Prozac and Nausea: What Users Say

• pri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I don’t find a lot of positive stories about antidepressants, or I find stories where people are taking the antidepressant the wrong way. I wanted to share my experience. A positive one. I’ve had generalized anxiety disorder, SEVERE OCD, and panic disorder for as long as I can remember. My first memory of having an episode was when I was 4 years old at my kindergarten interview. I feel as though I was born with the illnesses mentioned above, right from the womb. When I was a child I was extremely anxious, had bad separation anxiety from my parents, and had extreme OCD. I was just a kid and thought that the way I was feeling is how all kids felt, I didn’t realize that I was different. This went on, and got even worse in middle school. I began developing trichotillomania in middle school. In high school, I went from being a 90% above student to failing every class within a couple of years. I couldn’t leave the house. My panic disorder and GAD caused debilitating physical symptoms. I would be shaking when I had to leave the house, I wouldn’t drink alcohol because I was afraid of vomiting, I was suffering so much, for my whole entire life with severe phobias, fears, and anxiety. I prayed and prayed and prayed to God every night for it to go away. I was a 16-year-old living in a prison of her own mind. It never went away. Every single day was the worst day of my life, I would wake up and the thoughts just started, I never had a break. My life was exhausting. I am of East Indian background, and my parents didn’t understand mental illness well. It is very taboo in my culture. I went to tons of doctors, and they told me it was just growing pains, no doctor ever told me that maybe I should see a therapist. I didn’t have any support. When I was 22, I attempted suicide. Luckily, the attempt didn’t work, and I was forced to go on medication. I was livid, I was so against antidepressants, I was so, so, so scared, it felt unnatural. My general practitioner put me on Effexor. I took it for almost 8 weeks, it helped me to not want to kill myself, but it also made me gain tons of weight which made me depressed, and it made me hear voices. One evening a voice told me to choke my mom, and I started freaking out, and my parents drove me immediately to the hospital. At the hospital, I talked to a psych nurse who calmed me down, and got me an appointment with a psychiatrist the next day. This appointment and this psychiatrist saved my life, and changed my entire life. I want to really mention that you should not be going to a General Practitioner for mental illness medication, you should ALWAYS, ALWAYS go to a psychiatrist no matter what. If your GP is the only person you are seeing to help you manage your meds for OCD, anxiety, etc, that is the WRONG MOVE. That is such a common mistake people are making, you NEED a psychiatrist in order to get the meds right, please do not just go to your regular doctor, you’ll be cheating yourself. I went to the psychiatrist appointment the next day. It was the first time I had ever seen a psychiatrist. I got into her room, and we talked about everything: my childhood, my phobias, my OCD. She then brought my parents into the room to explain the whole situation to them and the fact that I have a chemical imbalance in my brain and that I have been suffering for way too long. My parents were so supportive. The doctor told me I was on the wrong medication, that I never should have been placed on Effexor which is an SNRI, and that I should be on an SSRI considering my main problem is OCD and GAD. We talked a lot about it, and she told me she would like to place me on Prozac. She said for me, because my neural pathways have been the same for 20 plus years, that I would need a higher dosage of Prozac especially for anxiety and OCD. I see on this forum, that so many people are on 20mg, or 40mg for anxiety disorders. You should be on 60mg at least, do not be afraid to go higher. People that say Prozac or an SSRI didn’t really do anything for their anxiety or OCD is because they are only taking a 20mg dose, That is not an OCD dose. 40-80mg for anxiety and OCD. Please up your dose. Use the medication, REALLY USE IT. Do not be afraid! My doctor started me on 40mg, eventually took me to 100mg, and then I went back to 80mg. Yes, the side effects are insane, I was nauseated, I couldn’t sleep, I was shaking, I had anxiety, but she prescribed me Ativan and said to use it until the Prozac kicked in. That the Ativan would keep me comfortable until that happened. Don’t try to be a hero, use your Ativan or your Xanax or whatever to stay as comfortable as possible. I could write so much more, but I’ll conclude with this. 4 months after being on 80mg of Prozac every day, I woke up one day and I was cured. Yes, cured. I had no OCD, I had no anxiety, I no longer had fears or phobias. I was cured. You have no idea how that day felt. It was like the first day of my whole entire life. I woke up being the real me, who is free-spirited and isn’t afraid of anything! I was finally free, I was no longer a prisoner. I didn’t even have to go to therapy. I just woke up one day a brand new person, from taking a high dose of Prozac every single day. DO NOT go off of the antidepressants. Your OCD, your anxiety, depression etc will come back. I WOULD never dream or even think to come off of my antidepressants, I have an illness, that will return if I go off the medication, because I have a brain disorder. OCD is a brain disorder. Do not stop taking medication for your brain disorder, do not try to fix your brain disorder with just a 20mg or 40mg dose. Own your medication, be on it for life. It’s been 5 years since I have been cured. If it wasn’t for Prozac, I would be dead. 1) You need a psychiatrist 2) Do not be afraid to take more than 40mg of Prozac to treat panic attacks etc, I am on 80mg a day and my life is a ball. It is so wonderful and so carefree. 3) Do not stop the meds. Be on the meds for life."

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Prozac for anxiety and depression. I started the first week only taking 10 mg and moved to 20 mg in week two. I’ve been taking this medication for less than a month, but I already feel so much better. I would spend about 2-3 nights a week crying from worry and stress. I also suffer from PMDD, and a week before my periods, I would become extremely depressed. Since I started taking Prozac, I haven’t had any crying spells. I'm much calmer now, able to think clearly about things instead of getting overwhelmed with stress. I also feel way more motivated in my daily life and actually look forward to the future instead of being scared of it. The only side effects I experienced were a little bit of nausea and feeling tired (this lasted the first two weeks, but it’s gone now.) Everyone reacts differently to medication, so don’t let the bad reviews scare you!"

• OCD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was very nervous to try Prozac because of my horrible hypochondria and fear of trying new medicines. I was constantly struggling with OCD intrusive thoughts and compulsions, as well as TERRIBLE anxiety. I felt as though my OCD and being in a constant state of worry were taking over my life. I’m 29 years old, work full time & decided that this way no way to live. I caved and started 10mg daily. Week 1 I was exhausted and in a fog. Week 2 was brutal, I had peak anxiety and OCD. I almost felt manic. I had a panic attack, was nauseous, & couldn’t eat. Week 3 I started feeling better, I noticed my intrusive thoughts weren’t constantly haunting me. Week 4 I woke up one day and felt like a new person. I no longer have intrusive thoughts or OCD “routines”, irritability is nearly gone, and I’m not in a constant state of worry. I feel 100x better, Prozac has changed my life. I’m posting this for people who are nervous to try. Try fighting through the side effects, it’s SO worth it."

• aem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "Prozac worked wonders for my anxiety and mild depression. I always struggled with PMS-related anxiety, but after some big life changes, morning anxiety was more and more frequent and my motivation and drive to accomplish anything was low. I didn't want to get out of bed, even though nothing was wrong with my life. I just had an overarching feeling of hopelessness. Went to the doctor and she prescribed 20mg. Had bad nausea the first two weeks, then it went away, but I was still struggling with anxiety some mornings. She bumped me up to 40mg, and although it's only been a few days, I can totally tell a difference. I'm more motivated, happy and content. No anxiety. No nausea. Grateful for this med. I feel good for the first time in awhile."

• Zt5...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Having severe anxiety for 3 years now!! I have tried so many medications with no improvement at all! Headaches, muscle pains, insomnia, anxiety, and depression were my worst friends. Being on Lexapro for 3 years, I decided to switch to Prozac! Best decision I have ever made! No side effects at all. I was expecting to have nausea or sexual issues, but surprisingly neither of them happened. I am very impressed by this medication, no more anxiety or depression, my life has been improved drastically! I started feeling better even from the first days. No more headache, no more anxiety or depression. I am able to control my thoughts and my anxiety to a great extent. Seriously the best medication ever! Old but effective! Give it a try!"

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2008

For Anxiety and Stress "Initially, my doctor started me out on 20mg, but increased the dosage to 30mg after I complained of occasional bouts of anxiety. I started the medication about six months ago. I'm 23 and not on any additional medication. Now, I feel like I can balance college, family, and work. I'm not experiencing anxiety and panic attacks like I was prior to the Prozac. The first three weeks of the medication involved sick feelings, but I'm glad that I stuck with it. I also started to visit with a psychologist once a month. This has been very beneficial. Makes me wonder why I struggled with this for years before getting help."

• dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I would have to say this medicine really saved my life. I couldn't even go through life at first, I started to believe that I would deal with anxiety forever. I highly recommend this medication to anyone suffering from anxiety. At first, my anxiety got worse and I was nauseous and couldn't sleep, but after about two and a half weeks, my anxiety completely vanished! I feel better than ever now, and I'm only on the 20 mg. Anyone wanting to take Prozac I encourage you to."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2019

For Depression "I'm an 18-year-old girl who got diagnosed with depression and anxiety early this year. Started on Prozac in around July even though my mum wasn't too keen, I made my choice. Side effects were horrible, let me tell you! I was nauseous all day for a week and a half and ate very little - lost 4kgs. But after that, it was fine. And 3 months later, I started feeling amazing, literally. Thinking about how depressed I was made me feel sick to my stomach, shows how much I have achieved happiness. I now don't feel so low, and it's a pretty good feeling. I do wish I had tried natural methods a bit longer, but I had no time to waste being depressed, so I don't regret taking it. It's helped me quite a lot, but hey, it works differently for everyone :)"

• 30...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "You have to give this medicine time to work. At first, it made me very anxious and nauseated. Started with 20 mg. After a month, the anxiety came back, so my doctor upped it to 40 mg. More nausea and anxiety (Xanax helped this transition), but now, after about 13 weeks, I feel great. I just had a very challenging 10 hours at work and feel like a million bucks. It helped me get my gratitude back. No longer grumpy and ill-willed. It made me realize how deep my depression was and how long it had been since I'd been normal-feeling: 30 years. Sleep and exercise are key. If you think you have sleep apnea, get a doctor's diagnosis. If you don't exercise, get walking. These are key things that make antidepressants more effective."

• Md1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I began experiencing panic attacks two months ago, due to a lot of stress and anxiety from work. It got to the point that I was scared to leave the house. I was prescribed 10mg of Prozac, and the side effects for the first 10 days were horrible. My anxiety increased by 100%, felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea. I wanted to give up, but the only thing that kept me sane was reading all the positive reviews on here. Everyone was right, it had to get worse before it got better. By day 10, I was waking up less at night, eating more, and my anxiety decreased. By day 14, I felt like my old self again. This drug needs time to get into your system!"

• Tex...
• June 19, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Been on Prozac for 3 weeks now and starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. Stomach pain and nausea the first couple of weeks but much better now. I'm sleeping well and feel more relaxed. I find I actually want to do things like take a walk, play with grandkids, clean the house, and take care of myself. I didn't want to do anything before Prozac. I just existed. Thanks to Prozac, I'm now living at 56 years old!"

• EmB...
• December 8, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I am one of the few people who doesn't suffer from some mixed form of depression & anxiety; I'm straight anxious. I have been on 10-20 mg Prozac for about 7 months now - starting was a little rocky in terms of heightened anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea, but those leveled off after 3 wks. Now, in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and daily mental work, I have to say that this medicine really has helped me get to a place where I can actually implement permanent habits and positive thought cycles and RELAX, whereas before I had a lot of trouble not being stuck as a result of my ruminating, anxiety, fear, guilt, etc. It's also been really great for my marriage, and my husband has been a big teammate. It's been good."

• Emi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 11, 2023

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I want to write a review to help anyone feeling stressed about starting Prozac. I take it for anxiety and OCD, and it seriously changed my life. I was nervous about taking medication for my mental health because I was scared of side effects or it turning me into someone I'm not. I am super reactive to any medication, so I was even more nervous. Prozac changed my life. I take 20 mg once daily, and I have never noticed any side effects beyond some nausea/heartburn if I take it without food or before bed. I usually take it in the morning with breakfast, and that solved any problems! I've taken 20 mg for almost 3 years, and I have fewer panic attacks, can work through CBT and exposure therapy so much easier. If your doctor is recommending this to you, I really recommend trying it! I was once reading all these reviews, scared out of my mind, so hopefully, this helps someone."

• EL9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm currently taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) for severe generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic attacks. I only take 20mg a day, and even though the first month left me with horrendous nausea and weight loss, it subsided after about 25 days. Now, I find that my appetite as a whole has decreased slightly, but the nausea has subsided. My anxiety has improved so much to the point that I'm actually leaving the house for activities other than work, and I'm having conversations with people I'd usually ignore because I'd feel so self-conscious. I've actually had people (that don't know I suffer from anxiety or that I'm taking Prozac (Fluoxetine)) comment on how well I look recently and how happy I appear within myself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I am starting my 3rd week on Prozac, 20 mg daily. I feel like a new person and am so grateful. I agonized over this choice for weeks, but after 6 months of unbearable anxiety and sadness, then skyrocketing blood pressure, I knew I had to do something. I visited my GP - we did the physical, blood tests, etc. to rule out other factors. It turns out empty nest beginning menopause have done a number on me. The medicine made me feel nauseous, sleepy, like being on cold medicine. On the 10th day, my appetite returned! I don't notice side effects at all anymore. The sadness - 97% gone. The anxiety - 75% gone. I also start visits with a therapist in 2 weeks. Again, I'm grateful to get my life back."

• LIL...
• March 7, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I decided to post my experience with Prozac to support others as well. I was suffering from extreme anxiety and panic attacks. Prior to this, I had no prior history of mental disorders, so this was all new to me. It was also interfering with my life, work, and social life. I decided to see a psychiatrist. She recommended Prozac. The first 4 weeks were really tough. I had really bad nausea, constant headaches, felt like my brain was being rewired, felt out of it, and couldn't sleep well. Once I hit the 5th week and beyond, everything started getting better. I have been on Prozac for 4 months and feel like my old self. I feel normal again, all the symptoms are gone, and the anxiety and panic attacks are gone."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Okay, so I was diagnosed with depression a while back, and recently I was put on Prozac. The first couple of days were completely fine, a little bit of nausea and sleepiness, but day 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 have been so hard. I'm talking physically, mentally, I think I'm doing okay, but physically, I have to throw up every morning because of the nausea. I'm not okay until I take the meds and rest for a little bit. The doctors told me that those side effects should disappear today - day 7 - or tomorrow - day 8 - and if they don't, I need to contact him ASAP and let him know so he can give me a solution. But yesterday - day 6 - I was super happy, I didn't stay in my room, man, I didn't even wanna go back home. I haven't been having any suicidal thoughts at all. To be honest, each person has a different experience, but it will be really tough in the beginning for all of us, so stay strong and take care. I'll come back after the side effects wore off and let you guys know how I'm doing."

• tat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "Prozac saved me! I've been in and out of hospitals for 10 years. Was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. After changing doctors and medicines, I finally feel like myself again. I hear no voices of worry and stress. I'm not irritated over the slightest things. I can now think clearer. After months of depression and panic attacks, my new doctor recommended Prozac. For weeks, I felt nausea and weakness. Then, on the third week, I got up and out and got a job the same day! I was no longer stuttering and confused. My relationship with my significant other is 100% better. My thoughts were very clear. I'd finally gained my confidence back! I'm very happy I tried Prozac. I feel amazing."

• Pot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Dr. tried me with Prozac. First 8 days were bad. Severe nausea, no appetite, and worsened anxiety. After reading everything I could on the net, I stuck to reading just the positives. Made my mind up to stick with it as I think so many give up too soon. Now day 11, and the fog is definitely lifting. My last 3 days have been so much better. Think of it as a journey and rate each day out of 10. Write it down. Day 1 I scored 3, so pretty low. Day 2-5 scored 2!! Today I’m a 6.2, so please don’t give up on this med. I may score 5 tomorrow, but I WILL NOT stop taking it. I believe in it and that gives me a positive attitude towards my recovery. Even if it is a placebo effect, I’ll take that any day over depression and anxiety. I’ll never be a 10, but the high 7’s will do just fine."

• Lol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "Third week on Prozac, and I feel great. My mind is clear. I am able to focus on today and not obsess over the future. It's amazing. The first week I started on 10mg, and then the second at 20mg. Only side effects I had were insomnia and nausea for the first week. Still, definitely worth it for me :) I am finally present and not stuck in my mind."

• kne...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I am 25 years old and I have been dealing with anxiety and depression for most of my life. My GP prescribed me Fluoxetine 20mg and I have been taking it for 2 months now. I could see results within the first 2 weeks - things that bothered me every day were slowly diminishing. It's not like they weren't in the back of my mind, but it's almost like a wall was keeping me from thinking about those issues excessively. Essentially, I don't care about petty things anymore, and I am genuinely happy now! I still have anxiety/panic attacks, but they are not as extreme as they once were. I did have side effects initially: indigestion, headache, fatigue, weakness, yawning, loss of appetite, and nausea. Those have diminished greatly now."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2009

For Depression "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."

• Be ...
• July 2, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Prozac for anxiety and stress: I started Prozac 20 mg on January 1, 2016. I feel great so far with no anxiety and panicky feeling. Not every day is perfect but that is life. The first two weeks on Prozac 20 mg, it made my anxiety high, it made me nauseated, unable to eat, and unable to sleep. Since I suffer from GAD, 20 mg suddenly stopped working, and I went up to 40 mg. Increased to 40 mg, it gave me a lot of anxiety and panicky feeling again. After one week or so, the anxiety was gone, and the panicky feeling was also gone. I have tried three other ADs, and they all gave me chronic nausea and headache. However, on Prozac, I feel great. I do feel nauseous but it is manageable. Give Prozac 7 weeks before you quit. Two thumbs up!"

• Be ...
• July 2, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Prozac for anxiety and stress: I started Prozac 20 mg on January 1, 2016. I feel great so far with no anxiety and panicky feeling. Not every day is perfect but that is life. The first two weeks on Prozac 20 mg, it made my anxiety high, it made me nauseated, unable to eat, and unable to sleep. Since I suffer from GAD, 20 mg suddenly stopped working, and I went up to 40 mg. Increased to 40 mg, it gave me a lot of anxiety and panicky feeling again. After one week or so, the anxiety was gone, and the panicky feeling was also gone. I have tried three other ADs, and they all gave me chronic nausea and headache. However, on Prozac, I feel great. I do feel nauseous but it is manageable. Give Prozac 7 weeks before you quit. Two thumbs up!"

• mys...
• January 9, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "After reading all the reviews, I decided to try Prozac. I am extremely sensitive to medications and have been on many different antidepressants, usually stopping due to side effects. My doctor gave me the liquid Prozac so I could take a tiny amount and work my way up. Initially, I experienced loss of appetite, nausea, slight dizziness, tiredness, and weight loss. I am 8 weeks out, and most side effects have improved. I feel so much better. Anxiety is low to nonexistent, clear thinking, hope has returned. I am still dealing with grief from my mother's death, but I feel better equipped to handle it. That is a miracle! I take 2mg, yes 2mg, and when I go higher, I can't tolerate the side effects."