Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews (Page 4)

• MRN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Loving this medicine so far. Side effects are unpleasant, but I’ve been keeping a log of everything I experience day to day, in a journal. Makes it easier. I was prescribed 20mg Prozac for Anxiety, Depression, and Panic Disorder. Anxiety is still there, but far less severe! I’ve been able to go to the gym at least 3 times a week!! That’s a huge improvement considering I was scared to walk out my front door thinking I’d die from a panic episode! All I can say is, keep going. You’re not alone in this. I have panic attacks so bad I think it’s the end for me. But we have to keep on pushing. With Prozac and counseling, we can do this!"

• str...
• December 29, 2009

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have always been a huge stressor ever since I had my first son. I was 17, and after I had him, I suffered from postpartum depression. I would cry all the time and started suffering from panic attacks shortly after. I did not try antidepressants until I was about 22, then started Zoloft. It took an edge off but no relief of anxiety. Today I am 32, still a sufferer of stress and depression. Been taking Prozac 20mg for 5 months - huge difference. My husband says he can tell. I don't have outbursts, and I only cry when I should, not at the drop of a hat. I try not to stress over little things and just had the best Christmas ever because I did not think of suicide like I have in the past. I was actually happy and thankful to be here."

• val...
• June 18, 2010

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have taken Celexa, Effexor XR, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Remeron and by far Prozac is a miracle drug for me. I would not take anything else. I have been on this prescription for 3 years and it is fantastic!"

• Rai...
• 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."

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

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I posted my initial experience with Prozac a few months back, and it still is working great! I have lost a few pounds, still eat much less than before, and my anxiety is all but gone. I no longer need Klonopin, I was taking about 5 of those a week prior to Prozac. I am on a low dosage and have not needed to adjust up or down. Bottom line: my anxiety is under control, and I feel great, without any side effects."

• Anonymous
• March 13, 2009

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Wonderful drug but watch out for medication interactions. Developed Serotonin Syndrome when doctor prescribed Ultram (Tramadol) for pain relief. Caused involuntary muscle spasms, difficulty speaking, walking, etc. It even looked like I had a stroke. I tapered off it shortly after and tried other drugs to help with anxiety, depression, and PMDD. I have since come back to Prozac because it works well for me, as long as I make sure not to take tramadol or other drugs that can interact with it. I experience weight loss with this drug. Have tons of energy and sleep well at night."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I suffer from chronic anxiety with periodic bouts of mild depression for 20 years. I tried everything...acupuncture, diet, exercise, and 5-HTP. Had a horrible experience with Zoloft and Paxil when I developed depression in college. I tried antidepressants for 2 months but with horrible side effects. As a result, I avoided medications to address my anxiety and/or mild depression through the years. Unfortunately, my anxiety level became unbearable this past year. I tried the following: Lexapro...5-10 mg, absolutely horrible. Made me extremely tired, depressed, and never reduced my anxiety level. Xanax: extremely helpful but still experienced agitation, stress, irritability, and anxiousness. Prozac: 10-20 mg, a life changer. I feel relaxed."

• pro...
• August 26, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac took my worries away. That is all I wanted. I wasn't depressed. I used to wake up at night having bad dreams and worries that went over and over in my head. I couldn't sleep. After starting Prozac, all of that stopped. It did, unfortunately, give me an 'I don't care' attitude about what other people thought of me. My sister complained about that and said I was difficult to talk to. So, I stopped taking it (gradually). Now, I wake up every night again with terrible anxiety thoughts and dreams (mostly about things happening in my life). I haven't heard anyone else talking about this. Any comments?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2012

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I wanted to share my experience with Prozac for those that are perhaps just starting out, letting them know that it does, in fact, get much better. I have had pretty bad anxiety since childhood and also the symptoms of PMDD for a few years now. To the point that I would schedule events around when I was going to have PMS because it made me so unable to deal with anything at all. I was snapping at people, got easily frustrated with my children, and would feel very down on myself in general. Since going on Prozac approximately 7 weeks ago, I went through a very anxious phase, but the last two weeks have been amazing. I have never felt this happy or calm. I am on 30mg with no plans to stop."

• Pro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2023

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This is my 7th week on Prozac. I decided to finally give it a try as my anxiety and low mood can get the best of me sometimes, and I'm tired of just hoping for better days, living through the misery, and knowing better days aren't coming. This med will affect people in too many different ways, and I've heavily researched all the cons and side effects that come with it. The only negative side effect I've experienced is some mild shaking in the first 3 weeks, like some sort of constant restlessness. I've had insomnia prior to taking this, and it has made it harder to go to sleep in the first 4 weeks, but after that, it did certainly get easier for me. I can't say it has transformed me entirely, but what I can confirm is that I feel relaxed and at peace in situations where I never would before. I care less about certain things and don't ruminate over silly things like before, and it's definitely liberating. I also feel less hungry than usual and fill up quicker on meals, which is a bonus for me."

• par...
• August 28, 2010

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started taking 20mg daily after losing my job, moving to a new house and town, and my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It has been about 20 days, and I am feeling better already. Placebo effect or not, I am handling the stresses of life much better. I mainly chose to seek help because I was wrecking my relationship with my true love. I lost my appetite for the first 2 weeks, but it is coming back slowly. I have not experienced any side effects. I recommend this medicine, and I have never taken a prescription medicine for stress/anxiety or depression before. For those of you looking for some relief and calm - I say Do It. It is definitely worth trying."

• dda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac has been a miracle for my anxiety. My anxiety was always like a constant static in my head. This 'static' has caused me to have social anxiety as well. On Prozac, I feel my anxiety (the static in my head) isn't holding me back anymore, I talk to people, and I can finally be happy and free."

• Pot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Dr. tried me with Prozac. First 8 days were bad. Severe nausea, no appetite, and worsened anxiety. After reading everything I could on the net, I stuck to reading just the positives. Made my mind up to stick with it as I think so many give up too soon. Now day 11, and the fog is definitely lifting. My last 3 days have been so much better. Think of it as a journey and rate each day out of 10. Write it down. Day 1 I scored 3, so pretty low. Day 2-5 scored 2!! Today I’m a 6.2, so please don’t give up on this med. I may score 5 tomorrow, but I WILL NOT stop taking it. I believe in it and that gives me a positive attitude towards my recovery. Even if it is a placebo effect, I’ll take that any day over depression and anxiety. I’ll never be a 10, but the high 7’s will do just fine."

• CBE...
• December 2, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've been on and off Prozac for the last few years. I didn't think it was working, but after I started taking mental notes, I realized that I was doing much better on it. I have been dealing with chronic anxiety and PTSD which has, in turn, led me into depression. Based on my experience, I think it's important to note that depression lifting is not like flipping a switch. It takes time for the medicine to work. Now that I've been taking it routinely and not missing a dose, I've noticed that my 'baseline' mood is MUCH better. It happens subtly like a thick fog slowly lifting. I understand that it doesn't work for everyone, but if you're not having side effects and you've only been on it for a short time, be patient and give it a chance."

• che...
• August 8, 2011

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I didn't realize how stressed I was until I'd been taking Prozac for 6 weeks and compared myself to what I was like the previous month. I'd been stressed for a really long time. Now, less stressed, I'm more focused and productive at work! I didn't think that was possible. I'm also creative again. I feel I have a chemical imbalance that needed redressed. I always thought having to take antidepressants was a sign of failure, but now I realize it's just a chemical imbalance. Good luck!"

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2023

Prozac (fluoxetine) "When I first started taking Prozac, I was extremely nervous. I’ve always had anxiety but decided enough was enough when I started getting terrifying intrusive thoughts. I felt like my mind was stuck in a loop, and it was extremely scary. To anyone like me who has been plagued with anxiety and intrusive thoughts, I urge you to not be afraid of trying Prozac. During the first 3 weeks of Prozac, I would say I felt worse but then began noticing an improvement. After almost 8 weeks, I feel great. I feel like my old self again, and my anxiety is still improving every day. My advice for anyone starting this drug is to be patient, your anxiety might get worse temporarily, but it’s worth it in the end."

• Eun...
• August 5, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started Prozac 20 mg 11 days ago. The first week, I was feeling very anxious, had a dry mouth, and numbness in my face, but that was only the first week! Now I feel so much better. I can say on the 9th day, I started to feel more focused, my fears went away, and today is my 11th day, and I feel great. Thanks to God and Prozac."

• Pog...
• July 1, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've had anxiety problems my whole life—my hands have always shook. Once we all started wearing masks, I realized how much I hyperventilate. Sleep evaded me for hours while obsessive and nightmarish thoughts ran on a loop in my head. I have ALWAYS been plagued by guilt and the sense I'm never doing enough. It's made me a heck of an overachiever, and I was used to surviving it, but when my doctor recommended it, I decided to try it. I barely noticed any difference on 10 mg, so I thought I could try 20 mg. Holy smoke. I can sleep. Now I sleep too much! My mind is not a Catherine wheel, and I don't toss and turn. I don't get those constant stabs of adrenaline all day, like I'm constantly on the verge of total failure. The only concern I have is that in decades of anxiety, I got used to resting when it let up for a day or so. The urge to rest that I associate with this feeling of relief is making me lazy! I need to learn how to stay on track for reasons other than fear and guilt."

• Opt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I am on day 4. I decided to take this after being antidepressant free for 12 months. The last 6-8 months I have suffered work stress, relationship stress, hormonal PMT up & down as 48 yrs. I felt increasingly irritable and angry at myself - was wanting to be alone as every issue triggered my irritable mood and I didn’t want to affect others. I avoided any help, and tried self-help but just got so hard. Negative thoughts, self-doubt. Day 1 - very bad stomach. Day 2 - nightmares, stomach cramps. But calmer! Felt relief. Day 3 - same stomach issues & self-doubt but still a calmness that I haven't felt for ages and patience. Day 4 - extreme migraine but also a feeling of control over my feelings. I’ll stick with it for the month and hope it helps. I feel like I have failed by taking this but that irritability and anxiety were causing me to feel like I was a nasty person. Fingers crossed."

• Rel...
• February 1, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I honestly feel that this medication saved my sanity and my life. After going through an extreme amount of stress in a short time, and then having a miscarriage, I started having extreme panic attacks out of the blue. I was having them almost every day; one night I was laying on the couch for four hours shaking uncontrollably and thinking I was going to die. Finally saw a psychiatrist who put me on 20 mg of Prozac per day. At first, it made me dizzy and gave me headaches, and I couldn't sleep. I was ready to give up and try something else, but finally after about 6-7 full weeks, I started to feel better and the panic attacks stopped. Haven't had an attack in over 3 months and I feel like myself again. I am also taking 0.5 mg of Klonopin to sleep."

• Vic...
• January 19, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I started taking Prozac 4 weeks ago. For symptoms of menopause... I can't take HRT as I've had cancerous cells in my cervix, which is why I had a hysterectomy. Anyway, I was having palpitations, panic attacks, stress, and anxiety, forgetting words, very emotionally up and down. I also suffer from PTSD from a violent childhood. I have to say I've been so much happier and settled in my mind, this is definitely working for me."

• wic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I had been on Celexa for 2 years, which caused weight gain, low motivation, sleepiness, and my anxiety came back full strength. Now, 1 week on Prozac and I feel like myself again. High energy, good appetite, alert, no anxiety - basically I feel great! I was drinking 5 alcoholic beverages a day, now I am not interested in drinking more than 2 a day. I am over 45, and my vision was beginning to slip when reading items close up. Ever since I started Prozac, my vision has improved and I can see things less than 6 inches from my face. Not sure why that happened, but it did. Give it a try - you will get your life back."

• Anonymous
• April 8, 2012

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Was always stressed and depressed and blew up on people I love, gave Prozac 6 weeks, it changed my life. I've been on Lexapro and Cymbalta. On 40mg Prozac, couldn't imagine life without it, everything just goes my way now and I'm super happy, and can think clearly, but somehow am still myself, and with no side effects. It's amazing."

• Ban...
• October 13, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I had a horrible experience. After losing my job due to the virus, moving out of my parents’ home and dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, my PCP prescribed me 20 mg of Prozac to cope. I was only on the medicine for 4 days before I stopped taking it. Those 4 days were some of the scariest of my life. I had to miss 2 days of work, and I told people I thought I was going crazy. My head felt heavy, it ached, and at times I just felt 'off.' I couldn’t even accurately describe the feeling I was having. I was afraid to sleep for fear I wouldn’t wake up, I cried several times a day, my panic attacks worsened and happened more frequently, my heart rate was 120 while laying on the couch. I slept maybe 11 hours total over a period of 3 days. Finally slept on the 4th night because my body was so exhausted. My mind would race and was full of intrusive, unwanted, horrible thoughts...many times I believed something else was wrong with me. I would be cautious with this medicine."

• Sli...
• November 6, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I'm a teenager and I have had pretty severe anxiety for about 3 to 4 years. It stopped me from doing normal high school things, like going to dances, making friends, and going to parties because those kinds of things terrify me. I went to a psychiatrist, and since my anxiety has been negatively affecting my life, she prescribed me 20 ml of Prozac once a day. This has seriously changed my life. I've tried all the natural medications and techniques that claim to work, but nothing had worked for me. It took a while to kick in, but once it did, I became a whole new person. I've been so happy and can do things without worrying!"