a crappy parent. This medication has had its side effects. My biggest notice was my sexual desire was 100% no longer. I had tried dating but had no desire to talk, touch, or be intimate. When I was having sex, it was somewhat uncomfortable and had a hard time with lubrication. I also found it hard to climax. I read up and this is a side effect with fluoxetine. I didn't care though. For once I was happy and enjoyed my life. It is not for everyone."

• Xel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2016

Fluoxetine "I have been on several different SSRIs before and haven't seen much improvement. So far, this seems to be the only antidepressant that's worked for me and hasn't given me too many side effects. I was on Luvox, which wasn't helping at all for any of the multiple conditions it was prescribed to treat, and was switched to an equivalent dose of Prozac. Ever since starting it, I've had more energy and have been able to smile, laugh, and overall just feel like a normal person. For me, in combination with Seroquel, Adderall (for ADHD, but also gives what I take for depression a little boost), and Wellbutrin, this is a wonder drug. It still helps me get through every day after quite a few months on it. Couldn't say the same about other SSRIs."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 15, 2015

Fluoxetine "I can honestly say that fluoxetine has improved my quality of life to a great extent. I went from feeling extremely depressed on a daily basis, to feeling very happy and content with my life. I am a lot more open and honest with people, I feel like my inhibitions and anxieties (about some things) have been lifted. I am a lot more talkative and chatty, and for some reason enjoy trashy TV more (which I'm not sure is a good thing)! I have had several tattoos since beginning taking this drug (I had none before). I did carefully consider them though. The only negative effects to note were that at the start of the treatment I did have insomnia for a while and very intense nightmares."

• Emm...
• May 1, 2016

Fluoxetine "I have had depression and anxiety for several years, and have been on many antidepressants and none have been as effective as Prozac has been for me. I was previously on Celexa, and although it did help my depression, it also made me gain a lot of weight. Since being on Prozac, though, my appetite has gone down tremendously, and I feel amazing. I have never been this happy even before depression hit me."

• eth...
• April 28, 2015

Fluoxetine "I have suffered from severe depression and anxiety for 9 years now. I also suffer from PTSD. I have tried almost everything out there, and Prozac is the only antidepressant that I can take and that works for me. I am very sensitive to medication, and I'm glad I have found at least one medication that helps my severe depression. It helps motivate me and keeps me alive. I have been on 10 mg for a long time, and then recently went to 20 mg. I think I need to increase my dosage even more so. But it has been the only reliable medication I have ever taken, and for the longest duration."

• mar...
• March 4, 2013

Fluoxetine "I started taking Prozac two years ago, and I thought it wasn't doing anything for me. So I quit cold turkey (which I do not advise because you could become very suicidal) and I did not take it for 6 months. Just about a week ago, I started taking it again, and I have to say I feel so much better. I realized Prozac was working for me because I wasn't having intense feelings anymore when small things upset me. I was able to cope with them more. And now, when I look back on when I was taking it years prior to my cut-off, I remembered I did better than when I wasn't taking it. I'm really pleased with this medication, and I'm glad I take it. Yes, I still get upset, but I do not go from being a 1 to a 10. Remember, it's not a magic pill. It is only to help."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2012

Fluoxetine "What a life saver! And I mean that in the very literal sense. I've now been taking 20mg of Prozac for about 18 days. The first week was hell. I couldn't sleep, I felt more depressed, anxious, and panicky than before. Nauseous and disorientated. But I stuck with it. Only now that I'm starting to feel better do I start to realize how incredibly unwell and out of control I've been for so long. I'm now starting to feel like I have my brain back and am in possession of rational thoughts again!"

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2021

Fluoxetine "I can’t believe how Prozac changed my life. I’m on 20 mg. I have been suffering from anxiety and depression all my life, especially these last two years dealing with divorce and death. I was at the point that I lost control of myself and feared how I was supposed to go to work. I had suicidal thoughts and so many intrusive thoughts, events from the past, people who did me wrong, conversations from random people whom I had not seen for 25 years. I was terrified when these thoughts were entering. Now, everything is at ease. When thoughts enter, I don’t get scared, I don’t even pay attention to them that much. I’m calm and energetic. I go to work happy and feel like I’m born again. The only concern I have is my libido that has dropped but that won’t matter at this time. My priority is to focus on curing the depression, and I am optimistic that it will come back. Thank you to science. I wish I had taken it when I was a teenager, but better late than never."

• Apm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2016

Fluoxetine "I started taking antidepressants after my grandchild died. He was 3 years old, and it changed my world. I had so much anxiety over people, and I was just so sad and angry all of the time. I started Celexa, and I loved how it just shut off the bad. Eventually, it was increased, and I couldn't stay awake for anything. I got switched to Prozac about a month ago. At first, I felt very irritable, but that's gotten better, and now I feel better overall. No more trying to sleep all day, and the crazy switch is still flipped to off."

• sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2013

Fluoxetine "I gave birth to my 3rd child 8 months ago. I am not the person I used to be. Everything upsets me. I either cry all day or am mad at the world. I can't focus or concentrate on anything. I don't want to do anything and I finally gave up and went to the doctor for help yesterday. He put me on Prozac 20 mg/once a day. Today is my 2nd day. I'm praying that this helps because I can't live like this anymore."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

Fluoxetine "This is great! I have been depressed since my divorce and have tried other antidepressants. This really works. Prozac even gives me energy in the morning! The only problem is that it gives me anxiety, so maybe it’s good to get you out of the depression, or maybe I need a lower dose."

• Ada...
• February 6, 2016

Fluoxetine "I just started Prozac again after being off it for several years. After going off Prozac the first time, I tried battling depression with alternative methods, including yoga, exercise, and CBT. Recently, I decided I was losing the battle using these methods alone and went back to Prozac. My experience so far is that the medication is working. I have so far not been experiencing the really deep lows while on this medication. I do feel a bit drowsier than usual, although this is not entirely unwelcome as I was having trouble sleeping before and now I find I am able to sleep and nap more easily. Exercise and avoiding alcohol dramatically help with the drowsiness issue and also help improve mood further in combination with the Prozac."

• Cal...
• December 22, 2014

Fluoxetine "I used to have horrible nightmares, couldn't sleep sometimes because of visions in the dark, occasional sudden bouts of intense unjustified anger, etc. I've been on Prozac more or less (I'm not great about taking the pills) for 10 years now. I probably average 20 mg/day over time. If I stop taking it for several weeks, I will notice the angry spells starting to come back, etc, and that's my cue that I need to start taking it again. It has been very helpful for me. It's not a cure-all, and maybe the highs of life are not as frequent, but they still come. And I'd rather have that and contentment than the awful lows. No free rides, but I enjoy my friends, exercise, family, and relationships. Overall, a godsend for me."

• Bli...
• January 15, 2016

Fluoxetine "I am beginning my fourth week on 20mg Fluoxetine taken each morning. I am recovering from a long-term abusive relationship with a Narcissist. I have a head injury that predisposes me to fatigue. I asked the doctor to help me with my energy levels. I did not admit it, but the underlying feeling I had was that 'everything was too much' and 'nothing matters anyway.' But nobody would have guessed how hopeless I had become, and had been for at least 10 years. Initially, I experienced all of the symptoms people warn about in the first few weeks. Insomnia and occasional extreme anxiety were the worst. Now I feel enthused about taking things one at a time and am enjoying the process. I have begun to sleep normally again. So far, so good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2015

Fluoxetine "I started off with 10 mg for the first week and noticed that I have FINALLY been able to get some sleep! Beforehand, I could never get sleep and never had energy throughout the day. I'm more friendly. I was starting to spend more time with my husband, being more intimate, and just feeling good! For the second week, I started to notice my body wants to shut down by 8pm (which I love). I could wake up at 5am for work and have so much energy to get what I need done. I do not really have racing thoughts anymore. Sometimes I catch myself still being sad from time to time, but that's only because it takes about a month to have the full effect! Fair to say, I did notice POSITIVE improvements. I'm glad that I got help when I did."

• Sid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2019

Fluoxetine "I’ve been on generic Prozac for three weeks. I take it at bedtime. My side effect symptoms are I am nauseous every morning, sweating, feeling very weak, and tiredness seems not to let up. I think I’m going to stop, as I can’t take the nausea every day, and I can’t even drink coffee. I have zero appetite until later in the day. It makes me definitely feel worse than the health anxiety I have. Anyone else? I literally feel miserable."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2020

Fluoxetine "I'm somewhat new to Prozac. I've been on it for about 4 months, started at a 10 mg dose and it did nothing for me, went to 20 mg and it was exactly the same as 10 mg, did nothing. I was recently moved up to a 40 mg dose and it's made me severely depressed and it's brought back my anxiety but 10 times worse. I've recently started starving myself, which I'm thinking I'm starting to get some sort of eating disorder. I'm also getting very bad self-harm cravings (more than usual). I've acted on those cravings and I'm honestly thinking this is just mucking up my life more."