Fluoxetine for Depression User Reviews (Page 4)

• Sum
• January 26, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been on fluoxetine a week now for Bipolar and Boderline Personality disorder. I was prescribed 20mg. I took my first 20mg pill in the morning and that entire day I felt awful. I was so exhausted, felt "high", couldn't think, felt sedated and my anxiety was through the roof. The next day I decided to reduce my dosage in half. I split the pill and took just 10mg that morning. I felt so much better. I had energy throughout the day without overwhelming tiredness or sedation. I have been taking 10mg since then and continously feel better and better. I was extremely scared of starting a medication like this but I do not regret it now. I have started feeling real things again. I'm feeling emotions instead of mimicking them when I am suppose to. I have snapped a lot less. I am much calmer and a lot more patient. I have more energy. I just expect to keep getting better from here! Highly recommend 10mg if you are struggling with the 20mg (especially if you have any sort of anxiety/panic issues)."

• just...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Excellent! This is the third time I'm taking Prozac for depression. It works great. It's energizing to me, not sedating like Lexapro and others have been to me. It works very fast for me (first day) every time I've started it again. I can tell it's working the first day. My husband started taking it 3 days ago but says he can't feel it working yet. I guess everyone is different."

• Ramakin
• May 20, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Six months ago, I was hospitalized. I had never been treated for my depression due to insurance and financial issues. During my 9-day stay at the hospital, they started me on 20mg of Prozac. By the time I left the hospital, I was at 40mg. The suicidal thoughts went away, and I was able to feel moments of clarity. Although I made some big life changes after being released from the hospital, the depression was still there. Sleep and isolation were still my life. Now that I have been on Prozac for 6 months, I look back and realize how far I have come. I am now taking 80mg a day, and I can finally break through the fog. For me, depression wasn't necessarily sadness, but an absence in vitality. Prozac has helped me regain it."

• Cebai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I’ve finally found the right anti depressant. At first Prozac made my anxiety worse, just for a few weeks. I bared with it and I’m so glad I did. I literally feel like my depression is cured and I’m so much calmer. I’d say this drug works better for depression than anxiety. The side effects are much less severe than sertraline. I feel like I’m out of the black hole."

• Jack...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Fluoxetine/Prozac 20mg for depression/anxiety. Within 4 hours of taking it at 4 pm, I truly felt better by 8 pm and happier. Not sure if it was the meds at first or believing it to be working? Had done a lot of research before taking it, both positives and negatives, so I have an open mind about Prozac. Certainly felt better quickly after the initial dose! First 2 weeks: slight headaches, a bit spaced out initially, groggy, dry mouth, difficult to concentrate, but I did feel like this while depressed! Now on the 3rd week, it's kicked in after 2 weeks and I feel calmer, relaxed, able to think clearly, not a foggy mind, feel focused, happier, and motivated. This drug has dealt with anxiety & depression, 100%. I was worrying about everything. Sleep is okay now, no sexual dysfunction yet. Good luck."

• Jack
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 21, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "My side effects of Prozac are 1. All-night dreams. At my age, 72, I wake up at least four times to go to the toilet; every time I wake up with a dream. 2. During the first years of using the drug, the quick throw after intercourse was solved but not anymore after 65 years old. 3. Diminishing of appetite to having sex, once every 3-4 weeks. 4. Flu and colds are very little. Otherwise, it is the happiness pill which I cannot stop after 32 years of using it."

• Lukas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 14, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I’ve been taking Prozac for 2 1/2 years now. I started in September 2017 at 20mg, stopped in October 2018, and restarted in January 2019 at 10mg. As of July 2019, I’ve increased to 20mg. Prozac makes me feel “normal” every time, especially the 20mg. It’s amazing! What’s odd is the first time I took it, I gained weight and lost sexual function; however, this time I seem to be losing weight and sex isn’t impaired. I wonder if stopping and taking it again changes how the body responds? Overall 10/10."

• annie...
• January 27, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I had slipped into a depression following some traumatic life events. The mornings were worse and often unbearable. I became suicidal. I was also agitated. I was desperate and went to a GP and was prescribed fluoxetine 20mg. I have been taking them for six weeks and feel so much better. Mood has lifted and morning depression has stopped. It's saved my life. Side effects were a sore throat and cold symptoms which lasted four days. Yawning as well. Best thing I ever did was admit I had a problem and take medicines."

• Anony...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 28, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Been on and off Prozac for depression. Very effective for turning negative thoughts into positive ones, increased energy and motivation to get things done and get through the day, less fatigue from stress and worry, better sleep at night, better appetite, able to cope with life's stressors, feel like spending more time with friends and family and doing activities when not depressed, more social/talkative when not depressed, increased confidence when not feeling anxious or depressed. In better health, feel more in control of my life, more optimistic and positive."

• Lko
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 28, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "This has been the most effective antidepressant I've used. Have taken Lexapro for 2 years but going back to Prozac as Lexapro didn't do a whole lot. 20 mg is the best dose in general with Prozac, even though some people take more (with more side effects). I personally would never go above 30 mg, trust me on that one. Also, because it has a super long half-life it is easier to stop taking it."

• Muse
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Felt horrendous for years with menopause. Now I'm on Prozac as didn't want to take HRT. It has literally saved my life. I am back to normal and no side effects. Highly recommend. I'm in the UK so I get it for free."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2009

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have been put on Prozac about a week ago (10 mg) for depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, as well as OCD. (I know... a lot of conditions) But this is the best medicine so far out of the 48 others I have tried in the last 6 months. The first few days, I felt a little manic on it - very happy and had a hard time sleeping. But today, day 5, I feel more balanced, and the only side effects I am experiencing are nausea, some dizziness, and diarrhea; but that should go away within the next week. I look forward to going back to college, spending time with my kids, and enjoying life without my ups and downs, lack of energy, and no desire to do anything. Prozac has been a Godsend to me."

• Andy...
• August 20, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was so depressed, and I started this medicine without expecting that after 15 days, I am like I've taken ecstasy. I am full of energy. I don't hesitate to be myself! I love being myself, actually! I'm not thinking anymore about cocaine, weed, and stuff like that because that was the main reason that I needed a doctor! THANK YOU, PROZAC"

• dont...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Went on Prozac for anxiety. I horrible side effects, couldn’t eat I was so nauseous, headachy, tired. It wasn’t doing much for me so I missed a day or two, then would take one, and that was a big mistake. It completely sent me down hill. Out of absolutely no where I was crying every second of the day, having suicidal thoughts. It took 2 weeks to be somewhat back to normal but after that I never got any better. Prozac made me feel suicidal and gave me depression that I didn’t have before. 2 months off of it, I still feel the same. It seriously messed up my head. My brother took it and also became suicidal out of nowhere. DO NOT TAKE"

• Rathe...
• January 5, 2010

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I'm 56. I've been on Prozac for about 20 years. I would rather not take any medication but the reality is that, for me, there seems to be no choice. Like many who have seen their share of shrinks, I tried everything - and then everything in every combination. Prozac is the only drug that helps me. I have been off of Prozac now for about 3 months. I tapered off very slowly. Thought I made it! But I have gone back to my old miserable self. I hit myself, hard. I want to break everything that doesn't 'cooperate' immediately - a button, a hard-to-open package, or a pen for example. I never feel like hitting another person - just myself. I'm going downstairs to begin my Prozac regimen again."

• Ggano
• December 16, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I've been taking Prozac for three months. Initially, I felt better; my family and partner agreed that this is the best medicine for me, and that I was doing great. I felt hopeful but not certain. I have now changed to a new antidepressant as I had side effects: very sore eyes, muscle pains, shaking hands, no interest nor motivation to do anything I usually would. I even had anxiety seeing my closest friends, and I would lay in bed all day up to 6 pm. I stopped cleaning, cooking, and taking care of myself and didn't want to eat. The only time I would force myself to get up is to go to work as I did not want to lose my job. Has anyone else had this experience? I truly feel worried that my mood is down a lot and that my motivation is gone, especially not feeling like moving out of bed. If anyone has any tips for me, I honestly would appreciate it because I want to push forward in my life. I'm only 26 and would like to get far in life. Thank you in advance."

• camar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Some useful advice. TIMELINE: Started 5mg, felt slightly high, just a little more positive. Took 5mg for 9 days, then had a major crash that lasted about 5 days, plus 2 days to level out. Valium is very handy, just hang in there, it will pass & get better. Day 13/14 started feeling much better, now on 10mg, @day 16 really good now. Initial day 9 crash as autoreceptors sense too much serotonin and move to regulate levels, so they drop, making you feel like the world is coming to an end. Once they desensitize, things improve. Tips: stay calm, relax, talk to people, take Valium, sleep, eat carbs, distract your thoughts, walk if up to it. Do not read reviews, will do your head in - too many depressed people + reviews = many negative, useless reviews :-)"

• Nickn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I was told on Prozac I would start to feel better about my depression after 1 to 2 weeks. During the first and second week, I felt really good. But after the third week, I was worse than before I started Prozac. I started self harming, and my relationships (especially with my boyfriend and family) suffered"

• pillh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prozac is one of the better antidepressant pills I've taken. There are better pills out there that treat depression; Effexor is one. But Prozac affects everyone differently, and for the most part, it's been positive. I have suffered from depression my whole life, and I can tell you to at least give Prozac a chance. I am currently in Germany, and it's helped me a lot."

• Over...
• August 7, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I can honestly say that Prozac works for me. This medication takes some time to kick in to full effect and many people stop taking after they feel nothing the first week or so. That is a big mistake. If you wait the full 6 weeks, you will see such a difference that it will amaze you. The way it builds in the system and its afterlife is why it takes a while to get to optimal serum levels in the bloodstream. I have battled severe depression and suicidal ideation for over 25 years now. This medication Prozac 40 mg, along with Abilify 10 mg, have solved most of those issues. I also take Ativan 2 mg as needed for severe anxiety. Talk to someone if you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or just do not know what the point of life is."

• Kruti...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "At first, when I began taking Prozac, I had a lot more episodes. I just cried in my bedroom for hours. I can't even describe the emotions, if I could even call them that, going through me. It was like a dark part of me took over, and it wanted nothing but an end. I don't even know to what. Everything was way worse; multiple suicidal thoughts per a single day were not uncommon. Gradually, I started feeling better; there was no sudden happiness or peace, but I felt normal. Now, I just don't know what's going on with me. Stress and everything is piling up on me, once again. Eating is a chore. I feel like I'm on the brink of falling apart, on the thin line between sanity and insanity. I don't want life or death. I want to not exist. I'm just confused."

• Ak3973
• February 14, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I’m a 45-year-old female. I had a very tough past. It has haunted me in the present, preventing me from being a whole person. Although I had made peace with myself on some levels, my head would spin, go to dark places, feelings of self-loathing, inadequacies would take over. I am premenopausal now as well, which in itself is a struggle. I started the meds almost 8 weeks ago. I was at 10mg for 4 weeks, very slight side effects, mostly foggy. I felt it was “scratching the surface” in terms of helping. I was increased to 20 and it is doing the job just fine. My concerns were weight gain and sexual dysfunction, of which I have neither. If I have put on a couple of pounds, it’s worth it for the clarity in my head. I am very pleased. My only regret is not starting it sooner. Good luck, I hope this helps."

• Nicky
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2019

"I have been on Fluoxetine for a year and a half, 20mg. Previously I had been on Lexapro, which also worked but made me tired, gained weight, and experienced hair loss. I have been diagnosed with dysthymia (chronic low mood) as well as anxiety. Prozac has been a miracle to me. Essentially, it allows me to feel normal. I am able to navigate through life without the anxiety, the depression, the things that held me back for so many years, all the while not realizing that there was something wrong with me. Depression has sadly robbed me of a good portion of my life since I was a teenager. I am now in my thirties and feel as though Prozac has granted me a second chance at life. I am the best version of myself on this medication. Almost no side effects to speak of."

• Lorenzo...
• November 14, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) "In 1995, I was miserable for no particular reason and was diagnosed with depression and prescribed Prozac. Great life, depression in check. In 2013, I weaned myself off it because I didn't think I needed it anymore. As luck would have it, I hit a period of challenging events in life that the brain interpreted as trauma. To cope, I began drinking a little, which evolved into daily. I concluded that I had gone off Prozac, decreased self-control, and created a personal crisis. I'm back on Prozac, and my moods have leveled off, and I so far have the ability to abstain. I won't go off it again."

• greym...
• October 30, 2011

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Prescribed Prozac 20 mg in 1988. In three days, I felt much better. Tried several times to reduce dosage, but could not stay with lower dosage. I have been on 20 mg ever since. It gave me back my life. In 1955, I was hospitalized and given electroshock treatments for a month. Then the depression returned in 1982 (same year of menopause). My psychiatrist prescribed Elavil, then Palimor, and then Prozac. I am now 81 and take the same dosage. Still enjoying husband of 63 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Thank God he sent Prozac."