Prozac and Depression: What Users Say

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2019

For Depression "My 16-year-old daughter became extremely anxious over the summer. She received counseling and continued getting more anxious and depressed, and then she didn’t want to live anymore. This was a complete change from her normal, positive, and active life. She was prescribed Lexapro, which at first we thought was helping her anxiety. After a couple of weeks, it made her extremely depressed and incredibly sleepy. Her psychiatrist changed her medication to 40 mg of Prozac, and within 5 days, we saw a huge change in her mood. She’s got energy and is active once again. She feels happy and is talkative and zany like she used to be. We still have a long way to go with therapy and dealing with life’s anxiety, but she is now able to function and has hope. I want to encourage anyone who feels defeated. Hold on, be patient, and keep trying different medications. Also, we were looking into TMS therapy, which is another encouraging therapy to help mental illness."

• Jod...
• December 29, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Prozac 9 weeks ago after Mirtazapine stopped working. I was suffering with bad OCD, anxiety, and panic attacks on a daily basis. When I first started on the medication, I thought it would be a miracle drug, however, the side effects were horrendous. For 7 solid weeks, I was a mess. I was depressed (I don't even suffer with depression). I was crying at my desk all the time. I had horrible thoughts, crippling anxiety, would not leave my house, or talk to anyone. The only thing that would get me through the day was Diazepam. I am on 40mg and after 7 weeks, it was like a light turned on, and I have been 'normal' for 2 weeks straight. I am so happy I stuck with it. I know it's hard, but trust me, it's worth it."

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

For Depression "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."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2018

For Depression "I've taken Prozac for 2 weeks now. So far I've experienced a big decrease in appetite, which has been okay. The two major things that this drug has changed for me is that it's made me calm and collected, and it makes me worry/stress less. The thoughts and problems that usually fill my head don't affect me as much anymore, and I get over things much quicker, which has led to decreasing my stress and my severe anxiety. I've also felt very calm and mellow, which could turn some people off, but for me, it has been a blessing. I've always not been able to stay still or focus, and I am very scatterbrained, so this is a huge change that I've welcomed. It has helped me actually get things done and focus, and has made me much more productive since I actually have the motivation to do things now. Thanks for reading, I wish all of you luck on Prozac! Will definitely continue taking this amazing drug and am excited to see how much more it can positively change my life in the future."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffer from chronic anxiety with periodic bouts of mild depression for 20 years. I tried everything...acupuncture, diet, exercise, and 5-HTP. Had a horrible experience with Zoloft and Paxil when I developed depression in college. I tried antidepressants for 2 months but with horrible side effects. As a result, I avoided medications to address my anxiety and/or mild depression through the years. Unfortunately, my anxiety level became unbearable this past year. I tried the following: Lexapro...5-10 mg, absolutely horrible. Made me extremely tired, depressed, and never reduced my anxiety level. Xanax: extremely helpful but still experienced agitation, stress, irritability, and anxiousness. Prozac: 10-20 mg, a life changer. I feel relaxed."

• jac...
• January 16, 2009

For Panic Disorder "It's a miracle drug. I took this for anxiety and panic attacks and slight depression. It has changed my life. I am happier. I have made more friends in the past month. It has helped with everything: school, stress, anxiety, and self-confidence. I can't recommend it enough."

• wic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I had been on Celexa for 2 years, which caused weight gain, low motivation, sleepiness, and my anxiety came back full strength. Now, 1 week on Prozac and I feel like myself again. High energy, good appetite, alert, no anxiety - basically I feel great! I was drinking 5 alcoholic beverages a day, now I am not interested in drinking more than 2 a day. I am over 45, and my vision was beginning to slip when reading items close up. Ever since I started Prozac, my vision has improved and I can see things less than 6 inches from my face. Not sure why that happened, but it did. Give it a try - you will get your life back."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have suffered with anxiety my entire life. After having 2 kids, my anxiety got so bad I stopped going to work, stopped eating, couldn't get out of bed. I was afraid of my own thoughts. I was hospitalized for a week. When I was prescribed Prozac, I had anxiety about taking it, and the first 3.5 weeks of being on it were HARD. Diarrhea, insomnia, heightened anxiety, and depression. But I took Klonopin as needed to help me get through. By week 5, I literally felt like my old self again. I can't believe the difference. I'm so grateful I stuck with it. I'm on 40mg, and it's been the best choice I have made for myself and my family."

• Gga...
• December 16, 2018

For Depression "I've been taking Prozac for three months. Initially, I felt better, my family and partner agreed that this is the best medicine for me, and that I was doing great. I felt hopeful but not certain. I have now changed to a new antidepressant as I had side effects: very sore eyes, muscle pains, shaking hands, no interest nor motivation to do anything I usually would. I even had anxiety seeing my closest friends, and I would lay in bed all day up to 6 pm. I stopped cleaning, cooking, and taking care of myself and didn't want to eat. The only time I would force myself to get up is to go to work as I did not want to lose my job. Has anyone else had this experience? I truly feel worried that my mood is down a lot and that my motivation is gone, especially not feeling like moving out of bed. If anyone has any tips for me, I honestly would appreciate it because I want to push forward in my life. I'm only 26 and would like to get far in life. Thank you in advance."

• Anonymous
• October 27, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking this medication because my doctor thought that I had too much stress and anxiety in my life, which was causing me to feel like I couldn't breathe. I have never taken any anti-anxiety, depression medicines before, and was very skeptical. The first few days to the first few weeks were not so great. I felt tired, depressed, and just plain crappy. I worked through it and kept taking the medication. I am now a month into the medication and I feel great. I can concentrate on class and other tasks much better without worrying about other things. My relationships are much better with my husband and child. So far so good!"

• dar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on fluoxetine 20mg for six months. It took about 8 weeks to notice any positive mood changes. After a few weeks of starting it, I began to feel like I was living in a fog and had a difficult time concentrating, but that eventually went away and turned into optimism and feeling great. Please give it a couple of months to work. It takes time to kick in. After 8 weeks, I felt good and happy for a while, but recently have relapsed into anxiety and depression again. My MD has now upped my dosage to 40mg. I am hopeful I will get the happiness and optimism back again soon from the higher dose."

• chl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 11, 2013

For Depression "I started taking Prozac 20mg a day for nearly 6 years! I stopped taking them 7 months ago as I thought I didn't need them anymore. Since I've stopped taking them, I've become really agoraphobic, really depressed, can't stop crying, I've just shut myself away. I'm thinking of starting Prozac again."

• Pos...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 20, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I've taken Prozac since my 7th grade year, and I am now becoming a freshman in college. I did really well on it, especially for a child going through puberty. I didn't get any symptoms until I was put on 40 mg. Somethings I've experienced are nightmares, struggling to sleep, night sweats, and mild depression. My body started being an alarm clock and waking me up at 5 AM, even if I was tired and wanted to sleep, my body wouldn't let me. If you cannot handle nightmares, I wouldn't take this medication because it occurred 90% of my week, and they were realistic, but that symptom didn't occur until I was on 40 mg. It may be different for you. Also, some mild depression and little motivation to do anything or get anything done. I didn't have withdrawal symptoms except getting some anxiety when I forgot to take it a few times. I recommend not moving past 20 mg, if you feel as if 20 mg isn't doing enough, then get on another medication. In my opinion, 40 mg was too strong for me. But overall, good experience!"

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

For Depression "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!"

• DDa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 13, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I stopped my Prozac about 3 years ago on a doctor's advice as I have Bipolar 2. I have felt I was slipping back recently into anxiety and depression with poor appetite, poor sleep, etc. I restarted them yesterday and I have felt a different person today and enjoyed my lunch. I am also taking Sodium Valproate regularly as a mood stabilizer. Anybody else had such a quick response? I live in the UK."

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

For Depression "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."

• Tax...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 20, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on this medication for around 12 years, 60mg a day for OCD and depression. It got me out of a very, very deep hole, got me back to work, able to function, got me back as a normal person. Unfortunately, I used alcohol and recreational drugs as well, which made me riddled with anxiety and depression. I'm clean and sober 8 years now and am still on Prozac. I've recently had a low episode and I was self-medicating with my Prozac as and when I needed. Obviously, this wasn't the greatest idea, and this has led me back to being depressed again, but I'm back on 40mg of Prozac a day. I may feel like I have gone back to the beginning of it all, but I haven't. I've just had a little setback in my recovery. All in all, Prozac for me is a lifesaver."

• Eli...
• August 27, 2016

For Depression "I started on Prozac (fluoxetine) after the deaths of my sister and mother in the same year, 5 months apart. I started taking 10 mg with Xanax, but I still felt depressed. My doctor put me on 20 mg a day with 1/2 of a 1 mg Xanax, and I feel a bit of relief, calmness, and no suicidal thoughts. I found that when I skip a day or two, I start crying a lot. Prozac works for me along with Xanax."

• Mov...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 1, 2013

For Depression "I took 20 mg of Prozac from age 16 to 27 for depression and anxiety to make sure my conditions didn't interfere with finishing high school and college. It got rid of my anxiety and depression 100 percent. The only negatives for me were that this dose made me hyperactive, harder to concentrate, harder to orgasm, and caused some emotional numbness where it was harder to feel in love."

• awa...
• April 3, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I started Prozac 20mg on Friday 3/28/14. It's been 6 days. I feel weak, tired, anxious, depressed, and my appetite is out of control, I'm eating all the time. I am going to give this more time. Hopefully, it works for me like it has for all the others on here. I would give anything to not feel this way anymore. I've struggled with it my whole life."

• Lee...
• September 7, 2018

For Depression "This is the second SSRI I've tried for anxiety and depression. I will say that my anxiety now is basically nonexistent. I tried 20 mg for a month, then my doctor brought me up to 40 mg. I feel like a complete zombie. I am so bored, and I feel like nothing is interesting or worth doing. I have no motivation. I sleep like 10 hours a night and end up taking a nap most days too. Prior to going on Prozac, I was dealing with a lot of anxiety/agoraphobia but still had some motivation to do fun things or work on personal projects. Now I feel like every day is just a slog to get through, that I need to occupy my brain somehow until I can go back to sleep. Prozac has made my suicidal thoughts a lot more frequent. I get very little enjoyment out of life, and it feels like there's nothing to look forward to. I have no plan to act on these thoughts, but the increase led me to stop taking Prozac a week ago. Yesterday, I learned that it can take as long as 3 months for Prozac to fully leave your body-yikes."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2020

For Depression "I’ve been on Prozac for 5 months. Started with 20 mg, 40 mg, and currently on 60 mg. I’ve had severe anxiety and a depressive episode during my pregnancy. I had my son in December. I thought I would feel better once I wasn’t pregnant anymore. I still feel anxious and depressed, but Prozac has caused me to feel numb. I can’t feel happiness or excitement. Still, I get mini panic attacks, and every day I feel like I am breathless. Physically, I get nauseous, dizzy, and at times I feel weak. I want to get off the medication to see if I can feel normal again. It’s been months that I have been living in this nightmare, not sure if it’s the medication or just me. I want my life back."

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I am 28 years old. I started taking 10 mg Prozac (fluoxetine) again after not taking it for about 25 days. I did not experience major withdrawal side effects, this wasn’t voluntarily but rather my not being able to get the prescription. The first two weeks of side effects, including anxiety, depression, and OCD symptoms, seemed worse. I started feeling better on the third week, although I am on a 10 mg dose, it has been working wonders for me for the past 10 years. My agoraphobia is improving, although it’s still there when I drive. I am afraid of driving far, as I keep thinking I’ll get a panic attack or anxiety attack. I am hoping things get even better as time flies."

• Rmu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I was only on this medicine for one month. It was too strong for me. My anxiety and depression went away completely, but I also didn't care about anything. I completely lacked motivation and would sometimes just lay around doing absolutely nothing. I didn't even have much interest in eating. I also became antisocial and didn't want to leave the house, even to walk the dog, because I didn't want my neighbors to see me or talk to me. It was the weirdest experience. It's like I barely existed that whole month."

• veg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 19, 2017

For Bulimia "I had started Prozac while I was in my recovery for bulimia, and it worked incredibly to stop my binges and regulate my eating. I was beyond impressed. I stopped taking it after about a year and a half out of recovery and immediately started noticing I had serious anxiety issues and the depression came back. After about 6 months of being off of Prozac, I recently was put back on it at my regular 60 mg, and it still works. While I don't suffer from bulimia anymore (or have controlled those symptoms), Prozac has provided the stability I was begging my brain for. If you're someone who gets depressed in the winter months, has problems concentrating, and has tremors from anxiety, take this!"