Fluoxetine and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Prozac for anxiety and depression. I started the first week only taking 10 mg and moved to 20 mg in week two. I’ve been taking this medication for less than a month, but I already feel so much better. I would spend about 2-3 nights a week crying from worry and stress. I also suffer from PMDD, and a week before my periods, I would become extremely depressed. Since I started taking Prozac, I haven’t had any crying spells. I'm much calmer now, able to think clearly about things instead of getting overwhelmed with stress. I also feel way more motivated in my daily life and actually look forward to the future instead of being scared of it. The only side effects I experienced were a little bit of nausea and feeling tired (this lasted the first two weeks, but it’s gone now.) Everyone reacts differently to medication, so don’t let the bad reviews scare you!"

• Zee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2020

Fluoxetine for Depression "I've suffered with mental health issues since I was a teenager, and I am now nearly 30. I've tried different medications, such as sertraline and venlafaxine, and couldn't stand the side effects, so I gave up. This medication, Prozac, has been so helpful. Apart from yawning, I've had no other side effects. I have more energy, feel more productive, calmer, and a little more confident. I've only been on it for a month, and after the first week, I felt so much better. Hoping it will stay like this! BPD traits, anxiety, depression."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2016

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I have spent a lot of time reading threads on Prozac. They have all been very helpful during these past few months so I thought I should share my own experiences just in case anyone out there might find it helpful. I started Prozac 20mg about 2 months ago. I always knew I had anxiety and mild depression and was always curious about taking antidepressants. But when my boyfriend and I broke up, I literally went to my psych doc the very next day. I had done my research on ADs and thought that Prozac would be the best for me. My doc agreed. I kept a log every single day I took Prozac starting from Day #1 until Day #30. It took 24 days before I started feeling little random bursts of happiness. But up until day #24, it was pure torture. It hurt to smile, I completely lost my appetite, I could not sleep, I was sad, I experienced so much anxiety, it was painful. But thanks to reading all these threads, I did not give up and was hopeful that things will get better just as everyone said it will. Every day after Day #24 just seemed to have gotten better and better. And on Day #30, it finally hit me, and I understood what Prozac is all about. Yes, it is true that it is a life saver. If I had to put it in just two words to explain how I feel on Prozac, I would have to say “Calm” and “Clear”. But I’m not finished just yet… after a few weeks, I started feeling like the 20mg wasn’t really working. So my doc increased my dose to 40mg. This time around, I almost gave up and went back to 20mg, but thankfully I did not. For 3 weeks of taking 40mg, I was so tired, fatigued, and lethargic. I did not experience this on 20mg, and I was constantly hungry too. So after week #3, I called my doc, so I can make an appointment to go back down to 20mg, he was out of town, so I had to wait. When his office called me back to schedule me in, the awful side effects of 40mg were gone, and I was back to feeling clear, calm, and happy again. So here is my own personal advice from my own journey with Prozac… I’ve been on it for a little over 2 months. You have to get worse before you get better. No matter what you think, YOU WILL GET BETTER. Prozac is literally reprogramming and rewiring your brain, and that TAKES TIME. Side note: I’m 31 years old and ex-boyfriend and I are back together and happy. So were all those days of torture worth it? It sure was."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2016

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I have spent a lot of time reading threads on Prozac. They have all been very helpful during these past few months so I thought I should share my own experiences just in case anyone out there might find it helpful. I started Prozac 20mg about 2 months ago. I always knew I had anxiety and mild depression and was always curious about taking antidepressants. But when my boyfriend and I broke up, I literally went to my psych doc the very next day. I had done my research on ADs and thought that Prozac would be the best for me. My doc agreed. I kept a log every single day I took Prozac starting from Day #1 until Day #30. It took 24 days before I started feeling little random bursts of happiness. But up until day #24, it was pure torture. It hurt to smile, I completely lost my appetite, I could not sleep, I was sad, I experienced so much anxiety, it was painful. But thanks to reading all these threads, I did not give up and was hopeful that things will get better just as everyone said it will. Every day after Day #24 just seemed to have gotten better and better. And on Day #30, it finally hit me, and I understood what Prozac is all about. Yes, it is true that it is a life saver. If I had to put it in just two words to explain how I feel on Prozac, I would have to say “Calm” and “Clear”. But I’m not finished just yet… after a few weeks, I started feeling like the 20mg wasn’t really working. So my doc increased my dose to 40mg. This time around, I almost gave up and went back to 20mg, but thankfully I did not. For 3 weeks of taking 40mg, I was so tired, fatigued, and lethargic. I did not experience this on 20mg, and I was constantly hungry too. So after week #3, I called my doc, so I can make an appointment to go back down to 20mg, he was out of town, so I had to wait. When his office called me back to schedule me in, the awful side effects of 40mg were gone, and I was back to feeling clear, calm, and happy again. So here is my own personal advice from my own journey with Prozac… I’ve been on it for a little over 2 months. You have to get worse before you get better. No matter what you think, YOU WILL GET BETTER. Prozac is literally reprogramming and rewiring your brain, and that TAKES TIME. Side note: I’m 31 years old and ex-boyfriend and I are back together and happy. So were all those days of torture worth it? It sure was."

• OCD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2022

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was very nervous to try Prozac because of my horrible hypochondria and fear of trying new medicines. I was constantly struggling with OCD intrusive thoughts and compulsions, as well as TERRIBLE anxiety. I felt as though my OCD and being in a constant state of worry were taking over my life. I’m 29 years old, work full time & decided that this way no way to live. I caved and started 10mg daily. Week 1 I was exhausted and in a fog. Week 2 was brutal, I had peak anxiety and OCD. I almost felt manic. I had a panic attack, was nauseous, & couldn’t eat. Week 3 I started feeling better, I noticed my intrusive thoughts weren’t constantly haunting me. Week 4 I woke up one day and felt like a new person. I no longer have intrusive thoughts or OCD “routines”, irritability is nearly gone, and I’m not in a constant state of worry. I feel 100x better, Prozac has changed my life. I’m posting this for people who are nervous to try. Try fighting through the side effects, it’s SO worth it."

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2021

For Depression "I hope this review gives hope to someone searching for it. I used to obsessively read these reviews every day. I take 20mg of fluoxetine. First 2 weeks, side effects were: headaches, vaginal bleeding, fatigue, yawning, no appetite. Weeks 2-5, worsening of anxiety, depression, increased suicidal thoughts. Week 6, my head became clearer, anxiety subsided, and I had motivation to get up in the morning. I began to see the beauty in the world again and appreciate the smallest things. The following also helped: running, being outside as much as possible, routine (getting up and going to bed at the same time), healthy diet, cutting out alcohol, journaling, reading, word searches, deleting social media, CBT. Find what works for you. Establish a safety plan for the first 5 weeks. Phone the Samaritans (I phoned them regularly). Remind yourself or get someone else to remind you that you won't always feel this way. This is temporary. Give this medication time, be patient, and be kind to yourself."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2025

Fluoxetine for Depression "I’ve been married to my husband for three years. He seemed happy, laughing all the time, and was in tune with me. My best friend. A month into the marriage, and he changed. He reminded me of Eeyore…always down, always negative. Forgetful. Distant. I have depression and ADHD, so I noticed depression in him. He has never been diagnosed, but it is obvious. He said he tried Lexapro years ago but didn’t stay on it. Then he got on Zoloft, which made him feel tired all the time. As of two days ago, he’s been on Prozac, and I personally already see a HUGE difference! From an outside perspective, I am impressed. He’s started talking again, asking me questions, talking about random things like the birds outside, making comments about movies we have watched on TV, he asked me to make him lunch for tomorrow, he even said goodnight to me! You have to understand that he had almost completely shut down. He has life in him again! I’m super impressed!"

• 13A...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 20, 2019

Fluoxetine for Depression "I was started on this medication at a very low dose in college. I suffer from depression & anxiety; after a few weeks, the depression started to slowly go away - minimal side effects, mainly less energy. I have been on and off it, trying other options since then, and nothing has helped as much. Zoloft & Paxil did not have an impact. I stopped taking it after feeling better for a long time, but my depression came back and was much worse. Now, finally getting it under control. I personally don't like taking any medicine, but this one has helped me a great deal - the side effects (especially being really tired) at least for me went away after the first month. I hope if you are reading this, with medicine or not, you are well and taking the best care of yourself possible =)"

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

Fluoxetine for Depression "35-year-old black man with generalized anxiety and depression. On Prozac, I definitely feel weak, tired, but not so much of lucid dreams and never had a problem falling asleep. I've noticed myself smiling more, willing to go out with family, and also I'm thinking differently about my life and who I am. 2 weeks into meds."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I've always struggled with ADHD/anxiety my entire life. I was leery about taking meds due to the way society has put such a bad name on it, and I felt less of a person by taking it. I finally let my doctor convince me to take Prozac 20mg, and it's the best thing I've done for myself and my family. I feel like the person I've always been meant to be. I can think more clearly and handle stressful situations. I'm a wife and mother and can say my marriage has improved as little things don't bother me like before. I have more patience with my kids and have become closer with them. At first, I was constantly tired and hungry and almost had no desire to do anything, but after reading reviews, I decided to push forward, and after 6 weeks, everything changed. My exhaustion went away, and a more normal appetite came back. It's been 2 months, and I feel like I have more energy and am enjoying life so much more! My advice is to not give up. It takes time and has the ability to change things for the better!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I've always struggled with ADHD/anxiety my entire life. I was leery about taking meds due to the way society has put such a bad name on it, and I felt less of a person by taking it. I finally let my doctor convince me to take Prozac 20mg, and it's the best thing I've done for myself and my family. I feel like the person I've always been meant to be. I can think more clearly and handle stressful situations. I'm a wife and mother and can say my marriage has improved as little things don't bother me like before. I have more patience with my kids and have become closer with them. At first, I was constantly tired and hungry and almost had no desire to do anything, but after reading reviews, I decided to push forward, and after 6 weeks, everything changed. My exhaustion went away, and a more normal appetite came back. It's been 2 months, and I feel like I have more energy and am enjoying life so much more! My advice is to not give up. It takes time and has the ability to change things for the better!"

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2019

For Hot Flashes "This is my first time ever writing on a forum but feel compelled since these tablets have been a mini miracle. I can sleep! I’m not shouting at my children! I like my husband again! I’m being nice to my work colleagues! I’m looking forward to my 50th birthday! My holiday to Mexico! OK, I’m yawning a lot which is rather odd but otherwise I’m thrilled and also grateful to all of the lovely ladies who have taken the time to post on this forum. For anybody reading this, my doctor wanted to see me on week three and I was feeling a little odd and unsettled. But great, now I’m week four. Long may this positive feeling continue."

• MyD...
• July 18, 2019

Fluoxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have suffered from MDD for 4 years before I got my diagnosis. By the time of my diagnosis, I had mental breakdowns every night, was completely withdrawn from all friends and family, and my grades went from straight A’s to straight D’s. I was tired, numb, and sick. I tried to kill myself twice. Then I started Prozac at 10mg and then up to 40 mg. Three years later, I was finally able to get my life back together. It takes several months for Prozac to take effect. For me, it was an entire year. For sure, it’s no miracle cure, but I was less empty and less tired. Prozac is not a happy pill. It won’t fix your problems. It won’t make life seem infinitely better. It won’t undo the damage. Nothing will. It will only give you the opportunity to make everything better again. And for me, that was opening up to others and seeking the help I needed. I'm doing better now. Prozac did its job. Now I have to do mine."

• Hky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2020

For Depression "I have been on fluoxetine for approx. 1 month. I started with 10mg for the first 7 days, and then upped my dosage to 20mg. Initially, I was dealing with some side effects, such as light headaches, and on 20mg, I tended to yawn... a lot. But with all of that said, it has been a godsend. Generally, my depression fears its head by way of angry outburst, but I haven’t had an outburst at all since starting these meds (and believe me, I’ve been tested & tried - lol). Overall, fluoxetine seems to be a VERY good option for my depression and anxiety, I am so grateful to have found it and I hope you have the same experience, should you decide to start it."

• ann...
• January 27, 2014

Fluoxetine for Depression "I had slipped into a depression following some traumatic life events. The mornings were worse and often unbearable. I became suicidal. I was also agitated. I was desperate and went to a GP and was prescribed fluoxetine 20mg. I have been taking them for six weeks and feel so much better. Mood has lifted and morning depression has stopped. It's saved my life. Side effects were a sore throat and cold symptoms which lasted four days. Yawning as well. Best thing I ever did was admit I had a problem and take medicines."

• Sum...
• January 26, 2021

Fluoxetine for Depression "I have been on fluoxetine for a week now for bipolar and borderline personality disorder. I was prescribed 20 mg. I took my first 20 mg pill in the morning, and that entire day I felt awful. I was so exhausted, felt 'high', couldn't think, felt sedated, and my anxiety was through the roof. The next day, I decided to reduce my dosage in half. I split the pill and took just 10 mg that morning. I felt so much better. I had energy throughout the day without overwhelming tiredness or sedation. I have been taking 10 mg since then and continuously feel better and better. I was extremely scared of starting a medication like this, but I do not regret it now. I have started feeling real things again. I'm feeling emotions instead of mimicking them when I am supposed to. I have snapped a lot less. I am much calmer and a lot more patient. I have more energy. I just expect to keep getting better from here! Highly recommend 10 mg if you are struggling with the 20 mg (especially if you have any sort of anxiety/panic issues)."

• kne...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2016

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I am 25 years old and I have been dealing with anxiety and depression for most of my life. My GP prescribed me Fluoxetine 20mg and I have been taking it for 2 months now. I could see results within the first 2 weeks - things that bothered me every day were slowly diminishing. It's not like they weren't in the back of my mind, but it's almost like a wall was keeping me from thinking about those issues excessively. Essentially, I don't care about petty things anymore, and I am genuinely happy now! I still have anxiety/panic attacks, but they are not as extreme as they once were. I did have side effects initially: indigestion, headache, fatigue, weakness, yawning, loss of appetite, and nausea. Those have diminished greatly now."

• jun...
• May 18, 2013

Fluoxetine for Bulimia "So I've been on 20mg Fluoxetine for three weeks, and I never thought I'd ever go a day without binging again or purging. I feel happier, my relationship is so much better. I can go to family BBQs and focus on them and not the plentiful food. Some cons are: delayed or nonexistent orgasm, low libido, yawning. How I look at it is I was too depressed, hating myself, and bloated from bulimia to want to have sex anyway! At least now I feel much better in my own skin, and I'm so rarely bloated, when before I couldn't remember the last time I wasn't bloated. I was insecure in every situation and in all clothing. I suffered for a long time, and to see how much relief I've gotten from just 20mg of this tiny pill is a miracle."

• Aim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2019

For Binge Eating Disorder "I’ve been taking fluoxetine for 2 months now. I started at 20mg and noticed a drastic decrease in appetite, where I could go a day without eating and not even realize, which was different from me binging every weekend. I also noticed the first two weeks of taking it I was tired all day even though I could get up to 12 hours of sleep. I started to notice my appetite come back after a month, so I upped my dosage to 40mg, which helped my appetite again. Since the two months, I’ve only binged once and it was not nearly as big of a binge as before. I’m starting on 60mg now, which is the dose for eating disorders, and I feel like I can stop eating whenever I want and don’t have an obsession over food anymore. I do have most of the side effects like nausea, headaches, vision changes, decreased sex drive, tired feeling, and YAWNING. Overall, it has helped my appetite decrease to a happy amount where I don’t feel the need to binge anymore."

• Aim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2019

For Binge Eating Disorder "I’ve been taking fluoxetine for 2 months now. I started at 20mg and noticed a drastic decrease in appetite, where I could go a day without eating and not even realize, which was different from me binging every weekend. I also noticed the first two weeks of taking it I was tired all day even though I could get up to 12 hours of sleep. I started to notice my appetite come back after a month, so I upped my dosage to 40mg, which helped my appetite again. Since the two months, I’ve only binged once and it was not nearly as big of a binge as before. I’m starting on 60mg now, which is the dose for eating disorders, and I feel like I can stop eating whenever I want and don’t have an obsession over food anymore. I do have most of the side effects like nausea, headaches, vision changes, decreased sex drive, tired feeling, and YAWNING. Overall, it has helped my appetite decrease to a happy amount where I don’t feel the need to binge anymore."

• Odd...
• October 16, 2013

Fluoxetine for Bulimia "I have suffered from Bulimia for about 10 years, and at different stages, I was binging/purging up to 5 times a day. Over the years, I have tried so many medications, but Prozac is the first to really assist. I started on 20mg, which has recently increased to 40mg. This is the only medicine/therapy that has dramatically decreased my impulse to binge/purge. I am feeling so happy within myself, and it has really assisted with my depression and low energy levels too. One odd side effect I have noted is that I am yawning a lot, a small price to pay to being in control of my eating and mood. This is definitely worth a try if you are having bulimic symptoms and I recommend it highly. Good luck."

• Anonymous
• October 27, 2010

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking this medication because my doctor thought that I had too much stress and anxiety in my life, which was causing me to feel like I couldn't breathe. I have never taken any anti-anxiety, depression medicines before, and was very skeptical. The first few days to the first few weeks were not so great. I felt tired, depressed, and just plain crappy. I worked through it and kept taking the medication. I am now a month into the medication and I feel great. I can concentrate on class and other tasks much better without worrying about other things. My relationships are much better with my husband and child. So far so good!"

• Tom...
• April 19, 2017

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Personal experience: 1. Put up with the initial uncomfortable feelings of dizziness, increased anxiety, insomnia, lethargy (the anxiety is usually your fears related to taking medicine and the 'what ifs'. Medicine alone cannot make you think bad things). 2. After 2 weeks (yes, I was one of the unlucky few who had very bad side effects for all that time, but I stuck with it), the therapeutic effects start coming through eventually. 3. Don't just assume medicine will make you completely happy, you still need to actively change your life to fix the root causes of anxiety or depression, i.e., do meditation, quit drinking, do CBT, take up exercise, see a therapist, be around people more."

• mys...
• January 9, 2013

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "After reading all the reviews, I decided to try Prozac. I am extremely sensitive to medications and have been on many different antidepressants, usually stopping due to side effects. My doctor gave me the liquid Prozac so I could take a tiny amount and work my way up. Initially, I experienced loss of appetite, nausea, slight dizziness, tiredness, and weight loss. I am 8 weeks out, and most side effects have improved. I feel so much better. Anxiety is low to nonexistent, clear thinking, hope has returned. I am still dealing with grief from my mother's death, but I feel better equipped to handle it. That is a miracle! I take 2mg, yes 2mg, and when I go higher, I can't tolerate the side effects."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2019

For Depression "I have been on Fluoxetine for a year and a half, 20mg. Previously I had been on Lexapro, which also worked but made me tired, gained weight, and experienced hair loss. I have been diagnosed with dysthymia (chronic low mood) as well as anxiety. Prozac has been a miracle to me. Essentially, it allows me to feel normal. I am able to navigate through life without the anxiety, the depression, the things that held me back for so many years, all the while not realizing that there was something wrong with me. Depression has sadly robbed me of a good portion of my life since I was a teenager. I am now in my thirties and feel as though Prozac has granted me a second chance at life. I am the best version of myself on this medication. Almost no side effects to speak of."