Skip to main content

Fluoxetine for Borderline Personality Disorder User Reviews

Brand names: Prozac

Fluoxetine has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 23 reviews for the off-label treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. 78% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 9% reported a negative experience.

Fluoxetine rating summary

8.3/10 average rating

23 ratings from 23 user reviews.

Compare all 28 medications used in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder.

10
52%
9
13%
8
13%
7
4%
6
4%
5
0%
4
4%
3
0%
2
0%
1
9%

Reviews for Fluoxetine

  • Taylor
  • November 5, 2019

"On fluoxetine 20mg day for the last 8 months. I was prescribed Prozac B4 but took it irregularly I didn’t trust it would help and didn’t care if it did. It wasn’t until I saw my GF face during a low for me that I realised I didn’t need to be this way and I should give Prozac another try. I still feel low and can spend a day or two in bed every other week but it has definitely helped my mood swings. I have noticed that I react differently, especially when I’m driving, I used be mad at other people’s driving as if they were doing it to purposely upset me now I just observe and get over it. I find that I am able to get my words out without stuttering or biting my tongue and then panicking because I’ve messed up while talking to someone, then not even remember the conversation because all I was focused on was how I pronounced words wrong. Now I feel more confident say my words calmly and clearly, if I make a mistake I correct it and move on without panicking or loosing focus on the conversation."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • RobynJ
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 22, 2017

"Prozac changed my life, I suffered with rapid mood changes several times a day. My relationships struggled in all parts of my life but mostly romantically. I started taking Prozac when things got really bad while I was pregnant. Almost 2 months after I started taking it a tragedy happened and I couldn't understand why I felt so peaceful and content but then I realised I wasn't feeling in such extreme ways and that I had felt the same mood for at least 3 days. I think that was the happiest realization I've ever had. I'll never forget the day."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
52 Report
  • Emmi
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 22, 2021

"Ever since I was a teenager I struggled with rollercoaster relationships, extreme reactions, self harm, impulsivity, and low moods. I took 20mg of Prozac for a year, noticed an improvement in my quality of life and then decided I didn’t need it anymore. 2 years off and the negative moods and patterns of behavior returned. I re-started prozac with 10mg dosage for 6 weeks and I noticed an improvement but then reached a plateau. A psychiatrist increased my dosage to 20mg again 2 weeks ago and I’ve been feeling much better- excited about life again and not so hung up on if my boyfriend is cheating or if everyone hates me. My appetite is actually a little decreased and I have not gained weight like some others. My sex drive is regular (mentally at least-the physical arousal is less) but that’s a good thing for me. My experience with Prozac has been nothing but great."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Kitty
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 3, 2020

"I have been on these meds for 3 weeks almost and I love it!!! I feel less hungry and super confident. My anxiety has gone from a 8 to 0. I feel the benefits of this drug where as I have taken many other antidepressants and felt nothing. I don’t feel sick when I take it without food. I wish I tried this years ago!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • renee...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 22, 2023

"I've been on Prozac 20mg for 4 years now after being hospitalized after an explosive episode. I was then diagnosed with BPD. I've been on anti-anxiety and antidepressants for 8 years. None of them really worked much until Prozac. I'm not saying I'm cured. I still have my mood swings. I still get angry and depressed. I'm just in control of my emotions now. The weird things I did as a 19-year-old (risky, explosive behavior) seem like a distant memory. Yes, therapy and meditation have helped too, but I know for a fact, Prozac has a huge influence on my behavior."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • emily...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 3, 2019

"Prozac is the most effective medication I have ever been prescribed for borderline personality disorder, and I have trialled a lot of medications. The only ones that are more effective in dampening my intense mood swings and periods of distress are benzodiazapines. It doesn't fix everything but it allows me to think clearly and respond to a situation without being emotionally overwhelmed. I rated it a little lower because it causes weight gain (about 5-10kg) in me and totally eliminates my sex drive but honestly its worth it to live a normal life."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Mandee
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 29, 2021

"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. Fluoxitine definitely saved my life and made it so much better."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report

More FAQ

  • Bruna
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 6, 2023

"I have struggled since adolescence with mood swings, periods of sadness, a feeling of “heavy heart” and of other symptoms that interfered with my daily life. Fluoxetine changed my life and my days. I've been taking it for a year and a half more or less. I was afraid at first because I had heard stories of people who also had depression and became addicted to their medications but Fluoxetine is a safe medication that gives great support to people who suffer from emotional instability like me. I felt a lot of differences in my way of reacting and in personal and family relationships. The only side effect I felt in the first weeks was a bit of nausea and I also felt sleepier than usual. After 2 weeks, I felt no other side effects. I know how much I have improved since the beginning of the treatment and I’m so grateful for that. Life’s become more normal than ever before. My relationships have improved too."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Elly
  • July 24, 2020

"SOOOO!! If I could give this fluoxetine a minus rating I would. I came into hospital cause my sister had overdosed again. I ended up having an anxiety attack in ER waiting room and had to be triaged as well. They spoke to me and put me on fluoxetine. About a week and a half later I came in saying I need to be put into the psych unit because I keep having self harm out in public or alone etc. just everywhere and anywhere. They sent me HOME! I then went back THE NEXT DAY!! waited in ER for 13 hours and then was finally in the psych ward, was weened off Fluoxetine and out onzoloft and life has been fine and dandy ever since"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • FloUser
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 16, 2023

"Absolutely hands down the best thing for me. I suffer from alcohol abuse and have been prescribed different medications in the past that have not helped until I was prescribed Fluoxetine. After admitting myself to care willingly, I was taken off all the medications my family doctor prescribed me and detoxed. 3 years ago I was prescribed a low dose of fluoxetine 20mg and a low dose of mirtazapine at night to help with sleep. Since then I have had to increase my doses up to 40mg once each morning. It has benefited my life tremendously by giving me that slight boost in the morning. I feel more awake during the day when I take it. If I forget a dose or two I can definitely feel a difference. Fluoxetine gives me the ability to not look so hard at things that would normally bother me also allowing me to have a sense of purpose and not scrutinize myself."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Labrat
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 24, 2022

"Week 1-4: 2 x 25mg each day. Positive effect: None Side effects: Tired, slow Week 4-6: 4 x 25mg each day. Positive effect: None Side effects: Tired, slow, rash on thighs, rash on stomach, dizziness, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, nose bleeds, 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, nose bleeds, 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."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Angel
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 28, 2022

"I have BPD, PTSD, panic disorder. This was great for my depression, doesn't make me feel zoned out or numb and has dramatically reduced my suicidal thoughts. I have had some anxiety and struggled with some insomnia when going up to 40 mg for a month or so but the trade off has been worth it. It's also reduced my need to take Klonopin as frequently which is nice since I've been through so many meds for panic disorder that didn't help and since so many doctors are so hesitant to prescribe benzodiazepines. The biggest downsides I've experienced are a drop in libido (I didn't have any issues on 20 mg in fact it seemed to work the opposite, but 40 has numbed me out in that one regard quite a bit), sweating a lot (this is actually probably the most annoying side effect) and some nausea in the mornings."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • JOf
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 10, 2023

"Without sounding too dramatic, this medication saved me. Before taking it, I was always thinking the very worst of every scenario, getting anxious, and having sudden mood swings, and I was emotionally unstable. For the first time in my adult life, I'm now able to think rationally and not jump to the worst conclusions about things. Don't get me wrong - at times, I still find myself getting upset or my mood being a bit fragile, but I'm able to control these thoughts a little better and not end up deep diving myself into a depression."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • morgan
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 28, 2021

"I was switched to fluoxetine after citalopram made me extremely suicidal to the point of needing to be baker acted. At first this was great it seemed to manage my suicidal tendencies well. It did bring back my panic attacks but I’d rather that that suicidal thoughts. The reason I'm writing this is because after about 4 weeks I started developing restless leg syndrome from this medication. Every night my left leg only (which is bizarre) was tense and almost pins and needles like it was an uncomfortable and uncontrollable urge to just move my leg. It was absolutely torturing. I stopped taking it as of yesterday and I will talk to my dr when I see her. But this was a scary experience I'm hoping it’s not permanent."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • RedWax
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 6, 2021

"Best antidepressant I have ever been on. Was put on it in a psych hospital after a suicide attempt. 40mg gave me the energy and focus I needed to keep up with work and maintain a clean home, without sending me into full-blown mania (thanks to Depakote no doubt). Easily tolerated by me and stopping had withdrawal symptoms. Can't speak to it's effectiveness for anxiety, but depression was just a word when I was on it. Going to try to get back on this since Effexor just is not working for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Suesun
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 17, 2014

"At first I was afraid. After taking it for almost a little over a year now, I would be the opposite afraid not to. My family noticed a positive change in behavior and I lead an almost normal life."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
54 Report
  • Misty
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 1, 2018

"Prozac helps with my BPD and depression. I’ve been taking Prozac for over a year now and I’m much better on it than without."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • Suzie
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 1, 2018

"I have been on this med for the past 6 months. At 1st I was unsure about taking it. Now I can say that I am SURE that taking it was the BEST thing I live a very normal life."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • Lexi
  • December 21, 2019

"I’ve had issues with psych meds in the past. Seroquel made me so angry and Zoloft wasn’t doing the job I’ve been on Prozac for a week with lamical I’ve seen results in my mood immediately"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • bkms
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 8, 2015

"Helps with depression and anxiety."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Tano
  • May 29, 2020

"No negative side effects. Also no noticeable positive change"

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Joano
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 24, 2021

"Taking for almost 15 years. Keeps me sane and happy"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • islan...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 6, 2022

"Prozac changed my life, I have been stabilized for 5 years now"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about Borderline Personality Disorder

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)