Fluoxetine Compared to Alternatives

For Depression: Two words to describe Prozac ‘GAME CHANGER’. I have spent years suffering depression, overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, and as of recent- extreme anger and outbursts due to the circumstances of a horrible divorce. I spent 20 years in a marriage with a man who had borderline personality disorder. His emotional and physical abuse resulted in me taking the easy path and I ended up being a victim. I had given up on my life. I hated everything and everyone because I was so angry. I cried everyday over everything. I quit working and crawled under the covers and stay for good. I tried to take other anti depressants (Celexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin) only to quit because side effects were unbearable. Now 6 weeks so far on the Prozac and I feel like a completely different person. I can’t even believe I allowed myself to fall so hard. But we do sometimes and that’s OK. Please don’t give up. There is a solution out there for everyone. Life is worth living!

For Depression: At first I was prescribed Wellbutrin at 200mg for depression, anxiety & insomnia, but it made me like a zombie so then my psychiatrist had me try 10mg Fluoxetine. I took it before bed & initially it gave me a lot of energy, I could get so much done, I was less tired esp. when driving and I could focus better. I thought it was great! I usually would be so tired from work so I didn’t have trouble sleeping. But I did get rapid heatbeats, maybe some headaches but I took Ibuprofen. Eventually both went away, but also the hyperness subsided. I now take it in the morning (in case it does cause insomnia, but I’m also a night owl) overall I’m much better on this drug than off it, I wish I had been less stubborn earlier in life but I was afraid of side effects. Also helps having therapy & a very supportive husband.

For Depression: I started Cymbalta over a month ago. I have been on at least six other Depression medications in the past. Before this medicine, my Depression was so bad I couldn't go to work without losing it. I was unemployed for two months to take time away to get help with Depression. I spent a week in the hospital because I was ready to kill myself and felt like I didn't have a purpose for being here. I learned a lot about myself in the hospital, it was one of the best things I could of done for myself. As of today I am a month free of Depression. Where before I couldn't go minutes without major Depression. I have energy and motivation again. I do have a decreased appetitie on this medication. I take it once in the morning and at night.

For Depression: I took Cymbalta for 1 year. It did help with my depression however, I became very lethargic and gained 25 lbs within 3 months. The weight gain scared me because I had never gained that much in such a short period of time. Also, I did have serious constipation with Cymbalta. If you can handle the wieght gain and constipation, I think Cymbalta is the medication to at least try, it does work-or it at least worked with my depression.

For Depression: Just take these reviews with a grain of salt. A lot of reviews after taking one day, couple weeks etc. you need a full three months for maximum effectiveness. Not that it takes that long to start getting relief. Side effects are common while your body adjusts. Some of them will go away. I had no troublesome side effects with Zoloft. I always have to start out gradually. Maybe even more than they say bc I’m sensitive to meds. I got big relief from depression. Panic attacks went away. OCD went away. The cons are it made me not very motivated, felt kind of numb to strong feelings. Not feeling urgency about my life. I wouldn’t take it again for years bc it blocked my clear perspective. But it was great to get me stabilized. Things that really help but can’t completely replace anti dep is fish oil, vit d, exercise, sunlight, folate like spinach , lentils really good. Also diet really helps. Get a book called the good mood diet. Best wishes

For Depression: I'm a 31 year old Male who has had challenges with depression and anxiety throughout my life. I have been on several different meds in my past, including lexapro, paxil, effexor, wellbutrin, prozac, zoloft, and some others as well. Of all of these meds, I've found zoloft works the best for me. However the worst thing I experience with zoloft is decreased libido, as with all of the other meds I've tried, except for wellbutrin. This side effect truly sucks. Zoloft also kind of makes me feel robotic and emotionally numb. Currently I'm experimenting with another medication (viibryd) in attempt to find a med that works without having sexual side effects. However zoloft is my fallback option, because this med at least stabilizes me and helps function in society. Therefore I give this med a 7 out of 10. My advice to everyone is to keep being patient with meds and realize that it might take some time and trial and error. And always keep hanging in there no matter what. Good luck.