Fluoxetine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Toa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2015

"I am me again. My premenstrual dysphoric disorder was destroying my relationship with others and with myself. For a week to two weeks a month, I had severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and interpreted others' actions as hostile. I would feel at times like breaking up with my boyfriend, leaving my family and job, and saying 'f you' to life. This is the second time I have taken fluoxetine over long periods of time. Last time I stopped cold turkey (many years ago), thinking I was cured of my PDD. However, over the years it worsened until I lived in fear of it. Now I really see, understand, and feel grateful for the effects of fluoxetine. I feel I am clear, in control, calm, and me again. It has improved my relationship with everyone. The side effect: breast growth! WIN!!!!!"

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2013

"I've suffered most of my life with a condition I thought was just one of those things. My mother took me to the doctor when I was in my teens and asked her to do something with me. In those days, I was given Vit B complex, which did nothing. In my 40s, the condition worsened again, and thinking nothing could be done, I ignored it. Out of sheer desperation and knowing that this really can't be normal, I approached my GP and was put on this medication. I didn't think it would work. It's an antidepressant. How much difference could it make? I'm 2 months in, and I wish I'd gone to my GP years ago. If you are reading this and wondering about this medication, then please at least try it. I have my life back, and I love it."

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2019

"Miraculous. It took about 3 months of taking fluoxetine 10 mg ten days prior to the onset of my period to kick in, but it finally has. I had zero mood swings this month - in fact, I felt GOOD before my period, which has not occurred in twenty-two years or more. I still believe in the value of trying alternative methods to help in alleviating PMDD, but when you have exhausted all options, this is a must! I will stay with this until menopause and probably beyond. Why suffer? x"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2020

"I got fluoxetine prescribed to me for PMDD. My doctor told me I could just take 10 mg a few days before I get my period instead of taking it every day. This was the first time in months (maybe years) that I didn't cry, feel depressed, overthink, feel anxious, nor feel irritable. My only side effect was feeling a little bit jittery the first time I took it, but no big deal. It took me a very long time to get the courage to try an antidepressant for my PMDD, but I'm so glad I did."

• Lar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2016

"I suffered PMDD that came on exactly day 14 of my cycle. For another 12 days, I would be incredibly irritable, teary, depressed, high anxiety, and ruining the relationships around me. I also couldn't study and struggled often to get to work or to even drive myself home from my boyfriend's. I started antidepressants but then freaked out and stopped, then actively tried other options for a whole year before trying them again and coming to terms with the fact it was probably my best option. I wasn't expecting them to work the way they have, I just feel like a normal human and like my personality is back. I can function, and I have enjoyment in life that I didn't before. Haven't really experienced any side effects either."

• Anonymous
• February 23, 2010

Fluoxetine "I take 10 mg for just 14 days before I get my period. It definitely helps with my mood and uncontrollable anger. Before taking this, the silliest things would make me want to scream! When my husband asked me why I take it, I tell him that I take it in order to extend HIS life expectancy :-) Enough Said? Only downside: Insomnia. Worth it though."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 11, 2012

Fluoxetine "I have severe PMDD and Sarafem has been a godsend! Being 40 and already going through the change made it worse! I take 20 mg each night before bed and have noticed the total difference. More laughing, less mood swings. I would definitely recommend."

• JS0...
• August 29, 2017

Fluoxetine "I have suffered from PMDD for many years. Exactly two weeks prior to my period, I would notice a change in the way I felt. I would become very depressed and anxious. I would cry for no reason and have little patience with everyone around me. After suffering for many years and trying two antidepressants that gave me bad side effects, my doctor recommended Sarafem. This is only my second month, and I only take it 14 days prior to menses, but I feel a big difference. I don't feel as anxious, and I'm not crying at every little thing. This pill has limited my PMDD symptoms drastically. I highly recommend it for PMDD sufferers."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2018

"I wasn’t sure if I had PMDD or whether it was anxiety and depression being made worse by my hormones each month. I made a chart/diary going back four months and showed my doc. It was clear that most months my symptoms were happening a week leading up to my period and a few days during ovulation. My doctor wanted me to take 10-20 mg, but I’d read a study which said taking just 2 mg had a good effect on PMDD. My doctor agreed it was a good idea to try this first, and it has actually worked! It worked immediately, which is another sign it’s PMDD. This month I didn’t even see my period coming. Usually, I get very anxious and depressed, but this month has been amazing. I take the liquid form, so 2 mg = 0.5 ml. Apparently, it helps regulate the Allo Pregnenolone steroid, which comes from progesterone. I really hope things stay this good, and my husband is VERY relieved too! I'm now wondering whether to take it every morning or just the week before."

• PMD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2018

"I have been suffering for years, affecting many relationships. After my 2nd baby, I quit breastfeeding, my cycle regulated, PMDD was in full throttle. During the luteal phase, I turn into a crazy woman. The anger and the rage were uncontrollable for me. Over a few cycles, it gradually got so bad that I knew something was wrong. I went to the doctor, who referred me to a psychiatrist, and I was diagnosed with PMDD. He prescribed me Prozac, which I was skeptical to take, especially when I’m not suffering from depression. The doctor explained Prozac is not just an antidepressant but for other illnesses like this condition too. I take a 20 mg pill for 10 days before my period. I waited until the first sign appeared (usually arguing with my hubby). OMG - this is life-changing for me. I could see again, there is no fog, I am calm and rational. This medication was instant relief. This cycle, I’ve had ZERO outbursts and no other symptoms, including no cravings for chocolate, and I’ve got my energy back! It’s amazing!"

• LL_...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2014

"I told my OBGYN that I was having a lot of depression and rage associated with PMS (heightened by life stress). She recommended fluoxetine for the time between ovulation and when my period starts. I started that day (perfect timing). The side effects that first cycle were extreme. I was exhausted, sweating more, low/no sex drive, couldn't achieve orgasm, numb emotions, but I read online that these subside over time, and they have. I have gone through 7 cycles with the medication. I hope to reduce from 20 mg to 10 mg and have reduced some my first 6 days to 10 mg and 20 mg the remaining. It is working well for me and allowing me some emotional freedom to get back to exercising, etc. I am grateful for this medication! So is hubby."

• Wen...
• March 12, 2017

"At age forty, I started screaming at my kids, and my husband was so irritating during my cycle. I can laughingly say I wanted to kill people because I know I wouldn't ever hurt anyone. But man, I started screaming my head off at my family. So bad, in fact, that I started locking myself in my bedroom during 'that time.' For days. My doctor prescribed fluoxetine 10 mg, 1 by mouth every day for 7 days before the onset of my period. I no longer scream at my kids or feel like strangling my husband. YAAAY. It's been about 6 months, no side effects that I've noticed."

• Anonymous
• September 4, 2011

Fluoxetine "Premenstrual dysphoric disorder made being in my own head miserable. I have been on Sarafem for three months now, and the difference is amazing. My husband has noticed that I am calmer and less emotional over trivial things since I started taking it. I feel that I am more able to cope with daily life in the two weeks of the month that used to give me uncontrollable anxiety and anger issues. I have noticed a few side effects, including some loss of appetite and a bit of sleeplessness the first few weeks of taking Sarafem, but the benefits definitely outweigh these drawbacks."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2014

"I have lived with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder for almost 3 decades. I was prescribed this wonderful pill to help me, and I adore it! My flow is now moderate to light for the first time since I started my cycle. I no longer have nausea-inducing back cramps, and my cycle has shortened from 6.5 days to 4.5 - 5 days. Even better, my irritability has decreased, and the Hulk no longer screams and runs from me in terror when I have my period. It is a relief to be free of uncontrollable irritability, awful cramps, heavy flow, and depression."

• Pas...
• November 25, 2013

"I have suffered from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ever since I had my period. I would cry for no reason, lose focus at work, get anxiety attacks. It affected my daily life with mood swings, I would be this way for around 14 days before starting my actual period. The doctor prescribed me fluoxetine 10 mg to take 14 days before my period. I had taken Prozac in the past for what I thought was depression, which was really bad PMS PMDD. So I took the Prozac for 14 days before my period, and I was feeling much better. Prozac truly does help."

• Six...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 8, 2013

Fluoxetine "Sarafem should be in the water. Have suffered from depression my whole life. Never knew how bad it was until I started to take Sarafem. Started at 20 mg, I am at 40 mg today. Have tried to decrease the dose or come off completely, usually blaming weight gain and tiredness on it, but it was not worth it. Very little weight gain and my tiredness never went away. I have been on Sarafem for over 10 years. If anything, it saved my marriage! Take each night before bed and have the script written for the brand name... there is a difference!"

• Oil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 24, 2016

"I am not a big user of pills, but I was happily surprised how well this med works. I take it 10 days prior to my period, and it makes a huge difference. I started taking this at age 42, and 2 years later, I am still amazed. If you are struggling with PMDD, talk to your doctor and see if this will work for you."

• ZCa...
• April 28, 2015

"I have suffered from PMS or PMDD most of my life. It was such a horrible experience for me that I would have crying spells; have arguments with people; I would shut down at work or would have to take at least one day off during the week of my period. I tried several different birth controls, but they didn't work, so I finally asked for Prozac after hearing it did wonders for a coworker. I've been on it one month; my cycle came on today (TMI), and I still feel great! I can't believe it!!"

• fri...
• June 21, 2015

"This has helped me feel like me again, and I wouldn't normally write on these forums. I have had increasingly bad PMS through my 30s and my 40s, and this is the only thing that helps. Calmer, happier, more energy, more resilience. Less irritation with loved ones, but also more assertive when I need to be. Only slight side effect was morning sweats, which have worn off now. I don't ever want this to stop."

• Cyn...
• December 19, 2016

"First of all, I am a woman who didn't believe in any antidepressants ever! Then came the dreaded monster I call menopause (well, for me it was tough), not all women have it so bad. Anyway, I met with my doctor and told her everything that I felt, and she prescribed 20 mg of Prozac. I came home saying to myself, 'Gee, I can't take this - I heard so many negative things back in the '80s in high school...' Then I said, 'Well, it's either giving it a try and hoping for the best or losing my husband of 20 years and crying more.' So I took a pill that same afternoon, and wow, I can say it took about three weeks before major difference, but I am thankful every day and night as I am so much happier."

• Sup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2014

"I was prescribed fluoxetine for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. For the last 5 years, I took Remeron for depression, which did nothing to help with PMDD. I gained 60 lbs within a 3-month period of being on it. Well, 2 months ago, my doctor switched me to 10 mg fluoxetine. The side effects were a nightmare for the first two weeks: excessive drowsiness, nausea, increased anxiety, especially in the morning, diarrhea, completely lost my appetite. Well, I'm glad I hung in there because the side effects went away, my mood improved tremendously, and on top of that, I lost 20 lbs in the first 1.5 months. My appetite has improved. Very happy about the weight loss, but I feel that 20 mg would be a little more effective in treating PMDD symptoms. Overall, it's great."

• Clr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

"My mom has been trying to get me on meds for my severe anger, due to my PMDD, but I am so anti-meds. Finally decided to give it a try (10 mg) and it is amazing! Usually around 11 days before my period, I would be a raging maniac, but since taking Prozac, it's completely subsided. Initially, I also (as someone else stated) had trouble having an orgasm, so I stopped taking it. But when the anger came back, I gave it another try and stuck it out, and miraculously that side effect went away, YAYYY!"

• Jgr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2016

"Wow... My energy and mood are completely stable. I feel completely normal-no side effects. I actually feel like I can accomplish things and am more apt to jump up and initiate something. No irritability at all. I am amazed and wish I hadn't let the bottle sit in my medicine cabinet for 2 years, fearing side effects and unwilling to swallow my pride (and a 10 mg pill). Hopefully, this construes. I am very happy."

• Anonymous
• April 8, 2009

Fluoxetine "I wish I knew about this medication years ago. It has been a year this month, and I have had tremendous results. My husband is shocked. This was very scary for me to try because I was always told that I should use alternative ways to relieve my symptoms. My mother and grandmother suffered from PMDD, and I wish they had this option. I highly recommend it, especially for those who do everything else: eating right and exercising."

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2018

Fluoxetine "I have been on 20 mg of Prozac for about 3 months now. It has really worked for me. I don't have suicidal thoughts anymore and overall feel more functional. I was very anti-psychiatric drugs before taking them myself, but it has really worked in a way that nothing else has. I took 5-HTP, GABA, and tryptophan before the Prozac, and these all helped a lot, but I still felt extremely depressed around my menstrual cycle. Prozac has stopped that. Side effects are that I get hot more easily, sometimes have nausea, and trouble staying asleep through the whole night, but they are completely worth it to me."