Fluoxetine and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Tma...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 7, 2019

Fluoxetine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was diagnosed with PMDD a little over 20 years ago, and Sarafem is the only thing that works for me. The side effects for me are low libido, loss of appetite, slight hand tremble. Sarafem does stop my anxiety, severe depression, rage, and irritability goes away, and I can focus when I'm on it. These things affect my everyday life, so the side effects are durable. The only reason I'm not taking it on a regular basis is because, with work insurance, it went from $40 to $700-$900, then back down to $70 with a doctor's paper to the pharmacy/insurance company, back to $700+ if there are any issues. I don't care what anybody says, but when it comes to me, fluoxetine doesn't work for the same for me."

• SME...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Taken fluoxetine before, medication free for 4 years, I remember why I stopped. I know it's not a magic cure and that the first few weeks will always make you feel worse before you start improving, but I would never take this again. Sweating, increased anxiety, violent mood swings, weight loss, crying, loss of appetite, and an ambulance trip to A and E due to kidney failure (which I have never suffered before) nearly 2 weeks off this, and my kidney functions are slowly returning to how they should be. A lot of time off work, however, which is now a whole new stress with loss of money and what is increasingly seeming like an addiction to codeine. PLEASE, to anyone taking these, be careful x."

• a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2015

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I wouldn't give Prozac anything greater than a 1. Mainly for the fact that I have been on this now for 1 month, 20 mg daily; increased my terrible moods followed by anxiety attacks. I have become an insomniac, my pulse has increased terribly, and my appetite is zero. Without the backup 'Xanax,' I would still be at square 1. I occasionally drink to get drunk, but have been recently informed that this drug mixed with alcohol has a severe risk of suicide. I was not depressed before I was referred to this medicine, but now I feel that it is becoming worse. Am I misdiagnosed?"

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2021

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I am currently on my second week of Prozac/Fluoxetine, and honestly, I can already start seeing the changes. The first 4 or 5 days were very emotionally draining, I had heightened anxiety and trouble staying asleep, along with the common side effects such as headaches, nausea, and lack of appetite. But now I feel like my body is getting used to it. The headaches are slowly disappearing, the nausea is subsiding, and the heightened anxiety isn’t such a problem anymore, and I can successfully say I haven’t had a panic attack since I started taking it. It’s hard in the beginning to stick to, trust me, I thought of quitting many times! But it’s worth powering through!"

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2021

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I’ve always struggled with social anxiety, some generalized anxiety, and mild to moderate depression. Earlier this year, due to personal circumstances, my mental health took a nosedive. I have always been resistant to taking antidepressants, but I decided to try 10 mg of fluoxetine (I’m sensitive to medication, so I didn’t want to try more than that). I can honestly say most of my anxiety and depression have disappeared, my interest in my hobbies has come back, and my work life and relationship have significantly improved as well. The only negative side effect really is that my sex drive is pretty low, and it does occasionally cause loss of appetite for me. Overall, I’m very thankful for this medication and give it 9/10."

• 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)."

• Kat...
• February 2, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "Started with an awful upset stomach, but that's now passed, and we've progressed to a constant nagging headache that painkillers won't touch. Also feeling shaky with it, physically jittery - but these are all common symptoms, so I'm sticking with it as in the long run these symptoms will fade. I'm on 20 mg daily, my appetite has vanished, so forcing myself to eat. Sleep is disturbed by weird dreams and general restlessness. So overall, feeling exhausted. Sticking with it, feeling positive that once my body adapts, I will feel the effects!"

• Ins...
• April 13, 2011

Fluoxetine for Depression "I am a 38-year-old female with terrible insomnia for 6 years. I finally sought help to figure out what was causing it, since none of the medicines were working for me any longer. I was diagnosed with depression and prescribed 10 mg of Prozac. It has been of amazing help to me. I now take 20 mg, which is perfect. I have suffered no side effects and am VERY sensitive to medicines. The only thing I noticed was a very slight decrease in appetite. Prior to taking Prozac, I felt like I was in a fog, I had no desire to do anything, and that is hard with 2 young kids. I have decided to embrace the fact that I suffer from depression. I was also prescribed 25 mg of Seroquel for my insomnia. Life is better for me, thanks to Prozac. Insomnia is still a work in progress."

• Eno...
• September 26, 2015

Fluoxetine for Depression "Horrible experience with Prozac! Started taking it on a Thursday, and by Saturday had a buzzing in my ears, a full feeling in my head, and couldn't sleep. On Sunday, I completely lost my appetite and became very jittery. I was barely able to work on Monday and called off Tuesday because of generalized anxiety, not sleeping or eating. I ended up taking three total days off of work due to side effects. I literally had to force myself to eat a single slice of toast for breakfast... and barely got it down! I finally went off of it on Wednesday and went back on Paxil. By Friday, I am feeling like my old self again. Plus, I had startling dreams. I won't ever take this drug again!"

• Eno...
• September 26, 2015

Fluoxetine for Depression "Horrible experience with Prozac! Started taking it on a Thursday, and by Saturday had a buzzing in my ears, a full feeling in my head, and couldn't sleep. On Sunday, I completely lost my appetite and became very jittery. I was barely able to work on Monday and called off Tuesday because of generalized anxiety, not sleeping or eating. I ended up taking three total days off of work due to side effects. I literally had to force myself to eat a single slice of toast for breakfast... and barely got it down! I finally went off of it on Wednesday and went back on Paxil. By Friday, I am feeling like my old self again. Plus, I had startling dreams. I won't ever take this drug again!"

• 652...
• May 17, 2017

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "14 days on 20 mg. I am edgy and wobbly, no appetite, forced myself to eat, so I am eating less. Taking advantage of that because I am also diabetic and hard to go to sleep. I am sticking with the medicine. Have some relief from bad thoughts. Hope it gets better."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I started on 20 mg fluoxetine after having a panic disorder from age 8 (I’m 19) and becoming really depressed. I was reluctant because of bad reviews, however, after a month, I found it really helped my mood. Two weeks later, my panic attacks decreased. I found at the start I was very dizzy and felt sick and wasn’t as interested in food, however, the dizziness has gone away. I’m very happy with the results and it improved my everyday life!"

• Mol...
• January 26, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was on fluoxetine for 9 days. I had to come off, I could not cope with the side effects. It made me feel horrible. I just lost interest in everything, wanted to stay in bed all the time. I lost my appetite, and I still have not got my appetite back yet. Never again."

• Chs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

For Depression "I took Prozac for 5 days, it was the most awful experience I'd ever had. I didn't know what to do with myself. I couldn't sleep, eat, function, or drive. I had to stop, but the effects have carried on for another 7 days after stopping. My anxiety has gone crazy-racing heart at random times during the day. Still not sleeping."

• Gem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "Week 8 of fluoxetine. I regret not starting this medication sooner. For years, I pondered about medication and was too afraid to ask my GP for help or even suggest medication. I’m at a stage where I need to be strong in life, and fluoxetine has helped me so much in this aspect. Most nights, I would not sleep until 2/3 am with worry and overthinking, and my alarm going off at 6 am for work. I was miserable. Now, I can’t remember the last time I saw the clock at 3 am! It isn’t an immediate fix, but 8 weeks on, I feel more like myself. I don’t get stressed about minor things or lie awake until stupid o’clock overthinking. Side effects: loss of appetite, I have lost some weight also. I had 1 week where my anxiety was really bad, night sweats, unsettled, etc., but this soon disappeared, and it was manageable. I feel more relaxed and ready to face each day. I also don’t think ahead to the future as much anymore, something that gave me constant worry and self-doubt."

• Use...
• July 30, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been in and out of treatment facilities for social phobia, generalized anxiety, benzodiazepine tapering, and depression. I’ve never been ashamed to take antidepressants, but they never helped me at a therapeutic level until I hit age 25. This medication has made a large difference in my mood and anxiety. I am able to look at things through a slightly different lens. Due to the severity and longevity of my disorders, I was started on 20 mg. The first few days I felt better, my pupils were slightly dilated, and my appetite was low. I am on week 7 and have noticed that I cry less often and don’t go into a depressed state. It basically leveled me out. I know a few other people on this medication, and they have had positive experiences like myself, so don’t let the negative comments discourage you. Oftentimes these could be individuals with a different mental health disorder that were potentially misdiagnosed. I hope this helps someone who is in a hard spot."

• jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2012

For Depression "Taking 20 mg fluoxetine for 6 weeks, 200 mg bupropion for 4-5 months. The 1st week was rough, experiencing many side effects. But I felt more mentally and emotionally balanced within a couple of days, and it has only improved. I experienced total appetite loss during the first couple of weeks and consequently lost 10 pounds, which was a welcome side effect. I'm not hypersensitive to rejection and criticism, and I feel more at ease interacting with others. The negative thinking is still there, but I can more easily counter those thoughts with rationale and positivity. I know it's cliché to say, but I feel like 'me' again for the first time in years. I give it 9/10 because I still get frequent headaches, but the positive far outweighs the negative."

• Anonymous
• October 15, 2021

For Depression "I’m on day 11 of taking 20 mg fluoxetine. This is my first time taking anything like this, I finally got so bad that I got worried enough to make a doctor appointment. The first few days were great, I felt like I was seeing things more clearly and taking more time to process things and remain calm in situations I feel like I’d normally lose my temper in. After the first few days, I noticed an increase in dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, a thick fog, unmotivated feelings, nausea, headache, sweating, feeling completely numb, and getting annoyed easily and quickly, and these have all gotten worse with each day. Today I had my first scary thought that was actually SCARY. To the point that I got up and tried to put myself in a safe place and calm down. Out of nowhere, I got very strong and vivid thoughts of suicide. I couldn’t see anything past the exact moment I was in, and it felt like there needed to be an end. Very scary for me as I’m a mom of 2, and I’ve never had a thought so strong and uncontrollable."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2014

For Depression "First 3 weeks on the medicine and I felt worse. I started self-harming and experienced suicidal thoughts (though apparently this is quite common). I got worried, so I went back to the doctors who upped my dose to 40 mg. 40 mg gave me headaches, made me feel quite aggressive, lost a bit of weight due to decreased appetite, and kept me up at night. Went back to the doctors and told him side effects, so he dropped it back down to 20 mg to wean me off it so I could try Mirtazapine. A couple of days after speaking to the doctor, I started to feel a lot more positive and happy, and touch wood, a week later and I feel the same! I was meant to start taking the Mirtazapine today, but I think the Fluoxetine has slowly kicked in, so I'm sticking with it!"

• JoJ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2022

Fluoxetine for Depression "I was prescribed this first before I started my ADHD meds. I have been on SSRIs before. I don't really respond to them, good or bad. The only positive I noted during my time on this medication was less frequent/repetitive thoughts and more indifference to things. I was only 5 mg for 1 year. I couldn't take 10 mg because I am sensitive to medication, and even 5 mg gave me the side effects I will discuss below. Insomnia: I could not sleep. I had to be prescribed sleep medication while on Prozac. I used to be able to fall asleep fine, even if I was depressed, I would rather sleep than not. I would get maybe 6 hours and then wake up with energy, and I didn't like it. I always felt like my body was secretly tired if my mind would just let it be. Headaches, teeth grinding made worse, and in turn, neck pain, shoulder pain. Less appetite, no weight loss or gain. Vivid dreams, some violent in the beginning. Weird digestion. Felt on edge at times. My nose is no longer stuffy either, so allergies?"

• iam...
• April 20, 2010

Fluoxetine for Depression "I have clinical depression, and Prozac is how I initially got introduced to the world of pharmaceuticals. I took two types of fluoxetine; one from the hospital (green) and the other from Target (white). While the ones given to me at the hospital worked well, the ones from Target did not work at all! The side effects for me were: no ability to feel any emotion, zombie-like, tired 24/7, no appetite (I lived off of one slice of pizza a day along with some cranberry juice, and it had to be forced down), decreased libido, giddiness, constant mind fog, a feeling of euphoria followed by fatigue, dry mouth. It worked better than Cymbalta, but since fluoxetine is generic, my doctor doesn't approve of it."

• Dot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "Started 6th of May, so hasn't been long. Suffered severe post-natal depression with youngest child 9 years ago, got over that and have been fine up until recently. I had a miscarriage over Christmas, and over the months following, found myself getting very low again, but most of all noticed the anxiety, hypochondria, and irritation. Doctor put me on 20 mg fluoxetine a day, and seems to be good so far. Definitely less anxiety, but also definitely lack of energy, and I have tiredness. No matter how much sleep I get, I feel like a zombie in the morning and yawn a lot until I have some coffee. My sense of humor, libido, and appetite have decreased, but I am putting that down to a 'can't be bothered' feeling. Sticking with it for now. Gives a hangover from hell too!!!"

• Lab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2022

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Week 1-4: 2 x 25 mg each day. Positive effect: None. Side effects: Tired, slow. Week 4-6: 4 x 25 mg each day. Positive effect: None. Side effects: Tired, slow, rash on thighs, rash on stomach, dizziness, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, nosebleeds, nightmares, crawling sensation in skin. Week 6-8: 6 x 25 mg each day. Positive effect: None. Side effects: Tired, slow, rash on thighs, rash on stomach, dizziness, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, nosebleeds, nightmares, crawling sensation in skin, bleeding from the gums of my teeth, memory loss, memory issues (short-term memory), no hunger, needle-like pain in skin and all over my body, vomiting, headaches, aggression. I'm now off the meds because of the reactions, and my blood pressure is high. My blood sugar is low, and I can't sleep, remember things properly, or 'work' sexually. I would not recommend it. Not even as your last choice."

• ili...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2021

For Depression "No thanks!! [Warning: suicide ideation (SI) + self-harm (SH) mention in this review]: First med I was on (surprise surprise), and really know how I was supposed to be feeling. My fluoxetine dose went up super slowly because my psych was weird about it, but by the time I got to 30 mg, I realized I didn't like it, she increased my dose anyway. I basically became nocturnal, sleeping for 14-16 hours, then sluggishly doing some homework and playing Mario Kart. Then the dose went up to 60 mg, didn't help, but also the only thing it made worse (which is significant) was SI/SH. So yeah, no thanks. Only side effects I remember were a bit less appetite and worse dissociation. Moral of the story: I wouldn't personally recommend if you have more complex issues (I had 6+ DX at the time), but also, if your psych doesn't listen, then fire them. 2/10 because I really didn't like it, but no severe non-mood side effects."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am taking 450 mg Bupropion daily and was still hitting the wall. Crying, fear, anger. Had lots of therapy and been on lots of antidepressants. Felt like my life was over. Saw my doctor four days ago and told her I wasn't doing well. We talked, and she decided to prescribe Prozac 20 mg in addition to Bupropion. I am tolerating the side effects... no appetite, nervous feeling, sketchy stomach, head feels too big... seriously! One thing: I have less body pain. Fibro was active but less so now. That's great. I am an artist, and I cannot concentrate or keep my focus. Hoping that clears up soon. Will be back to report on my progress."