Fluoxetine and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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..."

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 30, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I had anxiety since I was a child. I remember having my first panic attack when I was playing with my siblings, not knowing what it was. Years later, I got diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. After I couldn't bear my anxiety anymore and it started to affect my profession, I started taking Prozac 20mg in October 2018. The first two months, I experienced a terrible loss of appetite and weight loss, subsequently. Also, very heavy menstruation for months, then it went back to a normal flow. Vivid dreams were frequent, too, not anymore, though. After almost two years of use, I have gained at least 25 lbs, which is frustrating for me. In terms of anxiety, I do think that this drug controlled at least 85% of my anxiety and panic attacks. My anxiety now is very occasional, and when I have it, it either goes away by itself or stays with me the whole day, regardless of my relaxation practices."

• Nig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2017

Fluoxetine for Depression "I was first put on Wellbutrin at 300 mg, then 450 mg, but that kept me up and I really wasn't feeling much of a difference. The doctor added Prozac 20 mg. For the first 3 days, I could sleep. After that, it feels like I'm coming off a caffeine high as I get very tired, but I never experience a high in energy. I get hot flashes and sweat about 25-30 minutes after taking it, but then it goes away. I yawn all the time. Another thing I've noticed since I've been on it is decreased sexual mood, and ejaculation feels weird, just weird. I'm not emotionless, but sadness, depression, and anger seem to not be present. Decreased appetite and lost a little weight. No other side effects experienced."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2022

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I am taking Prozac to treat OCD and the anxiety that results from it. A little background: I took 50 mg Sertraline (Zoloft) five years ago for anxiety. It was a difficult ramp-up period. I had dry heaves, drenching night sweats, and no appetite. After about a month, they subsided, and I went up to 75 mg. Zoloft did fix my anxiety, but it left me 'flat.' I wasn’t anxious or sad, but I also never had any joy. It turned me into Mr. Spock. Oddly though, and contrary to so many reviews, my libido went through the roof. I came off Zoloft after about a year and was fine for about 4 years. Now, I’ve been diagnosed with OCD that the prior doc didn’t recognize. Prozac this time. I was nervous for the side effects, but they’ve been minor. Very mild nausea and some insomnia. And, just like Zoloft, increased libido. My OCD and anxiety are lessening. Don’t let negative reviews dissuade you from trying Prozac. Everyone reacts differently."

• Amb...
• December 11, 2019

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I started taking Prozac 9 days ago. I had my first ever panic attack 2 days ago in which I thought I wasn't going to live. Since the panic attack, I haven’t been able to sleep, eat, or drink. I haven't stopped thinking about dying once. So for these 2 days, I have been throwing up, nervous feeling in my tummy, dizziness, feeling scared and panic, and it hasn’t stopped. It’s been here constantly. I’ve spoken to my doctor and my counselors, and they said to ride it out. But I’m not going to do that. I had a suicidal thought last night, which has never happened for me. I’ve had to move in with my mom for the next couple of days so I’m not alone because I’m that scared of dying. I hope that after the tablets leave my system, I’m back to my old ways. I just don’t know what to do or say to anyone anymore. Doctors have even had to give me diazepams so I can stay calm, and half the time, they only work for around 15-20 minutes, all of this is torture. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS."

• Sup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was prescribed fluoxetine for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. For the last 5 years, I took Remeron for depression, which did nothing to help with PMDD. I gained 60 lbs within a 3-month period of being on it. Well, 2 months ago, my doctor switched me to 10 mg fluoxetine. The side effects were a nightmare for the first two weeks: excessive drowsiness, nausea, increased anxiety, especially in the morning, diarrhea, completely lost my appetite. Well, I'm glad I hung in there because the side effects went away, my mood improved tremendously, and on top of that, I lost 20 lbs in the first 1.5 months. My appetite has improved. Very happy about the weight loss, but I feel that 20 mg would be a little more effective in treating PMDD symptoms. Overall, it's great."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2017

For Depression "The first 4 weeks on Prozac were awful. I had zero appetite, vivid nightmares, horrible night sweats, and a very short temper. But all of a sudden, when week 6 rolled around, I felt like a new person! I was the 'old me' again. It felt amazing to hear my family tell me they could notice the change in me. I'm a much more productive person now! I'm thriving at work, and I'm so thankful I found this drug."

• Jo ...
• September 30, 2021

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I tried Prozac 10mg for 6 days. I began waking up between 4 am and 5 am every morning with butterflies in my stomach and heart palpitations. Impossible to go back to sleep. Anxiety sensations stayed until mid-afternoon each day. I was unable to eat much and lost 6 pounds in 6 days. I had waves of horrible doom and fear feelings. On the 6th day, I decided to stop because I was going to be unable to keep working in this state. I also developed broken veins under my eyes. It has now been 42 days since I stopped taking it, and I am just starting to feel like myself again. My doctor does not think the Prozac caused the prolonged issues, but I was NOT having these issues until I took it. I know it left my system long ago, but I can only assume it threw my body into this anxious state, and it has been a daily battle to get back to baseline me. I know it works for some people, but it was a truly horrific experience for me. I wanted to write a positive review, but I just can’t be."

• Ano...
• June 26, 2017

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "So I have always suffered from anxiety, and I went to therapy for a while, and my therapist suggested seeing a mental health nurse practitioner who can maybe set me up with something. She referred me to the doctor who prescribed me Prozac, and it's been working great! I've been on it for about a month now. The first two weeks were a little rough, I was feeling more depressed and experienced a loss of appetite and even threw up a couple of times (though I'm not sure if that was the medicine or if I caught a stomach bug). However, at about the third week, I started feeling great! I was much happier and more engaged at work. I've been feeling so good, I'm starting to think I may have had depression. My only complaint is my sex drive is totally gone."

• Lau...
• October 16, 2016

For Depression "This medication changed my life! I was depressed, overcome with fatigue, and generally unpleasant to be around! After the first two weeks of fatigue passes, I am back to the old Laurie, 'the nice to be around Laurie.' Also noticed a decrease in appetite...which is super for me, being slightly overweight! Although it's expensive, I am blessed to have insurance and only paid $20 for the name brand...I wish all who suffer with peri-menopausal symptoms and/or depression would give this medication a try!"

• 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."

• Bos...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 8, 2018

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I suffer (suffered) from pain disorder, which turned into depression soon after since I was 16. Now 35. I was given many SSRIs back then. Name it, and I'm sure I tried it. I always made the common mistake of not giving it ample time to work. I was Rx'd Prozac last year, and this time I held it down. It works very, very well! Panic attacks are pretty much gone! Outlook on life is better. I'm on 40 mg now daily. Side effects when I first started were tolerable: upset stomach, no appetite, and it cut into my sleep a bit. These went away in about a week. You must give it about 3 to 4 weeks for noticeable effects. Well worth it."

• 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."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2017

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I have taken Prozac 20 and 40 mg quite a few years ago with a really positive outcome, but at a point, it stopped working, so I went to Wellbutrin. Recently, I started to get panic again, and my doctor thought adding Prozac into my daily regimen would help because it worked so well in the past. The side effects were so difficult for 3 weeks: crying, unable to eat, anxiety every minute, lost about 10 pounds, which was a good side effect :). But they did subside. It seemed to be working, but now some days I am having anxiety again and tremors daily. Unfortunately, it isn't working this time around, and I will be switching off it, but I would definitely recommend it for people since it did once work wonderfully for my panic and GAD."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been on this medication for 3 months now. Mainly taking it to reduce PMS symptoms, and it is working. The first few weeks, I felt really tired, not hungry, and just all over weird. After the first month, those side effects subsided. I have not gained any weight and do not have those 'moments of rage' I would get before my period. I don't plan on being on it forever, but I will take it as long as I see fit."

• 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."

• Rey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was given 20 mg to take, and my anxiety was so bad I was scared to take it. Eventually, my doctor gave me 10 mg. I took it for PMDD and anxiety, and I was also depressed. I was signed off work, and the first 2 weeks were awful, I was so spaced out and had absolutely no sex drive. I had no appetite, and my first period I was so angry! Fast forward to week 7, and I was driving with no panic attacks, back at work, socializing, and had no depression! I am now on week 11, and I still need to work on some stuff, but the difference is unbelievable. I hardly noticed my last period! I was meant to take it on day 14 of my cycle for 2 weeks, but I agreed to take 10 mg daily as it was helping my anxiety. I recommend that people don't give up on this tablet, it's definitely worth the rough ride! By no means am I 110% yet, but the difference is huge. So far, I have lost 5 lbs, and it hasn't gone back on, so hopefully, it stays that way. I can also drink alcohol with no issues."

• Emi...
• September 30, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I am on week 4 of fluoxetine 20 mg for panic attacks and agoraphobia, and I can say my panic has started to become less. The first and second weeks were the hardest: upset stomach, heartburn, tiredness, I couldn't stop yawning, and my appetite was so terrible, I lost about 8 pounds. After the 2 weeks, things started to slowly get better. I eat so much now, never get an upset stomach, sometimes I get heartburn, but I noticed if I take the medication with a full glass of water, then it helps. I am still tired, but not hardly as much now. I feel so much happier and have been able to leave the house, go shopping, and take my children to school again. I walk places, I can get into cars. The panic doesn't scare me as much anymore. I would say to stick it out because it does take time, but the benefits are amazing. I still have some panic thoughts now and again, but I am only on week 4, I am still adjusting. Fluoxetine has really helped me."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2025

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I take 20 mg, and it has been incredibly helpful. I was having awful anxiety leading to panic attacks and finally talked to my doctor about this. It also has helped with menopause symptoms. I have had a real decrease in appetite, which is my only negative side effect. I am grateful to have had good results. Changed my life for the positive."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Fluoxetine for about 2 weeks. I directly switched from Citalopram as it wasn't working after more than 1 year. The first 3 days on Fluoxetine were quite brutal, but I'm not sure if this was side effects of the new drug or withdrawals from the old drug. EXTREME tiredness and nausea, no appetite. I never felt so tired that I couldn't do anything. After 3 days, I decided to take Fluoxetine in the evening and take it every other day instead of every day... and wow!! I feel great and so energetic. No further symptoms and no worrying. So far, so good!"

• 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."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I have been on fluoxetine 20 mg for about 2 years. Helped me 100% with my anxiety and panic disorder. A recent breakdown has caused me to up my dosage to 40 mg, and I am currently going through the initial side effects again. Staying strong because it does help and will be worth it. Main side effects for me were/are shaking, loss of appetite, and severe nausea. If you're going through this, please stick with it. Fluoxetine saved me the first time, and now hoping my dosage being put up will pull me back up again. Never give up."

• Mal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2012

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Diagnosed with major depression and anxiety. Been on Prozac for all of 6 days, and it's already changed me in a lot of ways. Some good, some bad, pretty jarring altogether. Morning after 1st use, had severely suicidal thoughts. Instant loss of appetite and libido. Been an overeater most of my life. However, today was the first day in 6 days that I put food in my mouth. Zero libido all of a sudden, which I thought was great at first. Want to stick with it but really afraid about my libido."