Prozac and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• mys...
• January 9, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "After reading all the reviews, I decided to try Prozac. I am extremely sensitive to medications and have been on many different antidepressants, usually stopping due to side effects. My doctor gave me the liquid Prozac so I could take a tiny amount and work my way up. Initially, I experienced loss of appetite, nausea, slight dizziness, tiredness, and weight loss. I am 8 weeks out, and most side effects have improved. I feel so much better. Anxiety is low to nonexistent, clear thinking, hope has returned. I am still dealing with grief from my mother's death, but I feel better equipped to handle it. That is a miracle! I take 2mg, yes 2mg, and when I go higher, I can't tolerate the side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Re Prozac: I started this medication May 1, 2016 for Anxiety and Panic Disorder. I started at Prozac 20 mg and felt good but it suddenly stopped working after 10 days. 10 days later, I bumped it up to 40 mg. At the onset of taking 20 mg and 40 mg, my anxiety was 5-fold, unable to sleep well, constant nausea, & lost my appetite. I did use a benzo at times to reduce the anxiety which was high. It is now June 10, 2016, I got my appetite back and sleep pattern was back to normal. Prozac has made a big change in my life. I feel less anxiety and less panicky. Prozac is working pretty well thus far and haven't had to use a benzo in over 14 days. You must give Prozac at least 6 or 8 weeks and you'll know by that time if it is for you or not."

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

For Depression "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."

• mg1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I read every single review on this drug because I was terrified to start it. I suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD. I knew there was a possibility of worsening anxiety before taking it, and the thought of that was unbearable, so I put it off as long as I could. I ultimately decided I not only wanted, but also needed my quality of life back. I started low at 10 mg and slowly worked my way up to 40 mg over the course of 2 months. The startup effects included slight nausea and lack of appetite, night sweats, and insomnia. All of these symptoms got much better over time. I felt the biggest change when I made the jump from 30 mg to 40 mg. It was like night and day. My anxiety and intrusive thoughts have decreased significantly. I have not had a panic attack in over a month. I feel so much more positive, lighter, and like myself again. Everyone around me can notice the difference, and I've been such a better friend, family member, and spouse. I'm very happy with this decision."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I had been on several different medications, and nothing worked. I started with a new doctor, and she suggested Prozac. I had heard horrible things about the side effects, but she encouraged me to try it. We started at 10 mg. The first couple of weeks, I have to admit I felt nauseous, tired, and disoriented. I talked to my doctor, and she said to give it time, and we upped the dose to 20 mg. About 3 weeks in, what a difference! I have never felt better in my life. I finally feel like the real me. People at work are asking what I’ve done because I radiate happiness and joy. I have a stressful job and am going through a horrible divorce. A year ago, I couldn’t have handled any of it, but now I know I can. This drug literally saved my life. Please give it a chance to work. It will be worth it!"

• 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!"

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

For Depression "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."

• OCD...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I had been having anxiety and other symptoms such as weight loss. I was diagnosed with OCD and started on 10mg Prozac. I battled with side effects for the first month of increased anxiety, nausea, and sleeping problems. At about the 5-week mark, the negative side effects went away, and I started to feel some relief from the anxiety caused by the OCD. I was increased to 20mg, which seems to be enough for me. I have now been on it for over a year. I feel so much better. Like a weight is lifted off of my shoulders, and I no longer worry and obsess. I have gained some weight, but the anxiety had made me lose weight so I think I am able to eat now because I feel better. I don't sweat the small stuff in life anymore!"

• jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have had general anxiety for as long as I can remember, and it started really interfering with my daily life and relationships. My doctor put me on Prozac with 20mg dosages. The first 1-2 weeks I did have a bit of nausea, so it was hard eating in the mornings, but that's the only side effect I noticed. It helped me get rid of anxious thoughts that had once wrecked my life, and made me calm without ridding me of my outgoing and bubbly personality. That made me really happy. However, I have now been on it for almost 3 months and I am noticing a large decrease in sex drive. It has started affecting my relationship, so I'm currently looking at other options. Other than that, I would recommend. :)"

• Anonymous
• September 13, 2009

For Depression "I suffer bouts of depression and have been prescribed Prozac. This medication does stop the weepiness and severe irritability that I suffer, however, it made me feel 'nothing' rather than good. Additionally, the side effects that I suffer on Prozac are not worth the marginal lack of hopeless feelings. I felt nauseous, hollow, scattered, and my libido completely vanished. This led to marital stress, so I went off of it on my own. I think it is the wrong chemical for my type of brain chemistry or depression."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I was very scared of starting Prozac because of the reviews I read. I also had tried Lexapro and had major panic attacks that made me go off of it. I have been on Prozac for 4 weeks and am just starting to feel the benefits. I feel I can think more clearly and am not living life in constant stress or fear. I wish I had started it sooner. I feel so much better, almost like 'wow, this is what life for non-stressed people is like.' Side effects I experienced: 2 days out of the month I felt more anxious than normal and have had a little nausea but hardly any. It's been great."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I was reluctant to go on an SSRI as I was concerned about weight gain and fatigue. However, I was in such a bad headspace back in the spring that I bit the bullet and saw my doctor about it. She prescribed me generic Prozac (fluoxetine). Initially, I was on 10 mg, then worked up to 20 mg. It's made such a positive difference. I haven't had any near-panic attacks, and my anxiety feels much more manageable. Life feels easier. I've had some side effects, such as excessive yawning (and I mean excessive!), some mild nausea, and vivid dreams. To me, though, the benefits far outweigh them. I'm going to keep taking it and use the coping skills I learned in therapy."

• Anonymous
• July 15, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I previously took Celexa for GAD, but it stopped working. I switched to Paxil. Paxil is great for anxiety, but it gave me constant nausea that wouldn't go away. I switched to Prozac. The first 2 weeks on Prozac, it gave me more anxiety, nausea, and I was unable to eat a lot. After two weeks, my anxiety/panic was reduced, my appetite is good again, and sometimes I will get bouts of nausea. So far, Prozac at 40 is working pretty well. I also take Valium 5 mg as needed once or twice a week. Valium is amazing. When Prozac is not working well on certain days, Valium is used to smooth things out. Valium is a good prescription since it will stay in our system for a longer time. If you use it sparingly, you can use Valium for life. Prozac & Valium: Excellent together."

• Daw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Taken for 9 days now. I take this with 1mg Ativan 2x daily as needed. First few days, I was tired, had a couple weepy moments, and nausea/full feeling that made me not want to eat. Day 6, I had a bout of insomnia, so I'm slowly moving the time I take my meds from the evening to afternoon, then the morning. No real insomnia since - just more of a hard time going back to sleep after waking (back to sleep within 20 mins). I've noticed I'm perkier and friendlier when I talk with people, just can feel some tiredness behind my eyes in the morning usually until the afternoon. I noticed I haven't experienced as many body aches I get from my anxiety as I have in the past. I'm hoping these are all good signs this medication is doing the trick for me."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2022

For Depression "I'm 5'0", 100 lbs, 37-year-old female. I have struggled with depression for about a decade, have miserable CPTSD, and often lapse into anorexia as a coping skill for stress. Undiagnosed ADHD is very likely. I started 10 mg of Prozac a month ago, was supposed to bump to 20 but never did. This drug is a MIRACLE... I take it before bed to avoid nausea, and it has helped from the first day I woke up with it in my system. Several crying bouts a day, over. Emotional lability, over. Snapping at kids, over. The best part is even on day one, I felt like I had one clear thought at a time, was able to follow it through to the end, and then make an easy decision. It's like the 200 radio stations in my head just *stopped* and one clear signal came through. I still feel like myself, and it's getting better every day. This is my first attempt at using meds, and I agonized over it. Please don't hesitate. This is saving my life, guys. I still have to TRY to feel good, but now it works!"

• 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."

• Eat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2024

For Panic Disorder "I was started on generic Prozac or fluoxetine 2 weeks ago at 20 mg for panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and depression. It’s still early in my treatment, but I am more energetic, experiencing fewer panic and anxiety attacks, and also feel less stressed and less worried about the future. The only major side effects I have are nausea and diarrhea, and sleeping less than normal since starting, but apparently these side effects resolve over time. This is a good med with fewer side effects than other antidepressants I took in the past."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 19, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "So happy this was invented. I feel like I am the person I was supposed to be my whole life but was too afraid/mentally ill to become. Was bumped up over time to 40 mg, and my OCD has been kept at bay. I've been going to therapy for years, but after starting Prozac, it was like I was finally capable of following my therapist's advice. She has since told me to stop coming so often because I am doing so well. Awesome. Prozac saved my life. Everyone around me has noticed. Some cons: I was a little nauseous whenever my dosage was upped and had sleep issues for a while, but they went away. In fact, I actually have an irrational fear of vomiting and was very nervous about starting because of this, but it was negligible at worst and, if I haven't said enough already, worth the brief amount of time I experienced it. The most noticeable issue was that it's significantly harder for me to achieve orgasm, but thankfully not altogether impossible. Please don't be afraid to try it out."

• Get...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2019

For Depression "Started this medication on Thursday last week, it is now Tuesday. Have been feeling myself again, really happy, and actually laughing at little things that I hadn’t been weeks ago. Also suffer from anxiety and have felt that I have felt really calm over the past few days and haven’t been worried. Have been finding it a little hard to switch off at night, but the pharmacist said it could interfere with sleep, that will pass. Also, today (day 5) I have been feeling quite nauseous and that I don’t have much of an appetite when usually I eat a lot and always feel hungry. I can only put it down to the tablets. I was warned these could be some symptoms, so I will push through and hopefully, they stay working well for me and the sickness and sleeping improves."

• Ju ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 25, 2014

For Depression "Female, 27 y.o., 20 mg, also taking Bupropion. It really helped to 'lift the fog' of my depression. My boyfriend noticed my mood lift within a couple of days. It all but killed my appetite, and I lost a lot of weight quickly; 17 lbs within a few weeks, 1-2 pounds a day. My appetite gradually returned, and my weight plateaued. I experienced a different side effect every day during the first week: numbness, dizziness, nausea, and migraines. I quit imbibing because it only made me sleepy with a headache. That may have contributed to weight loss and eventual regain as my alcohol tolerance returned to some degree. I still get the headaches, though less frequently, and I'll take a headache over crippling anxiety and depression any old day."

• BmJ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 65-year-old retired woman under a lot of stress. I started on Prozac 10 mg a week ago. I called the doctor today and have been told to stop taking it. I have experienced constant headaches, nausea, shaking, jittery, heart racing, and dry mouth. I turned to this for help, but it's not the answer for me. While I'm waiting for the symptoms to pass, the nurse told me to drink lots of water."

• Pen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 27, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Prozac now for 4 years. I started out on 20 mg. After a few months, the doctor upped it to 40 mg. A few days ago, the Prozac was upped to 60 mg. Since being on the 60 mg, I have been feeling slightly nauseated. I'm hoping it will subside soon. Not sure why I never had difficulties on the 40 or 20 mg. Did I gain weight? Yes, but it was pretty much my fault as I ate all the wrong foods and never moved around much. I changed to whole foods, ditched the sugars and carbs, and have lost 40 pounds from July until now. I see people say don't take Prozac. My thoughts are that their experiences are not my experiences. Before the Prozac and Sertraline, I had very bad mood swings and lashed out at people. I also have major depression as well as PTSD. The Prozac has been keeping me from lashing out at others. I would much rather keep myself calmer than to attack others."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I only took 10 mg of Prozac for 2 weeks, and I had to get off. I was crying non-stop (literally for 16 hours straight), I was nauseous, disassociating, and dizzy. I was only on it for 2 weeks, and I still had withdrawals when I got off. I couldn’t stop shaking and had intense brain zaps. I’m surprised how many good reviews this medication has, but I guess it affects everyone differently. Just please be extremely careful and don’t be afraid to switch medications if you’re not feeling too right. Your body has to adjust to medication, but it’s not normal to feel that out of whack."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I am taking Prozac to treat OCD and the anxiety that results from it. A little background: I took 50 mg Sertraline (Zoloft) five years ago for anxiety. It was a difficult ramp-up period. I had dry heaves, drenching night sweats, and no appetite. After about a month, they subsided, and I went up to 75 mg. Zoloft did fix my anxiety, but it left me 'flat.' I wasn’t anxious or sad, but I also never had any joy. It turned me into Mr. Spock. Oddly though, and contrary to so many reviews, my libido went through the roof. I came off Zoloft after about a year and was fine for about 4 years. Now, I’ve been diagnosed with OCD that the prior doc didn’t recognize. Prozac this time. I was nervous for the side effects, but they’ve been minor. Very mild nausea and some insomnia. And, just like Zoloft, increased libido. My OCD and anxiety are lessening. Don’t let negative reviews dissuade you from trying Prozac. Everyone reacts differently."

• sea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I recently started on Prozac for Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, and insomnia after cycling through a number of medications for several disorders. I tried trazodone at first for anxiety and insomnia, then added quetiapine when the trazodone didn’t work. Then I started using Imovane, which made me feel awful. My psychiatrist started me on 20 mg Prozac to improve anxious and obsessive thoughts and depression. It has significantly improved those, and I no longer feel the physical effects of anxiety or depression. It has also significantly improved sleep, as I do not stress about not being able to sleep. Finally, it did cause a few side effects like headache and nausea for the first few days, but it is now gone."