Fluoxetine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Lolly
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2019

"Miraculous. It took about 3 months of taking fluoxetine 10mg 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 the menopause and probably beyond. Why suffer? x"

• Maria...
• 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."

• ebrown
• April 19, 2009

Prozac (fluoxetine) "I have used Prozac for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, anxiety, panic disorder, and depression, and it has helped a lot. When I first started the drug, I lost 25 lbs. I think due to the fact that I felt better. My panic attacks were gone, and I could actually feel the drug calming me down. Prozac got rid of my PMS and PMDD completely. With Prozac, I can even think more clearly, and I am more alert and think quickly in stressful situations, instead of being stressed out and in a panic. The only side effects are that after I went back to the drug after being off of it for a while, the weight loss stopped, and I had to watch that I did not gain weight. Also, the sexual side effects, but aphrodisiacs help a lot."

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2008

Prozac (fluoxetine) "After about 3 months or so, all of the side effects that I was having disappeared. It works great for my PMS, anxiety, and even helps me think clearer (ADD). Just be patient. One thing that I don't like is the weight gain, but plump and happy is better than thin and cranky."

• Scottie...
• 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."

• Larni
• 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 boyfriends. 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."

• JS01
• August 29, 2017

Sarafem (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 serafem. 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 for PMDD sufferers."

• LL_CO
• 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 20mg to 10mg and have done reduced some my first 6 days to 10mg 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."

• Anonymous
• February 23, 2010

Sarafem (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

Sarafem (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."

• Clairey
• 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 10-20mg but I’d read a study which said taking just 2mg 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 2mg = 0.5ml. 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! Im now wondering whether to take it every morning or just the week before."

• PMDDM...
• 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 leutal phase I turn in to a crazy women. The anger and the rage was uncontrollable for me. Over a few cycles it gradually got so bad that I knew something was wrong. I went to the Dr who referred me to physchiatrist and I was diagnosed with PMDD. He prescribed me Prozac which I was skeptical to take especially when I’m not suffering with depression. Dr explained Prozac is not just antidepressant but for other illnesses like this condition too. I take 20mg pill for 10 days before my period. I waited until the first sign appeared (usually argue with 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 energy back! It’s amazing!"

• Sarca...
• 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. "

• Sixela
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 8, 2013

Sarafem (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 20mg I am at 40mg today. Have tried to decrease dose or come off completely, usually blaming weight gain & 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 & have the script written for the brand name...there is a difference!"

• Anonymous
• September 4, 2011

Sarafem (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."

• Wendi...
• 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 10mg 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. Been about 6 months, no side effects that I've noticed."

• Pascal
• 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."

• Jgroovy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2016

"Wow... My energy and mood is completely stable. I feel completely normal- no side effects. 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 wished 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."

• ZCano
• 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 1 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 co worker. Ive been on it one month; my cycle came on today (TMI) and I still feel great! I can't believe it!!"

• Cynde...
• December 19, 2016

"Hi .. 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 woman have it so BAD. Anyways I met with my Dr. and told her everything that I felt and she prescribe 20 of prozac. I came home saying to myself gee I cant take this - I heard so much negative things back in the 80's in high school ..? Then I said well its either giving it a try and hope for the best, or lose my Husband of 20 yrs and cry more.. So I took a pill that same afternoon and wow I can say it took about 3 weeks before major difference butI am thankful everyday and night as I am so much happier."

• frine
• 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 pmt through 30's and my 40's 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 wad morning sweats which have worn off now. I don't ever want this to stop."

• 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."

• Miss...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) "Been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder (eupd) for 4 years, tried countless meds and therapies. Then my psychiatrist diagnosed dysthymia along side EUPD so I just thought I was for the knacker yard as nothing helped. My partner bless him started making a log of my moods and found that during ovulation and period arriving my symptoms of EUPD and depression were off the chart each month. After being exasperated at one of my appointments I was willing to try yet another medicine along came Prozac 20mg along side microgynon (contraceptive pill). It’s completely changed my life. I’m calmer, happier and generally feel cured. This came after years of trying different meds and concoctions. Please keep faith guys, you will eventually find your “happy pill”"

• Super...
• 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, in 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 20mg would be a little more effective in treating PMDD symptoms. Overall its great."

• Clrod
• 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 antimeds. Finally decided to give it a try (10mg) and it is amazing! Usually around 11 days before my period i would be a raging maniac but since taking prozac its completly 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!"