Fluoxetine and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2019

Fluoxetine for Depression "Guys, if I could, I would give 0 stars. This drug gave me very dangerous neurological side effects similar to multiple sclerosis. I got twitching of my eyelid and in all my body, I got tremors and also shaking, big insomnia with an effect of weakness and fatigue. Also, I wake up every morning with numbness in my fingers. I stopped using it after 14 days. I found some articles that Prozac may be toxic to your cells in the brain. Horrible. That was my 4th drug for my depression in 3 months. I said enough and no more, these things are very dangerous for your body, even if presented everywhere as a lifesaver. I bought something natural, maca for energy, rhodiola, and ashwagandha, and these seriously work! No side effects!"

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2022

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Prozac has changed my life for the better. Throughout my teen years, I really struggled with general anxiety, and it only got worse. I’ve been taking 30 mg for 4 months now. I can finally “be a normal person” and go out with my friends again, socialize effectively, etc. Prozac not only helped my anxiety, but it has helped me keep my home clean instead of getting overwhelmed by cleaning. I will say, starting this medication heightened my anxiety, I had trouble sleeping, appetite went away, but luckily those have all subsided."

• Hon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Been taking fluoxetine for 7 weeks now. I have suffered with anxiety on and off for years. Recently, it has been worse, and then I've been very moody at the time of the month. I've always been against medication, but I'm at a time in my life now where I needed some help. Got to say the first 3 weeks were hard. Anxiety was worse, sweating, insomnia, shaky-almost gave up a few times. However, I can honestly say, 'don't give up.' It just takes time for your body to adjust. I feel so good now. My mood has altered a lot, my anxiety is nowhere near as bad. I feel great in general and look forward to each day."

• Kot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Prozac 10 mg because of my extreme anxiety/brain fog. My first few days on it, I felt good. A bit jittery and some insomnia, but still good, and then after those few days, I started getting insane panic attacks, and I've never had them before. I only took the meds for a week due to the increased anxiety and panic attacks. They say the first two weeks are the hardest, but I couldn't get past the first week. Maybe it'll work for you, but it didn't for me. It made my mind race and made me speak fast. I had insomnia, the shakes, and increased anxiety and panic attacks. Maybe if I would have stuck with it, it would have worked out for me, but getting through the beginning stages just wasn't possible for me."

• Par...
• October 7, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I recently started feeling what exactly anxiety means. I went to see my GP 3 days ago, and that day was the worst day of my life in terms of anxiety level. I was thinking that I would die. I've been prescribed 20 mg fluoxetine. Today is my 3rd day of taking it. The last 2 days were a total hell for me. The level of anxiety went very high. I experienced all side effects like insomnia, negative thoughts, nausea, lightheadedness, so far. Thanks to all these comments, I stay hopeful."

• mad...
• September 18, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been taking 20 mg of Prozac for about five years for my premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It has changed my life, and I will never quit taking it. Before, I was quick to fly off the handle. Ironically, I dreaded weekends because my family stressed me out so much. I'm embarrassed to admit I was not a very pleasant employee/coworker. I noticed a difference after about a month of taking it when I realized that I'm a different person - for the better. When I first started taking it, I was waking up at about 4 am every morning, but that has gone away. I still don't always sleep very well, but my understanding is that happens to everyone when they get older!"

• Way...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

For Depression "So I started fluoxetine 8 weeks ago and have to say it's the best SSRI I've been on. It's good for my anxiety and excellent for depression. The first couple of weeks were a bit up and down, with not being able to sleep and a lot of yawning, but all that faded away after a few weeks. Now sleep is good, and I wake up feeling fine. All negative thoughts have disappeared, and no more crying at night with a weird guilt feeling. As for sexual side effects, I have not had any yet, so hopefully there will not be any. Energy came back within a week of taking. Hope this helps somebody, and please hang in there."

• Gue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2019

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "Prozac made me crazy, 13 days on it, and landed in A&E with seizure-like panic attacks where I couldn’t move my arms or face. After 5 days off, I’m still in the highest anxiety crisis I’ve ever been in. I was prescribed it for panic attacks, but the panic attacks before were nothing as bad as when I started taking Prozac. I ended up with depersonalization mixed with severe panic attacks and insomnia. It gave me problems I never had before. My doctor had to put me on diazepam just to counteract the side effects! This drug may work for some people, but it can cause massive suffering for others, and with its long half-life, it’s not easy to come off."

• Teb...
• April 23, 2012

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "7 months on this for anxiety and overall has been very effective. Significant insomnia, obvious decrease in libido. Back and forth on 10 mg, then 20 mg, and back to 10 mg. I think 20 mg is the best for me, though. Recommend it, but it does take a few weeks to level out and kick in for sure."

• Anx...
• January 2, 2022

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Prozac 20 mg daily for crippling anxiety. I had been really struggling to live in the present instead of the past or future for many years. I can confirm what many others here have stated with regards to the amount of time it takes for this medication to build up in your system and work. Week 1, my anxiety and insomnia worsened. By the end of week 2, these side effects are completely gone, and I have a feeling of calm and happiness I have not felt in a very long time. I will continue to use this medication indefinitely. If you do decide to take this medication, stick it out for at least a couple of weeks before you make a decision on if it's right for you!"

• Mea...
• July 10, 2019

For Depression "I was very skeptical of taking any form of medication to treat my depression. I thought if I just knuckled down and fought with wits, I could beat it, but when I stopped going to uni lectures, leaving the house altogether and tried to take my own life, my family and I knew we needed to take the next step. Prozac was the first medication prescribed to me, and after only a month, it has worked wonders! I have energy, motivation, feel joy, and see the world again in a way that I’d completely forgotten about. I feel hope and want to try my best at anything and everything! It’s not a cure, but it’s certainly allowed me to see past the darkness that enveloped my every waking moment. There are some downsides, sleep deprivation being the biggest, but I’m taking steps to work around it. Not all drugs work for everyone, but Prozac has certainly worked for me."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking fluoxetine, this medication, 5 weeks ago due to suffering with generalized anxiety. I’ll be honest, the first three weeks were very hard, my anxiety went through the roof, and I couldn’t sleep. But slowly, over the weeks, things started to get a little easier. I wouldn’t worry so much. Thoughts would enter my head, but they would quickly go away, and I wouldn’t worry over the thoughts. I’m hoping, as the weeks progress, that things will continue to get better."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2017

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "My doctor switched me from Cymbalta to Prozac after the Cymbalta didn't seem to be working for me any longer. I started out taking 10 mg per day, now I am taking 20 mg per day. I had been taking the Prozac at night before going to bed but noticed I was having a lot more trouble getting to sleep. After reading the dosing information, I realized that I needed to be taking this medication in the morning. So I will start that in the morning by holding off my dose tonight. For the time that I've been taking this medication, I have not had depressive episodes that I was unable to handle, and taking the depression test, it was not as high as it had been in the past. So for now, I will continue this med but just change to taking it in the morn."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "These reviews helped me through a hard time. I've always had anxiety and depression issues, but when I hit perimenopause, it got way worse. I wanted to lose weight, so I shifted from citalopram to fluoxetine, and wow, uhhh, it was a ride. Did a direct switch from 20mg citalopram to 20mg of fluox, and after a few weeks, hit the skids hard. I did NOT think this med was going to work for me but didn't want to risk the time it would take to switch back to cita as it takes me months to adjust. We are all different, for me, it's months. It took me 15 weeks to get fully well on fluox, and I upped to 30mg 13 weeks in, it helped, and pretty fast. I had ALL the side effects for months: almost constant suicidal ideation, terrible insomnia, was more nervous, and sometimes super down, had to pee a lot at night, ZERO appetite, but then FINALLY it kicked in. I am writing this for all those out there like me that need to hear that you WILL get better. Hang in there, this is the rough bit, calmer waters are ahead!"

• Ama...
• December 15, 2015

Fluoxetine for Depression "About 2 years ago, I took 20 mg of Prozac for suspected depression for approx. 4 months. I experienced the slightest lift in my mood for about 3 days during the course of treatment. Otherwise, I experienced severe anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, random bouts of euphoria, and, worst of all, incredibly gruesome nightmares. I have no military experience, and I am not in a medical/emergency field. I have never been exposed to blood/gore through anything except basic cable and an occasional scary movie. But I just want to warn as many people as I can that this drug can cause the most brutal, disgusting nightmares a person can experience. I woke up sweating and crying, trying to scream hysterically. I stopped taking it and never looked back."

• Jun...
• May 27, 2020

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I went on Prozac to treat depression, anxiety, and bulimia. It was the worst medication I’ve ever taken. I ended up in the psych ward after the mental breakdown this medication led me to. Other than the awful SSRI-induced mania and mood swings, I also suffered terrible side effects. Even after stopping this medication, the insomnia persisted for months. I don’t recommend."

• CeC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I was on Prozac for a whole month after switching from another anti-anxiety med. From day one, starting to feel more energy. Then I got really hyper and could not sleep. My skin felt on fire, I had severe nausea, really scary, worst anxiety. I felt like my mind was fast-forwarding. I am fine now after it being discontinued for a week."

• Ott...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Moderate OCD, GAD, and when I was prescribed fluoxetine, severe depression. I’m not going to lie to you, the first 3 weeks were bad - couldn’t eat, crying randomly, unable to sleep normally, going outside made me break out in a sweat for fear/anxiety, intrusive thoughts were worse, and suicidal thoughts started even though they weren’t an issue before - my GP wanted to take me off them. However, I stuck with it and each day got slightly better, and after the initial period, I feel like I’ve got my life back. What I will say is, get off this forum! ESPECIALLY if you have OCD! Reading and obsessing about whether the drugs will work for you will make it 100 times worse and get you more in your head about it. I’m only 3 months in, but I’m back to being able to function again (even went on holiday when planes made me breakdown before) and am seeing really positive results. It’s a marathon, not a race. You won’t feel better overnight, but you will feel better over time."

• tou...
• December 2, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I was suffering from anxiety and stress primarily, but also from depression. I have been taking fluoxetine for about 5 weeks. The biggest thing for me has been some pretty heavy side effects in the first two weeks. The side effects were headaches, nausea, insomnia, and less so, some agitation. I started on a 20 mg daily dose for nearly two weeks, but when I complained about the side effects, my doctor cut the side to 10 mg per day. I took 10 mg for two weeks after that and was then able to go back up to the 20 mg dose. The side effects have subsided to a very minor level. I have also noticed a decrease in my anxiety and stress levels, I started noticing an improvement in symptoms after 3 weeks."

• 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."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2022

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I took Prozac for Major Depressive Disorder. I would definitely say I was severely depressed and had suicidal ideation. Also, some nights I could not sleep, and the nights I could sleep would only sleep a couple of hours. I went to see a psychiatrist (something I always recommend for mental disorders, I do not recommend a general practitioner), and he prescribed Prozac for depression and Seroquel for my insomnia. I’m not gonna lie, nothing changed much for about 3 1/2 weeks, but on day 24 of taking those meds, it’s as if there was a complete and total change for the good. I say all of that because you gotta hang in there, as it takes a while for meds to “kick in.” I have been on these meds for over 5 months, and I will follow my psychiatrist’s instructions. I feel great. I am thankful to God for my psychiatrist and these meds. Oh, and I take 40 mg of Prozac and 200 mg of Seroquel per day."

• Mar...
• February 8, 2016

For Depression "I'd suffered from anxiety and depression for many, many years. The anxiety led to trouble sleeping, which made me depressed. I was focusing on the negatives in my life, and my circle of friends was shrinking. I began to feel worthless. I am a musician but also a software engineer, a job that is secure and pays well but gives me no satisfaction. I took fluoxetine in 2004 when stress at work brought my anxiety to a head. I also used Zolpidem to sleep. I kept up this pattern for a couple of years, quitting Prozac and restarting regularly. In October 2012, my sleep became awful, and I was regularly just walking out of work because I couldn't carry on. I started Prozac again, and since then, I have been on it. It has transformed my life."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was reading over everyone’s experiences and decided I would share too! I would like to note; I wouldn’t typically do this kind of thing, so maybe this medicine is working! ;) I suffer from general anxiety. Every day I feel nervous, there isn’t one particular thing I focus on, but there is always this feeling of nervousness I carry around with me 24/7. Last week, when I was at an appointment, my doctor suggested this medicine. I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of taking medicine, but I honestly have nothing to lose at this point. I’m on day 6. The past 2 nights, I have had trouble sleeping. I feel tired and kinda just “blah.” But reading over everyone’s experiences has me feeling super positive! I will update once I start feeling better! Good luck to everyone! Smile!"

• GGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I've been on Prozac for 8 days now. I took it back in 2015 for the same reason, and it worked for me, but now that I'm back on it, I keep thinking to myself, when is the medicine going to kick in? I've been having a weak stomach, anxiety, can't sleep due to the anxiety, having lots of panic attacks, my chest feels heavy. I just wish this medicine would hurry up and start working, I'm tired of feeling like this."

• hop...
• November 26, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Well, I tried taking this in desperation after a very bad period. I took 20 mg for three days and was hopeful about it after reading positive experiences here. However, my own experience with it was very bad. I got a whole bunch of the side effects and spent two nights not sleeping at all, marching up and down with very wired energy, having panic attacks. My mouth was so dry, and I had to drink water all the time. It was pretty unbearable and frightening, and under the advice of the doctor, I stopped taking it immediately. The shock of all this and my partner telling me they can't cope with me anymore has pushed me to focus on getting my life really sorted out - meditation and going to the gym every day. I will be talking to my doctor about trying a contraceptive pill, as I read on the website that there is one called YAZ that is recommended for treating PMDD. Good luck to all you PMDD warriors out there! One way or another, we're going to get through this!!"