Fluoxetine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Worst medicine ever! I took it for 10 weeks and decided to taper off. I couldn’t take it. Worst feeling in my life. The first month felt like I was in a dream, not all there. Gave me the worst anxiety ever for the 2 months. Waited too long, but it was getting worse. Started taking it for anxiety, ended up depressed on how bad it made me feel. Never felt so bad. Worst thoughts on this med."

• Bis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 23, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Diagnosed depressed, started 20 mg fluoxetine. After 1 year, tried to come off. Met with anxiety and deep depression. Doc told me it was old symptoms returning and to get back on the meds. Over the next 2 years, tried twice more to come off the tablets and was met with the same symptoms but more intense. Finally decided to withdraw from the medication, removing 1 tablet a week. After approximately 6 weeks, I had crippling depression and suicidal thoughts, these would last for about 2 weeks before I felt okay. This continued for 10 months until I had completely weaned off the meds. Now I am left with panic disorder. The doctor had stated there are no withdrawal symptoms, which research is now showing there are, which include depression and severe anxiety."

• Bis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 23, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Diagnosed depressed, started 20 mg fluoxetine. After 1 year, tried to come off. Met with anxiety and deep depression. Doc told me it was old symptoms returning and to get back on the meds. Over the next 2 years, tried twice more to come off the tablets and was met with the same symptoms but more intense. Finally decided to withdraw from the medication, removing 1 tablet a week. After approximately 6 weeks, I had crippling depression and suicidal thoughts, these would last for about 2 weeks before I felt okay. This continued for 10 months until I had completely weaned off the meds. Now I am left with panic disorder. The doctor had stated there are no withdrawal symptoms, which research is now showing there are, which include depression and severe anxiety."

• LAa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2019

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I started taking 10 mg of Prozac on April 24, 2019. It has been the worst experience of my life! The first few weeks, I felt wonderful, but then my upper lip started getting red bumps, sores on my lips, a weird taste, and sensitivity to spicy food. My lips are still somewhat swollen. Lips horribly chapped, mouth dry. Anxiety attacks like I’ve never had before and now depressed. I need off of this rubbish now. Waiting till Thursday to see my doctor."

• Far...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2021

For Depression "Just two days into taking Flozan, I woke up from my sleep in a high mood, and slowly this severe panic attack crawled in like electricity and hit me to turn me upside down, hot and cold flashes, my leg muscle won’t stop twitching because of the shock, shivers, extreme stomach acids and discomfort, ear pain, itching, nonstop chills and goosebumps. Couldn’t go back to sleep. Haven’t been myself in these two days, and at night I’d get depressed before I sleep. I tried many antidepressants from different doctors, and none of them were friendly to my body. I’ll never take any again, I’d rather live with my anxiety and ups and downs since it’s not constant. It was not worth trying at all, my doctors insisted that I should go on meds, and they think I’m imagining all that stuff when I nearly felt so awful. But obviously, I’m allergic to something in those drugs, and they do not work on me at all. Never again."

• Kat...
• May 8, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Started this drug and wish I never looked at it. I feel suicidal, and I've never had that feeling. I didn't want my children near me out of fear I would hurt them. It made me depressed and spaced out. Felt sick. And out of control, had to switch back to sertraline. Can't wait 'til this drug is out of my body, never again. Avoid at all costs."

• 1Ta...
• November 6, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm 14. I started using Prozac because I have OCD and anxiety. I am on day 4 with Prozac, and I feel like I've lost all my emotions, and I feel a bit dumb. It's a weird feeling. I really don't know how this medicine will turn out, but all I can say is that right now I feel worse than I probably ever could. I cried three times yesterday. Is this normal to feel dumb and feel so sad and anxious, and why does the medicine do such a thing at first? I know that my body is trying to get used to it and all, but I am really curious about how this medicine works (technically). What is it trying to do? And will it destroy my emotions? And will I have to use it for my whole life or something?"

• Anonymous
• March 7, 2012

Fluoxetine for Depression "I am 19 years old, and I was on liquid Prozac for about 3 months. During the 3 months of Prozac, I found that I was more tired and unable to concentrate. I found that I was even more anxious when on this medicine, more depressed, and I gained a considerable amount of weight. Before Prozac, I was 130 lbs, then I was around 155 lbs by the end of the 3 months. While on this, I had no energy, no motivation to move on with my life, or no desire to engage in social interaction. My sex drive had gone way down, and I was not very interested in having sex. Now, I have been off the Prozac for about 6-7 months, and I am slightly more motivated, my sex drive has gone way up, but my weight is still the same."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2012

For Depression "I started taking liquid fluoxetine on 6/30/12. My dose, don't laugh, was/is 1 mL, which equals 4 mg. I decided to change from Lexapro because the Lexapro was great for anxiety, but I felt too lethargic and unmotivated on it. At first, I had more energy and no appetite with the fluoxetine (Prozac), but then I felt less energy and an average appetite for a while. I also felt kind of depressed, but I'm happy to report that after 5-6 weeks, my mood has definitely lifted, not nearly as depressed, feel motivated to get things done, and finally feel that I have control over my appetite. I feel more enthusiastic about life. I also have a history of anxiety, and this medicine seems to help that as well."

• My ...
• May 8, 2009

Fluoxetine for Depression "I have depression. Prozac did not help me. After 4 weeks and several side effects, the only positive experience was the fact that I didn't feel anything 'bad' or 'good.' The worst was the major lack of motivation and loss of all interest in what I enjoyed in life. That was kind of the problem before the medicine. This is my second day off Prozac, and I feel better each day. Good luck, all."

• My ...
• May 8, 2009

Fluoxetine for Depression "I have depression. Prozac did not help me. After 4 weeks and several side effects, the only positive experience was the fact that I didn't feel anything 'bad' or 'good.' The worst was the major lack of motivation and loss of all interest in what I enjoyed in life. That was kind of the problem before the medicine. This is my second day off Prozac, and I feel better each day. Good luck, all."

• Tri...
• February 25, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Took the fluoxetine pill for around 4 years along with generic Cymbalta. What a weight gain! A good 68 pounds. And I still felt bad, although I had 2 major surgeries, back and hip replacement. The depression and anxiety were severe. My very, very dark time. And they stopped working. I was glad to get off them, losing the weight and changed meds that work!"

• Cat...
• January 9, 2016

For Depression "When I first started taking this medication, I changed from Lovan, and for about 2 weeks, I felt on top of the world! I was motivated, full of energy, and was actually laughing after a long period of depression. It was all downhill from there... I reached the point where my brain just didn't feel 'right', I was more depressed than ever, feeling desperate and looking for a way out of feeling so low. I stopped taking the medication, initially to piss off my husband, and it was then that I realized this medication was the cause of my depressive moods, anxiety, and anger. I would not recommend this medication to anyone without close psychiatric monitoring."

• dgc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I, like many others, trawled websites like this before starting fluoxetine for my depression and anxiety. Having tried Lexapro and had a bad experience with side effects, I was very hesitant to try another SSRI, but can gladly say, 3 months later, I am glad I did. I take 20 mg at night, and for the first few weeks, to help with the insomnia side effects, I took temazepam or half a Restavit to help me sleep (crucial when you have a toddler to run around after all day). I had a range of side effects: headaches, nausea, dizziness, increased anxiety and depression, and suicidal ideations for the first 3 weeks at 10 mg (I did 10 mg for 1 month) and then the same for 2 weeks when I increased to 20 mg (on 20 mg for just over a month). I also see a counselor and am making other life changes to help combat my anxiety and depression, but this drug has saved me. I feel a world of difference compared to how I was feeling 3 months ago. You just need to stick out the first few weeks, which are hard."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2018

Fluoxetine for Depression "Made my depression worse. I felt like I wasn’t able to enjoy life anymore, and I became much lazier. Two weeks of using the medicine, and I overdosed. This drug can be very dangerous since you're messing with your brain's chemicals. Eventually, your brain will try to reach equilibrium and make your depression worse."

• the...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2022

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "It is hard to say how effective Prozac was in my experience. There definitely were periods of time in which I had a higher mood than normal, but there was also a consistent feeling of numbness (which some refer to as emotional blunting). At least for me, since it didn't really help and just brought the feelings of numbness, I can't say that I don't like it, but I definitely don't love it."

• abb...
• November 8, 2009

For Depression "I've been taking fluoxetine for at least 18 months now for severe depression. I couldn't sleep or eat, even getting out of bed to open the curtains was difficult for me. My GP put me on 40 mg a day, and did I notice a change in myself - not only happy but motivated and holding a job down a year later. I'm on 20 mg now and still have my bad days. Boy, do I notice it if I miss a day. It was the best thing I could have done, and I swear by it."

• Ano...
• August 6, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication has helped me. I didn't want to take medication for a very long time, and I refused to take it, but my anxiety got so bad. Having panic attacks, etc. I also started feeling depressed, so I decided I needed to consider taking medication. I would recommend this medication for anxiety and depression."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "My 13-year-old daughter started taking this med 4 weeks ago. Her depression is gone, but she is feeling emotional numbness and suicidal thoughts. Both are considered side effects until the drug takes effect. I'm on the fence on what to do."

• Anonymous
• February 8, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "20 y/o female being treated for anxiety. I have been on Zoloft, Lexapro, and am now coming off of fluoxetine to switch to Viibryd. Lexapro made me feel like I was just physically present, I only went through the motions of life, I felt lifeless. Zoloft made me sleep all day, I could sleep for 12 hours at night and take two naps and do the same thing the next day. I really loved fluoxetine, it really worked for my anxiety, however, some days on this medication, I would go into a deep depression, but only for a night. I have lost all my libido being on fluoxetine, which is my main reason for switching. Would recommend trying this because I have also heard many success stories from others I know on it."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2022

For Depression "I have dealt with sensitivity, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, emotional fluctuations, and insomnia since childhood. Since I have two sisters on fluoxetine, I decided to try it, but on extremely low dosages due to my sensitivity to SSRIs (they induce hypomania). I had to start with 1.25 mg daily, and gradually increased to 2.5 mg and 5 mg. Short-term effects: drop in libido, slight urinary blockage, 'tunnel vision', change of body smell, pressure in my lower throat, itchiness and warm feeling in the face, fast heartbeats, and gas. One week later - intense suicidality and emotional pain, intrusive thoughts, and sensitivity to sensory input. Ten days later - woke up feeling calm, hopeful, and normal. Three months later - a bit tired during the day, flatter emotions, fewer thoughts (for better and worse), drop in visual imagination and creativity, fuzzily warm and happy no matter what. Depression is a nightmare, so I'm willing to pay the price (creativity returns when not taking for one day)."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2022

For Depression "I have dealt with sensitivity, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, emotional fluctuations, and insomnia since childhood. Since I have two sisters on fluoxetine, I decided to try it, but on extremely low dosages due to my sensitivity to SSRIs (they induce hypomania). I had to start with 1.25 mg daily, and gradually increased to 2.5 mg and 5 mg. Short-term effects: drop in libido, slight urinary blockage, 'tunnel vision', change of body smell, pressure in my lower throat, itchiness and warm feeling in the face, fast heartbeats, and gas. One week later - intense suicidality and emotional pain, intrusive thoughts, and sensitivity to sensory input. Ten days later - woke up feeling calm, hopeful, and normal. Three months later - a bit tired during the day, flatter emotions, fewer thoughts (for better and worse), drop in visual imagination and creativity, fuzzily warm and happy no matter what. Depression is a nightmare, so I'm willing to pay the price (creativity returns when not taking for one day)."

• gra...
• February 9, 2018

For Depression "At first, this drug was like a miracle drug. It made me feel good and have no worry in the world. However, this is a double-edged sword. If I feel just as good laying in bed as getting out, what's the point in starting the day? Being on this drug long term has made me feel crazy. I didn't have depression, but I started to get a lot of other problems. No motivation, no emotion... my mind was empty and I felt so agitated I thought I was going psychotic. Now I lay in bed every day, surfing the internet. I look forward to nothing. I am no one. I have no friends and I don't care about anything. There are moments when I get super agitated and want to hurt myself, but then I go back to not caring. This is a dangerous drug. It robs you of your soul. You don't realize it, but right when you lose your depression, you forget what it's like to care. It is used to numb the minds of the public."

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

For Anxiety and Stress "Even though my suicidal thoughts have decreased, I find I actually have panic attacks more than I did before I was on fluoxetine. I suffer with headaches worse than before, and I’ve lost a lot of motivation to do things from time to time. I am also a binge eater, and being on the fluoxetine has helped me lose 3 stone from not having much of an appetite. Guess my experience is a bit confusing, but when I weigh out the pros and cons. This is just a short list of my side effects, some good, some bad. I’m better on them compared to being off of them."

• Ipp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I was prescribed this 10 days ago for anxiety, panic, and phobias. I had taken it 20 years ago, and it worked great, but now it's been awful for anxiety! My anxiety and depression are through the roof! I had no depth before I started this, there's no way I can give it another 2 weeks to work through these side effects. They are brutal, and I can barely hold down my job. It's not worth the outcome on this drug for me anyway. I may get back on my Cymbalta, as I took it for 17 years, and it stopped working fully, but I was at least able to cope and function at 30 mg of Cymbalta beforehand. The Prozac is only 10 mg, I can't imagine if I was on 20 mg what my anxiety would be like!"