Fluoxetine and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ocd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2015

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Soooo... what a ride. Started on 10 mg and felt okay. I was getting a stiff neck at times, and my back would hurt a bit. But I kept on. Now I'm on 20 mg, probably for around 3 weeks, and this third week on 20 mg has been rough. It's like I sleep, but I don't feel rested. It's weird. I'm hoping it goes away because I don't want to start all over again with a new drug. I'll probably stay on for a week and write down how I feel, but if that 'side effect' doesn't go away, I'm done. It's helping the racing thoughts, but I can't feel tired all the 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!"

• emj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2014

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I took Prozac several years ago, and it worked a little bit for a while. Often, though, it made me feel really lethargic, sleepy, and extremely apathetic to most things. It sort of did its job, but not well enough, as I have now switched to something that works better."

• 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."

• Tak...
• February 26, 2012

Fluoxetine for Depression "Prozac has taken my body aches away. Prevents me from obsessing over what someone else did or said. Helps with anxiety, depression, stress, and crying. A lot of the other medications caused an allergic reaction, or they made me lethargic and gain weight. Problems with short-term memory and retaining new information, but that could be my age of 60."

• Bod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2013

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I was on Lexapro, which made me suicidal, and started Prozac 20 mg. It was easy to wean off the Lexapro. After taking my pill in the morning, I immediately felt severe drowsiness, heavy eyelids, and tiredness. I started during my holiday and took a nap every afternoon. But once back to work, the tiredness was unbearable. Especially in the afternoon, I could hardly keep my eyes open and have never drank so much espresso and energy drinks. The espressos did not even bring me to shaking whatsoever nor relieved my drowsiness. After 2 weeks and 2 days, I quit, but side effects lasted for at least a week. I must say it lifted my depression."

• Bod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2013

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I was on Lexapro, which made me suicidal, and started Prozac 20 mg. It was easy to wean off the Lexapro. After taking my pill in the morning, I immediately felt severe drowsiness, heavy eyelids, and tiredness. I started during my holiday and took a nap every afternoon. But once back to work, the tiredness was unbearable. Especially in the afternoon, I could hardly keep my eyes open and have never drank so much espresso and energy drinks. The espressos did not even bring me to shaking whatsoever nor relieved my drowsiness. After 2 weeks and 2 days, I quit, but side effects lasted for at least a week. I must say it lifted my depression."

• Ant...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Where do I start? I have been on meds since I was in 8th grade for bad anxiety. I started on Paxil, took it for 2 years, felt like rubbish, so the doctor put me on Ativan, took that for a year and then stopped. Kinda managed it for a while. Then bam, it came back. The doctor put me on Celexa and it worked amazing for about 14 years, then just stopped working all in about 2 months' time. I tried Effexor with Abilify, it was horrible, then Prozac didn’t help, gave it 3 weeks and stopped. Then went to Lexapro, that didn’t work, gave up after a month. Saw a new doctor that put me back on Celexa being that it worked for so long, but just never got better, still had anxiety and bad depression. Now I’m on Prozac 40 mg almost 2 weeks and gonna give it the full trial as I have heard good things and praying this will work. So far the bad dreams went away but still very, very tired. Also looking to come off the Buspar, hang in there 'cause living these issues is not easy and there is hope. God bless."

• 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!"

• 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."

• zfl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2014

Fluoxetine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "One week ago, I started Prozac, and side effects have been bad for me. Fatigue, headaches, body ache, forgetful, sleepy, nightmares, yawning. My doc told me to give it another week. Hopefully, everything will work out. I am tired of PMS."

• 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."

• Kri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 23, 2018

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "In 2014, I suddenly started having terrible panic attacks, and I believe this drug saved my life. My panic attacks were so bad I thought I’d have to check into a mental hospital, and I considered suicide. The doctor put me on 20 mg, and within just 5 days, the extreme anxiety subsided, and the panic attacks were reduced. After 2-3 weeks, panic attacks completely stopped. I am so grateful for this drug during that time period. I stopped taking it after about 2 years because I felt much better. Fast forward to now, I started to have bad anxiety again due to a lot of stress in my life. Back on 10 mg, and it helped within about 2 weeks. I was more calm, slept better, didn’t worry as much. However, I gained 15 pounds in 2 months, and it made me lethargic, tired, and foggy. I’m weaning off now. I can’t stand being overweight and tired all the time. This drug definitely helped my anxiety, but the weight gain and fatigue have been really bad this time around."

• Kri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 23, 2018

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "In 2014, I suddenly started having terrible panic attacks, and I believe this drug saved my life. My panic attacks were so bad I thought I’d have to check into a mental hospital, and I considered suicide. The doctor put me on 20 mg, and within just 5 days, the extreme anxiety subsided, and the panic attacks were reduced. After 2-3 weeks, panic attacks completely stopped. I am so grateful for this drug during that time period. I stopped taking it after about 2 years because I felt much better. Fast forward to now, I started to have bad anxiety again due to a lot of stress in my life. Back on 10 mg, and it helped within about 2 weeks. I was more calm, slept better, didn’t worry as much. However, I gained 15 pounds in 2 months, and it made me lethargic, tired, and foggy. I’m weaning off now. I can’t stand being overweight and tired all the time. This drug definitely helped my anxiety, but the weight gain and fatigue have been really bad this time around."

• Axe...
• July 28, 2016

For Depression "Started on fluoxetine a month ago, 20 mg. Felt very tired the first week and nothing else. Just started taking 40 mg a few days ago. My wife swears she notices a difference, says she doesn't feel like she's walking on eggshells around me anymore. One thing I've noticed is things I used to dwell on, I can now think about them but now put them out of my mind relatively easily. Before the meds, I would dwell on things, couldn't escape the negative thoughts. Things that are out of my control don't haunt me nearly as much."

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2011

Fluoxetine for Depression "This is my fourth day on Prozac. I have been extremely hyper/manic in the morning, but by nighttime I'm exhausted from all the bouncing around that it helps me sleep better. I talk a lot more and a lot faster. I talk to strangers on the street, say hi to people, which is very unlike me because I'm normally shy and reserved. I felt different the first day I took it. I wouldn't say I'm 'happy,' just not sad. I've tried to think about sad things that used to bother me, but I feel neutral now. Today particularly I started to feel a little down. They say with every high comes a low, so I'm assuming it's crash time with this medication. But I'm hoping it will even out in the next few weeks, which is when you're supposed to feel its full benefits."

• 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."

• Old...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2016

Fluoxetine for Depression "I've been on 10 mg fluoxetine for just over one week - I did take it for a few days a little while ago, it made my IBS worse, so I stopped. My doctor persuaded me to give it another go. I know it's early days, but so far it's all bad! Before, I was tired, unmotivated, no concentration, barely able to wash or do the simplest things. Now - I'm like the walking dead! Even more tired, even less motivation, brain fog - you name it. And possibly more depressed! I also had terrible joint pains - I have arthritis anyway! The joint pains seem to be lessening, the others aren't - so far! I just hope it's a case of getting worse before it gets better, 'cause at the moment it's almost unbearable!"

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2010

Fluoxetine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have taken fluoxetine for PMDD for 3 months, and the results have been remarkable. I take 20 mg daily. I still get a bit down around my period, but I am able to control myself. I do experience some side effects. I wake up around 3-4 am and have difficulty going back to sleep, my legs are restless at night, and during the first few weeks only, I lost interest in personal grooming and became lethargic. I can live with the side effects. My quality of life has greatly improved since taking fluoxetine."

• ati...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was diagnosed with OCD mixed type. My psychiatrist prescribed fluoxetine 20 mg. The first 7 days were very bad. Extreme fatigue and tiredness, the typical 'zombie' feeling associated with ADs. But on my 15th day, the fatigue has reduced considerably and my OCD thoughts have become very easy to control. Also, I can avoid my rituals now. The medication has worked for me and I think in the coming months it will do me more good. I'm grateful for opting for it as I tried all the 'natural' ways, but with a mental illness, when you don't get results, you tend to get discouraged and leave the process midway. I wasn't getting better and thus finally overcame the fear of medication. Stop googling as it will only scare you and visit your doctor."

• pan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2016

For Depression "I was diagnosed with depression/anxiety. I'm 19. I was put on 50 mg sertraline, which made me constantly have a headache for the week I was on it, made me very tired, and I was quite achy too. Went back to the doctor, and she put me on fluoxetine 20 mg. I have been taking this for just over 2 weeks now, and even though I'm still quite tired (might just be me), I already feel a lot better. Before fluoxetine, I was always overthinking things. I didn't want to leave the house or go out. I was off work for 3 weeks as I could not stop myself from crying. I was worried my relationship would end! Now I'm a lot more positive. I'm going out and not crying anywhere near as much. I never felt happier, and my relationship has never been better!"

• 7ny...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2017

Fluoxetine for Depression "This medication made me yawn frequently. After two months, I didn't notice any improvement in my mood, but my jaw was killing me from yawning and clenching my teeth, which I don't normally do. My friends and family also pointed out that I seemed more irritable and more likely to snap or be short-tempered."

• 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!"

• Nel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2018

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I started on Prozac 6 days ago. I am constantly tired and have no get-up-and-go. Exercising feels like a chore. I am very foggy in the head as well. Anxiety has decreased a little, but sleep is very disturbed. Going to stick with it for another week, and hopefully these horrible side effects will go, and I will get my energy back."

• Fai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2019

For Depression "I've been taking this fluoxetine medication for 4 weeks. This medication has increased my anxiety to an extreme. I can't sleep without nightmares. Yet the medicine makes me so tired. I feel nothing, I'm emotionless, except I'm so angry. This medicine has helped minimally with my symptoms of depression. I wish I never started it."