Prozac for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• 13A...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 20, 2019

"I was started on this medication at a very low dose in college. I suffer from depression & anxiety; after a few weeks, the depression started to slowly go away - minimal side effects, mainly less energy. I have been on and off it, trying other options since then, and nothing has helped as much. Zoloft & Paxil did not have an impact. I stopped taking it after feeling better for a long time, but my depression came back and was much worse. Now, finally getting it under control. I personally don't like taking any medicine, but this one has helped me a great deal - the side effects (especially being really tired) at least for me went away after the first month. I hope if you are reading this, with medicine or not, you are well and taking the best care of yourself possible =)"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2019

"I'm on 80mg of Prozac, and it has been a lifesaver for me. I went off it at one time, but my depression and anxiety came back with a vengeance. I just started taking it again last week at the 80mg dose, and I already am starting to feel like myself. The only side effect I don't like is the heartburn, so you have to drink a big glass of water when you take it, otherwise, you feel like your esophagus is on fire. I've had no other negative side effects. It also helped me quit smoking and my craving for sweets. I'm sticking to this med forever."

• Aja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

"Just started Prozac 20mg 2 weeks ago. I was not sleeping, not eating, crying at almost everything. Little things would make me go off. Now that I’ve been on it for 2 weeks, my sleeping has improved, I’m eating more, and leaving the house with my husband now. Although I am still irritable, I feel it is getting better. The only thing I noticed is you cannot drink at all with this drug, or you get yourself in this weird funk that’s hard to get out. I spent 3 days in bed after a few drinks with my friends. My fault though. You really shouldn’t be drinking on any medications. Won’t be doing that again. Excited to see if Prozac can help me get to the gym again and start doing the things I enjoy."

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

"35-year-old black man with generalized anxiety and depression. On Prozac, I definitely feel weak, tired, but not so much of lucid dreams and never had a problem falling asleep. I've noticed myself smiling more, willing to go out with family, and also I'm thinking differently about my life and who I am. 2 weeks into meds."

• gin...
• April 25, 2014

"Prozac saved my life! 20 mg. I'm on week three. I was out of work for months and couldn't think clearly. Then, on the third week, I woke up, finally got out of my bed, and pursued looking for work. Got hired that same day! Yay! I encourage you to stay on Prozac for three weeks to take effect."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2019

"This medicine has saved my life. It has released me from the shackles of my illness. Prozac has not only helped my crippling depression that I've been suffering with for a total of 5 years, but also my general and social anxiety problems. This medicine has even helped with my phobias. Never in a million years did I think I would ever be able to go somewhere by myself or sit by myself at a table in a place full of people ever again. I can leave my bed again. I can leave my house again. This medicine has given me the first taste of life I've had in years. My depression was agitative, so I'm also on a dose of carbamazepine on the side which in conjunction has done so much for me. My friends barely recognize me. Everyone is different, but I 100% recommend this medicine for anyone dealing with depression and social anxiety. Thank you Prozac!"

• esp...
• June 25, 2015

"I've been taking Prozac for three months now, and I'm the best I've ever been. I can see the beauty in the world that I saw when I was little. I don't think bad thoughts anymore. Sometimes I miss a few days on my medication, and I'll see something like a road, a song, or an old diary entry from my journal, and it will be a subtle reminder of how I felt, but I am strong enough to fight those thoughts and push them away. I smile more, and I talk to people. I'm not scared to talk to people in public anymore. My anxiety is almost gone. I don't feel depressed anymore, and I love myself. I don't hate myself anymore. I've gotten distracted by how beautiful and amazing I can be that I don't think about flaws or imperfections. I feel great. Prozac is a miracle."

• Meo...
• March 19, 2014

"I've been on fluoxetine 10 mg for only 5 days. I have noticed some changes already. I have the worst anxiety, and for the past 3 days, stressful situations seem a tad bit less stressful for me. I already lost 4-5 pounds on it. It makes me never think about food anymore. It makes me not hungry for hours. Even a small granola bar can keep me satisfied and full for 5-6 hours... But I force myself to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Things seem brighter, colors are more vivid to me. Overall, I think it's starting to work. I will re-respond in a few weeks to touch base."

• Laz...
• December 16, 2018

"Prozac saved my life. I have been on Prozac for almost 4 years now, in various doses depending on the intensity of my depression, and my mood/behavior has immensely improved since. The first time I attempted suicide they put me on 10 mg in the psychiatric facility. After three days of the Prozac, the horrible thoughts completely silenced. I woke up in the morning... happy?! I felt a real smile. I could finally laugh and feel real joy out of human interaction. There were zero intrusive thoughts. I went up to 30 mg and then 40 mg after a few months, which I am still taking to this day. I have tried to come off of Prozac and unfortunately I am just not ready. Which is okay! Prozac has been such a wonderful option for me. It feels great not wanting to hurt yourself all of the time. I can’t remember the last time I had suicidal thoughts. Eventually I will taper back down to 20 mgs, and one day I dream to be Prozac free. Happiness is possible! (:"

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2024

"Let me just start with saying Prozac has changed my life for the better. I started taking it at age 40. I have tried so many other medications and couldn’t get past the side effects in the first few days (headache, sleepiness, or insomnia), but I started on 10mg and I felt fine, just the slightest headache but was manageable. Over a few months, I went up to 40mg. Each increase bettered my life. I stopped sleepwalking on day 2, was able to forgive a relative that I’ve had a long grudge against, drove through busy traffic which before I was too scared, my sex drive came back, and for the first time in 2 years I kissed my fiancée passionately and I initiated it. My life was falling apart due to being hurt so deeply and my brain couldn’t recover. Prozac has made me enjoy life again and not be scared of everything and to stop pushing everyone away. I have also been able to think clearer at work and home and get out of my usual thinking patterns. So glad I tried this."

• Bro...
• May 14, 2013

"Started on 10mg while seeing a mental health professional (counselor) simultaneously. Medicine kicked in at about 3 weeks of treatment and got better when MD increased the dosage to 20 mg 6 weeks into treatment. It's been a consistent once daily oral capsule 20 mg for the past 3 1/2 months. Mood has lifted. Wakes up with clear thoughts. Lessened racing negative thoughts. Reduced anticipation of negative events and occurrences. Obsessive-compulsive rituals reduced. Answer the phone with more ease and less concerned about making mistakes in front of people. Anxiety greatly reduced, lessened depressive thoughts. Definitely helps you to look forward to life. It works better to see counselor at the same time so you can track progress."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2014

"I finally had the guts to mention my depression to my doctor. Thank God! I was depressed for years and was at the point of uncontrollable crying, missing work because of it. This was not the wife and mother I wanted to be, so I finally asked for help. It has changed my life. No more depression and many things that used to cause me stress bother me much less or not at all. Not many side effects except fatigue, appetite loss, and a spacey feeling that only lasted a few days. Please don't wait to ask for help. I wish I had done this long ago."

• Ann...
• April 17, 2014

"Prozac is great! When you first start, you can feel a little anxious, but hang in there. It has changed my whole outlook on life after being really depressed after a divorce and trying to raise two kids on my own. It gave me the confidence to get a job and enjoy working again. Before it, I had little confidence. I love laughing again, which I do a lot now! No side effects for me, except feeling a bit weird and anxious for the first few weeks."

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2008

"Well, I just started taking Prozac to help me deal with depression and anxiety. I returned from a tour in Iraq about three months ago, and my symptoms kept getting worse and worse. I've been taking Prozac for about a week now, and I'm already feeling relief from it. It's like all the problems are still there, they just don't get to me like they used to. It's been very helpful so far."

• Ngu...
• January 27, 2020

"Anyone gain weight from taking Prozac after a long run? I dare not start Prozac after reading from the internet that Prozac is likely to cause weight gain after 6 months of taking it. Is it true? Can someone share their experience with me?"

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2010

"I had taken Prozac for 3 years and had been off for 1 year. In the 3 years that I took it, it was really amazing. I stopped having irrational thoughts, stopped feeling hopeless, and could make a decision without going crazy. I stopped taking it after 3 years thinking that I may not need it anymore. The depression came back gradually during this time, getting worse day by day. Nothing bad was happening in my life during this time. My doctor classifies this as clinical depression. So currently, I am back on Prozac and feel normal again. I realize that I may have to take it for a long time and I am perfectly fine with that."

• Mal...
• September 2, 2018

"I was prescribed the 20mg dosage of 'Prozac' by my primary care physician per the request of my therapist. After two weeks of using it daily, I think this is going to be part of a solution for me. After two weeks, I definitely notice a difference. The 'noise' in my head (the horrible things it says) goes nearly silent. My ears still ring a lot but not as much as before. I'm a little jittery, but I attribute that to a new exercise program I'm using as another part of the solution. The feeling I get about an hour after taking the pill is a sense of peace. The world appears a little brighter, and my tunnel vision subsides, and the negative thoughts go mostly silent. I still have my spark while taking this drug too, which means I still have a sense of humor and can plan for the future. I still care about things, which is cool. I also find I don't overreact or worry about the future as much now. I'll see how this pans out in a month or two after I talk to a psychologist."

• jra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2015

"I have tried everything from tricyclics, Serzone, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Celexa, everything under the sun. I just recently started on Prozac about 2 weeks ago (straight from Lexapro) and the results have been amazing! I sleep well, my dreams are pleasant now, and my brain doesn't overanalyze everything. I wake up early feeling good, which I haven't in years. I have ambition and energy, get stuff done, and look for more to do. Finally, something that works! I haven't had the opportunity to see if there are any sexual side effects yet, but hopefully soon! Lol."

• Nig...
• October 21, 2016

"I am a recovering opiate addict and alcoholic. I have been sober for five years and extremely grateful. However, I have been diagnosed several times by physicians as having depression. It got so bad about a month ago that I decided to try Prozac 20mg. I have been on Celexa in the past but it made me feel disconnected. The Prozac took about three weeks to kick in but it is working wonderfully now for a few days. It is like a switch was flipped and I just feel normal and positive. I do have some of the usual side effects but they are bearable. Everyone is different for sure but I am very pleased with Prozac thus far. If you are trying this medicine, stick with it as it does take a while to have an effect. Very grateful!"

• Hea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 2, 2021

"After taking Prozac for 23 years, I decided to stop after I took early retirement, thinking that a new way of life and no stress would mean I’d be okay. I spoke to the doctor and tapered off over three months. Since then, I have had various physical symptoms and in the last six weeks, I have had a relapse of my depression accompanied by anxiety. I went back on the Prozac three weeks ago, at a 20mg dose every other day, now upped to every day in the last few days. I’ve got the shakes and I don’t want to go out or see anyone at the moment. I know all this will ease. My point is that while I was taking Prozac, I led a normal, happy life. I can’t wait to get back to that. I would say to anyone out there, just do it. Yes, the first few weeks can be hard going, but once your body adjusts, you get your life back. As one reviewer said, “if you were diabetic, you’d take meds to control your condition.” There’s no shame in it. Life’s too short to struggle all of the time."

• Lov...
• October 20, 2014

"I'm on week one and I feel a difference already. Been depressed for years on and off. Finally felt strong enough to share my story with someone and was diagnosed with severe depression. I always thought the way out of depression is to fix what is bothering you and everything will be fine. 6 years later, I missed out on fun, laughter, and family. Won't let time fly by anymore. I hope I continue to want to go outside, meet people, and lose weight. I will keep you posted."

• AAJ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 11, 2016

"I have suffered from depression for over 30 years now and have gone on and off of Prozac several times during the years. What I have found is that when I'm taking it, I will feel so good that I always eventually stop taking it, thinking that I do not need it, but then after a few months I need to go back on the medication and within no more than 2 weeks I feel like a new person. While writing this, I only hope that I am never foolish enough to stop taking Prozac."

• Osc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2019

"I took Prozac several years ago for depression. It worked much differently than other antidepressants I've ever tried. I felt it working the very first day, which really surprised me. It's hard to explain, but this medicine wouldn't allow me to feel depressed. It was a little like being emotionally detached, but to me, that's much better than the depressed state of mind I was in. One thing I noticed was the excellent increase in energy I suddenly had. I couldn't sit still, I cleaned the house from top to bottom, no daytime napping anymore, and I loved that! My thinking was clearer, it was a happy feeling. The only reason I stopped taking it at that time was I couldn't sleep much many nights with all that energy. I took it again about 3 years ago, but didn't get the same results as the first time. I chalk that up to being several years older now and taking blood pressure and pain meds. Overall, it's the best antidepressant I've ever tried."

• Phi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2013

"I suffered with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which caused depression and stress. I came on here in June looking for answers. I used to be on Sertraline, but they stopped working after I had stopped and went back on them. I thought my life was over. I got put on 20mg Prozac by my doctor, and it is the best medicine ever. I would highly recommend it. It gave me my life back. I am so happy, no more stresses. Also, I have no side effects. Give it about 6 weeks, trust me, and you will see how this works. Unbelievable. 10/10!"

• luv...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 23, 2014

"I suffered horribly with postpartum depression and severe anxiety for 2 years after the birth. Felt so terrible all the time, felt like I couldn't do anything. Everything overwhelmed me. Tried Prozac and didn't notice a difference for 2 weeks, then slowly started feeling calmer and could somewhat focus on tasks and errands. I started supplements, vitamin D3, and fish oil. Felt more relief with this combination of Prozac and supplements. Noticed a lift in mood and sleep was once again welcomed instead of torture. I had severe insomnia during my depression. All I can say is I've been on this combination for almost 6 years and felt much better. My heart goes out to anyone suffering from this illness."