Fluoxetine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2021

Fluoxetine for Depression "Prozac made my depression significantly worse. I had never been suicidal, and it made me have those thoughts, which was terrifying for me. Luckily, I was able to identify that this was unusual and had to stop the medication. I felt so much better after stopping, now I want to try a different medication, but I am worried."

• DDd...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 16, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on 50 mg for anxiety and minor depression 3 years ago. I took it for 2 years and have been off it for 1. I am about to start again at 20 mg daily. It was really a lifesaver for me. It reduced emotions without touching intellect, and I found it much easier to just roll with things. Unlike other drugs, this one didn't cause cognitive impairment or 'fog.' I was clear-headed and much less high-strung. I was able to focus on work, get things done, and deal. However, it should be noted that it doesn't select WHICH emotions it dampens, it dampens all of them. The result is that you can be somewhat 'cold' in general. You fail to show empathy when you should. There are also sexual side effects. Orgasms lack pleasure."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2021

Fluoxetine for Depression "Day 2: headache, face sinus pressure, stuffy right nose, diarrhea. These symptoms each passed in about 7 hours. Day 3: runny nose, hot red puffy achy cheeks, racing heart (as in I felt like I had drank an espresso - not scary), headache back head/skull... these each only lasted 4 hours. Day 4: was yawning like crazy... like literally every 3 minutes. It was funny and annoying. Lasted 3 hours. Was super irritable then for about 3 hours. I feel depressed and tired still, but at the same time I got up and did housework and enjoyed it. I NEVER do this. Like I was organizing stuff and being all efficient. It's been YEARS since I was like that. It's too soon for this stuff to work, isn't it? It's not placebo effect because I did not think it would help me. I'm not grasping at straws. I had no expectation of a positive outcome, so it's bizarre... in a good way."

• Cas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 29, 2014

For Trichotillomania "I've had trichotillomania ever since I remember. As soon as my hair was able to reach my mouth, I started to bite off my hair until high school, and I transitioned to pulling out my hair. My hair became so thin, and I had bald spots and constantly got made fun of for my thin hair. Sophomore year, I began to see a psychiatrist for this, and he prescribed me fluoxetine and lamotrigine. I have never told anyone my condition except my family and psychiatrist. I started off my dosage very low and worked them up to the highest mg possible. I am now a freshman in college, and my hair is almost as thick as it was before I started pulling. I am no longer made fun of for my hair. I still pull, but a lot less than I ever did. The medicines also helped with my depression."

• emj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2014

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I took Prozac several years ago, and it worked a little bit for a while. Often, though, it made me feel really lethargic, sleepy, and extremely apathetic to most things. It sort of did its job, but not well enough, as I have now switched to something that works better."

• San...
• June 24, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "My experience with taking fluoxetine 40 mg has been great! My doctors tried several antidepressants. I must say I feel like a new person being on fluoxetine. I was so stressed out from working in a hostile environment and going through menopause all at the same time. The problems became so intense my doctor literally had to take me off my job. I was having severe depression, anxiety, and panic attacks that were out of control. I was put on the medication in January 2015. I have lost 29 lbs of stress weight that I had been carrying for quite some time. I truly thank God for having a great set of doctors. Best."

• Sop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

For Depression "I have been on fluoxetine for almost 8 weeks now. Being totally honest, the first 2 weeks are really hard, my side effects were mainly dizziness, headaches, and very heightened anxiety. I almost gave up, but I carried on taking it, and it has helped me a great deal. By the 3rd week, I began to feel better, and by week 8, I've realized I haven't cried for 6 weeks when a few weeks ago I cried every day for months. I am able to function better and deal with distressing situations with a calmer head. The only downside is 0 sex drive and ability to orgasm, which is frustrating. And I do feel emotionally flat, and although I don't feel sad, I feel very flat at times like I don't feel any emotion as strongly as I used to, even the good ones, which is a downside. But overall, these tablets have saved me during a really difficult time, so I would recommend them."

• Haz...
• October 3, 2010

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Started taking Prozac about 6 months ago. I'm taking care of my 82-year-old mother who has dementia, and I found my stress and anxiety going through the roof, many sleepless nights too. The positives are that I sleep much better, my anxiety is pretty much gone, and I'm much calmer, and I'm handling my mother so much better. The negatives are: no motivation at all - photography is my passion, but I have not picked up a camera since I started this medicine. I find myself grinding my teeth all the time. Loss of libido, the worst thing out of it, though, was that I lost weight, I weighed 98 pounds but lost 13 pounds within the first month and can't seem to get it back. I'm now at 89 pounds and look terrible! I'm going back to the doctor next week."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2017

For Depression "I was given this drug after going to my GP after months of feeling like I was the only person in the world feeling this way, thinking I wasn't normal and that I couldn't tell anyone about how I felt. I felt depressed, anxious, and after taking this for about 7 weeks, I started to feel so much better, like my old self again. Then I thought I was fine and I stopped taking it, but now I am back to being very anxious and uneasy about everything, so I am starting them again. I would not recommend you stop taking these pills, even if you feel you are ready. Always talk to a GP first if you think it's time to stop. I 100% recommend anyone who feels like they need help to get better to try these out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2023

For Depression "I'll preface this by saying a lot of people swear by fluoxetine, and I'm glad it's made a meaningful difference in their lives, but I had a horrible experience with this drug. Zero mood improvement. I got so numb I could barely function, numb to the point where I could barely form a coherent thought. Eventually, this led to me feeling suicidal. These are not happy pills, guys. They make you feel more indifferent toward everything, which can indirectly make you feel better. I became emotionless, cold, and distant on it. You are going to give less of a f*ck about life when you're on an SSRI, so if you think you would benefit from that, great, but that's what to expect when you start one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2023

For Depression "I'll preface this by saying a lot of people swear by fluoxetine, and I'm glad it's made a meaningful difference in their lives, but I had a horrible experience with this drug. Zero mood improvement. I got so numb I could barely function, numb to the point where I could barely form a coherent thought. Eventually, this led to me feeling suicidal. These are not happy pills, guys. They make you feel more indifferent toward everything, which can indirectly make you feel better. I became emotionless, cold, and distant on it. You are going to give less of a f*ck about life when you're on an SSRI, so if you think you would benefit from that, great, but that's what to expect when you start one."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Initially I had a really rough 3 weeks adjusting to the medication; lots of increased anxiety (which was bad enough to begin with), sexual dysfunction, and depression. Then one day it just stopped and my world turned upside down in the best way possible. Fluoxetine definitely saved my life and made it so much better."

• Nad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I tried Prozac for 5 weeks, it made me feel awful. Shaky, brain felt wired, nauseous, made it difficult to sleep, and the last 4 days on this, I was severely depressed and feeling suicidal, which is what led me to stop taking it. At that point, I felt like I was on it long enough to be getting some benefits, but I felt worse than before. I had success for many years on Paxil (paroxetine), unfortunately, it stopped working for me, and I was at the highest dose. I also suffer from anxiety. Fluoxetine actually felt like poison to my body, even though it was supposed to be okay according to my Genesight test results. Very disappointed."

• Nad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I tried Prozac for 5 weeks, it made me feel awful. Shaky, brain felt wired, nauseous, made it difficult to sleep, and the last 4 days on this, I was severely depressed and feeling suicidal, which is what led me to stop taking it. At that point, I felt like I was on it long enough to be getting some benefits, but I felt worse than before. I had success for many years on Paxil (paroxetine), unfortunately, it stopped working for me, and I was at the highest dose. I also suffer from anxiety. Fluoxetine actually felt like poison to my body, even though it was supposed to be okay according to my Genesight test results. Very disappointed."

• Rmp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "Okay, so I’m three days into week three. I’m giving “live updates” so people who are scrolling through these reviews like I have been know they’re not alone in this process. I am taking fluoxetine for anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, and depression (that started six months ago) as a result of the latter. I’m on 10 mg in the morning. First week, not a whole lot of change, felt about how I had for the past six months. Week two, anxiety, panic, depression, intrusive thoughts SKYROCKETED. I wanted so bad to stop, but this can happen when starting a new AD, so I pushed through. Now, at the beginning of week three, I’m getting little glimmers of hope. I’m having more moments throughout the day where I almost feel like myself again. I told myself I would give it 12 weeks. So here’s to week three!! For those out there who don’t feel like it’s ever going to get better, don’t give up. I hope this med works for you, but if it doesn’t, one will! This is the fourth med I’ve tried."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’d read these reviews daily. Several reviews mention giving the medication time and a worsening of symptoms. I found this to be absolutely true. I’ve suffered from severe anxiety all my life and have resisted medication. Following a period of out-of-control anxiety, daily panic attacks, and living in constant fear, I ended up off work and started fluoxetine (20 mg). Side effects were tiredness, headaches, dizziness, decreased appetite, bruising easily, an increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In week 5, my mind felt calmer. I was no longer walking around with a loop of negative thoughts, fears, and worries in my head. I thought I’d have to live with anxiety forever. I never thought it was possible to feel relief from my anxiety. Give this medication time. Make sure you exercise, even if it’s just walking. Eat healthy. Try therapy. Keep a mood diary. Take inventory of your life and ask yourself what changes need to be made and if you’re living true to yourself."

• Agi...
• August 16, 2016

Fluoxetine for Depression "Disclaimer: this is MY personal experience. Started Prozac at age 19 after issues with Effexor, and after a few months, I felt on top of the world-the happiest I had ever been. This was short-lived. After 6 or so months, something inside me snapped. Sex drive = 0. My conscience turned into someone that wasn't me. Never heard voices before, but they became overwhelming/evil, and I couldn't shake the suicidal thoughts. I ended up quitting cold turkey as I noticed myself double dosing, then triple dosing. My sex drive is still 0, I've gained a ton of weight, and have been dealing with severe depression without meds because I'm scared to take them again."

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2011

Fluoxetine for Depression "This is my fourth day on Prozac. I have been extremely hyper/manic in the morning, but by nighttime I'm exhausted from all the bouncing around that it helps me sleep better. I talk a lot more and a lot faster. I talk to strangers on the street, say hi to people, which is very unlike me because I'm normally shy and reserved. I felt different the first day I took it. I wouldn't say I'm 'happy,' just not sad. I've tried to think about sad things that used to bother me, but I feel neutral now. Today particularly I started to feel a little down. They say with every high comes a low, so I'm assuming it's crash time with this medication. But I'm hoping it will even out in the next few weeks, which is when you're supposed to feel its full benefits."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2011

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I've taken Prozac before, and it helps with anxiety as long as I don't drink too much alcohol (which makes anxiety worse afterwards). The problem for me is getting used to the medication, so I start on 10 mg for a week, then slowly increase the dose to 20 mg. For a few weeks, though, I'm more anxious and at times suicidal and depressed, so I take Valium while that's happening. This whole cycle is hard, so to take Prozac is not an easy decision for me, but I'm keen to feel 'good' again, so I'll stick with it."

• Old...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2016

Fluoxetine for Depression "I've been on 10 mg fluoxetine for just over one week - I did take it for a few days a little while ago, it made my IBS worse, so I stopped. My doctor persuaded me to give it another go. I know it's early days, but so far it's all bad! Before, I was tired, unmotivated, no concentration, barely able to wash or do the simplest things. Now - I'm like the walking dead! Even more tired, even less motivation, brain fog - you name it. And possibly more depressed! I also had terrible joint pains - I have arthritis anyway! The joint pains seem to be lessening, the others aren't - so far! I just hope it's a case of getting worse before it gets better, 'cause at the moment it's almost unbearable!"

• Old...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2016

Fluoxetine for Depression "I've been on 10 mg fluoxetine for just over one week - I did take it for a few days a little while ago, it made my IBS worse, so I stopped. My doctor persuaded me to give it another go. I know it's early days, but so far it's all bad! Before, I was tired, unmotivated, no concentration, barely able to wash or do the simplest things. Now - I'm like the walking dead! Even more tired, even less motivation, brain fog - you name it. And possibly more depressed! I also had terrible joint pains - I have arthritis anyway! The joint pains seem to be lessening, the others aren't - so far! I just hope it's a case of getting worse before it gets better, 'cause at the moment it's almost unbearable!"

• yag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

For Bulimia "I am on Prozac without any major side effects for 2 weeks now. First week I took 20 mg and was still bingeing and throwing up on occasion, and all I was thinking about was food and my body image. I was very anxious and depressed. After the first week, my doc increased the dose to 60 mg. After 2 weeks, I started feeling the change. I am not obsessed about the food so much anymore. It gives me a big hope that I can be free from this eating disorder for good. Suddenly, my mood is much better, and I am positive about my future. I even want to go out and enjoy myself a little. So far 9/10."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 22, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I was first on Lexapro, which personally worsened my anxiety attacks. I was taken off and put on Prozac. While at first it was alright, after almost two years, coming off of it, I have realized that it made me into a person I don’t recognize. My family did not recognize me. Although it did lessen my anxiety, the side effects made it not worth it. It made me extremely depressive and irritable. It took away all of my energy and tolerance. I have lost many friends because of the fact that I lost the ability to care. I personally struggled severely with this medicine, but everybody type is different. So if you’re reading this wanting to give it a try, try it! If it doesn’t work for you, ask to switch. But getting yourself help is always a step forward."

• mal...
• January 18, 2011

Fluoxetine for Depression "After taking Prozac successfully for about 10 years, I talked with my doctor about switching to a different antidepressant because I missed having a sex drive. After a year on Citalopram, there was no change. So I switched to Bupropion. It caused me to feel very depressed and extremely anxious. I am well aware that antidepressants take several weeks to have positive effects and that the side effects also tend to go away. So I stuck with the Bupropion for 6 weeks. It just got worse and worse, and I started to feel suicidal for the first time in my life. I have been back on Prozac now for 2 weeks and am feeling a little better. Stopping Prozac just to try to get my sex drive back was a big mistake."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I struggle with severe anxiety and panic attacks, as well as depression. I was on Zoloft (sertraline) for about two years and found myself feeling pretty good, so I decided to stop taking it. After starting university, however, I found that my anxiety was getting to an unbearable state, and so I went to my doctor, and she prescribed me Prozac. At first, I had very, very adverse side effects. I had tremors and super bad anxiety. After a while, I noticed less frequency in my panic attacks, but unfortunately, my mood was absolutely brutal. I was constantly depressed, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, thought really dark thoughts very often, felt agitated and irritated constantly. I literally felt like I wanted to die, like I literally had no choice because the pain was so unbearable. I am now off the medication, and I feel as though a bag of bricks has been lifted from my shoulders. I wouldn’t recommend this medication if you are prone to depressive thoughts or if you are young like me (I’m 19)."