Fluoxetine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2017

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Used to read these over and over when I was contemplating 'obsessing' over whether or not to take the medication. Prozac has given me my life back. Life is no longer a struggle just to enjoy. It is not a miracle drug, you still have to put in the work, therapy really helps. But at times when I feel a wave of anxiety come over me that used to last 3-4 days/sleepless nights, I can almost feel the medication working. And the next thing I know, I'm 100 steps down the road from that worry. Some side effects in the beginning with up dosing, such as headaches and not getting full nights' sleep, but all have passed, and I can only say the only side effect is I feel so good I forgot to take my Prozac. Get your life back and just try it!"

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

Fluoxetine 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

Fluoxetine 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."

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "So I’ve been on fluoxetine 10 mg for 13 days now. Week 2 has been my worst anxiety/panic days. I wake up feeling so bad: anxiety, no appetite, headache in the evening, and some diarrhea. It’s so scary, I’m so close to stopping the med, but what gives me hope is seeing the reviews here... so I’ll keep pushing and come back for another review. Fingers crossed for a better tomorrow..."

• kiw...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 1, 2016

For Hot Flashes "I knew years ago when I started on fluoxetine for depression and anxiety how it helped my hot flushes (as we in NZ call them), not only that, but it helped my fibromyalgia. So it killed not two birds with one stone, but three. I tried to come off the drug last year by weaning myself for eight months. Wasn't successful, so I went back on them. More so, just recently, I was given Lovan at the chemist and never thought much of it being another generic of Prozac. But, I started to go downhill, with anxiety, sore bones, headaches, and worse of all, hot flushes. Finally, I put two and two together and realized it was the Lovan. So now I'm back on fluoxetine. So being generic doesn't mean the same for everybody! This should be published more for all."

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

Fluoxetine 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."

• 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."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I am now 5 weeks and 3 days into Prozac. The first 2 weeks were fine. I actually started feeling a little happier by the end of week 2. Now weeks 3-4 were absolutely terrible. I went to the ER thrice. Headaches, horrible night sweats, shaking, weakness, nausea, bloating, insomnia, obsessive thoughts, ruminating, and feeling unwell. Excruciating anxiety, and I'm used to having anxiety on a daily basis. I would have panic attacks repeatedly. I called my doctor many times. She reassured me it would get better and to take hydroxyzine HCl. I had to take at least 25 mg every 4 hours, otherwise, I would start to get chest tightness, hot, sweating, pounding heart, etc. As soon as week 5 began, I feel better every day. Today was the first day I didn't stay on hydroxyzine HCl. I feel happier, motivated, not as irritable, loving, patient. I still have random headaches, shaking, weird dreams. From someone who had ALL the crappy side effects, keeeeep goinggg! Best of luck!"

• Cri...
• September 30, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking this for a month now. I am taking fluoxetine 10 mg for depression and anxiety. I am 20 years old. I have had anxiety and have been having panic attacks for years. Recently, it's gotten worse, and I gathered the courage to go to a doctor. He prescribed this medication for 3 months. I started feeling the effects about 2 1/2 weeks in. The daily pangs of anxiety are gone, and I feel so much better already. I am so glad I went to the doctor and so thankful for this medication. I can describe the feeling as normal and relieved. The side effects I have experienced have been a headache while taking it on an empty stomach. Besides that, I have absolutely no complaints."

• Sab...
• February 25, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was having horrible PMS, starting with hot flashes, some anxiety, all because of being perimenopausal. Doctor put me on 20 mg. Now side effects include headache, which I had EVERY DAY FOR FIRST TWO WEEKS. If you stay with it, they do go away after two weeks, I promise. Now my PMS is basically gone, hot flashes much, much better, and no anxiety. Plus I don’t eat a lot now and lost some weight. Plus I’m not irritated by every little thing anymore. Only downside is you really don't want to do anything. I don't want to clean (which of course is necessary). You are really just very content to watch a movie or just chill."

• bug...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 6, 2017

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Prozac in April of 2016 for anxiety and depression. It took about a month to actually start working. I feel better going into public and don't freak out and go into the bathroom. I'm still depressed, but it's improved so much. It gave me side effects like loss of appetite. I lost 10 pounds my first month taking it, and I was always tired but had trouble falling asleep. Another negative is if I miss it a day, I have painful headaches and lash out on everyone and treat them terribly."

• 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."

• 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."

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

For Anxiety and Stress "Only the last few months have been on fluoxetine and started on 20 mg and then increased to 40 mg, a lifesaver. Tried citalopram before, and this made me feel heavy-headed and a little lack of energy. Got my life back and think I did the right thing and won't be coming off this for a while. People say if you break your leg or your body needs an operation, you would go for it. If you need to take an SSRI for a while, do it to get your life back on an even keel."

• CSC...
• October 11, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have overeating, irritability, depression/anxiety, argumentative, crying spells, and suicidal idealizations. It is a horrible feeling to constantly fight and ruin my relationships, work (coworkers/supervisors), friends, and self-destructive. I knew that I have a problem and always wanted to be medicated. I finally got my hands on Prozac 20mg. The first pill, I already felt the difference! I was irritable and hungry, which are the first signs of my PMDD. The 20mg was too strong when I took it the first day, I had a slight headache. Now I take 10mg daily for the next 2 weeks. It is the most fantastic medication. It is only day 4, and I have to tell you that I have never been this happy and optimistic for many years! It really is a lifesaver. I also suffer from anxiety and OCD. But my main concern is PMDD since it also affects the people I am around. There is a solution!"

• Ana...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been on this medication, fluoxetine, for a little over a month. I should’ve been on it sooner, but it sat in my kitchen cabinet for weeks after reading all of the bad reviews and side effects online. I wish I hadn’t done that and wish I had just started it because it has helped me so much. I started on 10 mg and increased my dosage to 20 mg after 3 weeks. I honestly started to feel better after a week and a half of taking it. Yes, the side effects suck. I had panic attacks, nausea, night sweats, headaches, but most of the side effects went away within 2 weeks. My psychiatrist put me on this medication because I have OCD, GAD, mild depression, and some phobias. I was terrified to take this medication because of the side effects, but I’m so glad I started taking it. It’s improved my life more than I ever thought it could!"

• Eli...
• July 1, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "My daughter took 5 mg of Prozac for four days before deciding to stop using it due to horrific side effects. Day 1 was wonderful, no anxiety with just a slight headache. Day 2 brought on severe nausea so bad it was painful and the dark feelings of depression and crying uncontrollably (she previously had zero depression), along with a “static” feeling in her brain. The morning of Day 3, she woke feeling as if she was on fire, nausea, and nightmares (again, she had never previously had nightmares). Day 4 included all of the above topped with a panic attack. She stopped taking it. The last 5 mg dose she took was a Saturday night at 6 pm. We ended up in the ER on Monday due to waking up Monday morning with such an extreme panic attack that she was inconsolable and almost passing out. After 5 hours straight of this, we ended in the ER where they gave her a shot of Ativan to calm her. We were told the half-life is 1-3 days since she had only taken 4, so praying tomorrow is better."

• Iii...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2019

For Depression "At first, I was prescribed Wellbutrin at 200 mg for depression, anxiety, and insomnia, but it made me feel like a zombie, so then my psychiatrist had me try 10 mg of fluoxetine. I took it before bed, and initially, it gave me a lot of energy, I could get so much done, I was less tired, especially when driving, and I could focus better. I thought it was great! I usually would be so tired from work, so I didn’t have trouble sleeping. But I did get rapid heartbeats, maybe some headaches, but I took ibuprofen. Eventually, both went away, but also the hyperness subsided. I now take it in the morning (in case it does cause insomnia, but I’m also a night owl). Overall, I’m much better on this drug than off it, I wish I had been less stubborn earlier in life, but I was afraid of side effects. It also helps having therapy and a very supportive husband."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 15, 2010

Fluoxetine for Depression "I'm 16 and have been on Prozac for 2 weeks. It took 3 days for the side effects to come in - suicidal thoughts, headaches, and pain all around the body. After 2 weeks, the side effects seem to fade away, and now I'm really better. My mind seems less 'foggy' than it was before. Overall, I'm liking Prozac and hope it continues with a better life."

• Val...
• February 20, 2019

Fluoxetine for Depression "Prozac levels have to build up in your body, so real effects don't show up for over 4 weeks. Of course, that doesn't mean it will agree with every body. The only relatively fast effect I had with this med was improvement in my ability to fall asleep, and the quality of the sleep I got also improved within 2 weeks. Early side effects were appetite loss, a slight increase in breakouts (face), excessive yawning, desire for alcohol decreased but increased interest in recreational marijuana, stomach upset, and headaches. Sounds like a lot, but every med has its acclimation period. This one is just particularly long. After about 2 months, it helped me recognize and face my depression, and manage my anxiety really well. But latent side effects for me were increased appetite, decreased libido, worsening brain fog, and stomach upset. Prozac did what it was supposed to do, and I would try it again, but for now, I'm testing the waters with other meds to lessen SEs."

• 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."

• Sir...
• October 17, 2018

For Depression "It's taken 6 months, but I am just so grateful for the clarity, it has quieted the craziness of my thoughts zipping around inside my brain. I didn't realize that so much of my thoughts and life was ruled by anxiety and depression. TBH, I'm trying to come to terms with that. It's weird to not feel bad or have my brain sabotaging me every second or crying all the time. I was lucky as I had few side effects, headaches were the worst, but that was about it. Prev on Sertraline for nearly 2 years and now realize it was doing nothing for me! I'm now on 60 mg, which is quite high, but I feel like this is my right dose. It's an adjustment to not feel awful all the time, but the clarity of thinking and stabilization of my mood has been amazing. It's also stopped some of my highs and lows (not quite BPD levels), but that's also meant I feel less exhausted from just dealing with my own thoughts. It took at least 4-5 months for the full effect to hit me. I now just want to hold onto this better world."

• Cad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I shared my experience with fluoxetine more than a year ago with all my side effects, etc. So I am on 20 mg for a while now, and to my surprise, this med was still giving me some headache during the daytime, only to the point I had to take a few short naps a day for a few months. BUT for the last 5-6 months, it did even more magic, more benefits to control my anxiety and mild depression. Unbelievable, I am a 60-year-old man, working full time in the engineering field, mostly on computer graphics (CAD) with many deadlines. I can take it now and even like my work more than before. I can tell you one small secret to it: QUIT all alcohol. Finite - no more liqueur, no wine, no beer. Zero alcohol in any form. Also, stay away from caffeine (Coke, coffee, etc.). It was hard for me, but only decaf... Boy, it was hard, but now I am doing great and strong for an old man. No desire to retire anytime soon. Give it its time to work, fellows..."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2022

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Prozac was a last-ditch effort for me with antidepressants-everything else had either caused terrible side effects or just didn't make me feel any better. I started on 10 mg, went up to 20 mg, then 40 mg, but 40 mg caused severe headaches, so I went back to 20 mg after about a month of tolerating them. A week or so ago, I had the realization that I was 'calm'-after a stressful day at work, I didn't feel like I had to go home and hide in my bed on the verge of a full breakdown. That is the first time this has ever happened to me with antidepressants before, and it's a strange but amazing feeling. It takes time to work, but stick with it!"