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 24 reviews for the off-label treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. 79% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 8% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Fluoxetine
- Rob...
- 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 realized 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."
- Emm...
- 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 20 mg of Prozac for a year, noticed an improvement in my quality of life, and then decided I didn’t need it anymore. Two years off, and the negative moods and patterns of behavior returned. I re-started Prozac with a 10 mg dosage for six weeks, and I noticed an improvement, but then reached a plateau. A psychiatrist increased my dosage to 20 mg again two weeks ago, and I’ve been feeling much better-excited about life again and not so hung up on whether 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."
Frequently asked questions
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- Kit...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 3, 2020
"I have been on these meds for almost 3 weeks, and I love it!!! I feel less hungry and super confident. My anxiety has gone from an 8 to 0. I feel the benefits of this drug, whereas I have taken many other antidepressants and felt nothing. I don’t feel sick when I take it without food. I wish I had tried this years ago!!"
- emi...
- 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 trialed a lot of medications. The only ones that are more effective in dampening my intense mood swings and periods of distress are benzodiazepines. 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 5-10 kg) in me and totally eliminates my sex drive, but honestly, it's worth it to live a normal life."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Man...
- 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. Fluoxetine definitely saved my life and made it so much better."
- ren...
- 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."
More FAQ
- Bru...
- 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."
- Ell...
- 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"
- Flo...
- 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."
- Lab...
- 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."
- Ang...
- 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."
- 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."
- mor...
- 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."
- Red...
- 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."
- Ant...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 2, 2024
"My OCD used to be so severe that it impacted every aspect of my life, making it impossible to function. However, I began taking this medication around two months ago, and it has been quite effective in managing my OCD, depression, and to some extent, my social anxiety. I am currently on an 80 mg dose, in addition to also taking Wellbutrin and Clonazepam. I love Prozac."
- Sue...
- 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."
- Mis...
- 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."
- Suz...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 1, 2018
"I have been on this med for the past 6 months. At first, 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."
- Lex...
- 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 Lamictal. I've seen results in my mood immediately."
- bkm...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- February 8, 2015
"Helps with depression and anxiety."
- Tan...
- May 29, 2020
"No negative side effects. Also, no noticeable positive change."
- Joa...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- February 24, 2021
"Taking for almost 15 years. Keeps me sane and happy"
- isl...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- May 6, 2022
"Prozac changed my life, I have been stabilized for 5 years now"
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"On fluoxetine 20 mg a day for the last 8 months. I was prescribed Prozac before, 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 girlfriend's face during a low for me that I realized 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 to 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 saying my words calmly and clearly. If I make a mistake, I correct it and move on without panicking or losing focus on the conversation."