Fluoxetine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

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

Fluoxetine 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!"

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2018

Fluoxetine for Depression "I started Prozac for depression when I was 16 years old, and I'm now 18 and a half, so I've been on it for around 2 years at this point. Any benefits this drug provided in terms of my mood were minimal. I started on 10 mg, then 20 mg, then 40 mg. When the dose increased to 40 mg, my life became a foggy haze. I felt like a zombie, I had no emotions, I forgot what happiness or sadness actually felt like, and I felt so dark. Suicidal thoughts, and life lost all meaning. I frequently put myself in dangerous situations, began smoking cigarettes, and nearly attempted suicide 2-3 times. Additionally, my sex drive is a thing of the past, and maintaining a full erection during sex isn't possible. I am seeing my psychiatrist tomorrow, and I will discontinue this med."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I wasn’t sure if I had PMDD or whether it was anxiety and depression being made worse by my hormones each month. I made a chart/diary going back four months and showed my doc. It was clear that most months my symptoms were happening a week leading up to my period and a few days during ovulation. My doctor wanted me to take 10-20 mg, but I’d read a study which said taking just 2 mg had a good effect on PMDD. My doctor agreed it was a good idea to try this first, and it has actually worked! It worked immediately, which is another sign it’s PMDD. This month I didn’t even see my period coming. Usually, I get very anxious and depressed, but this month has been amazing. I take the liquid form, so 2 mg = 0.5 ml. Apparently, it helps regulate the Allo Pregnenolone steroid, which comes from progesterone. I really hope things stay this good, and my husband is VERY relieved too! I'm now wondering whether to take it every morning or just the week before."

• she...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2012

Fluoxetine for Depression "Prozac has saved my life. I was unable to function normally and was very irritable. I have been taking it for 5 months and it is amazing. Other than not feeling hungry and feeling numb to things that formerly made me irate, I have had no bad side effects. I am finally living. Only wish I had the nerve to take it 10 years ago. I missed out on so much due to my severe depression."

• Mel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 30, 2015

Fluoxetine for Depression "Let's see. When I first started this med was for depression and anxiety. Within a month, I felt good, after two months, great! I stopped taking it, thinking I could manage, and that made me worse after 3-6 months. I had to get back on it, plus Klonopin for the anxiety. Well, I did it again. I started running out and couldn't afford to go to the doctor, so I was taking it every other day... I think it made it less effective. I've been so depressed, tired, anxious, dizzy, etc. I was able to afford to go back a few weeks ago and get my refills... So I'm three weeks in... Still feeling down and out. But I know I've got to give it the full 6-8 weeks. Just never get off! It works well if taken right."

• Mis...
• July 26, 2017

For Hot Flashes "I totally agree with using this drug. I am going through menopause and have had blood taken to make sure I am. After talking to the doctor, she upped my dose from 20 to 40 mg, as every third week I was very anxious and totally forgetting things, not sleeping, overthinking, and just feeling down and less confident-a horrible feeling. I had sweats, but not too bad, as I was already on fluoxetine, but once a month, things got worse. It's saved me and my relationship and leveled things out for me. Don't leave it, us women shouldn't suffer from menopause... go ask for help."

• eis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 19, 2020

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "While it did help my depression, it made me gain 30 lbs and made me a walking zombie. I was unable to feel emotion, just a numb feeling. My husband commented after I stopped taking it how much easier it was to talk to me. He said while I was on it I would look at him with a blank stare while he was talking and not really reply or just ignore him altogether. I was in my own little world on this stuff. Libido suffered immensely as well."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have lived with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder for almost 3 decades. I was prescribed this wonderful pill to help me, and I adore it! My flow is now moderate to light for the first time since I started my cycle. I no longer have nausea-inducing back cramps, and my cycle has shortened from 6.5 days to 4.5 - 5 days. Even better, my irritability has decreased, and the Hulk no longer screams and runs from me in terror when I have my period. It is a relief to be free of uncontrollable irritability, awful cramps, heavy flow, and depression."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2012

Fluoxetine for Depression "I have been taking Prozac for 9 months and have constantly had to experience the tiredness it causes and lack of motivation. I have now supplemented it with 150 mg of Wellbutrin and notice a huge difference. I am more alert, energetic, can concentrate and want to get out of the house instead of lying around. I can still feel the serotonin effects of Prozac, so it's the best of both worlds."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 3, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I started this drug at 5 mg and worked my way up to 10 mg. Immediately, I started having horrendous sinus pain and swelling, blocked ears, and dizziness. It got worse and worse until I finally decided I couldn't take it anymore. I tapered off over 4 months and ended up with chronic fatigue and crippling depression that I never had prior. It is still here 10 months later, with no sign of letting up. I do not recommend this drug unless you want to be in worse physical/mental shape than you were before."

• Anonymous
• May 25, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I've been through a lot of medications, and this one was one of the worst ones I’ve ever tried. I was unaware of how horrible and scary the side effects were of this medicine. I started off on the lowest dosage, and it lasted about two weeks before the bad thoughts and depression kicked in. I DO NOT recommend it. It has now given me fear of trying other medications."

• don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

Fluoxetine for Depression "Went on Prozac for anxiety. I had horrible side effects, couldn’t eat, I was so nauseous, headachy, tired. It wasn’t doing much for me, so I missed a day or two, then would take one, and that was a big mistake. It completely sent me downhill. Out of absolutely nowhere, I was crying every second of the day, having suicidal thoughts. It took 2 weeks to be somewhat back to normal, but after that, I never got any better. Prozac made me feel suicidal and gave me depression that I didn’t have before. 2 months off of it, I still feel the same. It seriously messed up my head. My brother took it and also became suicidal out of nowhere. DO NOT TAKE."

• Jal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 4, 2018

For Depression "This medication is a miracle drug. If a person does not take it on time each day, they are causing themselves to feel super down. This medication saved my life in 1989. My ability to function as a normal person was wonderful immediately after I took the first pill. If you cry too much, feel anxious when things do not go right, get agitated when others do things differently than you do, freak out at small things that can be fixed easily, and feel hopeless in many situations, this is the medication to request from your doctor. DO IT NOW! DO NOT WAIT! Find out how it feels to have balanced serotonin in your body and remember: it is NOT your fault. Do not be ashamed to tell others how it changed your life! :)"

• h18...
• December 7, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I have anxiety and emetophobia, along with symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. I was so scared to take Prozac, especially as it seemed that everything I read about it was negative. I am so glad that I found this website, as reading more positive and balanced reviews really helped me to decide to take it, and I am so glad I did. I was lucky to have next to no side effects. I felt tired and a little emotionless for a while, but that soon passed. It has helped to bring down my anxiety levels a lot, and while it is not a miracle cure, I feel like myself again, which is really great compared to how I had felt. I feel more balanced emotionally and focused."

• Ste...
• March 14, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Aged 41, I spent every day thinking that I had cancer, first finding a lump in my stomach. After the GP told me this was nothing, I was fine for a month or so, until I then thought I had found a lump in my groin. I couldn't take it anymore and broke down in front of my wife due to the exhausting worry. I had always been a worrier, but this was more and was taking control of my life. I couldn't go out of the house on my own, I was irritable, and depression was taking hold. The GP prescribed me Diazepam, which helped like a sticking plaster, and I was then put on 20mg Prozac. Please give it at least 7 weeks to work, and you do feel worse before feeling better! Trust me! Brilliant."

• Sat...
• December 18, 2017

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Prozac when I was about 12 for severe anxiety and stayed on it for 3 years. During the time that I was on it, I had absolutely zero stress (I took 40 mg a day). I was a whole other person, which is kinda scary when you think about it. However, the withdrawals were absolutely terrible, I was depressed and was having major suicidal thoughts all summer long. That was a while ago, but now my anxiety is back as well as other mental issues. I’m supposed to get back on Prozac in two days... it’s like when I'm on it and when I’m not are two different people."

• Diz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2016

Fluoxetine for Depression "Been on Prozac before and worked well. Left it too long before seeking help this time, never felt this bad, extreme anxiety, depression, feelings of doom, and obsessive racing thoughts. First week in and making me worse, but this is to be expected, I guess. Docs upped them to 30 mg, so will see what happens. Cry all morning, wake early sweating and anxious, feel sick, lost a lot of weight. Want my life back."

• lul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2017

Fluoxetine for Depression "I used Prozac in the past for 3-9 months twice and had no side effects apart from some headaches for a few weeks. Now I have been on it again for 3 weeks and this time I am suffering SEVERE side effects. Physical ones include heavy fogginess/head pressure, sleeplessness, muscle tension, blurred vision, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Mentally, I have also worsened. Anxiety is really high, especially in the mornings, feelings of hopelessness, an inability to cope with life, suicidal thoughts (that I never really had before), inability to focus/read, and feel motivated. Now at 3 weeks, I have some moments in the afternoon of feeling calmer, but it is rather unpleasant numbness. I hope it improves going forward, but it has been very tough."

• Jo2...
• December 29, 2017

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I had a severe panic attack in college and ended up being hospitalized. I was put on venlafaxine by my primary doctor, and that was an absolutely horrible experience. It made me feel super depressed to the point I wouldn’t do anything but sit on the couch and cry. Also, I felt even more out of control when it came to my anxiety, and my brain felt as if it was always malfunctioning. I couldn’t think straight at all. Eventually, I went to a psychiatrist and was put on Prozac (10 mg). I don't remember having any major symptoms when I first started the medication, but after a month, I got bumped up to 15 mg, and that's when I actually started feeling calm and at peace again. Don’t give up, there’s always hope!"

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I am so sorry you’re going through this, and I hope that you’re doing better. I was on Paxil for 17 years, but I stopped working and I started Prozac about 2 weeks ago. I’ve been depressed and anxious, but the doc told me that I need to be patient and give it time to work. It feels unbearable sometimes, but I get through by taking small amounts of Xanax in the meantime - hopefully, I’ll be able to taper off once the Prozac starts working."

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 11, 2017

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I am twenty-six years old and have suffered from significant depression since I was a child. For years, I just dealt with it, always going from one crisis to another. I've had a handful of suicide attempts starting from my early teens to young adult years. I would especially have trouble during the two weeks leading up to my period. Crying episodes and just an overall feeling of depression. I was put on Prozac about three years ago, and it has made a world of difference. I'm happy again and able to function to my best ability, I'm focused and driven. Sometimes I forget to take it, and the depression comes back. But as long as I'm taking my daily dose as prescribed, I'm great!"

• CJB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2016

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed 10 mg of this medication for the first month and felt okay, but I still had my bad days. On my 6th week, my doc upped my prescription to 20 mg, and in the week I was on that dosage, my anxiety was through the roof. I went back to my doctor with my symptoms, and he put me back down to 10 mg with the intent of weaning me off of it. Plus, this makes you kind of emotionless, like a zombie. Even on my good days where I wasn't anxious, I just didn't have the motivation to do anything. I really don't recommend this to anyone. But if it helps you, that's good."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2018

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’m glad I finally decided to give Prozac a try for my obsessional OCD and GAD. I’m 29 and have been struggling with the disorders my entire life. Only 20 mg of Prozac has lessened my suicidal ideation and obsessive ruminations significantly; of course, I still need therapy. I never increased the dose because I experienced some undesirable sexual side effects (desensitization, lack of desire), and I’m glad I didn’t because 20 mg works just fine. It does take a while, however, to notice the change. My doctor added 150 mg of Wellbutrin to counteract the sexual side effects, which has worked. The combination has me feeling a whole lot better. The only annoying side effect that I have now is excessive yawning, but it’s a small price to pay."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking fluoxetine for about 2 months (started on 20 mg, now switching to 40 mg). Overall, I would say the experience has been positive. The only side effects I've experienced have been vivid dreams (not a negative) and a little lack of motivation, although it's hard to say whether this is a side effect of the drug or being isolated because of COVID. In my personal experience, I would say this drug helps more with depression than anxiety. I still have a fair amount of anxiety (which is why I upped my dose), but my depression has decreased a lot. I noticed I smiled more, laughed more, and felt hope again. Overall positive. In terms of weight, it's possible that I have gained a few pounds, but again this is hard to attribute solely to the drug considering current circumstances."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2015

Fluoxetine for Depression "I just couldn't shake it off. Anxiety, depression woke up. Horrid, scared, git feeling. Couldn't cook, dread, fear, worrying constantly about dying. Doc gave me propranolol, went like a zombie. 2nd doc listened to me but said I wasn't depressed. 3rd time lucky, doc gave me fluoxetine. It has immediately taken effect. Been on a bike ride and cooked a meal."