Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• HAZ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2021

Fluoxetine "My husband suffers badly with severe OCD. He has had OCD since I’ve known him, almost 35 years, but in the last 6 months, the symptoms have ramped up, and he is tortured by thoughts of contamination. He recently found a psychiatrist who put him on Prozac. He is at the 8-week mark and has yet to see any benefit, and in fact, seems to have gotten worse. Everything we read says it needs to be taken for 8-12 weeks to begin to see improvement, but is it common for the obsessions and anxiety to worsen initially? He is discouraged and desperate for some relief. Is this anyone else’s experience?"

• Hug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2025

Fluoxetine "I have suffered from periodic episodes of severe somatic OCD since my early teens. I’m middle-aged now. After having tried all kinds of different SSRIs in the past, I was finally put on Prozac by my NHS psychiatrist. I started at 20 mg a day and worked my way up slowly to 60 mg a day. I also take 200 mg of quetiapine, as this apparently augments the effects of Prozac. After 8-12 weeks of taking 60 mg of Prozac, my anxiety and OCD have gone. I had no side effects from taking it. I sleep and eat well and can function again like normal. I’m no longer scared of my OCD. I will stay on Prozac and quetiapine for life. Hope this testimony helps someone."

• pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

Fluoxetine "After trying many forms of therapy for my OCD and anxiety, I was beginning to feel as though nothing would work long-term. I started this medication 3 months ago, and the dose has gradually gone up since then. The only side effects I’ve experienced are that I’m a little more fidgety than usual, and when I first started it, I was a lot more anxious. However, after a few weeks of being on it, I started to feel so much better. Now I’m on 20mg, and it is definitely the best thing I’ve ever done. With a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and Prozac, I can’t believe how good I feel. I am less anxious, my mood is better, I can control my OCD more. It really does take a few weeks to kick in, but it really does work."

• ven...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 15, 2013

Fluoxetine "In 1990 (age 45) I had a nervous breakdown. I did a lot of strange things and ended up in a mental ward. Because of medication I was taking, I developed a problem with simple walking. While at the hospital, I decided to re-teach myself to walk normally. I practiced all the time. I got it right by the time I left, but I found it was now impossible to stop walking back and forth, I was pacing all the time. This went on for at least a year. Then my doctor thought that PROZAC would possibly help me. After starting Prozac, 2 weeks into it, I sat down and no longer needed to pace... aaaahhhhh... Peace at last. I continue to take it for depression, no side effects noticed."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2020

Fluoxetine "Prozac got me out of a very dark place when I was first diagnosed with severe OCD, would not be alive without it. It stopped working for me after about 3 years of taking it, but it was a great start to getting help with obsessions and compulsions."

• Wom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2024

Fluoxetine "This saved my life, for my whole entire life, I struggled with severe pure O OCD and ADHD. After a while of taking these meds, my depression and OCD went away. I had no side effects. The first 2 weeks I am on 10 MG, and I have never felt better. The only side effect I may have felt the first two weeks was fatigue, if even much, but it's not bad at all. Without Prozac, I would not be where I am today."

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2020

Fluoxetine "I have depression and OCD. Prozac 40-60 mg combined with 5 mg Abilify has really helped so much. I feel my severe OCD is a lot more manageable, and my depression is not deep and unlivable, I feel so much better. I needed the addition of Abilify to really help with the depression, but I noticed after 7 or 8 weeks my OCD was better with 40 mg of Prozac."

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2011

Fluoxetine "I took Prozac for 6 years continually. Started at 20mg/day and went up to 100mg/day at times. My new doctor took me off of Prozac 2 years ago and put me on another medication. I have gained 90 pounds in 2 years. I am pulling out my hair again, intrusive thoughts. I had no side effects from Prozac, no loss of sexual drive. I LOVED (and still love) Prozac. As a matter of fact, I am going to the doctor tomorrow to see about getting back on Prozac!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2019

Fluoxetine "I've tried every SSRI from Cipralex (personally hated it) to Zoloft (liked it but made me sleepy and only helped depression, not OCD), and now for a few months, Prozac. I have never, ever, ever been so mentally stable in my life. I'm 23 and have severe body dysmorphia, and for the last couple of months, 40 mg of Prozac daily has almost completely halted my repetitive thoughts and image-related compulsive behaviors (asking my boyfriend for validation, checking the mirror constantly, comparing myself, etc.). It's worked so well that even my boyfriend has noticed how much more stable our relationship is without my constant insecurity caused by the BDD. Couldn't recommend it more. The only side effect is weird vivid dreams, but I can deal with that."

• A20...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2024

Fluoxetine "I have been on Prozac for about two months now. My obsessive thoughts have significantly diminished, allowing me to focus better at work. I no longer find myself preoccupied with others' opinions, and the stress and tension I was previously dealing with have gone away. Unlike my previous experiences with medications like Effexor, Lexapro, and Viibryd, which left me feeling emotionally numb, this one strikes a perfect balance. It enhances my mood without dulling my emotions, making me feel more alive and connected. It's such a relief to finally feel this way! I still have some issues, and my life is not perfect, but at least I am doing a better job focusing on work and enjoying my life without having to anticipate anxiety and ruminating thoughts."

• pr7...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 1, 2016

Fluoxetine "I was put on Prozac (20mg) for severe OCD and anxiety 2 years ago and took it for a little bit over a year, and it helped tremendously. I was dumb and stopped taking it, and over the course of 5-6 months, my OCD and anxiety slowly got worse to the point where I had been when I first started taking the medicine. I just started back up on it about 3 weeks ago, and the first week on it was bad for me. I had lots of anxiety and suicidal thoughts. But here recently I'm starting to notice some improvement in my anxiety. Don't stop taking Prozac just because you feel better. I found out the hard way and it's not worth it."

• pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2021

Fluoxetine "I was dealing with chronic and miserable anxiety for months and was losing hope that I'd ever feel at peace again. Did 10 mg Prozac for a couple of days, then increased to 20 mg for about a month. Didn't notice any differences, so increased to 40 mg for a little over three months. I noticed quite the change with that increase after a month or so and was finding myself less anxious throughout the day and feeling a little less guilty all the time. Just increased to 60 mg a couple of days ago and am feeling quite optimistic. While I still have my bad days, I really think this has saved me, and I am so glad I gave it a try. I was apprehensive at first because of all the horror stories I've heard and being anxious about trying a more intense medication, but I am so, so happy to have begun this journey and finding that there is hope. I dealt with minor insomnia after the first month for about a week, and for about a week after the first dose increase."

• OCD...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2016

Fluoxetine "I had been having anxiety and other symptoms such as weight loss. I was diagnosed with OCD and started on 10mg Prozac. I battled with side effects for the first month of increased anxiety, nausea, and sleeping problems. At about the 5-week mark, the negative side effects went away, and I started to feel some relief from the anxiety caused by the OCD. I was increased to 20mg, which seems to be enough for me. I have now been on it for over a year. I feel so much better. Like a weight is lifted off of my shoulders, and I no longer worry and obsess. I have gained some weight, but the anxiety had made me lose weight so I think I am able to eat now because I feel better. I don't sweat the small stuff in life anymore!"

• Yay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 18, 2023

Fluoxetine "I've been on Prozac for a little over a year now, and it has helped reduce my severe OCD symptoms substantially. I was spending around 12 hours a day in the obsessive-compulsive loop, and after 3 months on Prozac, that gradually reduced to less than 1 hour per day. I had very minor side effects in the first week, mostly nausea and a slight headache, which resolved quickly. After being on the medication for over 1 year, I have experienced no side effects. If you have OCD, I highly recommend trying medications (if the side effects are tolerable) for more than 3-4 weeks. I felt a slight improvement within 2 months, but by month 4/5, I was practically symptom-free. Also, do not be afraid to increase your dose! SSRIs can feel a bit scary to start, but Prozac has saved my life. It has minimal side effects and is very easy to follow."

• Til...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

Fluoxetine "After trying countless medications, including Zoloft, Lexapro, Lovo, to name a few, I finally found the medicine that healed me. Before taking this medicine, I would do the most bizarre rituals, including always selecting the right side of everything, touching objects repetitively, stepping on lines, and more. The OCD was mentally draining. I will admit I have done exposure therapy alongside taking this medication, which has helped me tremendously. Have faith, this medicine is a lifesaver. Also, if you suffer from OCD, join a group on social media. There are more sufferers than you think. Also, make sure you take this medicine with food."

• Dep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2019

Fluoxetine "Helped me so much with both my depression and OCD. I still get anxiety, but my life doesn't revolve around compulsions anymore. The first 10-14 days were hard, but so worth it. If you are struggling with depression and OCD, it's really worth giving Prozac a try!"

• All...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2023

Fluoxetine "This drug truly saved my life. I was sitting here reading all of these comments, debating if I should try this medication. I have never been on a psych medication before and had so many worries going through my head on side effects, if it would help, etc. Please take it. Just go for it, it truly has given me my life back."

• BKa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 18, 2018

Fluoxetine "As a young person, I suffered from cyclical depression and OCD. About 25 years ago, a doctor prescribed Prozac for me. Since then, I no longer experienced either depression or OCD. I guess when it raised my serotonin level, the problems disappeared. My life since then has certainly not been easy, but I was able to learn to cope with serious problems very effectively. The depression is now a distant memory. I wish everyone could have the same benefits as I have had from Prozac and fluoxetine. Now I am strong, positive, and have had success in life."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2018

Fluoxetine "Absolutely love this medication. I suffered from postpartum OCD, and it was so incredibly miserable. I had to be hospitalized due to my major depression and anxiety on top of the bad thoughts. Once I was put on this medication, I noticed a HUGE change within the first few weeks or so. It takes some time to work, but it's so worth it. I highly recommend. This medication saved my life."

• Ale...
• April 4, 2020

"I wanted to share my experience of taking fluoxetine to hopefully shed some light on this complex drug. I suffer from harm OCD or intrusive thoughts, not the more widely known OCD where you perform various rituals like Jack Nicholson's character. I never understood what these intrusive thoughts were and how much they affected me, I didn't even know if I would have a diagnosis of some sort to finally identify what I have been going through for the past 13 years of my life. I started taking fluoxetine 5 weeks ago, but it takes much longer to feel the therapeutic effect, I'm guessing at least 7-8 weeks. I'm on 40 mg and have noticed a very positive change but still have some of those intrusive thoughts lingering. But this drug has definitely created a whole new outlook on my life, it has been life-changing and life-saving. Thank you, Prozac, you really gave me a chance to feel like a functional human being without feeling crippled by these obsessive thoughts. 10/10!"

• Nit...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 21, 2022

Fluoxetine "My OCD was taking over my life. I suffered past 3 years ago. My doctor prescribed me Prozac 40 mg, and this pill helped me a lot and saved my life from this deadly OCD. The dose I am on is now 80 mg. Wonderful drug."

• sea...
• March 22, 2018

Fluoxetine "I was only given Prozac for my OCD because bipolar meds and antidepressants can be a nightmare. Prozac is my life now. I've been on it for years. I tried Trintellix to see if it was better, and that experience scared me. Prozac is so far the best for me. Amazing because it is so old. But it literally saved my life. I had to try lots of other SSRIs before Prozac. Prozac took a long time to kick in, but all good things are worth the wait. I was definitely crawling before I walked again. I just want to say that I'm so happy Prozac was invented. It made me feel normal again. It's given me myself back. It didn't change me or numb me, it made me feel alive. I owe all my progress to Prozac in terms of OCD. I was on the verge of ECT. I don't have any side effects except some weight gain (I was so skinny before) and being tired when night comes (I take it at night). Prozac is one of the best things that happened to me in life, and I can't wait to take it tonight."

• You...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2020

"Man, where do I begin?! I was so scared to try an antidepressant. For 10 years, I have tried to fight this on my own with therapy, exercise, diet... you name it! I finally had enough and decided to try a medication. I am on 20 mg of fluoxetine/Prozac. The first 3-4 weeks were rough with side effects (ear ringing, jaw clenching, excess yawning, tiredness, diarrhea), but then eventually all of that leveled out. Around week 6, I started to feel like my old self, before all the OCD and anxiety. Now, around month 3, I feel amazing. People in my life are commenting on how much more carefree I seem. It really has taken that weight off my shoulders. I still do therapy, exercise, and meditate, which I believe is important to do because without putting in the work alongside the medication, the antidepressant is nothing but a Band-Aid."

• Pos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2021

Fluoxetine "30 y/o F with moderate anxiety and very mild OCD regarding relationships and PMDD. I just wanted to share a positive review after reading so many negative ones listed below. I started on 10 mg, and at 7 days, I doubled to 20 mg. Other than maybe feeling slightly 'dazed' the first few days, I have had no other side effects. It has changed my life in just 3 weeks. Things are more vivid. Life is lighter. It almost feels like I'm constantly microdosing on mushrooms (if you know what that feels like). It got rid of the constant angst, the obsessive thoughts, the severe PMS symptoms. My sex drive didn't go away, if anything, it's even better because I actually like my boyfriend now, instead of the PMDD telling me I need to get out. It's a game-changer, and it started working day 3-4 for me, with very minimal bad side effects. So thankful."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2019

"I've been on 20 mg for two weeks now, and I finally feel like I have my life back. I suffer from pure obsessive-compulsive disorder, intrusive thoughts, and it got to the point where there was nothing else I could think about. At one point, I thought the only way to stop this was suicide. The only side effect I've been dealing with is a bit of hyperactivity (tapping my foot or fingers), and sometimes I don't have an appetite. This drug is a miracle for those with pure O."