Fluoxetine and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• edd...
• August 25, 2015

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "Cured my panic disorder, which was huge. Also leveled me off emotionally. But... sexual dysfunction is definitely an issue. I also seem to have a lack of empathy for others that I don't like. Overall, though, I've been helped by this med."

• DDd...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 16, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on 50 mg for anxiety and minor depression 3 years ago. I took it for 2 years and have been off it for 1. I am about to start again at 20 mg daily. It was really a lifesaver for me. It reduced emotions without touching intellect, and I found it much easier to just roll with things. Unlike other drugs, this one didn't cause cognitive impairment or 'fog.' I was clear-headed and much less high-strung. I was able to focus on work, get things done, and deal. However, it should be noted that it doesn't select WHICH emotions it dampens, it dampens all of them. The result is that you can be somewhat 'cold' in general. You fail to show empathy when you should. There are also sexual side effects. Orgasms lack pleasure."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Haz...
• October 3, 2010

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Started taking Prozac about 6 months ago. I'm taking care of my 82-year-old mother who has dementia, and I found my stress and anxiety going through the roof, many sleepless nights too. The positives are that I sleep much better, my anxiety is pretty much gone, and I'm much calmer, and I'm handling my mother so much better. The negatives are: no motivation at all - photography is my passion, but I have not picked up a camera since I started this medicine. I find myself grinding my teeth all the time. Loss of libido, the worst thing out of it, though, was that I lost weight, I weighed 98 pounds but lost 13 pounds within the first month and can't seem to get it back. I'm now at 89 pounds and look terrible! I'm going back to the doctor next week."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• February 9, 2012

Fluoxetine for Depression "I started taking 20 mg/day exactly 1 week ago, and I already feel a startling difference-like night and day. I had been seriously depressed for about 5 months, crying every day, not sleeping, and having nightmares when I did, gradually feeling worse. When I could no longer focus enough to get my schoolwork done (I'm a college student), I finally asked my doctor for help. Now I can focus, I don't feel sad, I can smile, I'm less paranoid, and I can sleep through the night. My doctor discussed Zoloft and Paxil initially, but I chose Prozac due to the side-effect profile and easy withdrawal, as well as the fact it works for my mom for her fibromyalgia. I do have some of the sexual side effects, but I'd rather feel happy. So worth it!"

• Pri...
• May 16, 2010

Fluoxetine for Depression "My experience, as a man, on Prozac for 10 years: Overall, it seems to work the best in relieving me of life-threatening depression. In addition, it has the fewest side effects among all the other medications with these two very significant exceptions: 1) WHILE TAKING: It nearly removes your libido 100%, which can ruin most relationships. 2) If you STOP TAKING Prozac, you'll experience for the next 2 weeks the strange sensation of electric currents zipping inside your head with every change in thought or visual focus you make. If you stay on Prozac, it's probably best to be single. Instead, make new and real friendships, which Prozac allows you the freedom to do. Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2011

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been taking Prozac for almost 2 years for my OCD and depression. The medicine has done wonders for my disability but has done nothing good for my relationship with my boyfriend. Prozac has taken my sex drive completely away. We try everything to bring it back, but nothing works. I had no choice but to take myself off the medicine."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Initially I had a really rough 3 weeks adjusting to the medication; lots of increased anxiety (which was bad enough to begin with), sexual dysfunction, and depression. Then one day it just stopped and my world turned upside down in the best way possible. Fluoxetine definitely saved my life and made it so much better."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking Prozac in October 2017 after trying Wellbutrin and Vistaril. The Prozac, though, has been the first and only antidepressant to remove the “heaviness” I feel weighing me down when depressed. I took Prozac for a year at 20 mg, and when I was functioning the best I had ever done so in life, I decided to try life without it. I went 6 months with no medicine and relying only on meditation, but I found myself going back down into that dark place. I “lost it” at every agitation, got angry a lot, and had suicidal thoughts without the Prozac. Now, I’m getting back on at a 10 mg dosage. It’s been 2 days, and I already feel calmer and able to handle life again. Plus, there seem to be no weight gain or sexual side effects at 10 mg. I honestly feel like I can’t function like the “other half” do without an antidepressant. So, needless to say, I highly recommend Prozac. It adds a calm to my life I wouldn’t have otherwise, which allows me to live my best life."

• Crv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2022

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "Prozac is a lifesaver. But it didn’t feel like that at first. The medication can actually increase anxiety in some people, and thankfully, I had some Klonopin to soothe the transition. It took me four full weeks before I actually felt a change. No panic or excessive thoughts. It’s a great feeling. A sexual issue is delayed orgasm, but I don’t consider that a negative. No other side effect to speak of."

• Deb...
• February 10, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "After having tried everything available - natural/diet/hormonal - fluoxetine is the only thing that combats my severe PMS. The downside is complete lack of sex drive and blunted emotions. Going to try to reduce from 20 mg every day to 2 weeks before the period."

• Kel...
• April 18, 2017

For Bulimia "I've had bulimia for 10 years. I just went on 20 mg due to depression (extremely tired, not able to get out of bed, no energy/motivation, etc.). I also experienced a noticeable increase in binging/purging during this time in an attempt to deal with the dysphoria and insomnia. I've only been on the medication for 3 days, but oh my god. I'm not thinking about food all day long. My cravings are gone, my appetite is 'normal.' I don't feel like I'm constantly fighting that irresistible urge to binge. I have been getting tired during the day and will probably switch to taking it at night. I also have zero libido, which I like because it's easier to focus. It also basically cured my 'ADD,' and I don't have to chug coffee all day to finish schoolwork."

• SSR...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "Taking fluoxetine and later other SSRIs had a terrible adverse effect on libido (sex drive), ability to have erections, and ability to experience orgasm. Tried other SSRIs, and they just perpetuated the issues. Eventually weaned off all of them and have had some recovery - but not fully - and have since seen many reports of long-term/permanent damage to sexual functioning and pleasure. A very high cost that’s been hidden and may create more misery than it’s intended to remedy."

• Nab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2022

Fluoxetine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I tried 5 mg of Prozac for PMDD after reading peer-reviewed data and reviews. I started when my luteal phase started. I felt nauseous and drowsy after about day 3. Weird effect on my sleep: I was sleeping, but it wasn’t restful. My mood after about day 6 was noticeably more stable, but nausea and drowsiness still disrupted my day. The 48 hours before my period starts are usually the worst as far as my mood and ability to function. The Prozac did not seem to help during the most intense part of my PMDD. After my period, I wanted to continue with the Prozac to see if the side effects might ease, but then I realized I had lost my sex drive, sex response, and ability to orgasm completely. I stopped on about day 20. I encountered an entire week of intense migraines and bouts of long crying. I’m on week 3 of not taking Prozac and am so depressed I don’t care about anything. I can barely eat or get out of bed. I can orgasm now again, so that’s a plus. Bottom line: not worth it for me."

• Nab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2022

Fluoxetine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I tried 5 mg of Prozac for PMDD after reading peer-reviewed data and reviews. I started when my luteal phase started. I felt nauseous and drowsy after about day 3. Weird effect on my sleep: I was sleeping, but it wasn’t restful. My mood after about day 6 was noticeably more stable, but nausea and drowsiness still disrupted my day. The 48 hours before my period starts are usually the worst as far as my mood and ability to function. The Prozac did not seem to help during the most intense part of my PMDD. After my period, I wanted to continue with the Prozac to see if the side effects might ease, but then I realized I had lost my sex drive, sex response, and ability to orgasm completely. I stopped on about day 20. I encountered an entire week of intense migraines and bouts of long crying. I’m on week 3 of not taking Prozac and am so depressed I don’t care about anything. I can barely eat or get out of bed. I can orgasm now again, so that’s a plus. Bottom line: not worth it for me."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2010

Fluoxetine for Depression "For years, I struggled with depression unknowingly, since I could remember. Never thought to take any action, though, until a few tragic events happened. Then came the suicidal thoughts and such, so I went to a doctor and got this prescribed to me. Prozac 20mg, I can honestly say I have never felt so good in my life. Haven't had any suicidal thoughts or anxiety or very much depression. The only thing I can say negatively about this medicine is that it did decrease my sex drive and left me feeling quite tired and with a lack of energy. When I first started taking it, it lasted about 2 days. Ever since then, no such problems have occurred, except for the lack of sex drive. Thank you, Prozac, you honestly saved my life."

• 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."

• Mel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 9, 2015

For Bulimia "I have taken Prozac/fluoxetine off and on for a few years to treat bulimia. It truly allows you to lead a normal life again without your day being consumed by thoughts of food and bingeing/purging. I have always been my physically healthiest when I was taking my 40 mg daily. I would, however, wean myself off eventually due to the sexual dysfunction and a lack of feeling emotions, as well as feeling like I had beaten the bulimia - only to have it return full-fledged within 1 1/2 - 2 months. That is the case now, so I'm going back on it. It is still important to get cognitive therapy so that you may control it on your own if Prozac's effects eventually wear off for you. Don't use it as a band-aid for the problem."

• Nor...
• January 21, 2015

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been off Prozac for about 4 weeks now...after starting 2 years ago for a terrible depression/sadness/menopause. Wanted to take a holiday to see what would happen. When on Prozac, side effects like decreased sexual drive and slight weight gain, otherwise, it put my menopause symptoms in control. Decreased my hot flashes, helped my sadness, and gave relief for some mild OCD that I have had for years. Now when I am off the medicine, I notice an increase in my OCD behaviors. Not concentrating as well at work. Sexual appetite is still not that great despite a wonderful patient husband (could still just be the menopause). Hot flashes have not really returned, and I do not feel overwhelmingly sad. I will start Prozac tomorrow and see if it helps with OCD."