Fluoxetine for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• Ajano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Just started Prozac 20mg 2 weeks ago. I was not sleeping, not eating, crying at almost everything. Little things would make me go off. Now that I’ve been on it for 2 weeks, my sleeping has improved, I’m eating more, and leaving the house with my husband now. Although I am still irritable, I feel it is getting better. The only thing I noticed is you cannot drink at all with this drug, or you get yourself in this weird funk that’s hard to get out. I spent 3 days in bed after a few drinks with my friends. My fault though. You really shouldn’t be drinking on any medications. Won’t be doing that again. Excited to see if Prozac can help me get to the gym again and start doing the things I enjoy."

• Anon
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I'm on 80mg of Prozac, and it has been a lifesaver for me. I went off it at one time, but my depression and anxiety came back with a vengeance. I just started taking it again last week at the 80mg dose, and I already am starting to feel like myself. The only side effect I don't like is the heartburn, so you have to drink a big glass of water when you take it; otherwise, you feel like your esophagus is on fire. I've had no other negative side effects. It also helped me quit smoking and my craving for sweets. I'm sticking to this med forever."

• 13App...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 20, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was started on this medication at a very low dose in college. I suffer from depression & anxiety; after a few weeks, the depression started to slowly go away - minimal side effects, mainly less energy. I have been on and off it, trying other options since then, and nothing has helped as much. Zoloft & Paxil did not have an impact. I stopped taking it after feeling better for a long time, but my depression came back and was much worse. Now, finally getting it under control. I personally don't like taking any medicine, but this one has helped me a great deal - the side effects (especially being really tired) at least for me went away after the first month. I hope if you are reading this, with medicine or not, you are well and taking the best care of yourself possible =)"

• Leesa
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This medication has literally saved my life!! I was severely depressed and had horrible anxiety and almost committed suicide. The first week on this drug was awful and I was very sick... then a miracle happened. After only a couple of weeks, I suddenly realized that I felt 'normal', my thoughts were clear and organized, I was able to laugh, focus, I didn't feel like crying anymore, my fun-loving personality was shining through once more, and I became a better version of me. Everyone has noticed and commented, I am now a great person to be around. I am able to work, eat, sleep, and function like a normal young woman, and it's all thanks to this amazing drug. It really has given me my life back."

• Chuck
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "35-year-old black man with generalized anxiety and depression. On Prozac, I definitely feel weak, tired, but not so much of lucid dreams and never had a problem falling asleep. I've noticed myself smiling more, willing to go out with family, and also I'm thinking differently about my life and who I am. 2 weeks into meds."

• Ngu
• January 27, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Anyone gain weight from taking Prozac after a long run? I dare not start Prozac after reading from the internet that Prozac is likely to cause weight gain after 6 months of taking it. Is it true? Can someone share their experience with me?"

• Kano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This medicine has saved my life. It has released me from the shackles of my illness. Prozac has not only helped my crippling depression that I've been suffering with for a total of 5 years, but also my general and social anxiety problems. This medicine has even helped with my phobias. Never in a million years did I think I would ever be able to go somewhere by myself or sit by myself at a table in a place full of people ever again. I can leave my bed again. I can leave my house again. This medicine has given me the first taste of life I've had in years. My depression was agitative, so I'm also on a dose of carbamazepine on the side which in conjunction has done so much for me. My friends barely recognize me. Everyone is different, but I 100% recommend this medicine for anyone dealing with depression and social anxiety. Thank you Prozac!"

• gina
• April 25, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac saved my life! 20 mg. I'm on week three. I was out of work for months and couldn't think clearly. Then, on the third week, I woke up, finally got out of my bed, and pursued looking for work. Got hired that same day! Yay! I encourage you to stay on Prozac for three weeks to take effect."

• espz
• June 25, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've been taking Prozac for three months now, and I'm the best I've ever been. I can see the beauty in the world that I saw when I was little. I don't think bad thoughts anymore. Sometimes I miss a few days on my medication, and I'll see something like a road, a song, or an old diary entry from my journal, and it will be a subtle reminder of how I felt, but I am strong enough to fight those thoughts and push them away. I smile more, and I talk to people. I'm not scared to talk to people in public anymore. My anxiety is almost gone. I don't feel depressed anymore, and I love myself. I don't hate myself anymore. I've gotten distracted by how beautiful and amazing I can be that I don't think about flaws or imperfections. I feel great. Prozac is a miracle."

• Meooo...
• March 19, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've been on fluoxetine 10 mg for only 5 days. I have noticed some changes already. I have the worst anxiety, and for the past 3 days, stressful situations seem a tad bit less stressful for me. I already lost 4-5 pounds on it. It makes me never think about food anymore. It makes me not hungry for hours. Even a small granola bar can keep me satisfied and full for 5-6 hours... But I force myself to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Things seem brighter, colors are more vivid to me. Overall, I think it's starting to work. I will re-respond in a few weeks to touch base."

• Lazuli
• December 16, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac saved my life. I have been on Prozac for almost 4 years now, in various doses depending on the intensity of my depression, and my mood/behavior has immensely improved since. The first time I attempted suicide they put me on 10 mg in the psychiatric facility. After three days of the Prozac, the horrible thoughts completely silenced. I woke up in the morning... happy?! I felt a real smile. I could finally laugh and feel real joy out of human interaction. There were zero intrusive thoughts. I went up to 30 mg and then 40 mg after a few months, which I am still taking to this day. I have tried to come off of Prozac and unfortunately I am just not ready. Which is okay! Prozac has been such a wonderful option for me. It feels great not wanting to hurt yourself all of the time. I can’t remember the last time I had suicidal thoughts. Eventually I will taper back down to 20 mgs, and one day I dream to be Prozac free. Happiness is possible! (:"

• Brook...
• May 14, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Started on 10mg while seeing a mental health professional (counselor) simultaneously. Medicine kicked in at about 3 weeks of treatment and got better when MD increased the dosage to 20 mg 6 weeks into treatment. It's been a consistent once daily oral capsule 20 mg for the past 3 1/2 months. Mood has lifted. Wakes up with clear thoughts. Lessened racing negative thoughts. Reduced anticipation of negative events and occurrences. Obsessive-compulsive rituals reduced. Answer the phone with more ease and less concerned about making mistakes in front of people. Anxiety greatly reduced, lessened depressive thoughts. Definitely helps you to look forward to life. It works better to see counselor at the same time so you can track progress."

• Annie
• April 17, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac is great! When you first start, you can feel a little anxious, but hang in there. It has changed my whole outlook on life after being really depressed after a divorce and trying to raise two kids on my own. It gave me the confidence to get a job and enjoy working again. Before it, I had little confidence. I love laughing again, which I do a lot now! No side effects for me, except feeling a bit weird and anxious for the first few weeks."

• Momsh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I finally had the guts to mention my depression to my doctor. Thank God! I was depressed for years and was at the point of uncontrollable crying, missing work because of it. This was not the wife and mother I wanted to be, so I finally asked for help. It has changed my life. No more depression and many things that used to cause me stress bother me much less or not at all. Not many side effects except fatigue, appetite loss, and a spacey feeling that only lasted a few days. Please don't wait to ask for help. I wish I had done this long ago."

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2008

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Well, I just started taking Prozac to help me deal with depression and anxiety. I returned from a tour in Iraq about three months ago, and my symptoms kept getting worse and worse. I've been taking Prozac for about a week now, and I'm already feeling relief from it. It's like all the problems are still there; they just don't get to me like they used to. It's been very helpful so far."

• Godis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "So I have had to take this medicine on and off for some time. It has worked in making me feel safe and able to enjoy doing things again. The longest I have been on it is 3 months. My advice would be to stay on it for longer than 6 months to see the full effects but if you feel healed then consider stopping it just so you are not dependent on a pill. Every depression episode is different. It may work faster sometimes; it may also make you feel worse at first. You may get headaches, feel sick from your stomach. Sometimes we tend to be stubborn and stop taking the medicine, making us go through suffering again. My advice is to take it, change your thoughts into positive ones, and try as best as you can to stop overthinking instead enjoy everyday life. God bless you all."

• Cal
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2019

"I’ve been off and on fluoxetine since I was 14. In the past, something bad would happen (family death, etc.) it would throw me into a deep depression for months. I would go to the doctor, go on fluoxetine, do a bit of counseling, feel better, and decide I didn’t need to take it anymore. This is because I am an idiot. I have spent 23 years struggling, avoiding meds if I can, so preoccupied with the implications of being on meds (am I a 'mental'?) that I missed the point. Some of us just need medicines. Finally, at 36 years old, I realized I was too tired and too miserable to waste any more of my life feeling this way. So I went back on the meds. And I feel amazing. I’m a chronic case; I’ll be taking these for the rest of my life, but I’m just relieved to not have to live that daily struggle anymore. I have so much energy. I know not everyone experiences this, but if you’re out there struggling with depression, just go to the doctor. Life can be better."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2010

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I had taken Prozac for 3 years and had been off for 1 year. In the 3 years that I took it, it was really amazing. I stopped having irrational thoughts, stopped feeling hopeless, and could make a decision without going crazy. I stopped taking it after 3 years thinking that I may not need it anymore. The depression came back gradually during this time, getting worse day by day. Nothing bad was happening in my life during this time. My doctor classifies this as clinical depression. So currently, I am back on Prozac and feel normal again. I realize that I may have to take it for a long time and I am perfectly fine with that."

• Mark-PI
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2019

"After reading so many different reviews before deciding to take Prozac, now I’m taking it I felt I should add my own. First week - felt a little uplifted. Weeks two to four - felt very anxious, especially if I had drunk coffee that day. So avoided coffee and it was easier. Four to eight weeks - balanced out and began to feel my old self again. Happy, enjoying music, life. Getting up early again. Energy for life has returned. Taking 20mg a day. Each morning. Started taking Prozac because of a life situation which led to me becoming depressed and suicidal. I waited months before seeing a doctor which was a mistake. Hope this helps someone out there. My thoughts are with you if you are struggling. There is definitely hope and a way out of depression. Be strong and be patient when you start taking the medication."

• Oscar
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I took Prozac several years ago for depression. It worked much differently than other antidepressants I've ever tried. I felt it working the very first day, which really surprised me. It's hard to explain, but this medicine wouldn't allow me to feel depressed. It was a little like being emotionally detached, but to me, that's much better than the depressed state of mind I was in. One thing I noticed was the excellent increase in energy I suddenly had. I couldn't sit still; I cleaned the house from top to bottom, no daytime napping anymore, and I loved that! My thinking was clearer, it was a happy feeling. The only reason I stopped taking it at that time was I couldn't sleep much many nights with all that energy. I took it again about 3 years ago, but didn't get the same results as the first time. I chalk that up to being several years older now and taking blood pressure and pain meds. Overall, it's the best antidepressant I've ever tried."

• Malachi...
• September 2, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was prescribed the 20mg dosage of 'Prozac' by my primary care physician per the request of my therapist. After two weeks of using it daily, I think this is going to be part of a solution for me. After two weeks, I definitely notice a difference. The 'noise' in my head (the horrible things it says) goes nearly silent. My ears still ring a lot but not as much as before. I'm a little jittery, but I attribute that to a new exercise program I'm using as another part of the solution. The feeling I get about an hour after taking the pill is a sense of peace. The world appears a little brighter, and my tunnel vision subsides, and the negative thoughts go mostly silent. I still have my spark while taking this drug too, which means I still have a sense of humor and can plan for the future. I still care about things, which is cool. I also find I don't overreact or worry about the future as much now. I'll see how this pans out in a month or two after I talk to a psychologist. Best wishes!"

• Healing
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 2, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "After taking Prozac for 23 years, I decided to stop after I took early retirement, thinking that a new way of life and no stress would mean I’d be okay. I spoke to the doctor and tapered off over three months. Since then, I have had various physical symptoms and in the last six weeks, I have had a relapse of my depression accompanied by anxiety. I went back on the Prozac three weeks ago, at a 20mg dose every other day, now upped to every day in the last few days. I’ve got the shakes and I don’t want to go out or see anyone at the moment. I know all this will ease. My point is that while I was taking Prozac, I led a normal, happy life. I can’t wait to get back to that. I would say to anyone out there, just do it. Yes, the first few weeks can be hard going, but once your body adjusts, you get your life back. As one reviewer said, “if you were diabetic, you’d take meds to control your condition.” There’s no shame in it. Life’s too short to struggle all of the time."

• jraid
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have tried everything from tricyclics, Serzone, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Celexa, everything under the sun. I just recently started on Prozac about 2 weeks ago (straight from Lexapro) and the results have been amazing! I sleep well, my dreams are pleasant now, and my brain doesn't overanalyze everything. I wake up early feeling good, which I haven't in years. I have ambition and energy, get stuff done, and look for more to do. Finally, something that works! I haven't had the opportunity to see if there are any sexual side effects yet, but hopefully soon! Lol."

• Nigeloz
• October 21, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I am a recovering opiate addict and alcoholic. I have been sober for five years and extremely grateful. However, I have been diagnosed several times by physicians as having depression. It got so bad about a month ago that I decided to try Prozac 20mg. I have been on Celexa in the past but it made me feel disconnected. The Prozac took about three weeks to kick in but it is working wonderfully now for a few days. It is like a switch was flipped and I just feel normal and positive. I do have some of the usual side effects but they are bearable. Everyone is different for sure but I am very pleased with Prozac thus far. If you are trying this medicine, stick with it as it does take a while to have an effect. Very grateful!"

• Anony...
• January 6, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Was on this medication Prozac 20mg for anxiety and depression. But I was not happy when my psychiatrist told me that I needed medication. I thought that I just needed to see a psychologist and talk to, but my psychiatrist told me that I needed both together. I was upset about taking this medication, but my psychiatrist calmed me down and told me how I will be able to be happier/calmer and deal with life problems better. I left the appointment much happier. Like I said, the medication worked perfectly. I had no more anxiety attacks, less feeling of depression, but now 40mg started last year. I am still on it. Prozac has saved my life, able to deal with life again. I had a few side effects not too bad. I was monitored when at home, work, appointment, college by family, friends, doctors, teachers, tutors, and psychologists because of the side effects. I love this medication. I am calmer, safer, and happier. Don’t be afraid of medication; doctors only give it to help you."