Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews (Page 2)

• sash
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This drug Prozac has completely changed my life. A few months ago, I had to take the quarter off during my last year of college. I was so anxious 24/7 that I had developed a severe headache that lasted for two months and even affected my vision. After 5 weeks of being on Prozac, I began to feel lighter, and the headache went away. Increasing the dose to 40 mg made me feel happy for the first time in years. I have bouts of a few hours of anxiety usually twice a week, but they're usually triggered by something. I no longer have an impending sense of doom. I have not gained any weight and have had no bad side effects."

• Rainier
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2024

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Writing my second review now that it’s been 5 full weeks (on day 35). I can’t believe how much better I feel. 5 weeks ago I was having the worst anxiety of my entire life. Horrible obsessive thoughts I couldn’t get out of. I felt like I was losing my grip on my life. I started EMDR therapy and Prozac 20mg. As many on here said, the anxiety got worse before it got better. This forum was my lifeline throughout it. I now feel happy, calm, and free. I am so thankful I got through the side effects. Now at this point the only remaining side effect is sleepiness and fatigue. Some days it’s worse than others - I hope this fades with time. I hope everyone can give this a solid chance and wait out the initial weeks. I know it’s horrible. But whether it’s this med or another, it will get better. Keep fighting."

• danny...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've been depressed, with high levels of anxiety for ten years. I tried several different medications and I finally settled with an antidepressant to help with sleep, and also was taking 3 Klonopin a day as well as Trazodone at night for sleep for seven years. So I'm really thinking I may be on all these medicines for life and maybe be put on disability. So the doc finally put me on Prozac. It's been 2 months now and my anxiety has gone way down, I am less depressed, I no longer worry about things and am off Trazodone and don't take Klonopin anymore. I have great dreams and wake up every morning with happy songs in my head, and I'm much more social. Prozac has just been a blessing, probably saved my life as I had lost all hope."

• Doglo...
• December 17, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I can’t say enough good things about Prozac. It saved my life. I was having horrible anxiety symptoms, which led to hopelessness, depression, and OCD intrusive thoughts that were taking over my life. I had never struggled with my mental health before, but it kinda came out of nowhere and it really brought me into a dark place. I tried a benzodiazepine and it gave me the WORST side effects of my life! I then went to 10mg Prozac and each day I saw little improvements. I just hit the 2-week mark, and I almost feel back to my normal self! I can sleep, eat, and laugh again! I feel absolutely 0 side effects too! Not even the sexual side effects! (If anything, I feel more in the mood! Lol! ;)"

• Fight...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I experienced extreme anxiety which then led to panic disorder. It sounds like it basically started from built-up stress, but let me tell you my story as I want people to feel more comfortable and understand what's going on. I have done extensive research on the issue. First, anxiety and panic disorder are awful. You feel like you can't breathe, that you're having a heart attack, you get dizzy, you feel off balance, you get sweaty hands and feet, you're not comfortable and always anxious, sometimes you even feel that your legs are going to give out. If the above feels like you, well I took Prozac and honestly, it saved me."

• amj
• January 25, 2010

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac has helped my life greatly. I've been taking it for years now, and without taking it, I am a mess from worrying about what's going to happen the next day, to stressing about the future. I will worry about something over and over again obsessively, not being able to control it, no matter how bad I want to. Prozac clears my mind completely so that when I do think of a thought, it just goes away after that thought. No more over-worrying or stressing in any such matter. Overall, it made me a happier person."

• Crims...
• December 19, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "The pandemic finally put me over the top, and I went to my PCP. He gave me the anxiety test, and then prescribed this med along with Ativan. He told me to only use the Ativan if I was having a really hard time until the Prozac started working. I could tell a difference the very next day, and every day I felt happier, better than I have felt in years. I then realized how severe I had been. I regret not taking care of this years ago. I no longer worry about things and I am able to move on and get things done. I'm also able to breathe well and relax without feeling guilty about it. I used to always have tasks that gloomily hung over my head, making me feel bad. This medication has changed my life. I do want to note that a couple of weeks after starting it, I had some difficulty sleeping throughout the night. I took Benadryl at night to fix that, and after a week I did not need it to sleep anymore. I now sleep great and wake up in a good mood with energy every day."

• danae
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I would have to say this medicine really saved my life. I couldn't even go through life at first, I started to believe that I would deal with anxiety forever. I highly recommend this medication to anyone suffering from anxiety. At first, my anxiety got worse and I was nauseous and couldn't sleep, but after about two and a half weeks, my anxiety completely vanished! I feel better than ever now, and I'm only on the 20 mg. Anyone wanting to take Prozac I encourage you to."

• Mandy
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been taking Prozac for roughly a year. Before that, I was on Lexapro for a year but switched due to weight gain. Where do I begin? This pill has given me confidence, more social ease, allowed me to live my life more freely and openly and not panic at the slightest inconvenience. I can go with the flow. I'm more regular, I sleep better, it's as though I was missing something and this is it. An additional bonus I've found, which I can find no information on is that it has made my hair grow thicker, faster and fuller. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this?"

• Alahet
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started taking Prozac about a month ago for anxiety and depression. I had been in therapy for about 8 months prior to this for the same reasons. I had made several lifestyle changes before trying Prozac. I quit smoking, drinking caffeine and alcohol, and started exercising more. None of this was helping my anxiety (main problem). My anxiety was especially bad during my menstrual cycle, so I talked to my doctor and he prescribed Prozac. I waited 2 months to take it because I had never taken an AD before and was scared. But once I did, I was so glad! Prozac has honestly changed my life for the better. I believe I was much more depressed than I realized before taking it and my anxiety has completely disappeared."

• Maddie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was off work for months due to the awful side effects of 4 different antidepressants that I was given for anxiety/panic attacks and mild depression. I thought nothing would work and was almost resigned to handing in my notice. I was certain Fluoxetine would be no different but am here to say a huge THANK YOU BECAUSE IT DID!!! It took 4 weeks for the side effects of feeling out of sorts and shaky to start to subside but after 6 weeks I was suddenly ready to start work again, and I wasn’t even nervous about my first day back! I have energy, confidence, and calm. After 9 months of feeling like normal life was over for me, it feels almost like a minor miracle."

• Katie...
• September 22, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Life changer. I am so grateful I finally broke down and decided to get help with my anxiety. After all, it was so bad; I was having panic attacks every day. I wasn't myself anymore and constantly was worried and sensitive to everything. I was annoying myself and I'm sure annoying other people. I was starting to recluse myself. I had horrible chest pains and was so worried I would have a heart attack. Now, after 2 weeks, I feel amazing, back to my old self again. No panic attacks and have finally reclaimed my life back. I'm happy because I am able to go to the store now and not be anxious. It's so wonderful. No side effects and I am very clear-headed now as well - no brain fog!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2023

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Honestly, this changed my life. I’m only in my 3rd week with Prozac, but I’ve seen the biggest change in my anxiety. I can actually laugh about the things that would make me worry to the point I was sick on a day-to-day basis. I’ve always been skeptical of antidepressants, but this one is worth it. The side effects go away within a few weeks, max. The only thing that was bothersome was the insomnia, but it only kept me up about 2 hours after my original bedtime. Don’t let the side effects keep you from taking this drug though, once you’re on the other side, you’ll realize that yes, the grass is sometimes greener on the other side! I’ve had the most peace and the most stress-free life in 3 weeks than I’ve had in 20 years. It’s a game changer."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2009

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started taking Prozac (10mg) a couple of months ago and I feel like a different person - in a good way. Before, I felt like I could not control my angry outbursts. I no longer rage. I feel much more positive. I no longer obsessively think about people I am angry with. I feel capable of letting things go! I don't create hostility where there is none anymore. Prozac has been wonderful. I'm really glad I started taking it."

• Crayo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was told that anti-anxiety meds take a while to kick in, but I feel like this one has kicked in sooner than I thought it would. I only take 20mg for anxiety, and overall I have started to feel a lot more positive and less stressed out about things I usually stress out about. I haven't noticed any side effects besides my stomach feeling a little off the first week, and lately I have not been as hungry as I usually am and get full a lot faster, but I wake up in the morning starving. Weird, but no headaches or trouble sleeping or anything! I hope I can continue to take this medicine because it does seem to keep me 'level' with my emotions."

• teal
• March 9, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This medication did not make me feel mentally stable. It gave me symptoms of ADHD and mania, very dark and intrusive thoughts both daydreaming and sleeping. It destroyed my memory. I was at a stage where I thought I was in different locations at once and forgetting everything I was doing. Also, seeing eye floaties, artifacts in vision, and not being able to take in simple instructions. I felt completely out of it at all times and it made me far more stressed for no reason. I would randomly become excited and couldn't stop talking but felt uncomfortable around everyone. Everything I do feels super fast - both reactions and speaking. I really hope this goes away; I feel great, bad, crazy, hyper thoughts racing both positive and negative 24/7. I never had this at all before. It destroyed my libido, softened erections and size, also my legs don't feel attached to my body. It started off fantastic but quickly deteriorated. I was on generic Prozac 10mg for 2 weeks and I know it's a very low dose. (24-year-old male uni student)."

• thego...
• January 20, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was prescribed Prozac generic 20 mg 2 weeks ago by my doctor. I had a rough patch with a family member which led to extreme anxiety/OCD. I had panic attacks and left work on several occasions. This led to depression; I felt like I was surrounded by a dark cloud. I am male in my late 30s and never suffered with this before, so it really scared me. I thought I was going crazy. Finally decided to get help after 2 months. I was very nervous to take it after some reviews. It's been 2 weeks and I feel SO much better. It seemed like one day I woke up and the depression and anxiety just faded. I had some side effects for the first 5 days: mental fogginess, drowsiness, headache, waking up early, but all went away. Hope this helps and stick with it!! Exercise helps too."

• 30...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "You have to give this medicine time to work. At first, it made me very anxious and nauseated. Started with 20 mg. After a month, the anxiety came back, so my doctor upped it to 40 mg. More nausea and anxiety (Xanax helped this transition), but now, after about 13 weeks, I feel great. I just had a very challenging 10 hours at work and feel like a million bucks. It helped me get my gratitude back. No longer grumpy and ill-willed. It made me realize how deep my depression was and how long it had been since I'd been normal-feeling: 30 years. Sleep and exercise are key. If you think you have sleep apnea, get a doctor's diagnosis. If you don't exercise, get walking. These are key things that make antidepressants more effective."

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "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!"

• stvjnr
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac was 8 weeks nightmare at first then all of a sudden I went from needing zopiclone to sleep to being able to sleep myself within 30 mins. My mood has picked up and I can better take my stress. I'm only on 20mg and took it due to trauma at work and subsequent insomnia. Life changing in a great way."

• So Gr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I am extremely sensitive to medications, even over-the-counter herbal supplements; I can't take them. I had a lot going on in my life and started having anxiety attacks. I started taking 5mg of Prozac (cutting 10mg tablets in half). I noticed a change almost immediately. I feel much more relaxed and happy; I don't dwell on things that I might have in the past. I let things roll off my back more easily, and no more anxiety attacks. I'm more outgoing (I have somewhat of an introverted personality), more patient, and enjoy getting out and doing things more. I was afraid of gaining weight so I put off trying an antidepressant for a long time. It's been a month and a half, and I've never felt better in my life."

• Savedme
• November 17, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have had 0 panic attacks all my life until last October when I got my first one, which I called 911. Two days later, I had another one in which I was taken to the ER and given Ativan. They said it was due to a panic attack/anxiety. It scared me both times and I felt like I was dying. The nurse said she took Lexapro, so I asked my doctor to let me try that one first since the nurse had great luck, but I didn't like it. My coworker told me she takes Prozac so I switched meds to try it and WOW, I'm not anxious like I used to be, where I wanted to pass out at the grocery store or in the middle of a packed restaurant! I have been taking 20mg and my doctor said since I had such success, he wants me on 40mg. This medication, Prozac, has let me live life again and not feel like I'm going to pass out in public."

• Tracy...
• December 8, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started on 20 mg and increased to 40 mg for anxiety and depression. I cannot praise this drug enough for how calm it makes me feel. I feel like I can handle any problem, big or small, with a clear head. Thank you, Prozac, for giving my life back to me."

• Md1
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I began experiencing panic attacks two months ago, due to a lot of stress and anxiety from work. It got to the point that I was scared to leave the house. I was prescribed 10mg of Prozac, and the side effects for the first 10 days were horrible. My anxiety increased by 100%, felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea. I wanted to give up, but the only thing that kept me sane was reading all the positive reviews on here. Everyone was right, it had to get worse before it got better. By day 10, I was waking up less at night, eating more, and my anxiety decreased. By day 14, I felt like my old self again. This drug needs time to get into your system!"

• Sara
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This drug saved my life. It did not work for the first month and a half, but when it did! Amazing results! No anxiety! And I suffered from panic attacks 24/7. Not saying this drug alone will fix all your problems, but it helped me so so much! Gave me my excitement for life back."